The world of Ianar is in unrest. Its protectors and first inhabitants, the azheeks, have been disappearing. Tensions between races and kingdoms are growing, and a cult of corrupt humans has merged from the shadows, fuelled by their hatred towards azheeks. After running away from her childhood home, Chester, a trained fire azheek with murderous tendencies, finds friends in unlikely places. With a giant beast by her side, she sets off on a journey in search of a new home. What she finds is the opposite. In a moving world of powers, creatures, and diverse cultures, Chester finds herself in the centre of corruption and what only feels like the beginning of a brewing war. The Rising is the first book in the Azheek series. "These pages drip with charisma. From beginning to end Naomi has crafted a thrillride with characters to love and a story representative of the cutting edge of diverse fantasy today. Azheek: The Rising is what so many are looking for in fantasy and Naomi King is bringing it all to the table." — Daniel Greene, book reviewer and author of Breach of Peace. ​ "Cinematic fights; big epic set pieces; and lush, vivid world-building. If you want a modern take on the classic 'chosen family of badass misfits go on a heroic quest' narrative that is smart, funny, brutal, and queer as hell, start here." — Kaja Sadowski, martial arts and self-defence instructor, and author of Fear Is The Mind Killer.