Shadebound

For a shadebound mage like Artemio Volpe, the ghosts of the past are his constant companions as well as a source of untold power.

The legendary House of Seven Shadows is responsible for training the best of the best shadebound mages to harness the magic of the dead.

For most students, the dead are kept at a safe distance, but not for Artemio.

Their tortured souls seep into his body and mind, granting him a wellspring of power that would carve most men hollow.

Their magic comes at a terrible price, but it's the only thing that's kept him alive this long.

An outcast from society for no reason other than his unfortunate birthright, Artemio wants nothing more than to study, learn, and develop his talents.

But when nobles start to die under mysterious circumstances, he's forced out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Torn between his duty to the kingdom and his studies, Artemio finds his loyalties divided and time running out.

After all, the fires burning to the north are not mere barbarian's pyres.

They're dragon fire.