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Born to Conquer: A Dark Fantasy of Power, Betrayal, and Empire
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26The dark, ruthless continuation of Born to Ruin.
Emperor Djoser the Seventh is dead, and the throne of the Eternal Sun stands empty. As the broken dynasty bleeds, the war he set in motion can no longer be contained. In the capital, power remains unclaimed, but Empress Aeternae is no longer fighting to survive—she is preparing to rule.
Beyond her borders, the consequences of a single brutal act begin to unfold. A severed head arrives as a message to the Imperium of Caelum. And the answer is war.
But Caelum is not the only threat.
Across the world, a ruthless new generation rises. Old kings fall, heirs turn against blood, and dynasties collapse from within. They do not wait for crowns to be inherited. They seize them.
As alliances fracture and armies gather, the line between ruler and tyrant blurs. Every choice pushes them closer to a conflict that will decide the fate of the world.
Because conquest is never clean. And power is never enough.
“Far away, an Empire was burning. And here, in the quiet dark, a new fire was just beginning to catch.” — Helena Rein, Born to Ruin
Born to Conquer is a dark political fantasy perfect for readers who enjoy morally grey characters, court intrigue, and epic conflicts. Book Two of The Generation of Dust Saga. Book One, Born to Ruin, is available now.
Emperor Djoser the Seventh is dead, and the throne of the Eternal Sun stands empty. As the broken dynasty bleeds, the war he set in motion can no longer be contained. In the capital, power remains unclaimed, but Empress Aeternae is no longer fighting to survive—she is preparing to rule.
Beyond her borders, the consequences of a single brutal act begin to unfold. A severed head arrives as a message to the Imperium of Caelum. And the answer is war.
But Caelum is not the only threat.
Across the world, a ruthless new generation rises. Old kings fall, heirs turn against blood, and dynasties collapse from within. They do not wait for crowns to be inherited. They seize them.
As alliances fracture and armies gather, the line between ruler and tyrant blurs. Every choice pushes them closer to a conflict that will decide the fate of the world.
Because conquest is never clean. And power is never enough.
“Far away, an Empire was burning. And here, in the quiet dark, a new fire was just beginning to catch.” — Helena Rein, Born to Ruin
Born to Conquer is a dark political fantasy perfect for readers who enjoy morally grey characters, court intrigue, and epic conflicts. Book Two of The Generation of Dust Saga. Book One, Born to Ruin, is available now.
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
About the author
Helena Rein
2 books3 followersHelena Rein is a dark epic fantasy author with a passion for ancient history, atmospheric worlds, and devastating plot twists. Based in Canada, she specializes in stories filled with deadly court intrigue, political betrayal, and the kind of morally grey characters who walk the fine line between hero and villain.
Her background in Mental Health and Addictions provides a unique lens for exploring the psychological complexities of power, love, and trauma. When she isn't weaving the intricate webs of The Generation of Dust Saga, she is likely lost in the history of the ancient world or planning the next downfall of her characters.
Her debut novel, Born to Ruin, is available now. The highly anticipated sequel is scheduled for release in June 2026.
Her background in Mental Health and Addictions provides a unique lens for exploring the psychological complexities of power, love, and trauma. When she isn't weaving the intricate webs of The Generation of Dust Saga, she is likely lost in the history of the ancient world or planning the next downfall of her characters.
Her debut novel, Born to Ruin, is available now. The highly anticipated sequel is scheduled for release in June 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, where to start?! There was a lot going on in this book, I enjoyed meeting new characters and found each ones story captivating. I do think because of how much was going on throughout, it did make it a little difficult to emotionally connect with each character. However the story and world building was absolutely magnificent!
I kept waiting for Prince Arete to come back into the story and I was slightly disappointed that he wasn't in it much and his story came to an end which devastated me. I kept waiting for a twist to come and show he was actually alive and came to help in the end when the Empress walked out towards the enemy, I don't know whether I am just being hopeful but I'm hoping in the third book he may come back (how , I don't know?!) he was my fave character!!
Anyway, im super excited to see how this plays out in the third book and I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your ARC readers!
I kept waiting for Prince Arete to come back into the story and I was slightly disappointed that he wasn't in it much and his story came to an end which devastated me. I kept waiting for a twist to come and show he was actually alive and came to help in the end when the Empress walked out towards the enemy, I don't know whether I am just being hopeful but I'm hoping in the third book he may come back (how , I don't know?!) he was my fave character!!
Anyway, im super excited to see how this plays out in the third book and I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your ARC readers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My thoughts are a mess. I went into this thinking one thing and ended no where near it. The absolute heartache and lost Aeternae deals with is unimaginable. However the quiet strength serves her well here. I cannot imagine how but the character growth is astounding.
There are multiple POVs. You've got three different families and their soul focus is the Empire of the Sun. Arete still has to answer for his crimes. Djoser has to figure out what it truly means to be an Emperor. Aeternae is keeping track, taking names and making tactical decisions even while breaking inside.
Mirador and Kallip are making there own moves with multiple goals in mind.
Remiel and Romian have their own goals to achieve and it doesn't come easily.
There's so many lies, betrayals and unjust moments, you wont know what to think. Who do the God's favor? Who will be the last to stand? This story continues and I can't wait to find out.
There are multiple POVs. You've got three different families and their soul focus is the Empire of the Sun. Arete still has to answer for his crimes. Djoser has to figure out what it truly means to be an Emperor. Aeternae is keeping track, taking names and making tactical decisions even while breaking inside.
Mirador and Kallip are making there own moves with multiple goals in mind.
Remiel and Romian have their own goals to achieve and it doesn't come easily.
There's so many lies, betrayals and unjust moments, you wont know what to think. Who do the God's favor? Who will be the last to stand? This story continues and I can't wait to find out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great read overall! The story was engaging from beginning to end, and the treachery throughout was absolutely diabolical. It definitely gave Game of Thrones vibes with its political tension, multiple empires, and layered intrigue.
The only reason I didn’t rate it higher was that the multiple POV structure could be confusing at times. With so many perspectives and empires, chapter headers identifying the POV character or empire would have made the reading experience much smoother.
That said, it was still a very enjoyable read, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy complex fantasy with betrayal, shifting alliances, and plenty of drama.
I received this book in advance and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The only reason I didn’t rate it higher was that the multiple POV structure could be confusing at times. With so many perspectives and empires, chapter headers identifying the POV character or empire would have made the reading experience much smoother.
That said, it was still a very enjoyable read, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy complex fantasy with betrayal, shifting alliances, and plenty of drama.
I received this book in advance and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews