Blood of the Old Kings By Sung-il Kim

Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur, is a dark and immersive fantasy set in a necromantic empire that thrives on the magic drained from the corpses of dead sorcerers. The Empire’s insatiable thirst for power and conquest has enslaved not only its people but also the dead themselves, ensuring that even in death, there is no escape from servitude.

Arienne, born with magic, is resigned to her grim fate—until the voice of a long-dead sorcerer begins to whisper to her, hinting at a future she could seize if she dares to rebel. Far from the imperial capital, beneath a volcanic mountain, a seven-eyed dragon, once the sacred guardian of its people, lies in chains. For decades, it has languished under the Empire’s rule, but when Loran, a widowed swordswoman, comes seeking its aid, she rekindles a flame long thought extinguished. Armed with a sword forged from the dragon's fang, Loran embarks on a quest that could change the world.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the Empire, Cain—a man known for his ruthless efficiency—is on a personal mission. His mentor and closest friend has been murdered, and Cain will stop at nothing to unearth the truth, even if it means igniting a war in the process.

As the fates of these three individuals intertwine, they will confront not only the oppressive might of the Empire but also the darkness within themselves. Blood of the Old Kings promises an epic journey filled with necromancy, rebellion, and the struggle for freedom in a world ruled by death. 📚❤️