Do you remember...

How Fantasy used to be?

The latest from

D. E. Carlson

To Bind the Court

When you play the games of emperors,

you’ll pay an emperor’s ransom.

Iris is destined to destroy the Fire Empire’s hold on the world. In the Fire City—the very beating heart of the Fire Empire—lies one final hope, but to seek it is to draw near to the one who hunts her, and her greatest hope becomes her worst nightmare.

If she plays her enemy’s game, she may lose.

Prince Besaun has lost everything. Betrayed by the girl he loves, he languishes in a prison of his own making while his mother holds her tortured and captive to ensure he cooperates in her schemes. The bars of his prison grow ever tighter-until the arrival of someone unexpected into his life.

Can he doom an empire to save one girl?

To Bind the Court is book two of the Empire of Ash and Song series. Perfect for fans of the faith themes of the Chronicles of Narnia, the powerful writing style of A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the clean, sweet romance of Caraval!

Here's what readers are saying about To Bind Fire

"Cover? Stunning. Story? EVEN MORE SO. Fantasy anything is a favorite and this was AMAZING. The characters and their conflicts, the world building, and the pacing throughout.. never a dull moment or lull."

- Stephanie, Goodreads

"5 STAAARSSSS!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I ABSOLUTELY LOOOVED this book. It gave me MAJOR Narñia and Throne of Glass vibes for sure! It was refreshing reading a straight fantasy book for a change! Dragons in there as well! There was a bit of romance but it is a YA Christian fantasy and it was well written! I tend to lean more to fantasy with dark romance and this was a great addition to my list of books I love! ❤️🥺"

- Clarissa, Goodreads

"I’m finished! And I’m sad. Sad that I have to wait to read more.

The world building, the character development, it was fantastic. I was pulled into this book and didn’t want to put it down and I really didn’t want it to end.

Carlson has written a beautiful story. One that captures the imagination and brings characters to life."

-Valerie, Goodreads

"With a stunning cover and intriguing synopsis that drew me in immediately, I knew I was in for a fun ride! This is the author’s debut novel and indie published, both things making me hesitant. I admit I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book had me hooked from the very first sentence! I laughed, I carried, I screamed, I felt every emotion known to mankind!

If you were looking for a gripping, clean, action packed fantasy that will immediately skyrocket to the top of your favorites list, then this is the book for you!"

- Jordan, Goodreads

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Empire of Ash and Song Art Gallery