The epic tale continues. A new covenant has been forged in the chaos of war. Its price is nothing less than the Bearer of the Lion Ring's soul.

The rivalry for dominance over the continent of Andara has taken a dark turn. Eternal enemies - the Jalora and the Sarcion - pit their forces against one another in bloody battle. Good weakens, betrayed by the very humans it has sworn to protect. Valdeon, its stronghold on Andara, falls to sword and flame. The fires of its destruction are set alight by barbaric invaders from across the sea. Their brutal hand conquers the land in a night, exiling the Lords of Valdeon - Sacred Guard of the Covenant. Cut off from the center of their power, the Jalora's greatest heroes are helpless to defend their homeland.

Hope still lingers. Seth D'Antoiné, Bearer of the Lion Ring, journeys to the great Obsidian Citadel seeking a magical relic, the Book of Ancients. Its power could hold the key to Andara's defense. He alone can open its pages, sparking the magic into life and restoring the Jalora's waning power. Finding the book won't be easy. Elusive Obsidian Gates - appearing and then vanishing again by their own will - keep the secret of the book's location well hidden.

In the depths of the mountain fortress, he finds treachery and intrigue hiding within its walls. Can Seth open the Book of Ancients before the Sarcion's men find him? Or will the power of Good leave the land forever? Andara's future awaits behind the Obsidian Gates…

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

A huge lover of horror and dark fantasy stories,

C. R. Richards enjoys telling tales of intrigue and adventure. Having began writing as a part-time columnist for a small entertainment newspaper, Richards has worn several hats: food critic, entertainment reviewer and cranky editor. She has now published a handful of novels, including Phantom Harvest - book one in The Mutant Casebook Series - which took home the EPIC eBook Award for Fantasy in 2014. Richards beat out entries from the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and other English speaking countries.

The youngest of five army brats, Richards was born on a military base in Utah. She spent much of her childhood in the back of her family’s sky blue station wagon on trips to see her grandmother - who would show her how to spot faeries in the backyard. “Sometimes she’d put candy in small silk slippers and tell us the pixies had done it,” says Richards. “She’s the one who gave me my love of fantasy creatures.”

Her most recent literary projects include the horror short story, Lost Man's Parish and the newly-released dark fantasy thriller, Pariah. She is an active member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Horror Writers Association.

In November, Richards releases her epic dark fantasy novel The Obsidian Gates, the second installment in the Heart of the Warrior series. Through her storytelling, Richards aims to reach lovers of fantasy who are exploring alternatives to the traditional status quo. Her message is simple: One person can be a catalyst for change.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter: @CR_Richards | Instagram: @authorcrrichards | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway