Andrew Knighton - Böcker

Raul has a destiny: claim his birthright as the last surviving heir of King Balbainus and lead his conquered people to freedom. The signs are all there-his birthmark, in the shape of Balbainus' halfmoon and dagger sigil, the gemstone-hilted sword he found in his parents' inn, and the sudden influx of illegal books featuring the late king's lineage. Nevermind that his ma is a hidden scribe writing a play about Balbainus' return, or that his da, a hardened warrior, has been training him to fight since he could stand. Or the fact that his sword doesn't seem very old at all, he feels much more comfortable reading than fighting, and his birthmark is looking more and more like a burn scar...As Raul leaves his simple village life to start a rebellion against the tyrannical Dunholmi government, he begins to wonder if his destiny is more someone else's plan for a future he doesn't want to be a part of. He'll go along with things, for now, if only to prove that change can come from kindness instead of outright destruction. After all, destiny is what you make of it.

Raul has a choice: embrace his fake destiny as the savior king or send his people on a path to certain doom. Cursed with the knowledge that his destiny as the hero of Estis is a lie, Raul still tries his best to lead a small rebellion. But after several defeats in battle, low morale, and people leaving left and right, he's almost ready to give up his claim to throne and let what's left of his rebellion fend for themselves.Just when he's about to reveal the lie that began everything, Raul's mother returns to the rebel camp with stories of an ancient dagger that could return hope to their cause. And the prophecies show that if they manage to find it, the tides of war would turn in their favor. It's too good of a chance to pass up, and Raul leaves with only Valens, Prisca, and Yasmi in tow to search the mountains for the dagger that could save them.After all, prophecies are never wrong...

Unteholz is a city built on the backs of dying monsters. When Lena Sturm, the city executioner, learns that she executed an innocent priest, she sets out to find the real killer and bring them to justice. But her quest for the truth drags her into a web of conflict and conspiracy, with everyone from zealous Bishop to a mad alchemist as potential suspects. As Lena persues justice, an army marches on the city, intent on bringing it to its knees. With the pressure mounting and the city's future in danger, Lena must not only fight to uncover the truth but also to keep her adopted home safe.