Kylar Stern is the protagonist of the Night Angel series by Brent Weeks. He was born Azoth, an orphan surviving in the brutal guild rat society of Cenaria’s slums, where children are organized into gangs and forced to steal, beg, and fight to survive.
Desperate to escape his life and protect those he cares about, Azoth seeks out Durzo Blint, the most feared wetboy in the city. After proving his determination, he becomes Durzo’s apprentice and must shed his old identity completely. Azoth ceases to exist; Kylar Stern is born.
Background
Azoth’s childhood in the warrens shaped him in ways that persist throughout the series. The violence and betrayal he experienced gave him survival instincts but also left deep scars. His friendships with fellow guild rats Jarl and Doll Girl anchor him to his past even as he tries to become someone new.
Powers and Abilities
As a wetboy, Kylar develops Talent, the magical ability that separates wetboys from ordinary assassins. He is trained in combat, stealth, poisons, and infiltration by the best in the business.
His abilities take a significant leap when he bonds with the black ka’kari, one of several legendary magical artifacts. The ka’kari grants him powers that make him formidable even among wetboys, though these powers come with their own costs and complications.
Character Arc
Kylar’s journey explores the tension between the killer he has been trained to be and the person he wants to become. His relationships with Elene, a childhood friend, and his mentor Durzo Blint pull him in different directions. The series asks whether someone who has done terrible things can ever truly change.
Reading Order
See the complete Night Angel reading order for all books in the series.