ARC Team · Book One of Aelysia

Read Revenge Runs Red Before Release

Apply to become an ARC reader for a dark fantasy story of betrayal, vengeance, blood magic, and one broken man's war against those who stole everything from him.

Apply to Join the ARC Team →

Limited ARC copies available. Selected readers will receive an early digital copy before publication.

Revenge Runs Red by Damien Waugh — Book One of Aelysia
The Invitation

What Is an ARC Reader?

An ARC reader receives an Advance Reader Copy of a book before publication. In exchange, they read the book early and provide honest feedback. After release, ARC readers are also encouraged to leave an honest review on platforms such as Amazon, Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram, TikTok, or their preferred book platform.

Reviews do not need to be positive. Honest feedback is the goal.

The Book

About Revenge Runs Red

Revenge Runs Red is Book One of Aelysia, a grimdark fantasy about a disgraced former general, a hunted royal heir, and a hidden cabal using blood magic, betrayal, and war to seize control of a fractured kingdom.

It is a story for readers who like wounded heroes, brutal consequences, political treachery, cinematic action, and emotional stakes that cut deeper than the blade.

Betrayal began it. Vengeance will end it.

The Right Reader

This ARC May Be For You If You Like…

The Oath

What ARC Readers Will Be Asked To Do

Selected ARC readers will be asked to:

  • 01Read the digital ARC within the agreed reading window.
  • 02Complete a short feedback form after reading.
  • 03Keep the ARC file private.
  • 04Avoid posting major spoilers before release.
  • 05Leave an honest review after publication, where possible.

Leaving a review is strongly appreciated — but reviews must always be honest.

Revenge Runs Red is a gritty dark fantasy novel and contains mature themes, including violence, grief, betrayal, war, trauma, death, blood magic, and emotionally intense scenes.

This book is best suited to readers comfortable with darker fantasy.

The Application

Apply to Join the ARC Team

A short application — about two minutes. ARC places are limited, so a few quick questions help me match the right readers to the book.

About You
Instagram, TikTok, Goodreads, StoryGraph, a blog — wherever you talk about books. Optional, but it helps.
Your Reading
Do you regularly read fantasy or dark fantasy?*
Which genres do you enjoy?* Select all that apply.
The Commitment
Could you read the ARC within the reading window?* Usually a few weeks ahead of release.
Are you willing to leave an honest review after release?* Honest — it doesn't have to be positive.
Where would you be willing to review? Optional — select any that apply.
Are you comfortable with dark fantasy's mature themes?* Violence, grief, betrayal, war, trauma, death, blood magic.
Why You Optional
A line or two is plenty — it helps me match the right readers to the book.
The Agreement

Takes about two minutes · Your details are used only to run the ARC programme · No spam.

◈

Your application has been received.

Thank you for applying to join the Revenge Runs Red ARC Team.

If selected, you will receive an email with the next steps, including the ARC reading timeline, feedback form, and review guidance.

Thank you for helping bring Book One of Aelysia into the world.

Betrayal began it. Vengeance will end it.

Ready to Enter Aelysia Early?

Apply now to read Revenge Runs Red before release and help shape the launch of Book One of Aelysia.

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