Cradle

Sacred artists follow a thousand Paths to power, using their souls to control the forces of the natural world. Lindon is Unsouled — forbidden to learn the sacred arts of his clan. When faced with a looming fate he cannot ignore, he must defy his family's rules and forge his own Path.

Outside Sacred Valley, ancient ruins rise from the earth, drawing sacred artists from miles around to fight for the treasures within. Lindon has reached Copper — the first step on the road to power — but the warriors of the outside world are still far beyond him. To advance, he turns to the arcane skills of the Soulsmiths, who craft weapons from the stuff of souls. With new powers come new enemies, and Lindon soon finds himself facing an entire sect of Golds.

Lindon has a year left. When his time runs out, he will have to fight an opponent no one believes he can beat. Unless he learns the magic of the sacred arts the right way, from scratch, he won't have a chance — and even then, the odds are against him. Lindon and Yerin travel to the Blackflame Empire, where they struggle to master an ancient and dangerous power. Success means a chance at life; failure means death.

With his duel fast approaching, Lindon is locked away in prison. As a Blackflame, he is too dangerous to remain free. The Skysworn — protectors of the Empire — have imprisoned him until the day of his promised fight arrives, when he will face Jai Long. But a new danger approaches the Empire, closer every day. Only the Skysworn stand between the people and total annihilation — and Lindon may be forced to join them.

Long ago, the Monarch Northstrider created a pocket world known as Ghostwater to house his most valuable experiments. Now damaged by the attack of the Bleeding Phoenix, a team of Skysworn has been sent to recover what they can from the dying realm. Lindon must brave the depths of this new dimension, scavenging treasures and pushing his skills to new heights — because Ghostwater is not as empty as it seems.

A tournament approaches. All around the world, great clans and sects prepare their disciples to compete — a competition of young Underlords. Even the Blackflame Empire is drawn in, but their youth are not yet strong enough. Not yet.

The Monarchs — the most powerful sacred artists on Cradle — rule with unquestioned authority. Mysterious and distant, catching a glimpse of one is privilege enough for a lifetime. Now they have all gathered in one place, bringing their heirs and greatest students together for a competition to determine whose successor is the best in the world: the Uncrowned King tournament.

As the Uncrowned King tournament reaches its final rounds, tensions between competing factions are higher than ever. The outcome may determine the balance of power across the world. Each Monarch schemes to seize any advantage — while far away, a Dreadgod stirs. When the tournament ends, the Dreadgod will rise. Whether it is driven back or allowed to rampage depends on the Monarchs, and on which of them is left standing.

In the years since Lindon left Sacred Valley, he has attained power beyond anything his family thought possible. Now he must put those powers to the test: a Dreadgod is on its way. Lindon and his allies set out to evacuate the valley before the Wandering Titan arrives, but their sacred arts are weakened by an ancient curse. Persuading the squabbling inhabitants to abandon their home and venture into the outside world will not be easy — and more has changed in the valley than Lindon realized. He has always sought power to save his family. But now he might be too late.

Sacred Valley has been saved — at least, what's left of it. With his home finally secure, Lindon delves into the ancient labyrinth, seeking lost Soulsmithing knowledge and the secret to destroying the Dreadgods. Monarchs plot against him and against each other, unaware of the threats gathering in realms beyond. Far above them all, Suriel and the Abidan clash against the Mad King in a battle for the fate of many worlds — and if that battle is lost, Cradle will be destroyed.

The battle in the heavens has left a target on Lindon's back. His most reliable ally is gone, the Monarchs see him as a threat, and he has inherited one of the most valuable facilities in the world. At any moment, his enemies could unite to kill him. If it weren't for the Dreadgods — all four now empowered and unleashed, rampaging across Cradle. Old grudges must be set aside; the Monarchs need every capable fighter. And Lindon needs time. While he fights, he sends his friends to train. They will need to advance impossibly fast if they want to stand beside him when the final reckoning comes.

Years ago, Lindon left his home as a powerless Unsouled. Now he goes to war with the most powerful beings in the world over the future of Cradle itself. The Weeping Dragon has a grudge to settle, rival Monarchs know his plans and will not yield easily, and victory means ascending to the heavens — where Suriel and Ozriel face off against the Mad King to determine the shape of the cosmos. Whether he wins or dies, Lindon will soon leave this life behind.