In the frozen mines of Svellheim, a young slave named Lykos frees himself through the fortuitous gift of magic. Determined to maintain his newfound freedom at any cost, he makes his way to the neighboring kingdom of Mycenae where he is mistaken for the son of the deceased and disgraced Lord Talal. Forced to accept the case of mistaken identity as fact, he is thrust into a world of cruelty, politics, and magic.

He is joined on his journey by colorful characters from all walks of life. Religious assassins, bitter family members, and magical nobility all rub shoulders as they join him on his inherited quest to rid the land of slavery. But his foes do not share his vision. Corrupt lords and ladies, greedy merchants, and Tainted beasts all seek his end and do not hesitate to oppose him. Surrounded on all sides by those desiring his destruction, he must become more than a mere slave, soldier, or mage to survive. He must become a conqueror.

The Rise of Lykos is approximately 154,000 words long and the inaugural novel in The Life of Lykos series.