The King of Woe: A Grimdark Epic Fantasy Novel (Crown of Gods Book 1)

"Not only an immersive fantasy novel, but also a powerful and accurate reflection of the complexities of addiction and recovery." — John Campbell, LCSW, LCDC, CSATHe tried to drown his problems, but his sorrows knew how to swim.Written by a behavioral health professional in recovery, The King of Woe is the fantasy novel that treats addiction the way it actually works: not as a character flaw, but as a disease that doesn't care how strong you are.An addicted vigilante hunts the slavers and poisoners bleeding his city dry. Vigil rides the rooftops of Palencia, breaking the flesh trade one slaver at a time and carrying stolen girls home before the buyers arrive. The poppyshade keeps his hands steady. The violence keeps him numb. The thing about hunting poisoners is that you have to keep the poison close.A spymaster tears the city apart looking for her vanished cousin. Casey Connelly runs a network called the Hive, and she's built it to answer one question: where is Prince Enzo Nalbaveli? Every whisper, every paid ear, every forged ledger leads her closer to a conspiracy bigger than a missing heir.A reluctant archmage inherits a title he never wanted. Everett Wren wanted a quiet life of study. Instead the Archmage's staff finds him, a sentient quill won't shut up, and a silver jaguar sleeps at the foot of his bed. Every thread he pulls leads toward enemies older than the crown itself.Three paths. One conspiracy. No one knows how connected they are... yet.The King of Woe is a 216,000-word noir epic fantasy debut, the first novel in the Crown of Gods series. For readers of George R.R. Martin, Andrzej Sapkowski, Joe Abercrombie, Patrick Rothfuss, and Mark Lawrence.What Readers Are Saying"I took a chance on this book, and to say I was glad I did is a massive understatement! This book is incredible, where has this author been all this time!?" — Cathy Terril"Fans of Game of Thrones will feel right at home." — Brad and Becca Willis"A striking and immersive read." — Sherri Johnson"Nico's ability to paint pictures with words is incredible." — Demetrius EdwardsA Hard Magic System. Real Consequences. No Plot Armor.Anurzil is built with meticulous craft. The Seven Gates magic system runs from root to crown along the body, each gate a door the caster has to open, each door exacting a physical cost.Start the series today. Book 2, The Princess of the Locked Heart, releases May 26, 2026. Read more