FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: business@thearcanist.net

BLOOMINGTON, IN—

“The Weight of a Torch” AVAILABLE 15 JUNE, 2026

In a world on the brink, heroes called “Synchrony” risk everything to protect the Five Great Cities. When Kaia uncovers dark secrets and ancient power, she must decide if the true threat lies within her society—or the monstrous Others beyond its crumbling borders.

Author Alex Ward’s debut novella has been described as a YA Dark Fantasy akin to Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn.” This anthology features torch-lit adventures in a fractured world that are sure to leave the reader on the edge of their seat.

THE TORCH THAT WITHSTANDS THE DARKNESS WILL CONSUME THEM ALL.

Kaia is a Synchrony, one of a rare few chosen to walk the ancient roads between the five cities, torch in hand, reinforcing the Stability that holds civilization together. It is a position of honor, but for Kaia it is also a declaration. Proof to her sister, her people, and herself that she is not the catastrophe they believe her to be. When reports of a mysterious structure beyond the Stability line reach her, she does not hesitate. Where her sister refused to go, Kaia will dare to venture.

Past the edge of Stability, inside a fog-swallowed labyrinth crawling with Others, Kaia discovers an ancient sarcophagus and a voice that has long awaited a worthy savior…

A thrilling adventure, a gorgeous paperback to add to any book collection.

“The Weight of a Torch” is a striking classic paperback that fits nicely in the hand, a bag, or a pocket. Featuring haunting cover artwork by Henrik Karppinen, both digital and paperback formats are treasures to own.

“The Weight of a Torch” by Alex Ward is available directly from The Arcanist and from Amazon.