Into the Undercastle by Alexander Dawnrider

A young fisherman, an archer, a kingdom on its knees — can this unexpected duo save their people?

For Aedan, life as a fisherman by the Lunenshall River was dull. Alone with his father in the failing kingdom of Talidith, his only excitement was the occasional torn net, weekly trips to Castle Shieldarrow for market, and the ever present threat of attack by the local monster tribes, the vornuks.

For Savanah, life as a member of the Sovereign Guard, the first and only line of defense against the vornuks, was routine. She kept herself busy with patrols, teaching archery, and teasing her fellow soldiers.

Both their lives explode into chaos when an army of vornuks march on Shieldarrow, threatening to wipe out Talidith and her citizens once and for all.

Their only hope is the Undercastle, a subterranean fortress built long ago to protect the people during an invasion. But it has been sealed by a mad king, and entry is punishable by death.

Facing an impossible choice, Aedan, Savanah, and the rest of the kingdom flee into darkness, unsure of what they will find but unable to remain in their home.

But they aren’t alone. Something else has been trapped there for centuries. Something evil.

When the population’s presence unleashes the tentacled monstrosity, Savanah and Aedan find themselves thrust into a battle not just for their kingdom and people, but for the safety of the entire world.