Blood-Striped Soldier

by L. Blaise Hues

Romulus Kral serves the very people that would slaughter him if they knew the truth— he’s a lurper, a descendant of the Test Criminals. He sees what others miss, hears what others can’t, and is living proof of a crime the Enclave has sworn to erase.

For years, he has proven his loyalty, convinced he could change the system from within. But when duty brings him to Vazenia, the prison built for female lurpers, Roman seizes a chance to use his position to help those trapped inside.

Reckless and desperate, he begins plotting a riot with the prisoners he was meant to chain and control. But in a world where mercy is punished and rebellion is fatal, will he break their chains… or end up in them himself?

If you like Scythe, An Ember in the Ashes, or The Giver, this saga will rip your heart out and leave scars you won't want to heal.

340 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2025

Reviews

[Dan Kenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless. Absolutely speechless. This was by far the best book I’ve read in a long time. Roman was already my favorite character from Fate’s Inmate but knowing more about his history deepened that. Don’t sleep on this book.

[Tereza Kendrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

L. Blaise Hues did an amazing job again. This book revisits one of my favorite characters, Romulus Kral, and offers a compelling journey through his life. It hints at some events from later books but also has new points and storylines. I enjoyed all the easter eggs and was pleasantly surprised how detailed Roma’s inner world was portrayed.
I would really recommend this to anyone who loves a good book!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything in just a nice little bow. Loved this books so much and so excited for more

[L. Hues · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may not be my piece-de-resistance, but it is something I'm skudging proud of, and I find I'm rather delighted I had a chance to spend so much time with Roman while writing this book. :)

[Maria Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romulus Kral serves the very people who would slaughter him if they knew the truth, he’s a lurper, a descendant of the Test Criminals. He sees what others miss, hears what others can’t, and is living proof of a crime the Enclave has sworn to erase.

For years, he’s proven his loyalty, convinced he could change the system from within. But when duty brings him to Vazenia, the prison built for female lurpers Roman seizes a chance to use his position to help those trapped inside.

Reckless and desperate, he begins plotting a riot with the prisoners he was meant to chain and control. But in a world where mercy is punished and rebellion is fatal, will he break their chains… or end up in them himself?

If you like Scythe, An Ember in the Ashes, or The Giver, this saga will rip your heart out and leave scars you won’t want to heal.