This character-based, multi-POV series takes place on the Torn Continent where a man can be made a god, magic comes with a price, and most true heroes are dead. Although the characters all have their own paths to thread, every one of them struggles with the same problem: should they choose freedom over obligation, and if they do, are they willing to face the consequences. Some are bound by vows and honor, others by the shackles of their social rank, or marital status, but they all reach for the freedom of choice.
At the beginning of the first book, Braenduir, the western half of the Torn Continent, is facing the first war in centuries. The rulers of the human Kingdoms clash swords over the sunlight-absorbing stone, aureen, and the hand of a princess. Some believe, however, that the conflict between the western kings is only a minor inconvenience compared to the threat that looms over the whole continent, like shadows creeping at the verges of sight.
A long time ago, Braenduir, not yet torn back then, was ruled by the gods. They dwelled among the mortals, guiding and teaching them, and granted them gifts such as magic and fire. Those were the good times, times of prosperity and plenty, but like all things, even the best of times come to an end. The twin gods of war, Stryader, and Scathidor ended up clashing swords, wreaking chaos that spread like wildfire until there was no peaceful nook on the whole continent. As the havoc they had stirred threatened to lead to the end of the world, the Supreme Goddess interfered, putting an end to her sons’ folly. This last war broke the millennia of coexistence of gods and men and the former left Braenduir, now torn in two by the Great Mother, to find a new world of their own.
Millenia has passed since the first Isbaelath, but many a prophecy has been made of it coming again. To prevent the vengeful gods from pulverizing the Torn Continent, a group of people has sanctified a human man to become one or another of the twin gods of war. All they need anymore is to find the tokens into which Maelethra captured the spirits of her furious sons, and the Vessel who has been on the run for over twenty years.
Are the gods truly hatching an invasion? Will the Vessel and Tokens be rediscovered? Would releasing a belligerent god among the mortals lead to anything but utter destruction? Follow Toren Eddesen, a lecherous mercenary, Arron Grethsen, an easygoing archer, Lady Irana Stemraon, a strong-willed queen-to-be, and many others on their windy paths across the Torn Continent to find the answers to these and many smaller questions!