Daughter of Destruction

Gods will war, the people will be transformed, and the land will split as six all-powerful siblings fight for control in the second book of David Dalglish’s epic fantasy trilogy Astral Kingdoms.

The sky bleeds, and madness has overrun the capital. The immortal Sariel flees a city whose buildings breathe and whose people have transformed beyond recognition. With him is Queen Isabelle, who bears her own trauma after the ancient Tower Majestic’s awakening. Together, Sariel and Isabelle flee west, to the tattered remains of her protectorate. After them, the creatures of Racliffe give chase, led by the rest of Sariel’s ever-living siblings.

But there is one sibling none have accounted for: Eist the Prophet. Eist has vowed to create a new reality: One with no crowns. No thrones. No gods.

• "Effortlessly engaging... Readers are plunged right into the thick of battle, unfolding in a world that is both ethereal and fey. The action is balanced by an introspective tone that explores the nature of souls and the fallacies of humanity."

  Library Journal

• "In this riveting high fantasy, Dalglish takes on the familiar trope of squabbling supernatural siblings working secretly to steer human history, but stirs in an exciting mix of reincarnation, politics, and body horror.... Dalglish makes the familial relationship wonderfully multilayered while illustrating the distinct personalities of each sibling ... a solid saga full of loneliness and longing. It’s an exciting start to the series."

  Publishers Weekly

• "Dalglish is a master world builder. The complex world of this series starter comes together seamlessly on the page. The high fantasy and highly political story will appeal to all readers of fantasy."

  Booklist

• Praise for Vagrant Gods: 

  “Filled with intense action, and complex characters who are easy to fall into, The Bladed Faith is what might happen if Final Fantasy crossed with The Way of Shadows! I loved it!” —Rob J. Hayes, author of Never Die

  “In The Bladed Faith, Dalglish paints with epic, colorful action and poignant aftermath to illustrate the violent path of grief and the healing force of family found along the way.” —Essa Hansen, author of Nophek Gloss

  "David Dalglish’s beautiful, grandiose and expansive The Bladed Faith begins at the roots of a rebellion...this is a rebellion with soul, and one that promises to reach even greater heights as the series continues. Given Dalglish’s track record, don’t be surprised if he somehow manages to top the triumphant standard he sets with The Bladed Faith." —BookPage

  "This dark adventure will hook genre fans with its detailed world building, strong characters, and gory, action-packed scenes. Readers who enjoy Mark Lawrence and Erika Johansen will appreciate Thanet’s masked, sword-carrying hero and rebel team of misfits, eagerly anticipating a continuation to Dalglish’s new series." —Booklist

  "The Bladed Faith is an action-packed start to David Dalglish’s new Vagrant Gods series. Full of sorcery, bloodshed, and a surprisingly charming found family, the story’s twisty final chapters set up an ending that promises much more excitement to come." —Paste Magazine

  "The Bladed Faith is gripping, violent and action-packed. It is also about colonialism, PTSD, fighting the good fight & what it truly means to put your life on the line for what’s right. This is David Dalglish at his finest and the Vagrant Gods trilogy promises to be his best story that he’s published so far." —Fantasy Book Critic

  "Dalglish’s plotting and pacing are top-notch...this book is Arkane Studio’s Dishonored meets D&D’s divine magic." —Grimdark Magazine