Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire Book 1) by Mark Lawrence

Prince of Thorns is a dark fantasy novel that follows Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless and cunning prince who, at the age of nine, witnessed the brutal murder of his mother and brother. Consumed by rage and a thirst for vengeance, Jorg leaves his father’s castle and becomes the leader of a group of bloodthirsty outlaws. By the age of thirteen, Jorg is determined to reclaim his birthright and ascend to power, no matter the cost. The novel delves into themes of power, revenge, and the moral complexities of a young boy turned cold-hearted leader in a brutal and unforgiving world.