Unleashed — R.J. Terrell

Marai is a land of storms and power, blood and stone. Born from the land itself is a force known as the essences. Wielded by humans through their own bodies or use of a valuable stone known as corlite, Magi are feared and respected for the power they wield with the stone, while Khatala are feared and shunned for use of it with their bodies. Wars are fought with sword and courage, but are won by wielders of the essences. One such war rages between the King of Marai and the Khatala tribes when Emiel arrives home to an empty house and a note of his daughters' kidnapping. To free them, he travels beside an aggressive mercenary and a mysterious Magus to the imposing city of Altarra. Attacked at every turn by horrors straight from the underworld, Emiel Dharr fights for his life and the lives of his daughters, and discovers a terrifying power lurking inside him. Is it the feared and dreaded essence building within, or something worse? Monsters at his back, war and uncertainty ahead, darkening lands and hideous monsters, nothing will stop Emiel from reaching his destination and freeing his daughters before the power inside destroys him. Fans of the Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, and Terry Brooks will enjoy this first installment of the Saga of Ruination.