BEFORE THE SHADOW AN EMPIRE OF RUIN SHORT STORY The unmissable prequel short-story to the epic fantasy ‘In Solitude’s Shadow’, The Magic Book Corner’s Best Book of 2021. Disgraced and exiled, Zanna Alpenwood arrives alone at the remote citadel Solitude, ready to serve her empire until her final breath. But she soon learns violence and treachery lurk even here at the edges of the empire of Haltveldt and must decide once and for all which side she will stand on. Meanwhile, beyond the walls of Solitude, a lone figure watches the guards high on the battlements. Things are changing for his people and Tilo finds himself tasked with a world-changing purpose, and must make a decision that will change the face of Haltveldt forever. Separated by mountains and yet tied together by fate, Zanna and Tilo alone must face the weight of their choices against the backdrop of impending ruin. For better or worse, a shadow is falling on them all.