The Aethyrguard — Series Overview

“Power may be granted—but purpose must be earned.”
Bleed for power does not mean you deserve it.

Beasts. Bonds. Betrayal. In the cliff-ringed city of Cael’Lumar, Korvan joins the Aethyrguard to protect his brother. The Aethyrgate Trial exposes a forbidden Natural bond and a soulmark that won’t fit the system. In a world where power is regulated and difference is dangerous, destiny refuses to be managed.

What you’ll get: Adult progression fantasy • creature companions with agency • political stakes • intelligent, cost-based magic • found family under pressure.

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Authors & Series

  • George R. R. Martin — political stakes, cost of power
  • Naomi Novik — living, rule-bound magic
  • Jim Butcher — tactical problem-solving under pressure
  • Rebecca Yarros — bonds, training, found family under fire
  • Michael R. Miller — creature companions & progression arcs

Tropes & Vibes

  • Found family under pressure
  • Creature companions with agency
  • Slow-burn progression with real costs
  • Political fantasy (duty vs. system)
  • Forbidden bonds & soulmarks
  • Lost worlds, ancient gates, dangerous magic

Perfect for: Progression Fantasy • Creature-Companion lovers • Political Fantasy readers

Start Here — The Initiate

Promise: Our memories make us who we are. A bond sparks where none should, and the Guard takes notice. Some will shape him, some will break him. Korvan must decide what his strength is for—and who he’s willing to become.

Magic & Veyrkin (at a glance)

  • How power works: Magic = intention + emotion; flow is immutable: Aethyr → Fyrstrand → Soulmark. Big effects demand big costs.
  • Bonds give access: Veyrkin are sovereign partners from Veyrth’Kael; bonds grant their specific discipline (Bulwark, Mender, Shadebound, Reservoir, etc.).
  • Prestige: Verdant → Ironmarked → Obsidian → Starlit → Mythborn.

World Snapshot

  • Cael’Lumar: terraced sea-cliff rings; Crown Keep above the sealed Aethyrgate; oaths, guilds, and Aethyrglass craft.

Themes & Tone

Fate vs. Choice • Family is Chosen • Magic is a Conversation. Adult tone; violence with consequence; trauma handled with care; no on-page sexual violence; hope is earned.

Roadmap

  • Book One: The Initiate — Trials, bonds, first fracture in the old order. In development.
  • Book Two: The Knight — Duty & honor vs. the system. In development.
  • Book Three: The Champion — Leadership costs. In development.

What readers are saying

“Human–creature interactions are compelling. The brothers’ emotions feel lived in. I want more of the creatures on the page.” — Editing Feedback