Rising Guardians by A.S. Etaski

The sacred pool of Manalar awaits her rebirth.

The victors stand hopeful but wary, myself among them. The Temple of the Sun is ours, yet we are not ready to celebrate.

Our understanding of the world was torn asunder in the violence of war, and we bear a heavy responsibility for what happens next. Our choices today will influence the continent for centuries, guiding generations not yet born.

All eyes turn to the Paladin for wisdom—a young man burdened by a city of survivors who need even more from him now. Time grows shorter yet when an ancient threat from the Hells arises and the pool threatens to flood the battered city.

We must defend the well of primal magic at her most vulnerable, but will she accept her new guardians? Will the Paladin find within her the strength to free me from my Queen's curse, or will we all drown in the earth's most powerful magic unrestrained?

Confronting the answers forces us to discover - and accept - who we really are.

Sister Seekers is a mature epic fantasy with an ever-broadening scope. A journey from grit to gladness, from horror to hope. Fear turns toward love, and trauma toward healing. Found Family is a core theme, and fans of Dungeons & Dragons will find familiar grounds. The story begins with an isolated race of Dark Elves in No Demons But Us. We explore sexuality and inner conflict with nuance, intrigue, action, and fantastical magic. Perfect for dark fantasy fans seeking mature and challenging themes, who enjoy pursuing entwined plots across lots of books, and who get excited when the second read-through pulls back the curtain farther than the first time!