Bert is a hardened swordsman burdened by memories of past battles. He leads his band of mercenaries northward into Maroth. Tasked with completing a contract, they soon find themselves up against a chilling, sinister force that stalks the land. People are vanishing, leaving whispers of something monstrous lurking in the shadows. Bert, haunted by nightmares from a distant conflict, fights to hold himself together as the mercenaries are pulled into a mystery shrouded in dark magic and unspeakable horrors.

In the capital, tensions explode when a long-lost heir to the throne is discovered—a child believed dead with the kingdom’s murdered queen. This revelation shakes the noble court to its core, setting off a deadly game of power and betrayal. Loyalists rally around the heir, but powerful rivals plot to use the throne’s vacancy to their advantage, setting the stage for a dangerous struggle within Maroth’s halls of power.

To the north, there is Marguk, a ruthless Ork chieftain. He unites his tribes and prepares to storm Maroth’s borders, threatening to unleash an invasion that could tear the kingdom apart. Bert and his mercenaries are drawn into a battle against both the political and supernatural forces threatening Maroth. They must face enemies both mortal and magical, unravel the mystery of the lurking darkness, and, above all, confront Bert’s own haunted past.

Hero of Oria weaves together themes of political intrigue, ancient magic, and redemption, presenting a world on the edge of ruin where loyalty is scarce, and survival comes at a steep price.

This book is available online and can be purchased at online bookstores; Milton & Hugo, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the author:

Author Benjamin Osgood, born in Warner Robins, Georgia, grew up in a military family before joining the Army himself, where he served for over thirteen years across various US units. His deployments took him to Afghanistan with the esteemed First Infantry Division and later to Kuwait and Qatar during the Afghanistan withdrawal. Following his medical retirement in 2023, Ben settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he now lives with his wife, Casey, and their dog.

A dedicated tabletop roleplaying enthusiast, Ben found solace in storytelling, using it as a means to process difficult memories and manage past trauma. This passion evolved into a creative outlet, leading him to pursue writing as a way to share his experiences and offer readers an escape from their own challenges. Through his stories, Ben hopes to create safe, immersive worlds that not only entertain but also provide comfort and understanding to others seeking respite, just as writing has done for him.

Hero of Oria by Benjamin Osgood

Publication Date: August 1, 2024

Paperback 9798892851442 $14.99 pages: 234