The Doom of the Red Saber

When Fate and Death play their game, it is mankind that suffers most. Is the coming of a Hero then a curse, or still a blessing?

Lena Rzayeva, twenty-year-old sociology student and world-class fencer, always relishes a challenge. Whether it is becoming an Olympian, dealing with the estranged half of her family, cheering up her overthinking boyfriend, or climbing a steep mountain trail in the Tyrolian Alps, Lena is always ready to face whatever challenge life brings her.

One such hike, however, might prove a challenge too much. Kidnapped and taken by a malevolent tree spirit, Lena is cast from Earth into the world of Lethil, a place where the influence of great powers, monsters and magic is felt on the daily. A dangerous world… but no less dangerous than Lena herself.

Armed with the Red Saber, an all-cutting life-sucking blade bearing a striking resemblance to the one she owns, Lena enters Lethil heralding a time of great change. War and revolution, paranoia and callous cruelty, betrayal and self-loathing; all manner of hardship will soon fill the world as Fate and Death clash to decide Lethil’s destiny, and all the gods, spirits and people must choose sides.

Though caught in the middle not knowing who or what to believe, Lena is as ready as ever to do what she thinks is necessary to return home. And there is no price too high, no burden too heavy to reach that goal… right?

Cover art done by Jadelene Ador (@jjeyydchu on TikTok, Tumblr and Vgen)

What to expect:

● A serious take on modern Isekai/Portal Fantasy story where the main character actively wants to and tries to return home.

● Dark Fantasy, but not Grimdark (no gore, no excessive violence, etc).

● Extensive, narratively-important worldbuilding and story-driven combat.

● A strong pace, clear structure, well-defined endings and hopefully some good prose as well.

Influences:

● Main inspirations: Michael Moorcock’s Elric Saga, Corum and other works along with the dozens upon dozens of good (and not-so-good) Isekai stories I’ve read throughout the years.

● Other important inspirations: the Odyssey (wouldn’t have read it without you Nolan, so thanks for that!), Poul Anderson’s The Broken Sword (highly recommend if you like Norse sagas), Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser series (D&D’s origin, good if dated at times).