Magic has dwindled down since the Massacre of the Dark King's reign. His gruesome use of blood-magic spurring those in the rebellion that overthrew him to burn all the knowledge. Now, hundreds of years later, with this dark past all but forgotten, Layna is a simple maid. Soon, however, she'll come to realize that nothing is as simple as it seems...During the time of the Massacre the Dark King reigned, declaring himself a god and securing his leadership with fear and blood-magic. Overthrown in a bloody revolt and the knowledge of the forbidden arts lost in the book burnings of the ensuing chaos, Gelendan has risen above its gruesome history. Now, hundreds of years later, its dark past forgotten, Layna is a simple maid. But as mysterious events begin to unfold, she comes to realize that nothing is ever as simple as it seems.She finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of deception, romance, espionage, and secret societies that soon has her life spiraling wildly out of control. Whilst fleeing the fury of her mistress - whose rage is fueled by Layna's budding relationship with the woman's former consort - and attempting to evade detection by the priests who want to control her new-found magical talent, Layna's problems are further compounded when she discovers a strange marking on her neck. A mark that is growing darker by the day. Who or what has marked her, and for what purpose she doesn't know. But it soon becomes apparent that whatever it is, it's after her......and it's gaining.

Taking the throne in the wake of the destruction caused by King Nathair’s use of blood-magic turns out to be more treacherous than Layna imagined. Continue Layna's tale in this story of betrayal, kidnappings, monsters, and new magic…in Serpent’s Lair, the beginning of the exciting sequel to the BloodRunes TrilogyLayna’s simple life has turned into a fairy tale. From unassuming maid to hopeful Queen, having survived the tumultuous world-saving quest that was thrust upon her...she'd hoped that the birth of her daughter would mark the beginning of her happily ever after.Fate, however, has other plans. Taking the throne in the wake of the destruction caused by King Nathair’s use of blood-magic turns out to be more treacherous than she imagined. Her innocent nature makes her want to trust in her aides, but in reality, she’s been thrown straight into the heart of the serpent’s lair…Meanwhile, Katya is still searching for her elusive other half, without whom she is destined to carry a terrible curse: That those she cherishes will suffer. Already she has had to deliver the fatal blow to the man she loved, and she sets off alone to avoid a similar fate for anyone else. Her wanderings lead her to discover the existence of a people calling themselves the Forgotten, and her resolve to avoid getting too close to anyone is tested when she meets a charming tribesman who keeps thwarting her attempts to steer clear… Continue the Eleventh World Saga in this story of betrayal, kidnappings, monsters, and new magic…in Laura R Cole’s Serpent’s Lair, the beginning of the exciting sequel to the BloodRunes Trilogy.

While floating down the Great River in celebration of Phoenix's 18th birthday, the people of Elaeld discover another ship from an unknown empire. With the heralds of the empire within the city walls, it is easy to forget disturbing rumors about the Princess that have been swirling around. But when men start getting attacked through a power of the mind, it is more than her reputation on the line.Years of planning and preparations are finally culminating in the unification of the two countries of Gelendan and Treymayne. The year of Phoenix’s eighteenth birthday will mark the end of their rocky histories of blood-magic and the Order and the beginning of a new era. Being the figurehead of this momentous occasion comes naturally to Phoenix, but unsettling rumors have begun to swirl that portray her abilities in a negative light. Putting these out of her mind, she must act the Princess she is to host the lavish festivities that are her birthday party. While floating down the Great River in their moving celebration, their yacht makes an exciting discovery: They come across another ship, from a far off and unknown empire. With the heralds of the empire within the city walls, it is easy to forget rumors of the Princess reading minds. But when men start getting attacked through a power of the mind, it is more than the Princess’s reputation on the line…The Empire Trilogy is a follow-on to the BloodRunes Trilogy and The Forgotten Trilogy in the Eleventh World Saga, but may also be enjoyed on its own. For more information, please visit LauraRCole.com