«The Conqueror's Shadow» by Ari Marmell

A former evil villain is out to save the realm he once tried to conquer in this “action-packed” debut fantasy with “an intriguingly twisty plot” (Booklist).In the realm of Imphallion, there once was a nightmare known only as the Terror of the East. Nigh invulnerable in his magical black armor and aided by unholy minions, he laid waste to all in his path on his all-consuming quest to take control of the land. But at the crucial moment, his will failed. His army fell. And taking a young noblewoman hostage, he vanished without a trace.Years later, Corvis Rebaine is a simple man, content with his loving wife and children. The terrible deeds of his past life are dead and buried along with his former name—until his daughter is taken by a maniacal young warlord looking to complete the Terror’s conquest.Now, spurred to action by a newborn fury, Rebaine must do the unthinkable—don the dark armor once again, gather his once-loyal minions, and fight to save both the family he loves and the country he once almost destroyed. And all who stand in his way will have one final thought before death . . . The Terror has returned.“Fans of Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch and Patrick Rothfuss will find Ari Marmell much to their liking.” —SF Site