You can defy a crown. You can outrun a war. But no one escapes their bloodline. Alira Verbrandt never wanted a crown-only the quiet pursuit of knowledge. But when the ruthless Illyrian Empire marches on her homeland, the princess of Namelle is forced into a war that began long before her time. On the eve of invasion, Alira discovers a dangerous truth: she is a Fate, the heir of a divine bloodline tied to ancient power and prophecy. Hunted for what she is and burdened with what she must become, Alira must unite others like her to awaken a rebel god-their last hope against annihilation. But even the gods have something to fear. An ancient prophecy stirs, warning of their creator's return-and with him, a final judgment that could erase both mortals and immortals alike. For fans of spellbinding magic, epic battles, and heroines who rise as their world falls, The Waking of Storm and Flame is a captivating beginning to The Fates of Aten, a pentalogy of rebellion, ruin, and rebirth.

N.A. (Nick) Betts is a Canadian author of epic fantasy with a love for timeless storytelling. A Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, he crafts sweeping tales of good versus evil, drawing inspiration from Tolkien and other classic works of the genre. His stories are filled with tropes such as coming of age, self-discovery, and found family, while exploring themes of physical perseverance and mental resilience.

When he's not busy creating new worlds, Nick can be found enjoying professional wrestling, diving into stories of the unexplained, or relaxing with some good jazz. He lives just outside Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife and two cats, Bandit, Carter, and Addley.