Death comes with the Harvest. Salvation lies in the Valley of the Moon, along the path of Martial Magic.

Xan always assumed he would be apprenticed to an herbalist in the sleepy village of Mogu and follow the Path of Peace, just like his father before him. It is the way—has always been the way.

But when his village is sacked by a raiding force of vicious monsters, corrupted by dark Qi, life as Xan knows it is over. Family dead. Villagers slain. His home burnt to ash.

Now, all Xan wants to do is figure out why his people were targeted and get revenge on the merciless creatures sweeping across the continent like a plague of locusts. Spreading their vile corruption. His only hope at salvation and retribution lies in the Valley of the Moon, at the fabled Xing Yi School of Martial Magic. If he is to succeed, he will need to learn to cultivate the energy of the elements, hone his martial and crafting skills, and complete the school’s harsh tests and trials. It will take more than a passing grade at this school, though, and not all that fail survive the experience…

“A thrilling blend of mystical martial arts, crafting, and cultivation!” — Eden Hudson, Bestselling Author of the Path of the Thunderbird, Rogue Dungeon, and Jubal Van Zandt series

The truth is buried in the past. But some students can still see it…

At the prestigious School for Martial Magic, Year Two brings the Ten Animal Forms—legendary combat styles each tied to ancient trials. For most students, it’s a routine path to mastery. But for Xan, each Animal trial unveils visions of a forgotten history: the true origins of the Animal Wars, long concealed by those in power.

As he begins to unlock powerful techniques thought lost to time, Xan attracts dangerous attention—especially from an instructor with a personal vendetta. When a classmate dies in a freak accident and another is found brutally murdered, all signs point to Xan. Framed and hunted, he and his friends must race to uncover the real killer, expose a lurking Agent of Corruption, and survive the deadly curriculum that waits for no one.

Magic. Mystery. Martial Arts.

Dive deeper into the saga where history fights to be remembered—and only the brave dare to listen.