A grimdark gladiator fantasy featuring morally grey characters, forbidden love, and breathtaking arena combat.
Lion of Zarall
Twilight of Blood Trilogy – Book One
In a kingdom built on the slave trade, the king’s champion gladiator receives a fate far worse than defeat—an order that makes every kill he’s dealt in the arena feel merciful.
When Lion, a gladiator bred for the arenas, finds a freeborn slave in his room, he must confront the invisible chains that bind him. If this freedom-obsessed woman breaks his deeply ingrained obedience, he’ll face the horrors of White Tower.
Olira, a simple farmer, never wanted to own a slave. But when she finds herself entangled with a shady slave merchant, she reluctantly becomes the owner of an injured gladiator. As Olira grapples with her principles and the harsh realities of her world, she’s forced to uncover the secrets and scars the deadly gladiator keeps hidden.
Lion of Zarall is a low-magic grimdark fantasy novel that will captivate readers who enjoy complex, morally grey stories. Perfect for fans of Mark Lawrence and Joe Abercrombie.
First book in the Twilight of Blood series.
Praise for Lion of Zarall
“Loved it. Really sucked me in from the start. Couldn’t put it down.“ – Beta Reader
“I was hooked from the beginning and the plot is different to anything I’ve read before” – Gabby, GCD Editorial
“It’s dirty, violent, raw, intense, nail biting, but not without tenderness, heartbreak, and hope!” – Goodreads Review
“Thank you Eddy for blindsiding me with all the emotional trauma…” Whit Stanfield, Author of A Sea of Song and Sirens
“It’s been some time since I had this much fun with the violence in a book. This is a bloody bucket load of good time.” – Goodreads Review
“The stakes felt real, the characters multifaceted, and the ending left me excited for book 2!” – Nicole Rowles, Author of Anarchist Underground
“The writing is wonderfully descriptive. It’s a movie in my head when Lion steps into the Switchblade (Arena).” – Beta Reader
“The world building was excellent… It was like I was living in the book.” – ARC Reader
“…had me reading until 2am because I couldn’t put the book down.” – ARC Reader
“We have forbidden romance, tragedy, hardcore killings.” – Goodreads Review
“P.S. I warn you the author withholds no punches, both with arena battles and emotional impact. Brace yourself.” – ARC Reader
Content Warnings
Please note that Lion of Zarall is an adult dark fantasy and deals with some heavy subject matter such as ongoing trauma, abuse, torture, graphic violence, gore and non-con. Some parts of the writing is explicit and will draw you into the characters’ minds and let you experience their feelings. If any of these things are triggers for you, Lion of Zarall may not be the best book for you.
Click here for a full list of trigger warnings. I can’t guarantee it’s exhaustive, but I’ve done my best to be thorough.
First three chapters available for free
First three chapters of Lion of Zarall is free to download or read in browser.
Eddy Rose 