From Brian McClellan, author of The Powder Mage trilogy, comes the first novel in the Glass Immortals series, In the Shadow of Lightning, an epic fantasy where magic is a finite resource—and it’s running out.
"Excellent worldbuilding and a truly epic narrative combine into Brian's finest work to date. Heartily recommended to anyone who wants a new favorite fantasy series to read."—Brandon Sanderson
Demir Grappo is an outcast—he fled a life of wealth and power, abandoning his responsibilities as a general, a governor, and a son. Now he will live out his days as a grifter, rootless, and alone. But when his mother is brutally murdered, Demir must return from exile to claim his seat at the head of the family and uncover the truth that got her killed: the very power that keeps civilization turning, godglass, is running out.
Now, Demir must find allies, old friends and rivals alike, confront the powerful guild-families who are only interested in making the most of the scraps left at the table and uncover the invisible hand that threatens the Empire. A war is coming, a war unlike any other. And Demir and his ragtag group of outcasts are the only thing that stands in the way of the end of life as the world knows it.
The series
Glass Immortals plunges readers into a world where magic is a finite resource, and the clash between ambition, power, and survival could bring down a civilization. Set in an industrialized society where glass-derived magic fuels both the economy and warfare, the series follows a diverse group of characters caught in a web of conspiracy, personal loss, and a dying system.
Read full series description
The story begins with In the Shadow of Lightning, where Demir Grappo, a former prodigy turned rogue, returns home after the brutal murder of his mother. What starts as a quest for vengeance soon spirals into a larger battle for the future of the Ossan Empire, a fractured world teetering on the brink of collapse. With the godglass that powers their civilization running dry, the stakes have never been higher. Demir's journey weaves through treacherous political landscapes and dangerous alliances, all while uncovering secrets that could destroy everything he holds dear.
What sets Glass Immortals apart is its intricate world-building. The Empire’s complex social structure, with its guild-families and political machinations, creates a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama. McClellan blends steampunk elements with high-stakes fantasy, crafting a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Magic, once abundant, is now scarce and a commodity that can be controlled by the few who hold power—a metaphor for the decay of systems and the fragility of progress.
As Demir and his companions navigate betrayal, shifting loyalties, and a crumbling empire, their fates are intertwined in ways that will keep you hooked until the final page. Each character is complex, with their own motivations and flaws, making them as unpredictable as the world they inhabit.
For readers who crave a story of political intrigue, slow-burn suspense, and richly detailed magic systems, Glass Immortals is a series that promises not only to entertain but to challenge the very fabric of its world. With the second book on the horizon, the saga is only just beginning—there are still many secrets left to uncover, and the future of the empire hangs in the balance.
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