Deathbringer

Lifebinder, the sequel to Deathbringer, is out now!

Inga Alenir is a Swordbearer. She is the latest in a long line of women to inherit a magical weapon called Deathbringer. She's also dead, murdered on her wedding day by the ruthless and covetous noblewoman Yenda Avard, who steals the sword after killing Inga and her entire family.

And yet, some secrets won't stay buried. Deathbringer has a will and a consciousness of its own, and even has the power to raise Inga from the dead for a short time. It warns her that she has one week to find and retrieve the sword before death reclaims her-permanently. With each day bringing her doom and final demise ever closer, Inga will have to see just how far she's willing to go to achieve her vengeance.

DEATHBRINGER is a compositional mix between the violent, grisly hunt for revenge in the film THE NIGHTINGALE and the tale of Vasher and his talking sword Nightblood in Brandon Sanderson's WARBREAKER. Fans of dark fantasy, of tragic love stories and tales about seeking revenge against long odds will enjoy this debut novel by Blake Carpenter in the world of Agareth where a scorned, young widow fights back against the powerful elites that wronged her, and begins a journey that might turn the entire world against her.

Winner of Upstream Reviews' Best of 2023 Golden Raygun Award!

What Readers are Saying About Deathbringer-

"Those who like tales of revenge with protagonists who do not lose their humanity or become permanently obsessed by it will enjoy this book. Anyone who wants to see other cultures portrayed in new settings and new ways will find it entertaining as well. The novel should appeal to fantasy fans everywhere but particularly those interested in Slavic and Russian milieus, as the story has the air of Anastasia about it. Those who want a new twist on familiar tropes should find this story quite engaging."
-Caroline Furlong, Upstream Reviews (https://upstreamreviews.substack.com/)

"I fell in love with these characters... If you love a good revenge story, it's so good. I had a great time with this one!"
-The Nerdy Narrative (https://www.youtube.com/TheNerdyNarrative)

"I think this one is truly special... The world of Agareth is a vast and uncompromising one, being filled with dangers and factions striking out to meet their own ends, forging their way in a world which appears obsessed with progress. However, seeing our main protagonist, Inga, rise up to the challenge in spite of what's placed in front of her makes it all the more compelling to read."
-The Lord Otter (https://downstreampulp.substack.com/)

"Carpenter has a deft, confident style that pulls the reader in and keeps them there, connecting with the characters and exploring their world. He has crafted an exquisitely written, perfectly-paced, throughly gripping tale. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommended."
-S. Kirk Pierzchala, author of Echoes Through a Distant Glass, Harshest Dawn and more

K.D. McAllister, Amazon Review: "Blake absolutely stuck the landing with a highly satisfying conclusion to Inga's tragic mission and by books end I was fully invested in her, the supporting characters, the BLADE LORE, and teases of what is to come. You can just tell Blake has so much more he wants to tell us! Buy this so that he CAN! 4/5 stars"