The Ruin of Kings is the first book in Jenn Lyons's incredible Godslayer Cycle.

What if you weren't the hero?

As a bard’s apprentice, Kihrin grew up with tales of legendary deeds. He also steals, desperate to buy a way out of Quur’s slums. Then he raids the wrong house, he’s marked by a demon and life will never be the same again.

Kihrin’s plight brings him to the attention of royalty, who claim him as the lost son of their immoral prince. But far from living the dream, Kihrin’s at the mercy of his new family’s ruthless ambitions. However, escaping his jewelled cage just makes matters worse. Kihrin is horrified to learn he’s at the centre of an ancient prophecy. And every side – from gods and demons to dragons and mages – want him as their pawn. Those old stories lied about many things too, especially the myth that the hero always wins.

Then again, maybe Kihrin isn’t the hero, for he’s not destined to save the empire.

He’s destined to destroy it.

"A thriller plot of revenge and loyalty with a get-under-your-skin and keep-you-reading-all-night mystery at its heart. I loved it." John Gwynne, author of Malice

‘It was one hell of a ride'
Glen Cook

‘A fascinating story about a compellingly conflicted young hero in an intriguingly complex world’
L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

‘The Ruin of Kings revs up with the glitz of a high-speed, multi-level video game, with extreme magic’
Janny Wurts