Sunfilled
the Devout · Gold
Devout public servants, the Sunfilled are the ruling clan of the Six Realms (the realms of the dragon-shifting dramá).
Far from being pretentious and overbearing, though, they are, in fact, one of the most humble and self-sacrificing of the clans. Part of that attitude stems from their weakened position of living on a world still desolated by the War of Hunger and the Devourer’s First Invasion; part is their high infertility, which has shrunk their numbers over the centuries to the lowest of the Six Clans; and part is the now longstanding expectation among all the clans that the Sunfilled truly do live to serve their people.
Any Sunfilled seen to be seeking for self-aggrandizement or profit is treated with suspicion, an attitude that has further impoverished the clan (and dissuaded outsiders from joining).
Peacegrowth
Moontouched
Starkissed
BrightflareIf this is your clanYour devotion and quiet self-sacrifice are the very heart of this series—and of its hero.
A character to watchLook for Ben (Koriben Sunfilled), the Heir of Flame, who carries the weight of his people from his very first page.
Battleblood
the Defenders · Violet
Fierce and daring, Battleblood are the staunch defenders of the Seven Realms.
Even before they settled the most dangerous realm of them all, their clan was known for their size (second only to the Sunfilled) and for chasing after thrills and glory. Outside of battle or sports, however, they are a stoic, undemonstrative lot, believing words are cheap and emotions cheaper (especially the touchy-feely kind).
Insular as they are, it’s hard to get close to a Battleblood, but if you truly wish to try, prove yourself alongside them in a challenge. Otherwise…get the hellwinds out of their way.
Sunfilled
StrongshieldIf this is your clanFierce, loyal, and happiest in the thick of a challenge—you’ll feel right at home in the most dangerous realm of them all.
A character to watchWatch for Yvera Battleblood: Ben’s lifelong friend, fiercest bodyguard, and living proof that the stoic ones love deepest.
Starkissed
the Scholars · Blue
Charming and brilliant, the Starkissed are the scholars and artisans of the Seven Realms.
Though they are known for their whimsical appearances and tastes, don’t let that fool you: underneath their seemingly carefree lifestyles is often a burning zeal for their chosen cause and a cunning that usually gets them their way.
Inhabiting one of the safest (and most watery) of the Seven Realms, the Starkissed have become the realms’ cultural and recreational heart, and they use that status and their tremendous magical power to their full political and economic advantages (especially against their one-sided rivals, the Sunfilled). Underestimate, bargain with, or cross a Starkissed at your peril.
BattlebloodIf this is your clanBrilliant, charming, and three steps ahead—the series’ cleverest schemes and sharpest wit will feel like home.
A character to watchYou’ll see yourself in Kor (Korinth Starkissed)—scholar, diplomat, mage, and spy, certain he’s the smartest person in the room (and usually right).
Strongshield
the Caretakers · Scarlet
Dutiful and orderly, the Strongshield are the caretakers of the Seven Realms.
Though they are infamous among the other clans for their inscrutability, eschewing public displays of emotion, Strongshield can still be surprisingly relaxed and even passionate in private. Beneath their love of rules and structure is a sincere desire for the wellbeing of society and a keen awareness of one’s role within it.
Duty is the lifeblood of a Strongshield and what, in their minds, keeps the worlds from falling to darkness, but they interpret duty more broadly than you might expect: to them, an artist is fulfilling their duty just as much as a lawkeeper or a healer is (though their art forms do tend to be much quieter and more orderly than that of the Starkissed).
If this is your clanDutiful and steady, you’re the reader who’ll love how carefully this whole world is held together—and what it takes to keep it from falling to darkness.
A character to watchBegin at Book One, and a few volumes on you’ll meet Kolwin—the young, newly appointed Lord of the Strongshield. Though he’s taciturn and dutiful, his polished calm hides a tangle of uncertainty and needless guilt.
Brightflare
the Makers · Orange
Ingenious and hardworking, the Brightflare are the industrious makers of the Seven Realms.
Only the Starkissed can rival the Brightflare for innovation, and the greatest difference between the two types is that Starkissed love creativity for its own sake, and Brightflare only care about its practical (and profitable) applications.
Though most of the clans find the Brightflare’s uncompromising emphasis on production to be grating, the truth is, the Realms wouldn’t be able to function without Brightflare workers humming along in the background of every industry, Brightflare farmers growing staples for all the Realms, and Brightflare products enhancing everyday life.
If this is your clanIngenious and tireless, you’ll relish a world that runs on its makers—the ones humming away behind every triumph.
A character to watchStart with Book One, then read on: Eskala, the King’s leftwing, is a professorly, kind-hearted workaholic—and widely called the most brilliant mind in the Realms.
Peacegrowth
the Nurturers · Emerald
Kind and giving, Peacegrowth are the nurturers of the Seven Realms.
The most altruistic of all the clans, Peacegrowth were the last of the six dramá clans to receive their own realm, but they haven’t suffered for it. On the contrary, the Peacegrowth are known for establishing perhaps the happiest and certainly the most harmonious realm, despite the occasional perils they face because of the wildernesses they stubbornly allow to thrive.
Do not underestimate a Peacegrowth, however; try taking advantage of their goodness one step too far, or threaten the things they so carefully nurture, and you will find a surprising fierceness to rebalance the scales. For that is the Peacegrowth’s secret to their peace and prosperity: balance.
If this is your clanKind, balanced, and fiercely protective of what you love—the gentlest souls in these pages hide the deepest strength, just like you.
A character to watchYou’ll feel right at home with Svyer, Ben’s cousin—a kind, nurturing friend who looks after everyone around her, present from Book One.
Moontouched
the Beacons · White
Though still growing in power and capability, the Moontouched are quickly becoming the beacons of the Seven Realms.
The Moontouched were one of the original Seven Clans but broke away and returned to Earth only a couple centuries after their founding to flee unfair treatment and their leader’s assassination. Now their clan is reestablishing itself in the newest, Seventh Realm, and even though they are the smallest clan of the Seven for now, their power is already renowned for surpassing even that of the Starkissed.
First and foremost, the Moontouched appear to see to the heart of things more quickly and clearly than their dramá cousins. Seldom will you succeed in lying to or manipulating a Moontouched, and if you do, you will probably lose their trust and good opinion forever. Tending to be reflective and thoughtful, Moontouched enjoy exploring their inner worlds as much as they do charting their new realm.
If this is your clanClear-eyed and quietly determined, you’re drawn to the light at the edge of the dark—and this whole series is a journey toward it.
A character to watchWhen the series opens, the Moontouched are all but a “dead” clan—which makes them its quietest, deepest mystery. Start at Book One and watch the edges of the story; the Seventh Realm keeps secrets worth the wait.
Wondering which clan you’d be born to? Take the Seven Clans quiz — or meet the cast and see whose blood runs which color.
A warning before you read on
There is an eighth clan.
But its story spoils the heart of the series. Please don’t read on until you’ve finished book 5, Dragon’s Hope.
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