The United Realms spans ten thousand worlds, fueled by the awesome might of coal. The merciless High King extends his iron rule through his Coal Coat armies, led by his greatest general, Alaric the All-Consuming. The people's minds are held in thrall by the Arch Magistrix's brutal Inquisition. It is all Forest Queen Amber and her ally, the White Robe, can do to stave off the onslaught.

But this story is not about them. It is about Jack Callaghan, a lowly soldier in Alaric's army. History should have forgotten this man, and would have, were it not for one fateful night in the ancient wood. For it was in that wood that Jack Callaghan became something more, and maybe less, than human. There is more evil in the world than even he thought.

The centuries-long war is drawing to a close. With the chains of destiny thrust upon him, Jack must decide whether to bring the United Realms the final victory or doom it forever. Only he can choose, for he is Coal Heart.

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