Secrets of the Forbidden Land by Marina Ermakova

An ancient, archeological fantasy with lost magical technology and hidden temples.

The Kings of Viemis have sent their daughters to Kava for generations, to become one of the many wives of the all-powerful Maelstrom—and not a single one of them has been seen or heard from again. With the departure of the latest princess looming, her royal parents have spared no expense in finding some way to stay informed of her fate. On their command, the kingdom’s glyphwriters rushed to redevelop a lost magical technology, capable of communication over great distances. But the technology requires a glyphwriter to operate it.

Cyrele, too low-born to rise beyond the rank of an assistant despite her skill, receives the command to become the princess’ personal glyphwriter. It leaves her with no choice but to embark on a journey no one has ever returned from, across a land filled with the Maelstrom’s power—and riddled with his secrets.

So long as no one seeks out the Maelstrom’s secrets, the princess’ retinue will arrive safely in Kava. But secrets exist to be found out—the only question is, who will survive the discovery?

Journey into the unknown with Secrets of the Forbidden Land, a short adventure fantasy novel about a resourceful but unwilling protagonist pitted against all-powerful god-kings.

The Maelstrom Duology is a complete series:

Book 1: Secrets of the Forbidden Land

Book 2: Scourge of Unforgiven Sins