SWORD OF THE DEAD (Book One) boldly reimagines the Persephone myth as a jumping off point to launch us into a startlingly new epic fantasy world, replete with fresh villains, kingdoms, tragedy monsters, and heroes. When Thea, the king’s 18 year old daughter, is snatched by a monster and taken miles down to an underground kingdom, Lance, a peasant boy who dreams of joining the King’s elite knights, vows to risk his life to save her. Lance embarks on an epic quest to prove himself before the king’s men, to find the secret passage to the underground, to brave intense trials, to battle hideous monsters, and to get her back. Meanwhile, up above, with the king distracted and betrayed, a once-impregnable kingdom is crumbling, as enemies on all sides close in. Only a hardened girl thief, an unlikely hero, stands a chance of saving it all….

From #1 bestseller Morgan Rice comes the debut of a breathtaking new fantasy series, ideal for fans of Sarah J Maas, Brandon Sanderson and Jennifer L Armentrout.From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes the long-awaited debut of a major new epic fantasy series.The SWORD OF THE DEAD series boldly reimagines the Persephone myth as a jumping off point to launch us into a startlingly new epic fantasy world, replete with fresh villains, kingdoms, tragedy monsters, and heroes.When Meredith, the king’s 18 year old daughter, is snatched by a monster and taken miles down to an underground kingdom, Lance, a peasant boy who dreams of joining the King’s elite knights, vows to risk his life to save her. Lance embarks on an epic quest to prove himself before the king’s men, to find the secret passage to the underground, to brave intense trials, to battle hideous monsters, and to get her back.Meanwhile, up above, with the king distracted and betrayed, a once-impregnable kingdom is crumbling, as enemies on all sides close in. Only a hardened girl thief, an unlikely hero, stands a chance of saving it all.SWORD OF THE DEAD weaves an epic tale of fate and destiny, of magic and love, of sacrifice and power. A page-turning read, packed with cliffhangers and twists you will not anticipate, it will immerse you in another world. Appealing to young adults and adults of all ages, SWORD OF THE DEAD offers a fresh take on sword and sorcery adventure fantasy, and will keep you reading late into the night.Future books in the series are also available.“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”—San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”—Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)“A spirited fantasy ….Only the beginning of what promises to be an epic young adult series.”—Midwest Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”—Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)