The Veil of Elpis

Sage of Hope and Ruin is a slow-burn fantasy romance perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent's Daughter of No Worlds, and Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows—in which a con woman must join a team of criminals on a doomed quest to save the world where the ultimate heist awaits them at its end.

Magic is not a gift in this world. The gods only bestow their blessings upon those who have known great suffering.

Aethra has spent the last few years alone, toiling to escape the thumb of slavery. When an opportunity arrives to earn freedom, she seizes it—even if it means certain death.

Surrounded by criminals seeking the same salvation, Aethra finds herself drawn to the assassin with the blood-red eyes, his easy smile, and charming words. But he seems all too comfortable pressing a knife to her throat.

And he knows something she doesn't: her magic is not ordinary. And it is no coincidence that they find themselves forced together on a doomed quest to save their world.

The abyss is coming. Darkness swallows the world in its grip, leaving naught but ash. And Aethra might be the only one who can stop it.

Contains mature themes.