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Content snapshot
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Violence
A lot
Significant; grimdark mercenary violence, battles, and executions
Language
Barely any
Mild language
Sexual Content
Barely any
Brief adult content
Substance Use
Some
Significant; the plant-based performance enhancement system is central to the world and involves addiction and severe withdrawal
Emotional Intensity
Some
Moderate; the psychological weight of former glory, survival guilt, and aging out of the profession of violence
What this book is about
Adrian Selby's debut fantasy novel is told from multiple perspectives across time as survivors of the legendary mercenary company Kailen's Twenty are systematically murdered — and a witness pieces together what happened, and why. Selby's grimdark fantasy is notable for its intricate plot structure, its detailed pharmacological magic system (warriors enhance themselves with plant-based compounds with brutal costs), and its deeply human portrayal of aging soldiers who were once the best in the world.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Grimdark fantasy violence
Fantasy drug use/addiction as magic system
Reader Verification
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