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The Flayed Sun Trilogy #1
The Bone Spear
All ex-hero Ettarian Valost wants is to die. When a seraph saves his life, curses him with the gift of undying, and offers him a second chance at saving mankind, Ettarian reluctantly agrees to right the wrongs of his past. He sets out across the ruins of the world he’d tried so hard to protect over twenty years ago, guided by the gods and intent on uniting the remnants of civilization. It soon becomes clear, however, that the gods may not be exactly what they claim to be, and that Ettarian may very well just be another pawn in a game played between divinities.
Kalia is too young to have known the world before it was invaded by the Flayed Gods. Determined to escape her abusive father, she flees alone across the desolation, seeking shelter in the ruins of an old city. Here she comes across a solitary monster, a priest of the gods who have enslaved her own race, who assures her that she is destined to guide humanity into a golden age. Guided by her monstrous mentor and by visions granted to her by her new gods, Kalia understands that the only thing that stands in the way of her ascension is an old man and his own plans. She intends on striking him down and then fulfilling her destiny.
But Ettarian is no ordinary old man. He is the White Dove, and he will have redemption, no matter the cost...
Kalia is too young to have known the world before it was invaded by the Flayed Gods. Determined to escape her abusive father, she flees alone across the desolation, seeking shelter in the ruins of an old city. Here she comes across a solitary monster, a priest of the gods who have enslaved her own race, who assures her that she is destined to guide humanity into a golden age. Guided by her monstrous mentor and by visions granted to her by her new gods, Kalia understands that the only thing that stands in the way of her ascension is an old man and his own plans. She intends on striking him down and then fulfilling her destiny.
But Ettarian is no ordinary old man. He is the White Dove, and he will have redemption, no matter the cost...
- GenresFantasy
381 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2023
19 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 31, 2025
When the rifts opened the gods abandoned them. Terror filled the seas, skies & land. Men marched to their deaths.
Now the gods return to this desolate world. Is their salvation to be trusted?
How Alexander Layne has been unknown to me for so long is as mysterious as this realms dark gods. This guy is an absolute master in dark fantasy.
I was absolutely mesmerized by this bleak dystopian realm.
In a nutshell, humankind lives in fear of the horrific monstrosities that inhabit their lands. If the creatures of horror don’t get you, the famine and disease surely will.
Enter an angelic being who has selected her reluctant battle prophet. Laying out her mission for him, immortality and a bone spear of godly power.
Assembling followers of military might a holy mission of sorts begins. Not all are convinced this “god” is to be believed.
Elsewhere, another dark entity is moulding an individual of his own. This one seems vile from the start. His apprentice (for lack of a better term) seems leery and repulsed.
These two humans seem to be on a collision course.
As marked enemies.
Layne’s writing is incredibly captivating with his descriptive almost lyrical writing. For me, this is exactly the blend I love in dark fantasy. It’s uncomfortable and its horror elements are chilling.
This would ride a similar vein for fans of Mike Shel, Anna Smith Spark or Scott R. Bakker. Unsettling dark fantasy.
Can’t wait to get into book 2.
Now the gods return to this desolate world. Is their salvation to be trusted?
How Alexander Layne has been unknown to me for so long is as mysterious as this realms dark gods. This guy is an absolute master in dark fantasy.
I was absolutely mesmerized by this bleak dystopian realm.
In a nutshell, humankind lives in fear of the horrific monstrosities that inhabit their lands. If the creatures of horror don’t get you, the famine and disease surely will.
Enter an angelic being who has selected her reluctant battle prophet. Laying out her mission for him, immortality and a bone spear of godly power.
Assembling followers of military might a holy mission of sorts begins. Not all are convinced this “god” is to be believed.
Elsewhere, another dark entity is moulding an individual of his own. This one seems vile from the start. His apprentice (for lack of a better term) seems leery and repulsed.
These two humans seem to be on a collision course.
As marked enemies.
Layne’s writing is incredibly captivating with his descriptive almost lyrical writing. For me, this is exactly the blend I love in dark fantasy. It’s uncomfortable and its horror elements are chilling.
This would ride a similar vein for fans of Mike Shel, Anna Smith Spark or Scott R. Bakker. Unsettling dark fantasy.
Can’t wait to get into book 2.
June 20, 2023
This is a trippy, dark, and yet beautiful book. Layne managed to make a horrifying and twisted world oddly beautiful. This story shows two different sides of people yet there's something twisted in the middle that's yet to be revealed. I really liked the characters and the slow revelation that not everything is as it seems. There were some parts where I wanted a bit more in between the time jumps. It's been awhile since I've read a book in the present tense third person but it worked really well. This book definitely gives off Elden Ring and Dark Souls vibes.
June 18, 2023
“Nice to look at, no doubt. Beautiful.” Davinius shrugs. “Except there’s something about her beauty that doesn’t feel real. Like someone’s skinned the most beautiful woman in the world and then draped her skin across the body of something real awful.”
Ah, this is a great book. Its very efficiently written; what I mean by that is we are dumped in the world with very little context or explanation, but everything is naturally explained in a quick but somehow precise pace. There is no filler or throwaway sections, every moment of dialogue or self-reflection moves the plot forward. I never felt lost or bored and I really appreciate how the swerves had a fair amount of foreshadowing.
The pace is very fast. I usually don't enjoy present tense (my lizard-brain is incapable of writing it lol) but I ended up thinking it was a great choice and the tense felt invisible after a while. I think most people who enjoy dystopian fantasy will finish it in about 2-3 sittings. Its difficult to take breaks when everything moves so quickly. Even the time jumps are somehow natural and don't slow the story down at all.
This is more of a character than plot driven story, which is fascinating when you consider how the small the cast of characters is for an epic fantasy. Each character has goals, but its watching how the brutal world affects them that makes it so interesting. We have three POV's: two veteran soldiers and a young girl who runs away from home. Obviously, one of these things is not like the other. I wasn't sure of Kalia at first, but I feel she ends up the most interesting character and has a VERY unique character arc. Its impossible to discuss without spoilers but for better or for worse, each character's fate is justified at the end.
All in all this is an awesome book. The context is dark, but it never goes to an uncomfortable level that makes me cautious to recommend.
"The gods are not generous. They give, but they also take, and what they do take is never returned."
Ah, this is a great book. Its very efficiently written; what I mean by that is we are dumped in the world with very little context or explanation, but everything is naturally explained in a quick but somehow precise pace. There is no filler or throwaway sections, every moment of dialogue or self-reflection moves the plot forward. I never felt lost or bored and I really appreciate how the swerves had a fair amount of foreshadowing.
The pace is very fast. I usually don't enjoy present tense (my lizard-brain is incapable of writing it lol) but I ended up thinking it was a great choice and the tense felt invisible after a while. I think most people who enjoy dystopian fantasy will finish it in about 2-3 sittings. Its difficult to take breaks when everything moves so quickly. Even the time jumps are somehow natural and don't slow the story down at all.
This is more of a character than plot driven story, which is fascinating when you consider how the small the cast of characters is for an epic fantasy. Each character has goals, but its watching how the brutal world affects them that makes it so interesting. We have three POV's: two veteran soldiers and a young girl who runs away from home. Obviously, one of these things is not like the other. I wasn't sure of Kalia at first, but I feel she ends up the most interesting character and has a VERY unique character arc. Its impossible to discuss without spoilers but for better or for worse, each character's fate is justified at the end.
All in all this is an awesome book. The context is dark, but it never goes to an uncomfortable level that makes me cautious to recommend.
"The gods are not generous. They give, but they also take, and what they do take is never returned."
November 14, 2023
A fever dream written for our benefit. Action, rich sensory details, deep sorrow and despair over fallen humanity, a long look at the emotional cost of war. Not light reading by any measure, but a piece of gorgeous writing.
Lines I found memorable:
-"There are garden beds where lonely plants struggle to survive, weakly and furtively pushing their way out of the poisoned soil."
-"She straightens up and walks forward, across cobblestones so worn down that each step is treacherous. Ahead, casting all the other broken houses in its shadow, is a tall building. Malformed statues stand around it in agonized poses, covered in black vines and moss."
-"...he has to give them credit, fighting like devils. He sees one go down with his arm hacked clean off, still punching with the other."
-"The sea is the color of massacres. As though a hundred armies have marched into its depths and slaughtered each other."
-"'We don't believe in names. Names are simply attempts at making ourselves feel as though we, as individuals, actually matter...But we stand in the shadows of greater things.'"
This is a trove for those who appreciate finely crafted prose, engrossing worlds, and fully fleshed out characters.
Lines I found memorable:
-"There are garden beds where lonely plants struggle to survive, weakly and furtively pushing their way out of the poisoned soil."
-"She straightens up and walks forward, across cobblestones so worn down that each step is treacherous. Ahead, casting all the other broken houses in its shadow, is a tall building. Malformed statues stand around it in agonized poses, covered in black vines and moss."
-"...he has to give them credit, fighting like devils. He sees one go down with his arm hacked clean off, still punching with the other."
-"The sea is the color of massacres. As though a hundred armies have marched into its depths and slaughtered each other."
-"'We don't believe in names. Names are simply attempts at making ourselves feel as though we, as individuals, actually matter...But we stand in the shadows of greater things.'"
This is a trove for those who appreciate finely crafted prose, engrossing worlds, and fully fleshed out characters.
June 25, 2023
I stumbled across Alexander Layne's writing from a random reddit post, and good lord, the guy can write.
The Bone Spear is written in present tense, which i particularly enjoyed since it gave the book kind of a lyrical, poetic narrative, despite how much horrendous shit goes on it. Any fans of horror fantasy should read this
The Bone Spear is written in present tense, which i particularly enjoyed since it gave the book kind of a lyrical, poetic narrative, despite how much horrendous shit goes on it. Any fans of horror fantasy should read this
September 10, 2023
The Bone Spear is a well-written dark fantasy with an epic feel and a tight, small cast that makes it perfect for anyone who loves big stakes, but gets frustrated by intimidating cast lists.
It's ambitious in its themes, which tend to be heavy (think: the ravages of war + PTSD + grief + grief transforming you into a shell of your former self who may be prone to joining cults + abuse and how it sets you up to be abused in future). All that said, despite the serious themes and motifs underlying the narrative (and which hound our three POV characters) there is a sense of wonder and adventure to the Gothic world Layne has carved out here. The book is littered with both gorgeous and grostesque descriptions of the post-apocalyptically ravaged landscape he's invented, as well as the monsters that populate it. World and creature design are a real highlight throughout, with monsters that are genuinely disturbing in the best of ways (I found the Head Wasps of particular note!).
The Bone Spear follows three POV characters: 1) Ettarian - a famous hero driven to despair following his failure to save his world, 2) Kalia - a young woman growing up in a small village in the wasteland and who flees into the monster-infested wilderness to escape her abusive father, and 3) Davinius - . All three POVs were intriguing, but from the get-go I was invested in Kalia. Her relationship with her father and the depiction of an abusive dynamic rang true to me, as did the way Kalia . Davinius was a close second favourite, however, and I enjoyed Ettarian (who, at least initially, felt like the primary protagonist). The novel follows each of them as they navigate a landscape that's been destroyed by the catclysmic intrusion of its gods (or, at least, godlike beings), as each attempts in their own way to better the state of the world for their fellow people (human, monster, or otherwise).
One aspect of the narrative that became more prominent as the book went on was its emphasis on action/combat, and a slight military focus that may broaden the potential audience of the book. Combat-heavy stories tend not to be my personal favourite, but it was well done here and Layne is a skilled writer. I was particularly fond of Kalia's scenes (including her more action-y ones), since they gave Layne the opportunity to flex his creative and horror muscles.
I've seen this book being compared to Elden Ring. When I started reading I hadn't played that game, but I recently started and can now see why the comparison was drawn. In terms of the starting premise of the world state there are certainly similarities, and there is a similar tone and atmosphere to both. However, I found the storytelling to be much richer and character-focused in The Bone Spear than I've found in Elden Ring (at least so far! It feels rich in lore but light on story atm--Bone Spear has none of this problem!). What struck me instead, when I started reading, was how captivated I was by Kalia's introductory chapter and the promise of the book. It reminded me of the excited jitters I got playing JRPGs when I was younger (but honestly moreso resemble something more modern like Xenoblade).
I don't want to emphasize too much the video game comparisons, however, as The Bone Spear very much stands on its own, with strong writing and a fascinating world that I can't wait to learn more about. The story does end of a cliffhanger, but that only has me more excited for Book 2!
It's ambitious in its themes, which tend to be heavy (think: the ravages of war + PTSD + grief + grief transforming you into a shell of your former self who may be prone to joining cults + abuse and how it sets you up to be abused in future). All that said, despite the serious themes and motifs underlying the narrative (and which hound our three POV characters) there is a sense of wonder and adventure to the Gothic world Layne has carved out here. The book is littered with both gorgeous and grostesque descriptions of the post-apocalyptically ravaged landscape he's invented, as well as the monsters that populate it. World and creature design are a real highlight throughout, with monsters that are genuinely disturbing in the best of ways (I found the Head Wasps of particular note!).
The Bone Spear follows three POV characters: 1) Ettarian - a famous hero driven to despair following his failure to save his world, 2) Kalia - a young woman growing up in a small village in the wasteland and who flees into the monster-infested wilderness to escape her abusive father, and 3) Davinius - . All three POVs were intriguing, but from the get-go I was invested in Kalia. Her relationship with her father and the depiction of an abusive dynamic rang true to me, as did the way Kalia . Davinius was a close second favourite, however, and I enjoyed Ettarian (who, at least initially, felt like the primary protagonist). The novel follows each of them as they navigate a landscape that's been destroyed by the catclysmic intrusion of its gods (or, at least, godlike beings), as each attempts in their own way to better the state of the world for their fellow people (human, monster, or otherwise).
One aspect of the narrative that became more prominent as the book went on was its emphasis on action/combat, and a slight military focus that may broaden the potential audience of the book. Combat-heavy stories tend not to be my personal favourite, but it was well done here and Layne is a skilled writer. I was particularly fond of Kalia's scenes (including her more action-y ones), since they gave Layne the opportunity to flex his creative and horror muscles.
I've seen this book being compared to Elden Ring. When I started reading I hadn't played that game, but I recently started and can now see why the comparison was drawn. In terms of the starting premise of the world state there are certainly similarities, and there is a similar tone and atmosphere to both. However, I found the storytelling to be much richer and character-focused in The Bone Spear than I've found in Elden Ring (at least so far! It feels rich in lore but light on story atm--Bone Spear has none of this problem!). What struck me instead, when I started reading, was how captivated I was by Kalia's introductory chapter and the promise of the book. It reminded me of the excited jitters I got playing JRPGs when I was younger (but honestly moreso resemble something more modern like Xenoblade).
I don't want to emphasize too much the video game comparisons, however, as The Bone Spear very much stands on its own, with strong writing and a fascinating world that I can't wait to learn more about. The story does end of a cliffhanger, but that only has me more excited for Book 2!
February 29, 2024
One of the most affecting fantasy horror books I can think of!
Read my full review published on epicindie.net
Read my full review published on epicindie.net
August 11, 2023
This is a dystopian type setting where humanity has been barely surviving after the Flayed Gods came through gates and set to war against other Gods and humans. 25 years after the beginning of the war the story revolves around 2 main characters; Ettarian is a veteran and ex hero of the war whilst Kalia is a teenage girl born after the war. They both encounter different (& opposing) Gods, both granted immortality and both are tasked with reuniting humanity into a new age and they have no intention of letting the other stand in their way. Of course not is all as it seems, are the Gods really who they say they are? Are their intentions really all that altruistic or are they just self serving and using Ettarian and Kalia as pawns in a larger game?
Though this is book 1 of a trilogy it doesn't leave with major cliffhangers - it covers the first few years of both Ettarian and Kalia learning to deal with the tasks their Gods have set and how to survive a world that has changed; the book however leads both of them to the city of Mahara where a large group of living beings are - book 2 promises to be a tumultuous war to get the residents on one side of the other. Looking forward to reading this next book in the series.
This book is definitely for fans of darker fantasy and a 4 ✨ read for me
Though this is book 1 of a trilogy it doesn't leave with major cliffhangers - it covers the first few years of both Ettarian and Kalia learning to deal with the tasks their Gods have set and how to survive a world that has changed; the book however leads both of them to the city of Mahara where a large group of living beings are - book 2 promises to be a tumultuous war to get the residents on one side of the other. Looking forward to reading this next book in the series.
This book is definitely for fans of darker fantasy and a 4 ✨ read for me
Want to read
March 11, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
A knight makes his last stand against ghastly devils in the wonderfully dark world of this immediate, fantasy horror. Finally, he can die and rest. It’s over … or is it
This opening comes out swinging with sharp, poetically precise present-tense 3rd person prose that immediately grounds the reader in the world, action, and character.
I found myself immersed instantly in the resigned, even grateful death struggle of the MC this world that seems like it has literally gone to hell. The voice of the MC perfectly inhabits the narration.
Layne does a great job of anchoring the reader in character and action, giving us just enough setting details to wow us but not overwhelm us with information.
The action hits hard and fast and progresses a story that only gets more interesting as I read. I don’t want to give anything away. I just want you to read this and see how very effective it is.
It makes me think a little bit of the Witcher novels? Castlevania? Bloodborne? Hell, is it effective. Maybe the best use of present tense I’ve read so far. I’m in!
A knight makes his last stand against ghastly devils in the wonderfully dark world of this immediate, fantasy horror. Finally, he can die and rest. It’s over … or is it
This opening comes out swinging with sharp, poetically precise present-tense 3rd person prose that immediately grounds the reader in the world, action, and character.
I found myself immersed instantly in the resigned, even grateful death struggle of the MC this world that seems like it has literally gone to hell. The voice of the MC perfectly inhabits the narration.
Layne does a great job of anchoring the reader in character and action, giving us just enough setting details to wow us but not overwhelm us with information.
The action hits hard and fast and progresses a story that only gets more interesting as I read. I don’t want to give anything away. I just want you to read this and see how very effective it is.
It makes me think a little bit of the Witcher novels? Castlevania? Bloodborne? Hell, is it effective. Maybe the best use of present tense I’ve read so far. I’m in!
April 18, 2024
An old man cursed with immortality. A young woman trained by a monster to fight him and fulfill a mysterious destiny. Both striving to find who they really are in their desolate worlds; both having suffered grievous wrongs in the past. In the fight for survival, sometimes the lines between good and evil are blurred. In “The Bone Spear” by Alexander Layne, this tale is told in alternating perspectives by two strikingly different narrators. Ettarian Valost is a once-hero-turned-exile who wants to die. Kalia is a teenager who knows nothing but the flayed world she lives in with her abusive father. The Flayed Gods invaded Earth long before she was born.
Book one in The Flayed Sun Trilogy, “The Bone Spear” reminded me of the world Terry Brooks built in his Genesis of Shannara trilogy, where the contemporary world we know is portrayed as being invaded by an evil demon lord and his legion of terrifying creatures. People are enslaved. People are killed by man, sickness, and the supernatural. Everyone is on edge, waiting for the next shoe to drop while desperately trying to find a shred of hope amidst the carnage.
At the same time, the characters seemed to almost be portraying a biblical allegory. The message of a man trying to save a world that has fallen to depraved evil – being Ettarian and his members of the Steel Halo – seemed to me a mirror of Jesus and the twelve disciples. I could also see Ettarian as a reflection of Moses leading the Israelites to the “Promised Land.” Ettarian, who has communicated with divine beings, assembles a force out of the common peoples to escape from enslavement to the Flayed Gods and back to a life that is holy and free. Kalia, desperate to flee from an abusive home, finds refuge with a questionable mentor who tempts her to go beyond the bounds of her human nature and become something else entirely. Intentional or not, I found the parallels fascinating.
The only thing that really kept me from thinking of “The Bone Spear” as a five-star read was the pacing of this novel. It was occasionally difficult to discern how time was passing. In some cases, a chapter or two might take place within 24 to 28 hours, in others, weeks or months passed between the last time we saw Ettarian or Kalia and the start of their next narration. This made the reading feel slightly disorienting at times.
Overall, Alexander Layne’s “The Bone Spear” was a riveting, thought-provoking novel that fans of dystopian fantasy will enjoy. I am excited to see what comes next in The Flayed Sun Trilogy from this author.
Book one in The Flayed Sun Trilogy, “The Bone Spear” reminded me of the world Terry Brooks built in his Genesis of Shannara trilogy, where the contemporary world we know is portrayed as being invaded by an evil demon lord and his legion of terrifying creatures. People are enslaved. People are killed by man, sickness, and the supernatural. Everyone is on edge, waiting for the next shoe to drop while desperately trying to find a shred of hope amidst the carnage.
At the same time, the characters seemed to almost be portraying a biblical allegory. The message of a man trying to save a world that has fallen to depraved evil – being Ettarian and his members of the Steel Halo – seemed to me a mirror of Jesus and the twelve disciples. I could also see Ettarian as a reflection of Moses leading the Israelites to the “Promised Land.” Ettarian, who has communicated with divine beings, assembles a force out of the common peoples to escape from enslavement to the Flayed Gods and back to a life that is holy and free. Kalia, desperate to flee from an abusive home, finds refuge with a questionable mentor who tempts her to go beyond the bounds of her human nature and become something else entirely. Intentional or not, I found the parallels fascinating.
The only thing that really kept me from thinking of “The Bone Spear” as a five-star read was the pacing of this novel. It was occasionally difficult to discern how time was passing. In some cases, a chapter or two might take place within 24 to 28 hours, in others, weeks or months passed between the last time we saw Ettarian or Kalia and the start of their next narration. This made the reading feel slightly disorienting at times.
Overall, Alexander Layne’s “The Bone Spear” was a riveting, thought-provoking novel that fans of dystopian fantasy will enjoy. I am excited to see what comes next in The Flayed Sun Trilogy from this author.
August 10, 2025
Pretty rough start to a trilogy
This one had a really interesting idea, but was done badly. A disgraced war hero, given a second chance and an awesome weapon. The only problem is, he messes up at every opportunity. I started disliking him almost immediately. The same goes for the secondary protagonist and antagonist. There's no likeable characters. It's just misery on top of more misery. Considering it's been two years since this book was published, I'm guessing the author gave up on the trilogy. His Marak series is way better
This one had a really interesting idea, but was done badly. A disgraced war hero, given a second chance and an awesome weapon. The only problem is, he messes up at every opportunity. I started disliking him almost immediately. The same goes for the secondary protagonist and antagonist. There's no likeable characters. It's just misery on top of more misery. Considering it's been two years since this book was published, I'm guessing the author gave up on the trilogy. His Marak series is way better
June 7, 2023
A very impressive debut!
This doesn't feel like a self-published book at all. It's tightly written, fast-paced, with amazing characters. Kalia is now one of my favorite characters.
Basically, it's post-apocalyptic horror fantasy, but it's also so much more than that. It's a book about trauma, both personal and generational, and how it warps people and the world.
I'm very excited for book two!
This doesn't feel like a self-published book at all. It's tightly written, fast-paced, with amazing characters. Kalia is now one of my favorite characters.
Basically, it's post-apocalyptic horror fantasy, but it's also so much more than that. It's a book about trauma, both personal and generational, and how it warps people and the world.
I'm very excited for book two!
September 10, 2025
if you like dystopian fantasy, this will be for you
tbh I wasn't really in a mood to read this and it took me 2 months to finish but that notwithstanding I could recognize this to be pretty well written and a well-thought-through world, but I was kind of disconnected from the characters throughout the story
hope this series gets completed but i myself am not chomping at the bit for it
tbh I wasn't really in a mood to read this and it took me 2 months to finish but that notwithstanding I could recognize this to be pretty well written and a well-thought-through world, but I was kind of disconnected from the characters throughout the story
hope this series gets completed but i myself am not chomping at the bit for it
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews