SPFBO winner Rob J. Hayes has teamed up with Jackson Dickert to put together a comprehensive world guide to The Ties That Bind trilogy for fans who want to experience the gritty, grimdark world of First Earth, now with even greater depravities and horrors. Included are two brand new novellas from Rob! In Sting of the Dragon, Travine squashes a rebellion, paving the way for his future as the Empress’s Dragon Herald. In The Princess Blade, discover the events that took Henry from royalty to a cold-blooded killer… under the guise of a child’s bedtime story. Monsters and gore included, obviously. Plus, a brand new short story, “The Serpent’s Tooth”, written by Jackson Dickert with Rob J. Hayes’ stamp of approval. It doesn’t take long for Harod to betray his old friend, Jezzet Vel’urn, during The Heresy Within. What dark secret was he willing to risk certain death from a blademaster to protect? Alongside these new adventures into the First Earth Saga, explore a worldbuilding companion, complete with more than 115 story extras that detail character backstories and world lore, over 140 exclusive, original artworks, and the ten previously published First Earth Saga short stories, now collected into one book. With over 120,000 words of content, The World of Heresy Within is easily as long as your standard fantasy novel and ten times as dark! Detailed blurbs for Sting of the Dragon, The Princess Blade, and The Serpent’s Tooth are available to read as part of the free sample.

Kayla’s Hades: A Gripping Fantasy Adventure of Survival and Redemption When Kayla awakens in the smoldering depths of Hades, her memories are wiped clean, leaving her with nothing but confusion and an unshakable determination to survive. With the underworld's infernal flames at her back and treachery at every turn, Kayla vows to escape this perilous realm and uncover the truth of who she really is. Each step in Hades tests her resolve as she battles monstrous foes, navigates a labyrinth of lies, and grapples with one haunting question: Who can I trust in this forsaken world? Strangers offer help, but their motives remain murky. Are they allies seeking mutual salvation or enemies luring her deeper into the clutches of eternal damnation? In a place where every choice carries the weight of life and death, Kayla must balance her survival instincts with the flickering hope of redemption. Her fiery determination pushes her forward, but the path to freedom demands more than just strength—it requires the courage to confront her past, the wisdom to make impossible decisions, and the resilience to face her greatest fears. Kayla’s Hades is an epic fantasy tale filled with suspense, danger, and a heroine who refuses to give up, no matter the odds. Perfect for fans of heart-pounding action, twisting mysteries, and stories of unbreakable will, this series takes you on a journey through the dark heart of the underworld and beyond. Step into the fire. Face the unknown. Escape is uncertain, but the adventure is unforgettable. Will Kayla conquer Hades—or will it destroy her? If you enjoy the heart-pounding suspense and relentless determination of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, the dark, labyrinthine underworld of The House of Hades by Rick Riordan, or the fierce survivalist journey of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang, you’ll be captivated by Kayla’s Hades. For fans of classic sword and sorcery and progression fantasy,