Not Just a Game

One game. 16 Contestants. 1 Winner.

After conquering all of planet Earth, the Xentis empires rules with an iron fist...and a bit of brutal fun.
Once every year, every criminal and outlaw compete in a fight-to-the-death competition watched by the rest of the world. The stakes? Death. The single competitor who survives and wins is named the Vanquisher, given a second chance and trained to fight for the emperor alongside with past years Vanquishers.

Karissa, the kingdom's most notorious assassin, has been on a murderous streak for years now. But on one fateful night, her attempt to take the youngest princess's life fail, and she lands her place in the kingdom's dungeon...and a spot in the anual Games of Death. But ten months in prison haven't dulled her skills and reflexes, weakened her determination to win, or caused her hatred towards the empire to waver. The Games of Death may be a punishment, but Karissa sees it as an opportunity to overthrow the emperor's vicious rule once and for all.

Aina had once been an abused child, a talented actress, and just another member of The Rising Insurgency, a group of rebels. Now, after winning the games two years ago, she's one of the emperor's most trusted Vanquisher. But being the emperor's right hand had lead Aina to realizing that things are not as they seem. She may be part of his elite guards, but that doesn't mean she can't have her own plans for the future of the Xentist empire.

Among the deaths and heat of the Games of Death, unexpected alliance are forged and hope for a new kingdom arises. But salvation doesn't come without a price.
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This story is heavily inspired by Suzanne Collins's "The Hunger Games" and Sarah J Maas's "Throne of Glass," however the characters and plot are mine. You don't have to read their books to understand this.

Warning: Contains violence and language. Read this at your own risk.