Marai is a mercenary. She is known amongst criminals of the shadows as the Lady Butcher. She lives in a world that abhors magic and punishes all magical folk, forcing Marai to hide her true self. She is half-fae, one of the last of her kind, after her people were savagely massacred.

But when Marai takes a commission from Ruenen, a young bard running from two powerful kingdoms, she is forced to confront the magic she's tucked away inside herself as darkness spreads across the Continent of Astye.

Marai must protect Ruenen, and get him safely to the mysterious land of Andara, before he falls into the hands of cruel kings, bloodthirsty vampires, vengeful pirates, and mysterious dark magic.

Is Ruenen's secret worth risking Marai's own life? Is Marai ready to confront the demons of her past, and embrace her strength within?

"The Butcher and the Bard" is the first book in J. E. Harter's new electrifying Dark Magic Series.

Forever marked by dark magic, Marai reels from her emotional departure with Ruenen. She seeks sanctuary with her people, the other fae, hiding in the secluded Badlands, in order to heal her fractured heart. Believing Ruenen dead, Marai has become a target of King Rayghast of Tacorn and his own twisted, dark powers. Marai will do whatever she can to protect the fae, all while learning the true depths of her magic and heritage.

However, the war between Tacorn and Nevandia still brews in the distant Middle Kingdoms, and Keshel sees a vision of the continent being thrust into chaos and devastation.

Marai must make a choice for herself and her people–to escape to far away Andara, or stand and fight, once again becoming the Lady Butcher. Will she use an ancient faerie queen's cursed ring to exact revenge upon Rayghast? Or will dark magic consume her, pulling her deeper into its unknown, dangerous power?

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In a devastating turn of events, Marai is imprisoned on a ship, alongside Keshel, bound for the mysterious land of Andara. Her captors, Koda and Slate Hemming, are perhaps the least of her worries. Who is the real mastermind behind their capture, and what magic lurks beyond Andara's shores?

Back in Nevandia, Ruenen is desperate to find Marai, but is still adjusting to his new crown and the aftermath of war with Tacorn. Rebellions, royal politics, and marriages aside, Ruenen will stop at nothing until he brings Marai and Keshel safely home. Little does he know that there is a traitor in his midst, someone who has already revealed Ruenen's deepest secret.

Will Marai be able to conquer dark magic once and for all? And will Marai and Ruenen be reunited?

"Queen of the Shadow Menagerie" is the stunning conclusion to Marai and Ruenen's story, from J. E. Harter's electrifying Dark Magic Series.