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Hexblade
We have but one spark of hope against the coming press of darkness—the phoenix, harbinger of Verdigris, draws near.
Upon the tangled threads of fate, we all have our part to play.
A time of danger approaches. There is no alternative path. Strained alliances lead to misunderstanding and betrayal—as well as a chance, for those bold enough to seize it.
To the wild magic users of Lis-Maen, this moment sparks a single chance at hope, recalling a departed soul, one destined to save their world. But to others, there are much more enticing alternatives even nearer at hand.
In her unending ambition, the Sorceress sees the opportunity before her quite differently—now is the time to demand back the stolen elemental magic… and to turn it into an impossible-to-ignore force. It’s the perfect time to forge the perfect weapon.
In the heart of the wild forests, the question of action in the face of a coming war strikes much nearer to hand. For Andeus, recalling the lost soul means fulfilling his parents’ wish for their world’s future. It also means sacrificing his partner and raising their future daughter alone.
This multiperspective prequel novella for the Feather & Flame dark fantasy series weaves together intrigue and betrayal, where forces war in the shadows to protect their magical legacies. The true question remains—which side will emerge victorious? When all that remains is ash, what will emerge from the remnants of the flames?
Hexblade is a prequel novella for Feather & Flame, though most readers will find it most enjoyable to read after book one, Phoenix Rising.
Upon the tangled threads of fate, we all have our part to play.
A time of danger approaches. There is no alternative path. Strained alliances lead to misunderstanding and betrayal—as well as a chance, for those bold enough to seize it.
To the wild magic users of Lis-Maen, this moment sparks a single chance at hope, recalling a departed soul, one destined to save their world. But to others, there are much more enticing alternatives even nearer at hand.
In her unending ambition, the Sorceress sees the opportunity before her quite differently—now is the time to demand back the stolen elemental magic… and to turn it into an impossible-to-ignore force. It’s the perfect time to forge the perfect weapon.
In the heart of the wild forests, the question of action in the face of a coming war strikes much nearer to hand. For Andeus, recalling the lost soul means fulfilling his parents’ wish for their world’s future. It also means sacrificing his partner and raising their future daughter alone.
This multiperspective prequel novella for the Feather & Flame dark fantasy series weaves together intrigue and betrayal, where forces war in the shadows to protect their magical legacies. The true question remains—which side will emerge victorious? When all that remains is ash, what will emerge from the remnants of the flames?
Hexblade is a prequel novella for Feather & Flame, though most readers will find it most enjoyable to read after book one, Phoenix Rising.
88 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Beth Ball
18 books71 followersBeth Ball is a weaver of words and worlds spinning stories of druidic magic and the power of nature that span the epic fantasy realms of Azuria and Eldura. If you enjoy lyrical tales of action and adventure, dragons, werewolves, fae, wily foxes, and more, then grab your enchanted amulet, flaming longsword, poisoned dagger, or other mystical accessory of choice, and let’s start our adventure!
When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer creating adventures and campaigns with her husband Jonathan as part of their work at Grove Guardian Press. She’s also working on her first foray into the LitRPG space with an epic story based on their home duet game. As you might imagine, her ttRPG adventures incorporate lots of druids.
You can find more of Beth’s work and the legends of Azuria and Eldura at bethballbooks.com. And if you’re looking for playable, immersive adventures in Azuria, visit groveguardianpress.com.
When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer creating adventures and campaigns with her husband Jonathan as part of their work at Grove Guardian Press. She’s also working on her first foray into the LitRPG space with an epic story based on their home duet game. As you might imagine, her ttRPG adventures incorporate lots of druids.
You can find more of Beth’s work and the legends of Azuria and Eldura at bethballbooks.com. And if you’re looking for playable, immersive adventures in Azuria, visit groveguardianpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 9, 2025
Beth Ball delivers novel-level emotional damage in under 100 pages.
Upon the tangled threads of fate, we all have our part to play.
I loved Phoenix Rising and Hexblade only made me more feral for book 2 in the Feather & Flame dark fantasy series. While Hexblade is a prequel, I will die on my hill that it should be read after Phoenix Rising for maximum emotional damage and understanding. Hexblade answered a few questions I had from Phoenix Rising while also adding even more emotional depth to not only the main story line but how some of the other PoVs interweave. It also puts the DARK in dark fantasy, more so than I imagined from some passing words from characters. I am here for it though. Beth Ball continues to impress me with everything I read from her and I cannot wait for whatever she writes next.
Even she was not so profane as to continue her experiments beyond death. Well, at least not usually.
Upon the tangled threads of fate, we all have our part to play.
I loved Phoenix Rising and Hexblade only made me more feral for book 2 in the Feather & Flame dark fantasy series. While Hexblade is a prequel, I will die on my hill that it should be read after Phoenix Rising for maximum emotional damage and understanding. Hexblade answered a few questions I had from Phoenix Rising while also adding even more emotional depth to not only the main story line but how some of the other PoVs interweave. It also puts the DARK in dark fantasy, more so than I imagined from some passing words from characters. I am here for it though. Beth Ball continues to impress me with everything I read from her and I cannot wait for whatever she writes next.
Even she was not so profane as to continue her experiments beyond death. Well, at least not usually.
December 16, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
This is a short novella and should be read after Phoenix Rising (Book 1 of the Feather & Flame series). It explains what happened before Rowan was born and all of the sacrifices that went in to make sure that she was born. There is a lot of mystery, scheming, and difficult choices as the different characters try to determine what is best for their world. The story is told through multiple POVs, some of which are heartbreaking. Lots of sacrifices have to be made to ensure that Rowan will be born and become the savior of their world.
After reading this novella, several events in Phoenix Rising make now more sense, and it’s clear that this information will be important for the rest of the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this short novella and getting to see more of this world.
This is a short novella and should be read after Phoenix Rising (Book 1 of the Feather & Flame series). It explains what happened before Rowan was born and all of the sacrifices that went in to make sure that she was born. There is a lot of mystery, scheming, and difficult choices as the different characters try to determine what is best for their world. The story is told through multiple POVs, some of which are heartbreaking. Lots of sacrifices have to be made to ensure that Rowan will be born and become the savior of their world.
After reading this novella, several events in Phoenix Rising make now more sense, and it’s clear that this information will be important for the rest of the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this short novella and getting to see more of this world.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews