RUNESONG

Three women are born beneath the same constellations, and the same hungering dark is hunting them all.

On the western frontier, a caged songbird imprisoned in an asylum battles the murderous part of her fractured mind.

In the frozen north, a warrior maiden bears her grief as a blade sharp enough to rend the veil between the living and the dead.

And in the southern swamplands, among a band of painted vagabonds, a brothel-raised orphan discovers her imaginary friend has the power to burn her soul back into stardust.

Romance, magic, and violence set their paths into a shared fate. To survive it, each must walk back into the dark humanity came from and learn why we ever left.

Book Coming Soon Read the first three chapters for free | Coming Soon

Currently Working On | Gravesong

The story that began in Runesong continues. The second novel in a planned trilogy, Gravesong introduces new perspectives alongside returning characters, reaching back into the histories that shaped the first book and forward into the reckoning its final pages set loose. 

Expect roguish pirates, a secretive cult, amoral bounty hunters, and a strange supernatural circus—all blooming with wonderous magic and wild romance, set within new locations.

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Own a curated collection of art, region maps, merchandise, and collectable sets all from the world of Runesong.

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Stories from the After Dark
Sparrow Art Reveal!

Sparrow Art Reveal!

For eight years, this story and these characters have lived almost entirely inside my head, so seeing Casie’s finished artwork of Sparrow is a strange, surreal feeling. Something that existed...
Jynx Character Art >_>

Jynx Character Art >_>

Jynx has always been a really interesting character to me. Saga was technically the first of the three main POV characters I created, but for some reason, Jynx has always...
Saga Art Official :D

Saga Art Official :D

When it came time to commission official character art for Sparrow, Saga, and Jynx, there was never any question who I'd ask. My friend Casie Starr is a talented artist,...
Sparrow Art Reveal!

Sparrow Art Reveal!

For eight years, this story and these characters have lived almost entirely inside my head, so seeing Casie’s finished artwork of Sparrow is a strange, surreal feeling. Something that existed...

About Ember

I'm a dark fantasy romance author, lifelong storyteller, and Dungeon Master who accidentally turned a Dungeons & Dragons campaign with friends into a series of novels.

Runesong grew from a decade of worldbuilding and way too many notebooks filled with lore. Set in the world of Orlithia, it blends dark fantasy, romance, and cosmic horror with folklore inspired by my upbringing in the American South and stories passed down through my wife's Nordic heritage. Those influences, alongside my fascination with fractals, Jungian psychology, and the old "as above, so below" mirror that connects the soul, the world, and the unknown have shaped the story of my first novel.

When I'm not working on this series, I'm usually writing at my day job as a Communications Coordinator, spending time with my wife, running tabletop games with my friends, or finding new ways to emotionally devastate both my readers and my players.

About the Artwork

Most of the character artwork featured throughout Runesong was created by my longtime friend, talented artist, and fellow adventurer, Casie Starr (@casiedraws). She created the art you see here, depicting the original D&D party that first adventured through the world of Runesong. You can find more of her work, both from this universe and beyond, at her Instagram and Behance portfolio.

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