The Hero Slayers

When a Hero goes bad, it's up to a thief to stop him, in this big-hearted and witty fantasy adventure that's perfect for fans of role-playing games. Working-class thief Styk thought heroes were to be admired. Then one tried to kill him, and the attempt on his life left the town of Plainside burned to the ground, hundreds dead. Given a chance at a new life by a mysterious stolen artifact, Styk sets his sights on justice. OK, more like revenge.

It's no secret that Styk longs to be a hero, with blazing daggers in hand and throngs of admirers at his feet. What is a secret is that he has the blood of Players coursing through his veins. Yes, the very enemies he despises and has vowed to slay. For now, there's no need for Styk's loyal team to know this; they all have bigger fish to fry. Because when Corminar's fellow exiled elves demand he pay his debt, it sends the adventurers on a new quest. Across the Iron Sea, they encounter shifting shadows, ancient witchcraft, and—worst of all—faces from their buried pasts.

Few cities are as beautiful as Westbara, so it's a pity that Styk, Corminar, and Lore aren't just there to see the sights. Rather, they're on a mission to take down a celebrated Player called the Councilman. But they'll soon discover they aren't alone in targeting this allegedly esteemed member of the Council . . .

As the respected leader of the Slayers, Styk has found his stride and not a moment too soon. With his wife pregnant, the team knows their days of hunting Players are numbered. The mission is clear: they need to wipe out the Council once and for all. But the path to the heart of the Council's power is fraught with peril. Fire sorcerers incinerating farmlands, monsters drawn by dark magicks, and a battalion of soldiers corrupted by a worldbending Player. Meanwhile, the greatest threat of all watches every move the Slayers make . . .