The Horadrim must journey to the Skovos Isles to discover the fate of a long-lost expedition in this official prequel novel to Diablo: Lord of Hatred.

In a world culled by Malthael’s Reaping, the Horadric order—humanity’s only hope—struggles

to gain a foothold. Within the dimming lands of Sanctuary, evils rise from all corners, and though the Horadrim are used to facing down the darkest spawn of the Burning Hells, they are far less prepared for the depravity arising within their fellow men. But as Lorath, Donan, and Tyrael seek justice and a path forward, the Horadrim’s numbers have dwindled, leaving humanity vulnerable.

Hoping to strengthen the order, Tyrael and the two mages set sail to Skovos, where Sho-Ren and four other Horadrim were sent years ago to establish diplomatic relations with the Askari . . . and were never heard from again. Though the risk is great, the chance of reclaiming kin—as well as the Horadric vault hidden deep within the heart of the isles—remains too great an opportunity to pass up.

At first glance, Skovos appears to have escaped the devastation so many others faced in the wake of the Reaping. But as the Horadrim attempt to ally with the Askari and their rulers, it becomes clear that all is not right on their shores. To gain the trust of the Amazon warriors, Lorath seeks the aid of their captain, Adreona. The Askari leader does not trust the mysterious mainlander, though—not while her soldiers are under constant threat of the Drowned and can ill afford distractions.

To save both their peoples, Lorath and Adreona must learn to battle together against not only the perils before them . . . but also those lurking just beneath the surface.

Matthew J. Kirby is the critically acclaimed author of more than a dozen novels for teens and young readers, including The Clockwork Three, Icefall, A Taste for Monsters, and the Assassin’s Creed series Last Descendants, as well as Geirmund’s Saga, an original story connected to the world of the Assassin’s Creed game Valhalla. He has won several awards, including the Edgar Award and a PEN Center USA Award, and his books have been selected by the Junior Library Guild and the American Library Association for their lists of best fiction for young adults. He and his family currently live in Idaho.