Blood and Bone Oaths

The Banished Lands are haunted by the aftermath of a war between angelic Ben-Elim and demonic Kadoshim. The peace is uneasy, enforced by the Ben-Elim, who demand loyalty and tithes from the human clans. Children like Bleda and Jin are taken as wards—hostages to ensure their clans' obedience. The scars of old battles and the oaths sworn in blood and bone shape the destinies of the young, who are forced to grow up in the shadow of violence and loss. The world is one of uneasy alliances, where the price of peace is paid in children, and the threat of ancient evil lingers, waiting for a time of dread to return.

Children of War and Loss

Bleda, torn from his family after witnessing the brutal deaths of his siblings, is raised among his enemies in Drassil. Riv, a fierce and impulsive girl, struggles to prove herself worthy of the White-Wings, haunted by the absence of her father and the weight of expectation. Drem, a solitary trapper's son, is shaped by the wilds and the trauma of his mother's murder by Kadoshim. Each child is marked by loss, forging unlikely friendships and rivalries as they search for belonging and meaning in a world that demands sacrifice and strength.

The Price of Peace

The Ben-Elim's rule is absolute, their peace maintained by force and the threat of violence. Clans are subdued, their children taken as wards, their warriors tithed to fight in the Ben-Elim's endless war against the Kadoshim. The cost of this peace is high: cultural erasure, simmering resentment, and the slow erosion of freedom. The children raised in Drassil are caught between worlds, expected to become the next generation of loyal servants, even as they yearn for home and struggle with the shame and pride of their heritage.

Shadows in the Desolation

In the wild Desolation, Drem and his father Olin live a life of wary isolation, haunted by the past and the ever-present threat of the Kadoshim. Strange disappearances, rumors of cults, and the discovery of a mysterious black stone hint at a growing evil. The north, once a refuge from the Ben-Elim's reach, becomes a crucible where old fears are reborn and new monsters are made. The land itself seems to remember the ancient war, and the shadows lengthen as winter approaches.

The Unforgiving North

Drem's world is upended by violence: a monstrous white bear, the loss of friends, and the encroachment of strangers with hidden motives. The community of Kergard is riven by distrust as old trappers vanish and new arrivals bring trouble. Olin's past as a warrior of the Bright Star is revealed, and the forging of a starstone sword becomes a desperate hope to end the cycle of war. The north's harshness is not just in its climate, but in the hearts of those who must choose between running, fighting, or succumbing to dread.

Wings and Chains

In Drassil, Riv's struggle to control her temper and prove her worth is mirrored by the rigid discipline of the Ben-Elim. The White-Wings are both protectors and enforcers, their wings a symbol of purity and separation. Yet beneath the surface, forbidden desires and secret alliances fester. The punishment of those who break the Lore—Ben-Elim and mortal alike—reveals the cost of pride and the dangers of love in a world where bloodlines and purity are everything. The chains that bind are not just iron, but expectation and fear.

The Gathering Dread

Beacons blaze across the Banished Lands, signaling the awakening of the Kadoshim and the rise of cults devoted to their cause. Human sacrifice, monstrous experiments, and the spread of fear mark the coming storm. The Ben-Elim and their allies scramble to respond, but their unity is fragile, undermined by arrogance and the seeds of rebellion. The children of war—Bleda, Riv, Drem—are drawn inexorably toward the heart of the conflict, their choices shaped by the gathering dread that threatens to consume all.

Monsters in the Wild

At the mine near Starstone Lake, Drem discovers the Kadoshim's true purpose: the creation of monstrous hybrids—Ferals—through dark sorcery and experimentation. The line between man and beast is blurred, and the north becomes a breeding ground for weapons of war. The Kadoshim's acolytes, drawn from the disaffected and the desperate, are willing to sacrifice anything for power. Drem's quest for justice and vengeance becomes a race against time as he realizes the scale of the threat and the depth of the corruption.

The Test of Courage

Bleda, Riv, and Drem are each tested by violence and betrayal. Bleda's courage is forged not in the absence of fear, but in the choice to fight despite it. Riv's anger, once her weakness, becomes a source of strength as she learns to channel it. Drem, orphaned and hunted, must decide whether to run or stand and fight for what he believes in. The true test is not just survival, but the willingness to act with honor and compassion in a world that rewards neither.

Betrayal at Drassil

The fragile peace of Drassil shatters as Kol, a Ben-Elim captain, orchestrates a coup, exploiting forbidden love and old grievances. Israfil, the Lord Protector, is murdered; Riv's mother is slain in the chaos; and the White-Wings are torn apart by suspicion and violence. The giants, the last bulwark of unity, are sent away, leaving Drassil vulnerable. The children of war are forced to choose sides, their loyalties tested as the world they knew collapses around them.

The Black Sword Forged

Olin's forging of the Starstone Sword, using blood and ancient spells, is an act of desperation and defiance. The sword, meant to end the war by killing Asroth, becomes a prize sought by all sides. Its theft and the murder of Olin set Drem on a path of vengeance, while the Kadoshim see in it the key to their master's return. The forging of the sword is both a hope for peace and a harbinger of greater dread, as the boundaries between good and evil blur.

The Storm Breaks

The Kadoshim's plan comes to fruition: using the Starstone Sword and the severed hand of Asroth, they create the first Revenant—a new breed of monster, neither living nor dead, fueled by blood and hate. The acolytes of the Kadoshim reveal themselves as neighbors and friends, the corruption spreading like wildfire. Sig, Drem, and their allies fight a desperate battle, but are forced to flee, carrying with them the knowledge of the new threat. The storm of war has broken, and nothing will ever be the same.

Kin and Vengeance

Drem, orphaned and betrayed, finds new kin among the warriors of Dun Seren. Sig, mortally wounded, makes a last stand to buy her friends time to escape. Bleda, torn between duty and friendship, risks everything to save Riv. The bonds of blood and chosen family are tested, and vengeance becomes both a burden and a purpose. The survivors must decide what kind of world they will fight for, and what they are willing to sacrifice to see justice done.

The Making of a Revenant

In a ritual of blood and sorcery, the Kadoshim and their human acolytes merge flesh and spirit, creating a Revenant—an immortal monster with the power of Asroth's blood. The boundaries between life and death, man and demon, are shattered. The Revenant is both a weapon and a symbol: the old rules no longer apply, and the war has entered a new, more terrifying phase. The heroes witness the birth of this abomination, realizing that the true time of dread has only just begun.

The Fall of the Faithful

Drassil, once the heart of the Faithful, is torn apart by civil war, betrayal, and the murder of its leaders. The Ben-Elim are divided, the White-Wings scattered, and the giants gone. Riv, transformed by fever and loss, is forced to flee with her friends, her world in ruins. The old certainties are gone, replaced by fear and the knowledge that the enemy is both within and without. The Faithful have fallen, and the survivors must find a new path in a world remade by dread.

The Birth of Wings

Riv, broken by fever and grief, awakens to find herself changed: wings have grown from her back, marking her as the first true hybrid of Ben-Elim and mortal to survive. In exile, she is joined by friends and fellow outcasts, including Bleda. The graveyard of failed hybrids is a reminder of the cost of hope, but Riv's survival is a sign that something new is possible. The birth of wings is both a miracle and a challenge, as Riv must learn to master her new self and lead in a world that fears and needs her.

The Last Stand

Sig, mortally wounded, makes a final stand against the Kadoshim and their monsters, buying time for her friends to escape. Her death is both a loss and an inspiration, a reminder that courage is found in the willingness to fight for others, even in the face of certain doom. The survivors carry her memory with them, vowing to honor her sacrifice by continuing the fight. The last stand is not the end, but the beginning of a new resistance.

Truth and Courage

The survivors—Riv, Bleda, Drem, and their allies—gather in exile, scarred but unbroken. The world is changed: the Kadoshim are ascendant, the Faithful scattered, and new monsters roam the land. Yet hope endures, forged in the crucible of loss and betrayal. The legacy of the Bright Star, the oath of Truth and Courage, becomes their rallying cry. The time of dread has come, but so too has the time for heroes to rise.

Characters

Bleda

Bleda is the son of the Sirak queen, taken as a ward by the Ben-Elim after witnessing the brutal deaths of his siblings. Raised among his enemies, he is shaped by loss, pride, and the iron code of his people. His friendship with Jin, a former enemy, and his growing bond with Riv challenge his cold-face discipline. Bleda's journey is one of learning the true meaning of courage—not the absence of fear, but the choice to act despite it. Torn between duty to his clan and the new loyalties he forges, Bleda's development is marked by grief, shame, and the slow awakening of empathy and honor.

Riv

Riv is a passionate, impulsive girl desperate to prove herself as a White-Wing. Haunted by the loss of her father and the weight of expectation, she struggles with anger and self-doubt. Her journey is one of transformation—both literal and emotional—as she learns to channel her rage, confront betrayal, and accept the cost of leadership. Riv's relationships with her family, especially her sister Aphra, and her friendship with Bleda, reveal her vulnerability beneath the bravado. Her ultimate metamorphosis—growing wings and becoming the first true hybrid—marks her as a symbol of hope and change in a world on the brink.

Drem

Drem is the son of Olin, a former warrior of the Bright Star, raised in the harsh wilds of the Desolation. Marked by trauma and loss, Drem is methodical, logical, and deeply loyal. The murder of his father and the theft of the Starstone Sword propel him on a quest for vengeance and truth. Drem's journey is one of self-discovery, as he finds new kin among the warriors of Dun Seren and learns to balance survival with compassion. His outsider's perspective allows him to see the corruption and danger that others miss, and his resolve is tested by betrayal, grief, and the burden of legacy.

Sig

Sig is a legendary giant, weapons-master of Dun Seren, haunted by the loss of loved ones and the scars of endless war. Fierce, blunt, and loyal, she is both mentor and protector to the younger generation. Sig's journey is one of endurance and self-sacrifice, culminating in her last stand against the Kadoshim to save her friends. Her wisdom, strength, and willingness to face death for others make her a symbol of the old world's heroism, even as she recognizes the need for change and the rise of new leaders.

Jin

Jin is the daughter of the Cheren king, taken as a ward alongside Bleda. Once an enemy, she becomes his closest friend and eventual betrothed, though their relationship is fraught with rivalry, jealousy, and the scars of their shared captivity. Jin's pride and ambition drive her, but she is also shaped by the loss of her family and the pressure to represent her people. Her development is marked by the tension between loyalty to her clan and the new bonds she forms in Drassil.

Olin

Olin is Drem's father, a former warrior of the Bright Star who has spent years running from his past and the threat of the Ben-Elim. His love for Drem is fierce, but his secrecy and guilt shape their relationship. Olin's decision to forge the Starstone Sword and confront the Kadoshim is both an act of hope and a final attempt at redemption. His death is a catalyst for Drem's transformation and the unraveling of old certainties.

Kol

Kol is a Ben-Elim captain whose charm and ambition mask a deep resentment of Israfil's rigid rule. His forbidden relationships with mortals and orchestration of a coup in Drassil reveal the cracks in the Ben-Elim's authority. Kol's actions are driven by pride, desire, and a willingness to break the Lore for his own ends. His betrayal shatters the fragile peace and exposes the dangers of unchecked power and hypocrisy.

Gulla

Gulla is the High Captain of the Kadoshim, a cunning and ruthless leader determined to free Asroth and remake the world in his image. His mastery of dark sorcery and willingness to sacrifice anything for power make him a terrifying antagonist. Gulla's creation of the Revenant marks a new phase in the war, as he blurs the boundaries between life and death, man and monster.

Fritha

Fritha is introduced as a neighbor and potential ally to Drem, but is revealed as a key agent of the Kadoshim. Her betrayal is both personal and symbolic, as she manipulates trust and orchestrates the creation of the Revenant. Fritha's ambition and cold logic make her a formidable foe, and her actions force Drem and the others to confront the reality that evil can wear a familiar face.

Aphra

Aphra is Riv's older sister, a captain of the White-Wings, embodying discipline, loyalty, and the burdens of command. Her relationship with Riv is complex, marked by love, frustration, and the struggle to balance duty with compassion. Aphra's involvement in forbidden relationships and her role in the chaos at Drassil reveal the cost of leadership and the difficulty of navigating a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred.

Plot Devices

Multiple Perspectives and Interwoven Narratives

The story is told through the eyes of Bleda, Riv, Drem, and Sig, each offering a unique perspective shaped by their background, trauma, and desires. This structure allows the reader to experience the world's moral ambiguity, the clash of cultures, and the personal stakes of the larger conflict. The interwoven narratives build tension, foreshadow betrayals, and create emotional resonance as the characters' paths converge and diverge.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The recurring imagery of beacons, blood rituals, and the forging of weapons foreshadows the coming storm and the rise of new monsters. The transformation of characters—Riv's wings, the creation of the Revenant—symbolizes the breaking of old boundaries and the birth of a new, more dangerous world. The use of oaths, scars, and heirlooms (like Bleda's bow and the Starstone Sword) ties personal history to the fate of the world.

Betrayal and the Collapse of Order

The plot is driven by betrayals both personal and political: Kol's coup, Fritha's deception, the exposure of forbidden relationships. The collapse of Drassil's order is mirrored by the rise of chaos in the north, as the Kadoshim's cults spread and the boundaries between friend and foe blur. The narrative structure uses these betrayals to heighten suspense, challenge the characters' loyalties, and force them to redefine their sense of self and purpose.

The Hero's Journey and the Test of Character

Each protagonist undergoes a journey marked by loss, fear, and the need to choose between running and fighting. The narrative uses trials—physical, emotional, and moral—to forge identity and reveal the true nature of courage. The use of training, rituals, and tests (like Riv's warrior trial and Drem's sword dance) serves as both literal and metaphorical preparation for the greater battles to come.

The Creation of Monsters and the Blurring of Boundaries

The Kadoshim's experiments at the mine, the creation of Ferals and Revenants, and Riv's transformation all explore the theme of what it means to be human. The narrative structure uses these plot devices to question the nature of good and evil, the cost of power, and the possibility of change. The blurring of boundaries—between man and beast, angel and demon, friend and enemy—reflects the uncertainty and dread at the heart of the story.

Analysis

is a dark, sweeping epic that interrogates the cost of peace, the legacy of war, and the nature of heroism in a world haunted by ancient conflict. John Gwynne crafts a narrative where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and the true enemy is as much within as without. The book explores the dangers of enforced order, the corrosive effects of pride and fear, and the resilience of hope in the face of overwhelming dread. Through the intertwined journeys of Bleda, Riv, Drem, and Sig, the story examines how trauma shapes identity, how courage is found in the willingness to act despite fear, and how the bonds of family—chosen and blood—can both save and destroy. The rise of new monsters, the collapse of old certainties, and the birth of something wholly new (Riv's wings, the Revenant) signal a world in flux, where survival depends on adaptation, compassion, and the willingness to fight for a better future. The lessons are clear: peace without justice is fragile, power without empathy is dangerous, and the time of dread is also a time for heroes to rise.

Last updated: September 21, 2025