A bookworm, a brothel madam, a gangster, an aristocrat, a widow and a war hero walk into an inn - though it turns out there's nothing funny about what happens next.

For humanity's ancient enemy the Serafin are rumoured to have returned, and the old man who assembled such an unlikely band believes these misfits might hold the key to defeating them. United only by guilt, trauma, and the machinations of their mysterious patron, together they must journey to the centre of the continent to do battle with gods.

But only by using the Serafin's own powers do they hold any chance of victory: a magic that has a cost. Corrupted long ago, it condemns those who wield it to become the shunned, self-mutilating sorcerers known as the Scarred.

Each must decide - is that cost worth paying to save the world?

Perfect for fans of authors like Joe Abercrombie, Brian McClellan and George R.R. Martin, The Worth of Scars is an epic flintlock adventure with a twist, fusing thought-provoking, dark and intriguing themes with the classic fantasy quest.

***CONTENT WARNING***

This is a dark book featuring themes, topics and scenes that will not be suitable for everyone. It is very much 'grimdark' fantasy, and features many of the staples of that sub-genre.

In particular, the magic at the heart of the novel requires self-mutilation for a user to wield it. This is not a spoiler - it's a core part of the book from the beginning.

As such, depictions of graphic self-harm in the novel are frequent and unflinching.

If you suffer from or have ever suffered from self-harm or suicidal ideation, then it is the author's wish that you consider extremely carefully whether or not to read the novel.