A reluctant king. A pitiless enemy. An unwitting spy.

He's the king. She's his defiant protector. Can her ruthless passion save him from enemy sorcery? Or is it too late?

Few beyond the king's inner circle are aware of her considerable abilities. Small, feminine and lethal Sho leads the Crystal Bearers who guard the king. She has kept him safe since they were young – and that was long ago. But she is more than a bonded soldier, she is his friend - some would even say she is his adviser and many suspect they are lovers – especially his queen who plots to kill him and take the throne for herself.

The shy king falls in love with a young man who, against tradition, Sho has brought to live at the Keep. For a while, all is well until the king's true identity is revealed. Can Sho re-unite the unlikely lovers and help her king find true happiness, or is she destined to carry his sadness inside her forever?

Meanwhile, faraway in the north, a forgotten enemy employs strange means to watch their every move. A new leader who proclaims himself a God promises the Sturgar nations they will once again rule the Trilands and enslave all. Balancing the scales of power is just a game of numbers – and they are very good at killing.

War looms. Those who can choose sides and hope to survive. The genocide has only just begun.

King's Assassin is the first book in the Crystal Bound Series. A detailed dark fantasy epic, terrifying and wonderful. Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Steven Erikson, A. E. Rayne and George R. R. Martin. Click to read DJ Bowman-Smith's series starter now.

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