Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Never Die | 2019 | Rob J. Hayes | Buy |
| 2 | Pawn’s Gambit | 2021 | Rob J. Hayes | Buy |
| 3 | The Century Blade | 2021 | Rob J. Hayes | Buy |
| 4 | Spirits of Vengeance | 2021 | Rob J. Hayes | Buy |
The Mortal Techniques is a four-book fantasy series by Rob J. Hayes, set in a world influenced by East Asian mythology and martial arts traditions. Never Die (2019) introduces a boy named Ein who has a single, strange power: he can bring the recently dead back to life, binding them to his service. He uses this ability to gather a group of legendary warriors for a mission to kill the Emperor of Ten Kings.
The sequels expand the world and its conflicts. Pawn’s Gambit (2021) shifts perspective to a game between gods played with mortal champions, while The Century Blade (2021) and Spirits of Vengeance (2021) continue to explore the consequences of mortal and divine ambitions colliding. The series is notable for its tight pacing and its blend of wuxia-style action with grimdark themes.