In an empire gone mad, a young thief unlocks the power of fire—

Ashlorn has spent his life stealing scraps and dodging fists. Mocked for his scars and abandoned in the streets, he would give anything to be someone special.

He doesn’t realize he already is.

When a court mage recognizes Ashlorn as a fire prodigy, she offers him training in elemental spellcraft—the command of flame he has long desired.

But true mastery of magic requires discipline, patience, and strict obedience—qualities he has never possessed.

Before Ashlorn can finish his lessons, a crisis arises and the Empire thrusts him into a mad quest to uncover the Cult of Ahriman—a secret order that feeds on chaos and human sacrifice.

The hunt takes Ashlorn far beyond the city he knows, to a foreign land where no mentor can guide him and no ally can save him. There he must stand alone in a deadly duel against a far more experienced and ruthless foe.

Of Innocence and Evil is Book 3.5 in the Age of Peril saga. This book is a full-length standalone epic fantasy novel about a young mage weaponized by imperial politics. Available exclusively through the author’s store.

This novel offers a dark descent into the Age of Peril for readers who enjoy detailed magic systems, cult intrigue, and street-level imperial grit.

Read Of Innocence and Evil and witness the forging of a fire mage.

An online glossary for the series is available at ageofperil.com/glossary.

Free Age of Peril Atlas with your purchase: ageofperil.com/maps.

Cover art by Diana Savu. Maps by Shay Roberts.

The complete Age of Peril saga, from bestselling author Shay Roberts:

Ω  Of Magic and Empire (Book 1: main series)

Ω  Of Gods and Secrets (Book 2: main series)

Ω  Of Truth and Sacrifice (Book 3: main series)

Ω  Of Innocence and Evil (Book 3.5: standalone exclusive, available here only)