The Scorched Earth

New York Times bestselling author Drew Karpyshyn has long thrilled readers with his kinetic, fast-paced storytelling style. Now he returns with The Scorched Earth, the second novel in his acclaimed series about four young people who will either save the world or bring about its destruction. The Children of Fire—four mortals touched by the power of Chaos—each embody one aspect of a fallen and banished immortal champion: Keegan, the wizard; Scythe, the warrior; Cassandra, the prophet; Vaaler, the king. Grown to adulthood, the Children are in search of the ancient Talismans that can stop the return of Daemron the Slayer, ancient enemy of the Old Gods. But in acquiring Daemron’s Ring, they unleashed a flood of Chaos magic on the land—leaving death, destruction, and a vengeful queen in their wake. Now, beset on all sides by both mortal and supernatural enemies, they realize that their strength and faith will be tested as never before. And their greatest trial will be finding Daemron’s Sword, the last of the ancient Talismans, before the entire mortal world is engulfed in the war and Chaos that will herald the return of the Slayer.
Praise for The Scorched Earth “[Drew] Karpyshyn’s doom-laden spin on myth and magic invigorates ancient archetypes in the second entry of the Chaos Born trilogy. . . . The journey is complicated by unnerving ambiguity, grim imagery, and pessimistic overtones, as if Michael Moorcock’s decadence were filtered through J.R.R. Tolkien’s heroism.”—Publishers Weekly “If you’re a fan of fantasy and looking to try something new, this series continues to shine. . . . [Karpyshyn] writes deep, intriguing characters set in a strange world of unique magic. It’s a place where magic is dangerous but essential.”—Roqoo Depot “An enjoyable read . . . I recommend this for all fantasy fans.”—Book Reviews & Giveaways