The Grey Woods
Is the debut novel of a nine book fantasy series following a bloodline that is shrouded in darkness now for three generations. ‘In the Footsteps of Kings’ series spans an entire lifetime of the main character Madros Strongblood who is the firstborn son of the firstborn son of the greatest king of their time. King Mateo who united warring tribes, brought peace and ended the First War against an otherwordly force pours all his life and wisdom into his grandson Madros who all their hopes lie with as his father Deolen, falls to the darkness they once believed vanquished.
Book I begins not as you would expect, in the middle, and it weaves through time. Two years after rescuing Eamìn of the Majae, Fin finds himself in peril—accused of an affair and forced to flee to Catharas, where his cousin Madros rules the Four Regions. He carries news that could shatter the fragile peace just restored.
Madros has hidden Eamìn, his true love, after a great battle awakened the dark powers that hunt her magic and light. But what once was her refuge has become a prison. Bound to wed Gareth, King of Ardhailia—who despises Madros and covets Eamìn’s gift—she is caught between rival powers and her own destiny.
Told across two entwined timelines, Lady Atya of the Majae reveals to Fin the shadowed past that binds Madros to Eamìn. Her fate is to confront the Lord of the Dream Realm and free the ancient world from his dominion. Yet Madros refuses to let her face that evil alone and will embrace even the darkest deeds to protect her.
As Madros descends into obsession, Fin must choose: stand by his cousin’s madness, or risk everything to rescue Eamìn—even if it means stealing her from the man she loves.
“One man’s past becomes another man’s future.”
“I love the characters and the way you told the story through visions and crossed back and forth in time. I love the way Madros was depicted as this cruel man but then his actions often have positive, unknown outcomes…most of the time at least. I love the way you seeped out his true agenda and disclosed the selflessness of his behaviors and actions. The book had a mounting quality to it which is always wonderful and keeps bringing you back. I couldn’t imagine how you were going to tie things up at the end and was shocked at what happened."
~ Renate
"To read The Grey Woods is to take a journey into an original and fully realized fantastical world. The cast of mystical characters grounded in real-world ambivalence will in turn anger you and cause your heart to break for them. On the shoulders of a tormented hero rests the fate and salvation of all goodness. He alone can stop the dark force that threatens while he battles with his own darkness. The plot is action packed with intense passion and high stakes. The adventure builds with tension to a conclusion that brings the anticipation of renewal."
~ Grace
Sample Chapter
Meet the Characters
Fin Goldvale
Madros Strongblood
Eamin the Majae
Lady Atya of the Majae
