Sands of Maeoris Series by Atley Wykes

Generations ago, an army of dark elves swept across the land, stealing the power of the other magical races until they were only remnants of their former selves. For centuries they've ruled, subjugating the conquered peoples without mercy, crushing any hint of a rebellion in the desert city and beyond. Until now. Kael is a survivor who knows better than to trust anyone, instead keeping her head down as she tries to survive the sand-covered streets of Adraedor... moreGenerations ago, an army of dark elves swept across the land, stealing the power of the other magical races until they were only remnants of their former selves. For centuries they've ruled, subjugating the conquered peoples without mercy, crushing any hint of a rebellion in the desert city and beyond. Until now. Kael is a survivor who knows better than to trust anyone, instead keeping her head down as she tries to survive the sand-covered streets of Adraedor. But when Theron, the disgraced Lord Marshal with a secret agenda, arrives in the city, Kael's world is turned upside down. The man who stole everything from her. As the rebel forces grow stronger and the empire's grip tightens, Kael and Theron find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. With Kael's thirst for revenge driving her every move, and Theron's own hidden motives threatening to derail her plans, the stakes couldn't be higher. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of the city, Kael and Theron must confront their own demons and make difficult choices that could mean the difference between life and death. But as they draw closer to their ultimate goals, they realize that nothing is as it seems, and betrayal lurks around every corner. In this heart-pounding thriller, Kael and Theron will risk everything to claim their own destinies, but the price of freedom may be higher than they ever imagined. To Etch a Promise in Bone is the prequel novella for the Sands of Maeoris series. This novella details some history between our main characters and introduces you to the world. To Bind a Dark Heart is the first book in the series and will be available on March 21st, 2023. less

Her strikes in the dark become rough caresses in the night…. Kael has one mission. To kill the man who rules the desert city with an armored fist; the Beast who ravages her people and works them to death in his sweltering mines, intent only on retrieving more metal to fuel their wretched empire. It was supposed to be easy: allow herself to be captured and offered up as the reward to the winner of the gladiator match, then kill him once she was placed in his harem... moreHer strikes in the dark become rough caresses in the night…. Kael has one mission. To kill the man who rules the desert city with an armored fist; the Beast who ravages her people and works them to death in his sweltering mines, intent only on retrieving more metal to fuel their wretched empire. It was supposed to be easy: allow herself to be captured and offered up as the reward to the winner of the gladiator match, then kill him once she was placed in his harem. No one ever dared best the Beast, instead forfeiting to avoid having their heads join the sand-crusted skulls that adorned the city walls. Until today. Theron doesn’t know why he did it. He’d never had a problem letting his brother win before, uninterested in the cowering females that were offered up as concubines. That was until he saw the gorgeous woman glaring at him across the colosseum sands, the hate on her lovely face blazing as hot as the desert sun. She didn’t shrink and cry like the other trophies, instead, her eyes followed his movements as if she wished she could skewer him herself. He defeated his brother easily, intent only on claiming her for himself and damning the political consequences. If only he’d known what he’d set in motion. Kael’s careful plan is torn to shreds when the handsome Lord Marshal, Theron, claims her as his. Her hands ache with the need to put her blade to his throat, to slay him for what he did to her family years ago when his army marched on her home. The wicked Marshal and his fearsome Harvestmen may have been relegated from the front lines to slave chasers in the desert, but she would never forget the promise she etched into the handle of her daggers. Kill Theron Axidor. It doesn’t matter that killing him would ruin her allies’ plans to retake the city. Or that the longer he keeps her, the more she sees underneath his deadly exterior to the man within. The lust she feels for him has to be the enchantments placed on all royal concubines. There’s no way she could fall for the man she vowed to destroy. Is there? Content Note: To Bind a Dark Heart is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence, and sexual situations. This book also ends on a cliffhanger, read with caution! To Bind a Dark Heart is the first book in the Sands of Maeoris Trilogy and is a full-length fantasy romance featuring one couple in an enemies-to-lovers romance. less

“You may have stolen my heart, but I’ll take your head. ” In the scorching heart of the desert, Theron was taken captive by the woman he’d professed to love. He’d been a fool; unable to see her deception until it was too late, blinded by her beauty and ferocity. Now he’s trapped in an enemy encampment—chained, battered, and tormented—as his captors try to force him to reveal Adraedor’s weaknesses. But one thought gives him strength. What he’ll do to Kael when he breaks out. . more“You may have stolen my heart, but I’ll take your head. ” In the scorching heart of the desert, Theron was taken captive by the woman he’d professed to love. He’d been a fool; unable to see her deception until it was too late, blinded by her beauty and ferocity. Now he’s trapped in an enemy encampment—chained, battered, and tormented—as his captors try to force him to reveal Adraedor’s weaknesses. But one thought gives him strength. What he’ll do to Kael when he breaks out. .. Kael is left reeling after her ordeal, torn between loyalty to her people and the overwhelming draw to her sworn enemy. Confused by her conflicted feelings and the intensity of their connection, she can’t stay away. Especially when he holds the key to her newly discovered magic, and all it entails. Until he escapes. Caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, they ignite a smoldering desire that cannot be denied. The lines blur between captor and captive as their bodies yearn for each other’s touch, even as their minds remain entangled in a battle of wills. Will Theron and Kael succumb to the flames of their desires, or will the consequences of their forbidden love consume them? less

"In the shadow of the throne, desire knows no bounds. " After Kael forces an alliance between the rebellion and Theron’s soldiers, their unlikely army prepares to leave the desert city and march on Athain. Kael and Theron, once enemies, now spend their days preparing for the invasion and their nights entwined, exploring their growing connection. But with each step they take side by side, the world seems determined to drive a wedge between them... more"In the shadow of the throne, desire knows no bounds. " After Kael forces an alliance between the rebellion and Theron’s soldiers, their unlikely army prepares to leave the desert city and march on Athain. Kael and Theron, once enemies, now spend their days preparing for the invasion and their nights entwined, exploring their growing connection. But with each step they take side by side, the world seems determined to drive a wedge between them. Whispers of their unexpected romance spark discontent among their allies, testing their bond even further. As they traverse the vast, treacherous deserts, ancient and formidable creatures rise from legends, threatening to derail their mission. And in the heart of the empire, another elven warrior emerges, wielding an army with an ambition as fierce as Kael's own—staking her claim on the throne and throwing their rebellion into chaos. The stakes are higher than ever. Can Kael and Theron unite their fractured army, conquer the challenges ahead, and secure a future where they can be together? Or will the weight of the empire shatter their love forever? Content To Forge a Hollow Crown is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence, and sexual situations. To Forge a Hollow Crown is the final installment in the Sands of Maeoris series. less