by Elizabeth (Elesa) Knowles
Welcome to the Second World, an afterlife where souls awaken at their physical prime of twenty-five. This realm is divided into three distinct domains: the Red Domain of samurai warriors, the White Domain of strategic tacticians, and the Blue Domain of pacifist healers. Beyond their borders lies the Void, a toxic wasteland filled with sentient, flesh-eating flora, where the discarded and the Unborn struggle to survive.
When a rogue faction known as the Messengers unleashes a brutal death game, the fragile balance of this world shatters. An unlikely trio rises to confront the chaos: Esperanza, a Seraphim healer; Theo, an exiled samurai prince; and Aurora, a fierce champion of the Unborn. Together, they must prove that even after death, humanity is still worth saving.
About the Author
Elesa Knowles is an American author specializing in contemporary fantasy and speculative fiction. Known for her atmospheric world-building and unflinching exploration of the human condition, Knowles weaves intricate narratives where historical trauma meets the high-stakes honor of the blade. Her work is deeply informed by the intersection of East Asian philosophy and the shadows of 20th-century history. Often centering on the Edo and Meiji eras, she utilizes the disciplined aesthetics of the Samurai and the stealth of the Shinobi to explore modern psychological truths.
Knowles is a writer who prioritizes "soul-first" storytelling. When she isn't mapping out the political intricacies of her fantasy domains, Knowles remains a dedicated student of history and an advocate for the transformative power of storytelling.
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