THE EMPIRE TOOK HER FRIEND. NOW SHE WILL TAKE THEIR GENERAL.

In a realm ravaged by warring armies, where every citizen is pressed into service, Ødiri Jenis defies expectations. She despises the warrior's path and harbors a perilous secret: a volatile magic she rejects but cannot tame. Even more dangerous is her growing love interest for Keliyem, the son of her army's most ruthless enemy.

When her closest friend, Terrence, is brutally killed, Ødiri's world crumbles. She vows to bring the man responsible to justice—Keliyem's own father. Accompanied by her closest friends, she embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance, navigating treacherous alliances and facing strategic battles that will test her resolve and reshape the fate of nations.

In this gripping Young Adult Epic Fantasy, Ødiri must wield her forbidden power and confront impossible choices. As loyalties unravel and destinies collide, one question looms: what is the true cost of revenge?

"I am not the Black Piper . . . but I do know the Piper.

"If you listen closely," she said, "you will hear stories that will transport you into the heart of adventure, force you directly into the path of danger, and if you are lucky . . . or perhaps unlucky"—she looked at the unmoving dragon behind her and inhaled, only barely losing her grip on her smile—"transform you." Her attention turned back to the crowd, and her eyes grew mysterious. "In essence, dear people, these stories are not safe."

This book is an experiment that is one of, if not the first of its kind. Not only does this anthology combine stories from veteran and bestselling writers with stories from novice authors, but each story in the anthology is accompanied by a custom standalone soundtrack* crafted by Hollywood professionals. The experience is meant to be unique, daring, and fun, featuring thought-provoking tales of adventure, humor, and excitement. We invite you on a journey through a road not-yet-taken and sincerely hope you will make it out the other side alive.

FINE PRINT: For total clarity, we don't anticipate any physical dangers from this work. The Black Piper is not responsible for any death by laughter, emotional anguish, post-reading withdrawals, long bouts of staring out the window pining for adventure, or the need to check your watch for green, glowing time crystals.