He's lost his love. He's lost his horse. And now he's lost.

Grimble is the regiment's best rider, but after he's assigned to an elite team for a covert mission, they make him prove his worth to the new unit. And when everything falls apart he finds himself on foot, alone, and struggling to survive while being hunted by a king, a deadly mage, and a host of creatures he never knew existed.

The odds are stacked against him. The noose is tightening. The enemy draws near.

But Grimble's love drives him on. Will it be enough?

TRIALS of the HORSEMAN is the first book in Dean Radt's epic fantasy series that explores the bonds between people, the gray between good and evil, and the resolve it takes to stay true in the face of adversity. It is a hard, epic fantasy novel set in an Earth analog world.

The story follows Grimble Broadleaf, a cavalry trooper, who searches for his lost love, Ellie. His commanders select him to join an elite team for a secret mission behind enemy lines. Their assignment: To contact a military officer turned spy who claims to have information vital to the safety of Grimble's country.

The antagonist is Page, a mercenary mage. She is deadly, motivated, and well respected in her company. Her team is hired to capture or kill the spy and anyone who meets with him.

Bhen, an ordained aide to a high ranking priest, finds himself in unfamiliar conditions. The priest he serves has a vision that she believes is a warning. Bhen accompanies her to meet with the head of their church to make sense of the vision.

Grimble is ultimately separated from his team and struggles to make it back to his country. He is broken and battered, but it is his love for Ellie that keeps him going.