Korvan’s Journey

The Aethyrguard — Series Overview

“Power may be granted—but purpose must be earned.”

Beasts. Bonds. Betrayal. In the coastal city of Cael’Lumar, Korvan joins the Aethyrguard for one reason: protect his brother. The Veil-Trial should have measured his worth; instead, it exposes a soulmark that defies ritual and a bond that shouldn’t be possible. In a world where power is regulated and difference is dangerous, destiny refuses to be managed.

What is The Aethyrguard?

A slow-burn, character-first fantasy about cost, consequence, and chosen family.

  • Bonded Beasts (Veyrkin): Living companions from Veyrth’Kael—power with a pulse, and a price.
  • Ranks & Trials: Initiate → Knight → Champion → …each step asks more than the last.
  • The Beyond: The source of magic—and a mirror. It reveals what you’d rather hide.

Themes at the Core

  • Legacy vs. Choice: Are we bound by what we inherit—or what we choose?
  • Brotherhood & Burden: Strength as protection. Love with teeth.
  • Truth in Conflict: Beautiful world, broken institutions, hard-earned hope.

Start Here: Book One — The Initiate

The Trial was meant to test him. It changed everything.
When Korvan steps through the Veil, a forbidden bond sparks—and the Guard takes notice. Some would shape him. Some would break him. He must decide what his strength is for, and who he’s willing to become.

To be bonded is to be seen.

Perfect if you enjoy: found family under pressure · intelligent magic systems · slow progression · quiet moments between storms

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Series Roadmap

  • Book One: The Initiate — Trials, bonds, and the first fracture in the old order.
  • Book Two: The Knight — Duty cuts deeper. Lines blur. Loyalties crack.
  • Book Three: The Champion — Leadership costs. (No spoilers—yet.)

Is This For Me?

  • Upper-YA to Adult progressive fantasy
  • Lyrical but grounded prose
  • Emotional stakes > spectacle (though there’s plenty of both)
  • Violence/trauma handled with purpose; hope is earned, not given

About the Author

Z.L. Coffman writes epic fantasy about messy courage, living magic, and the families we choose. When not worldbuilding, he's tinkering with gliders (on paper) and drinking unreasonable amounts of coffee & tea. Or chasing the dogs around the house.

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