A desperate quest to save a dying world begins as a disgraced knight seeks a mythical artifact. Lord Borlath, once a celebrated warrior, now lives in exile, haunted by past failures. He is tasked with a perilous mission: to find the legendary Sunstone, the only object capable of reigniting the dying sun and preventing the world's descent into eternal darkness. Standing in his way are the corrupted forces of the Shadow King, ancient beasts, and the treacherous landscape of a world succumbing to the encroaching cold. Borlath must navigate these dangers, relying on his dwindling skills and the reluctant aid of a few companions, all while confronting the demons of his own past.

The Mortal Tally is the second book in Sam Sykes' Bring Down Heaven series, continuing the grimdark fantasy narrative. Readers familiar with the series can expect a continuation of the established tone and world-building, focusing on high stakes and morally complex characters. The premise suggests a narrative driven by a desperate quest against overwhelming odds, likely featuring intense action and a bleak outlook. The focus on a disgraced protagonist seeking redemption against a world-ending threat points to a story that explores themes of sacrifice and the consequences of past actions within a richly imagined, albeit dark, fantasy setting.