Book 1

The Darkness Before Them

by Matthew Ward

Published 7 November 2023

'The Darkness Before Them brims with magic, monsters and intrigue, and the depth of the world is wonderfully, enthrallingly complex . . . a delight' Ben Galley

ALL PATHS LEAD TO VENGEANCE


These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.

Kat doesn't care about any of that. A talented thief, she's pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique gift: she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She'll need every advantage she can get.

Kat's not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad's future begins, everyone - Kat included - will have to pick a side.

Set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic, The Darkness Before Them begins a heart-pounding adventure where a thief dares to seek vengeance - and finds herself on the path to war.

'Full of action, heart, betrayal, and set in a dark, engaging world, this book continues Ward's ability to deliver doorstopper dark fantasy that you just can't put down' Grimdark Magazine

Praise for Matthew Ward

'Epic fantasy as it should be: big, bold and very addictive' Starburst Magazine

'Magnificant and epic' Grimdark Magazine

'Hugely entertaining' John Gywnne

'Incredible action scenes' Fantasy Hive

Books by Matthew Ward:

The Soulfire Saga
The Darkness Before Them
The Fire Within Them

The Legacy trilogy
Legacy of Ash
Legacy of Steel
Legacy of Light


Book 2

The Fire Within Them

by Matthew Ward

Published 11 June 2024

Set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic, The Fire Within Them continues a heart-pounding adventure where a thief dares to seek vengeance - and finds herself on the path to war.

For the first time in a millennia, the kingdom of Khalad is divided. The Battle of Athenoch has fanned the spark of Bashar Vallant's rebellion to a raging flame. Tyzanta, jewel of the east, has declared for his cause, and other cities have followed. Vallant, the people's hero, may soon be powerful enough to challenge Caradan Diar, Khalad's immortal king.

But such power demands great personal sacrifice.

Afflicted with omen rot after channelling the Deadwinds to save Athenoch from the koilos army, Kat searches for a means to stop the disease killing her as it did her mother. Her journey will uncover secrets long since buried - secrets concerning her past, her family and the kingdom itself.

Eventually she'll learn that the past never stays buried in Khalad - and that the truth can cut deeper than any blade.

Praise for the Soulfire Saga

'Full of action, heart, betrayal, and set in a dark, engaging world, this book continues Ward's ability to deliver doorstopper dark fantasy that you just can't put down' Grimdark Magaine

'The Darkness Before Them brims with magic, monsters and intrigue, and the depth of the world is wonderfully, enthrallingly complex . . . a delight' Ben Galley

'After setting up the pieces for a familiar fantasy caper, Ward neatly reassembles this story into a thoughtful examination of the limits of duty and loyalty . . . A promising series launch' Publishers Weekly

'Fantastic . . . a completely captivating start to a new series' Grimdark Dad

'Ward has built a vast history into this world with an interesting magic system of runes and tattoos' SFFWorld

Also by Matthew Ward:

The Soulfire Saga
The Darkness Before Them

The Legacy trilogy
Legacy of Ash
Legacy of Steel
Legacy of Light


Book 3

The Lie That Binds Them

by Matthew Ward

Published 15 April 2025

The Lie That Binds Them is the thrilling conclusion to the Soulfire Saga, an epic fantasy series packed with adventure and intrigue, set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic.

The Eternity King, Caradan Diar, is dead. But a dread Queen rules in his place and a new age of darkness threatens to overwhelm Khalad.

Tyzanta - greatest of the free cities - has fallen to the Queen's armies. Worse, the leader of the rebellion, Bashar Vallant, is missing, presumed dead.

What hope remains rests with Katija Arvish and her allies. They alone know the truth behind the secrets that hold Khalad together. They alone can break the realm's shackles and deliver freedom to its people.

But to do so they must destroy an ancient god of unimaginable power.

In the end, the lie that binds them may be their only salvation.

'The Darkness Before Them brims with magic, monsters and intrigue, and the depth of the world is wonderfully, enthrallingly complex . . . a delight' Ben Galley

'Full of action, heart, betrayal, and set in a dark, engaging world, The Darkness Before Them continues Ward's ability to deliver doorstopper dark fantasy that you just can't put down' Grimdark Magazine