Book Description
The Aggrid Kingdom is forged from a rare golden-black stone mined at the cost of countless lives and King Darious has no intention of slowing its expansion. When a mining catastrophe kills hundreds, the king publicly promises mercy, only to burn the survivors alive as an example. His children embody different paths to power. Prince Lyon, a brilliant tactician haunted by guilt, and Princess Diabella, a ruthless visionary who believes fear is the only stable currency of rule.
Beyond the capital, the kingdom's violence sparks a multi-front rebellion. Evalyne, a hardened huntress, returns home to find her village in ashes and her family taken by the crown. As she ventures into forbidden lands for answers, she is plagued by visions that blur prophecy, memory, and manipulation. Meanwhile, Gabriel, a young farmer and guardsman, witnesses his neighbouring town seized under royal decree. While chasing the captors, he uncovers King Darious's true ambition: an indestructible empire fueled by Aggrid and enforced by a hidden army. When a close friend disappears into Princess Diabella’s inner circle, Gabriel must choose between survival and outright treason.
As whispers spread of an ancient assassin that slaughters entire villages without leaving a trace, the kingdom’s control begins to fracture. Drawn toward the Great Bridge, Lyon, Diabella, Evalyne, and Gabriel head toward a public reckoning where loyalty and ambition collide, and no one will leave unchanged.
More About This Book
When and Why Should Someone Read It?
Gripping tale of survival. Families are torn apart and a kingdom becomes destabilized as the king's quest for the rare earth metals does not quit. If anyone loves betrayal, deceit, love and many more twists and turns, this book is for them.
Themes, Ideas & Atmosphere
Dark-Epic fantasy, multi-POV. Action and adventure, betrayal and worldbuilding
If You Loved These, You'll Love This
George R.R. Martin and James Islington, J.R.R. Tolkien
The Story Behind the Book
Writing The Aggrid Kingdom served as my own personal "horcrux", a profound emotional escape where I poured pieces of my soul, grief, and resilience into the page after overcoming a 22-year battle with addiction and navigating severe family loss. I write under the pen name C. J. Spirak and live in Ontario, Canada, with my supportive wife and two children. My ultimate goal is to pass something of lasting substance down to them, and to leave readers deeply moved.
The Central Question
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat in anticipation for the release of the sequel, where you will find yourself picking the book up again and again just to transport yourself back into this epic world. It will be a trilogy that rivals the greats.
The Aggrid Kingdom Series -The Mine In The Mountain - A Dark-Epic Fantasy by C.J. Spirak, a book, promoted on Goodkindles for .