Origins of the Tainted Bloodline

Alastor Cerberius is a troubled man. After over a century enslaved in the oppressive underground, he and his best friend, Koby Bacia, escape their chains. They emerge onto the surface a new world full of the unknown, freedom, and discovery. Desperate to leave his tragic past behind, Alastor changes his name to Calder and delves into the dangerous blood science of shapeshifting. With the new ability to transform into a lethal lizard at will, Calder finally has power after a lifetime of captivity. Calder and Koby answer the ocean's call with dreams of smuggling illegal goods as mercenary sailors. This is easier said than done, for the seas are full of horrors of their own, and each time Calder transforms into the beast, it further scars his damaged psyche. Worst of all, a botched business deal puts them at odds with a criminal ring of pirates that are determined to remain the greatest threat on the seas. Origins of the Tainted Bloodline is Book 1 of a character-driven origin trilogy in the Six Elements universe. Reading the completed Six Elements series is recommended but not required. Origins of the Tainted Bloodline explores adult themes (tragedy, torture, psychological trauma, sexual and substance abuse) and contains graphic violence, gore, sexual situations, and cursing.