The Not Chosen: Epic Fantasy

by A.C. Salter

From bestselling author of The Bane of the North series…


Dare or be damned.

The Small Gods are no longer content to watch from the heavens - they want the world.

The God of Wolves hunts for freedom, The God of Shadows rises from the dark, and four ruthless mortals will stop at nothing to claim godhood for themselves. Together, they will plunge the world into chaos.

But prophecy has failed. The chosen heroes are nowhere to be found, and only the Not Chosen remain - the overlooked, the broken, the ones no one expected to matter.

Thrust together, they must face impossible odds, deadly betrayals, and powers beyond imagining. What begins as survival becomes a fight for each other, and for a world on the edge of ruin.

If they can't stop the god, no one will.

The fight continues after the Bane of the North series - The War of the Small Gods rages on…

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2025

Reviews

[Mel (CrazyforBooksandCoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to a new series 😁 This book was brilliant I could not put it down ! Highly recommend reading Bane of the North series first which is also a fantastic series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Tash Ormiston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh where do I start! This books follows on some years later from the bane of the north series. It is written in a way that you can enjoy and understand if you are new to A.C. Salters work and haven’t yet read The Bane of the North series but be mindful that there are crossovers so if you want the full experience I recommend you read that series first. The characters in this book trumps ‘TBOTN’ characters for me personally. We have so many different personalities here and I love the contrasts. This is fast paced, action packed, we have twists and turns (one I really did not see coming!) and already have amazing character development.
The world building is nice and smooth just like his other stories. He paints the picture as you go so that you are not bombarded at the start with paragraphs of information that can be hard to take in.
I cannot wait for book 2 already and I’m so excited to see more of the community read this - I can’t say why I’m excited without making this a spoiler but trust me, you need to read it!

[Ishani Guha-Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟
The Not Chosen is an action-packed epic fantasy that flips the “chosen one” trope on its head. Instead of prophesied heroes, it follows the overlooked and imperfect as they’re forced into a divine struggle far bigger than themselves. The world-building feels vast and mythic, with gods meddling, mortals scheming, and plenty of twists along the way. Full of twists and turns that will keep you constantly guessing.
AC Salter’s pacing keeps things tense, and the underdog cast gives the story heart. While some elements tread familiar fantasy ground, the premise and energy make it stand out. A strong start to what looks like an ambitious series, with a colourful array of characters from all walks of life!

[Chloe Cherrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was truly an honor to be asked by Adrian and Jane to be ARC reader for this book alongside Becky and Tash! 😍

It was was fantastic start to finish! Being back in this world felt resisting old friends and I've just love that feeling whilst reading.
The new characters in this book are brillaint! Special shout out to Ashun and Igig!
Special mentions in the book truly made my heart smile.

I will say it again I dont know what you put in your books Adrian but they are truly addictive.

[Katie Tolentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is a series but I feel like book one should have ended with me understanding a little bit more about how and why big events are taking place. It’s an interesting story about a band of misfits and I’m interested enough to read book two but if it doesn’t clear more things up I probably won’t continue.

[Amy Maunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a incredible book. I really like the story and the characters. Brilliant fantasy pace in the book. Can't wait for book two on Halloween. I am so excited! I highly recommend everyone reads this book today. Fantasy fans gets this incredible book now. 9.7 out of 10 experience. Enjoy!.

[rebecca Challenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything this man touches turns to gold !!!

if you love a fast thrilling fantasy book with characters you cant help but fall in love with then this book is for you.
The not chosen is set in the same world as the bane of the north series (if you haven't already please check it out). However you meet new characters and go on a journey that is one hell of a ride and we are only just getting started.

The way A C has written these characters is chefs kiss. We are also back with one or two from the bane of the north series and the Nods to that series is absolutely beautiful.

Love love love this book 6 stars from me cant wait for book 2

[kevin appleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

good new series

Really enjoyed this, a little slow to start but good character development and twists looking forward to book 2 soon

[Mrs Dawn W O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Not Chosen - A brilliant read.

I can't wait to start the next book. Great characters and action packed. It's a book you can't put down.

[Susan]

Interesting

A great magic system is definitely different from anything I've previously come across. Deceit among the wannabe gods caused a thousand years of lies and deception.