The First Binding

"Epic fantasy at its finest--an homage to storytelling and legend, richly told and endlessly engaging."--Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

Don't miss the first novel in this stunning Silk Road-inspired epic fantasy series from R.R. Virdi--a saga of legends, lies, and the secretive storyteller who's spun them all.

All legends are born of truths. And just as much lies. These are mine. Judge me for what you will. But you will hear my story first.

I buried the village of Ampur under a mountain of ice and snow. Then I killed their god. I've stolen old magics and been cursed for it. I started a war with those that walked before mankind and lost the princess I loved, and wanted to save. I've called lightning and bound fire. I am legend. And I am a monster.

My name is Ari.

And this is the story of how I let loose the first evil.

"Rich world-building, plenty of action, and devious twists abound. Very highly recommended!" --Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of V-Wars and Kagen the Damned

Author: R. R. Virdi
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 08/16/2022
Pages: 832
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.31lbs
Size: 9.47h x 6.52w x 2.38d
ISBN: 9781250796172

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal Prepub Alert 03/01/2022 pg. 13
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2022
Booklist 06/30/2022

About the Author

R.R. VIRDI is a two-time Dragon Award finalist and a Nebula Award finalist. He is the author of the urban fantasy series The Grave Report and The Books of Winter. One of his short stories is part of a collection of artists' works to go to the moon aboard the Astrobotic Peregrine Lunar Lander in 2022. His love of classic cars drove him to work in the automotive industry for many years before he realized he'd do a better job of maintaining his passion if he stayed away from customers.

He was born and raised in Northern Virginia and is a first generation Indian-American with all the baggage that comes with. He's offended a long list of incalculable ancestors by choosing to drop out of college and not pursue one of three pre-destined careers: a lawyer, doctor, engineer. Instead, he decided to chase his dream of being an author. His family is still coping with this decision a decade later.

He expects them to come around in another fifteen to twenty years.

Should the writing gig not work out, he aims to follow his backup plan and become a dancing shark for a Katy Perry music video.