First Born (Unabridged‪)‬

The first born of the Muzina people are marked by an ancient curse. Meant to offer their mothers a chance to purge this taint, Muzina women develop strength of character and prove self-worth by sacrificing their first babe. When allowed to live, these children are set on a path of torment and ill-fortune that hounds them until they finally perish. 

But first born Kathiz T'Kazan does not shy away from living. He embraces all life has to offer with unquenchable hope: the father who hunts him, the mother who hides, the woman he loves, and the goddess who tempts him with dangerous power. Kathiz scrambles to survive his fate, desperately trying to eke out a sliver of the world in which he can exist in peace. Is there any such place where the curse cannot reach him?

First Born is a dark fantasy novel with lush world-building and a fast pace. Content warnings: violence, assault, drug use.