Grand Challenge
The story of Shilana of Marshe
Book 1: Strength releasing on November 22, 2025
In a kingdom that reveres loyalty, strength is defined by what you’re willing to betray.
Shilana of Marshe, a Finaen student of the Aleksanne Academy, aspires to join the ranks of the coveted King's Circle of Aleksaria. Under the mentorship of her hero, Keidal, she prepares herself for the Grand Tourney–a battlegrounds in which to prove her strength.
But when the dark fangs of Obsidian Bloom reveal themselves, Ana’s world begins to unravel like a neatly tied ribbon. The truths she once clung to fray and come apart, leaving her scrambling to make sense of the chaos.
As the lines between enemies and allies blur, Ana becomes disillusioned with the very systems she swore to uphold. What secrets and horrors await her? And what kind of strength will she find to uphold her own ideals?
A story of conviction, faith, and the quiet ruin of ideals—set in the fractured Kingdom of Aleksaria.
Shilana of Marshe
Born to an Aleksarian mother and a Finaen father, Shilana is a rising duelist at the Aleksanne Academy. She wishes to change the Kingdom of Aleksaria from within–to ensure others don’t suffer the way she has.
Keidal of Aleksanne
A retired hero of the Circum-Draconic War, Keidal is both a high-ranking member of the King’s Circle and an Academy Instructor. Over the years, he’s tried to bury his storied past–but what skeletons lay buried with it?
Osea of Meikka
Known as “The Hope of Aleksaria”, Osea is a quiet but diligent student of the Aleksanne Academy. She recently made waves by announcing her Finaen heritage and publicly besting Keidal in a Grand Challenge.
Valryk of Aleksanne
The Black Knight of Aleksanne is known to many but understood by few. In spite of that, none dare question his power or his resolve to protect his Princess.