City of Masks

James Toledo is dungeon descended, third son of a Dungeon Lord. His father was one of the 14 rulers of the Empire of Varad, each in charge of a dungeon core. James never believed he would have a chance to become a Dungeon Lord on his own, despite his dungeon-enhancing perk. But his grandfather found a new dungeon core, and made a deal with a creature of unimaginable power to become the new dungeon’s boss monster. Unfortunately, before James was given control of the new dungeon core, his grandfather was assassinated, and his family murdered or kidnapped by unknown, masked assailants.

He has rescued his sister, Isabel, but the cost is that his many enemies know he survived. Now his enemies are looking for him in the city to rectify his “still living” status. James needs to gain an edge if he’s to return to the city and establish his new dungeon. James’ granddad, Leviathan, paved the road for James to get that edge. But that plan requires James to sail to the continent of Nazgrim. He’ll need to cross the Burning Sands in order to convince a dying Abomination, Felgoth, to join him.