The Darkslayer Chronicles: Valley of the Skulls

The Darkslayer Chronicles, Book 1

By: Craig Halloran

Narrated by: Chris Brinkley

In a land ruled by tyrants, only the savage survive.

Venir the Darkslayer once lived for battle. Forged in blood, fueled by rage, and cursed to slaughter the Underling menace, he was a weapon of vengeance that kept Bish from collapse. But the world has changed. The Underlings are gone… and with them, Venir's purpose.

Now, betrayed by the cowardly Royals and stripped of his victories, his name has been twisted into lies. Exiled into obscurity and drowning himself in grog, Venir is shoved into the Tournament of Death—a savage pit where killers fight not for gold, but for survival.

But fate isn't finished with him. When Royal Kira Amberstone is murdered, Venir and his closest ally, Melegal the Rogue, are framed for the crime. What began as Melegal's investigation into whispers of treachery erupts into a conspiracy dripping with steel, sorcery, and blood. Assassins stalk their every move, and the Royals sharpen their knives.

Yet Venir sees what no one else dares face—enemies from another world have invaded. A forgotten demon army stirs in the dark, eager to consume Bish. Deep within the mountain, the goddess Trinos is bound in chains of sorcery, her power suppressed by the invaders. To free her, Venir must reunite with his war axe Brool, carve through liars and betrayers, and unleash the fury only the Darkslayer can wield.

In this brutal opening to The Darkslayer Chronicles, expect: savage battles and ruthless betrayals; dark magic and an ancient goddess in chains; a rogue's cunning and a warrior's wrath; savage trials in the Tournament of Death; invaders from another realm—and a reckoning forged in blood.

©2026 Craig Halloran (P)2026 Podium Audio

really love this series

awesome book not a huge fan of the narrator though. guess i was used to the previous one