RJ Barker is a critically acclaimed and award-winning author of fantasy fiction. He won the British Fantasy Award for Best Novel for his fourth novel, The Bone Ships, and his debut trilogy The Wounded Kingdom was nominated for the David Gemmel Award, the Kitschie Golden Tentacle, the Compton Crook, and the BFS Best Debut and Best Novel awards. RJ lives in Leeds with his wife, son, and a collection of questionable taxidermy, odd art, scary music, and more books than they have room for.

Praise for Mortedant's Peril:

"Mortedant's Peril is a fabulous fantasy mystery set in a fresh, imaginative world and featuring a trio of underdog characters with nothing in common except an unfolding sense of justice that propels them into one engrossing caper after another. Long live Irody, Mirial and Whisper!" --Sebastien De Castell

Praise for RJ Barker:

"Brilliant" --Robin Hobb, author of the Farseer Trilogy

"A viciously exciting adventure. I loved every second of it" --Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

"Wouldn't let me go . . . a pleasure to read. I can't wait for more!" --Melissa Caruso, author of The Last Hour Between Worlds

"Often poignant and always intriguing . . . A gifted storyteller"--Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld

"A triple-threat of world-building, character and plot, Gods of the Wyrdwood represents the work of an experienced novelist at the top of his game." --SFX Magazine

"A vividly realized high-seas epic that pulls you deep into its world and keeps you tangled there until the very last word." --Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons on The Bone Ships

"The Bone Ships is excellent. Aside from the standout writing, it's one of the most interesting and original fantasy worlds I've seen in years." --Adrian Tchaikovsky, Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author

"I absolutely loved it. A whole lot of swashbuckling awesomeness by RJ Barker. He has crafted a fascinating world and a twisty plot, both rooted in characters I came to care about. A definite winner for me." --John Gwynne, author of The Shadow of the Gods on The Bone Ships

"Blood of Assassins is a brilliant and often beautiful piece of literature from one of the most talented writers out there." --Fantasy Faction

"Outstanding. Beautifully written, perfectly paced and assured. Kept me reading well into the early hours of the morning. A wonderful first book--a wonderful book, period--that should be at the very top of your to-read list." --James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost on Age of Assassins

Publisher: Tor Books

Pub date: 2026-05-19

Length: 432 pages