A World Where Magic Fades, but Blood Burns Bright
Andrew Stevens makes his grand entry into the fantasy genre with his captivating debut novel, When Blood Burns, the first book in the anticipated series, Cycle of Awakening. Readers step into Velasia—a mystical realm where magic dwindles, ancient races fade into legend, and humans and dragons remain locked in an uneasy peace. Here, Stevens crafts a tale packed with vengeance, courage, and the simmering embers of forgotten magic.
Two Heroes, One Dark Purpose
Twins Kai and Mara, the heart of Stevens’ narrative, share a tragic past. They remember vividly the night their parents fell victim to a rogue dragon’s fury. Driven by revenge, the siblings pledge their lives to the legendary Order of Scales. The warriors of this ancient Order, while human, wield extraordinary abilities drawn from dragon blood. Yet, magic has weakened, and the power they once harnessed now barely trickles through their veins. Stevens uses the twins’ struggles masterfully, exploring whether their mission—and their very identities—still hold meaning.
But everything changes when strange whispers drift from the mountains.
Whispers in the Mountains
Rumors are powerful, and in Velasia, they signal shifts in the delicate balance of peace. Hunters claim to have encountered a mysterious woman with scarlet eyes, a being of impossible strength whose presence plants unsettling, sinister thoughts into human minds. Stevens introduces this new threat artfully, raising suspense with each chilling description. Who is she? Why now?
Kai and Mara soon find themselves at the center of this unfolding storm. Stevens’ intricate storytelling reveals deeper conflicts—ones hidden beneath centuries-old secrets. It becomes clear that this woman’s appearance isn’t random; she embodies a deeper vengeance, setting in motion a new chapter in a conflict rooted far beyond anyone’s understanding.
Magic, Dragons, and Humanity’s Ambition
In the rich lore Stevens creates, magic belongs solely to dragons—a powerful, innate gift humans have long envied. Unable to wield magic directly, humans have turned to ingenuity and technology. They’ve crafted artifacts, tapping into magic indirectly, pushing boundaries dangerously close to obsession. Stevens cleverly hints at deeper questions: has humanity’s relentless quest for power finally crossed a line?
In Velasia, the elder dragons have seemingly vanished, leaving only their weaker kin to occasionally trouble human settlements. This lull has made humans complacent. The once-feared Order of Scales now fights for relevance as much as survival, guarding borders many believe no longer require protection. Stevens captures the tension beautifully—peace feels fleeting, fragile, and doomed from the start.
An Epic Fantasy Saga Begins
When Blood Burns is more than just another fantasy novel; it’s the start of an expansive journey. Stevens doesn’t stop at one book. Smaller companion novels are planned between major installments, adding depth and context to Velasia’s vibrant world. In fact, Stevens has already published a novella, Dawn of the Queen, available on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and free for newsletter subscribers. Fans can anticipate intriguing lore, deep history, and the exploration of lingering questions that main installments can’t fully cover.
Andrew Stevens has arrived with compelling storytelling and characters readers can rally behind—heroes struggling with duty, identity, and the powerful pull of vengeance. With the Cycle of Awakening series off to a brilliant start, Stevens invites fantasy lovers everywhere to join Kai and Mara’s quest—one that promises danger, intrigue, and adventure at every turn.
Velasia awaits. Magic fades. Blood burns.
Get your story featured on Betterauds.com! You can submit your article here