An Ember in the Ashes meets Shadow and Bone.

The First Stone book cover by Robert Biehn

The First Stone: Apply to be a Founding Reader

Dual POV Morally gray heroes Rebellion & sacrifice Fierce sibling bond Deep worldbuilding

Edited by Michael Braff (Red Rising)

Read it before the world does.

Apply for a free advance copy of The First Stone and become one of the few who help carry this world into the world.

FOUNDING READER (ARC) WAVES
Wave 1
Full
Wave 2
18 of 25
18 of 25 founding reader spots claimed
Click for ARC reader perks
ARC Application 1 of 3
Where will you share your thoughts on books?
Select everywhere you honestly expect to post. The reviews near the top help readers find the book the most.
Amazon
Goodreads
Other review platforms
Social media & blog
StoryGraph
Fable
Barnes & Noble
Apple Books
Kobo
Google Play Books
BookBub
Hardcover
LibraryThing
Reedsy Discovery
BookTok (TikTok)
Bookstagram (Instagram)
Blog or YouTube
Somewhere else
I want to start reviewing
Please select at least one option.
Can you read The First Stone (435 pages) and post an honest review within 6 weeks of receiving your copy?
Yes, I'm ready
I may need more time, but I'm committed
No
Please select an option.

An Ember in the Ashes meets Shadow and Bone.

The First Stone book cover
Cass's little sister is going to die. They survive beyond the walls of the Prism Spire, not because Cass is an Ignarus Myth with power over fire, but because the Arbiter declared Evelon the most wanted person alive. The only cure lies in the REZ, where one mistake draws a Grafter who lives for the hunt.
Dual POV Morally gray heroes Rebellion & sacrifice Fierce sibling bond Deep worldbuilding

Edited by Michael Braff (Red Rising) · Storyteller Publishing (Macmillan)

Based on that, why does The First Stone sound like your kind of book?
One or two sentences. Be honest. We love specifics.
Anyone send you here?
If a friend, creator, or reader pointed you to this page, drop their name or email so we can thank them. Totally optional, but they'd be grateful.
Last step. Seal your application.
Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Separate from ARC communications. Unsubscribe anytime.

You're in motion

Your application has been received. Check your email. The first three chapters of The First Stone are already on their way.

What happens next
1. Check your email. The first three chapters are waiting.
2. We review your application within two weeks.
3. If selected, your ARC arrives via BookFunnel (ePub, MOBI, PDF).
4. Giveaway entries open the moment your copy lands.

Can't wait for your approval?

Get the book now

What early readers are saying

What will YOU say?

*Some early readers received advance copies through our ARC program or giveaways.


Cass's little sister
is going to die.

As an Ignarus Myth, a human born with power over fire, Cass is seen as a threat to humanity. Centuries ago, Myths were symbols of awe. That awe turned to horror when the first Nightmares appeared: mutated Myths that nearly wiped out the world.

Civilization collapsed. From the ashes rose the Prism Spire: one hundred walled compounds built to shelter what remained of humanity, ruled by the brilliant inventor known as the Arbiter.

Cass and his little sister Evelon live beyond those walls, hiding, not because Cass is a Myth, but because the Arbiter has declared Evelon the most wanted person in the Prism Spire. When she falls deathly ill, the only cure lies inside the REZ, where a single mistake draws Felix, a high-ranking Grafter who lives for the hunt.

Forced into a fight for their lives, Cass faces a fate worse than death when Felix reveals his hidden weapon.

The Pax Serum.


Founding Reader (ARC) Perks

Free advance copy

Free Advance Copy

The full novel weeks early, via BookFunnel (ePub, MOBI, PDF).

Faction lootbox giveaways

Faction Lootbox Giveaway

Open to all, separate from the ARC. You hear first.

Behind the scenes

Behind the Scenes

Maps, character art, and deleted scenes before anyone else.

Vote on what comes next

Shape What Comes Next

Vote on cover reveals, bonus content, and creative calls.

Founding Reader recognition

Founding Reader Recognition

Unlock the Prophecy at the end of the book, and we'll add you to the Founding Readers Wall at exousia.world.

Claim your entries to the faction lootbox giveaway.

You already have a free entry waiting. Open to everyone and separate from the ARC. Enter the drawing for a hand-assembled faction collector's box. Reviews never earn entries.

Limited-edition faction lootbox

We spent 8 years building this world for you. This is book 1, but there are songs, a faction quiz, a newsletter with exclusive character POVs, lootbox giveaways, and more.

May this world become one you call "home."

~ Rob & Steph


Questions

An Advance Reader Copy. You get a free digital copy (ePub, MOBI, PDF) before publication. All we ask is that you read it and share an honest review.

No. We spent 8+ years building this world, but we only ask for honesty. Your genuine reaction matters more than anything.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You'll hear from us within two weeks of applying, and we'll have fun stuff to send your way before that.

We appreciate every application. If ARC spots fill, you'll still get exclusive content, world updates, and future opportunities.

ePub, MOBI, and PDF, delivered securely through BookFunnel.

Waves fill as spots are taken. Apply early for the best chance at a Founding Reader spot.

It's open to everyone and runs separate from the ARC. Enter the drawing for a hand-assembled faction collector's box; entries come from things like subscribing, the faction quiz, and referrals. Reviews don't earn entries. See official rules.

Spots are filling up, and we'd genuinely love to have you on the team.

Apply to readin 60 seconds