Avi Silver is a speculative fiction author, the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Augur Magazine, and a poet. In 2018, he co-founded The Shale Project, an award-winning indie arts collective through which he writes the ongoing Sãoni Cycle, in addition to poems, short stories, and longer works for a variety of venues.
An Ottawa-based teacher by day, Brandon Crilly has more than thirty published short stories to date, involving things like carbon footprint taxes, a bookstore that knows what you need, and selling your soul for a love ballad. He’s a conference organizer, Twitch streamer, an award-nominated podcaster, a snake parent, and clearly needs more things to fill his time.
Grayshade, the best assassin in the shadowy city of Cohrelle, takes his most dangerous action yet: asking why. In the fallout of everything he’s known now seen as lies, he finds what remains true: his skills, his companions, and his own determination to see his new mission through. Beyond the city of his upbringing, he travels mountains, plains, the dread Bloodmarsh, and into the heart of the grand city of Tellisar, determined to do what he must. A thrilling tale of swift swords and silent death, The Gray Assassin Trilogy is unflinching, philosophical, and hopeful, a necessary reminder in these times that we find truth and faith in love.
“All the action and wondrous magic you’d expect but so much more. The theme of redemption, of owning your past to build a better future, is front and centre, especially for Grayshade himself, lending a depth and compassion to this story. I loved it. You will. Highly recommended.”
—Julie E. Czerneda, author of the Night’s Edge series from DAW Books
“The Gray Assassin Trilogy is a gripping tale, a superb fantasy adventure wherein real characters stride off the pages to spend time with you, a bright hoard of gold and gems. Seize yours now!”
—Ed Greenwood, internationally bestselling author and creator of The Forgotten Realms
For ten years, the assassin Grayshade has eliminated threats to the Order of Argoth, the Just God. Within the towering walls of Cohrelle, all bow to the Order’s authority, even while the city officials publicly distance themselves from its actions.
As the supreme executor of the Order’s edicts, Grayshade dispatches his targets with protocol and precision. But when an assignment breaks these rules, he does the most dangerous thing an Acolyte of Argoth can do: he asks why. Now a target of the Order he so long served without question, he must use all of his skills not only to kill…but to stay alive.
Grayshade is a novel of violent faith and shifting loyalties, a story about whether we can rise above our pasts to craft new futures.
Silver Award Winner – Independent Book Publishers Association 2023 Benjamin Franklin Awards: Science Fiction and Fantasy
“Filled with political intrigue and with a main character struggling with his religious convictions, this is a great read for fans of dark gritty fantasy.” — Martha Wells, New York Times bestselling author of The Murderbot Diaries
For six weeks, the assassin Grayshade has walked, alone, away from the streets of Cohrelle on the banks of the Silver Coast and through the mountain pass to the basin lands of Silarein. Somewhere, in these unfamiliar lands, he must find what he seeks—answers.
Previously the Order of Argoth’s most skilled assassin, Grayshade remains their target. His goal: learn the true threat to the people of Cohrelle, and protect those who remain there. Used to the patterns of human nature, but not the secrets behind the yellow eyes of a panther, the whispers and lies of dreams, nor the sunless gloom of the infamous Bloodmarsh, Grayshade will need everything he has—outside and inside—to stay alive.
Renegade is a novel of defiant resolve and deep bonds, a story about whether we can find our way through trauma to hope.
“Renegade is the middle volume of a trilogy, but I read it on its own and loved it. In this story, Grayshade, the former assassin, is seeking truth and justice. The familiar trope? Not at all. In the hands of this author, Grayshade is a complex and fascinating person, real and sympathetic. The world-building is rich as well, adding immensely to the story. Did I mention a mysterious panther? Well done and highly recommended.” — Julie E. Czerneda, Hall of Fame author of the Night’s Edge series from DAW Books
The renegade assassin Grayshade has brought his companions and his quest for answers—or vengeance—to the heart of the Order of Argoth, in the grand city of Tellisar. Neither Grayshade nor the Order will rest until the other is vanquished…no matter the cost.
And Grayshade is not alone. As he walks the markets, the districts, and the rooftops of the city, allies and enemies of unexpected origins reveal themselves, seeking to help or hinder him. Grayshade has seen enough of death. But can his determination to forge a new future, for himself and those he cares for, save him from the failures of his past?
Heretic is a novel of discovered love and ultimate sacrifice, a story about whether we can rise from the shadows into the light.
“Heretic is an exciting novel of redemption through community. Wilson’s strength as a storyteller shines through the vividness of the city of Tellisar, the backdrop of the assassin Grayshade’s quest. This is a great read for anyone who loves classic fantasy TTRPGs and dagger-filled adventures.” — Darcie Little Badger, author of Elatsoe
