To Conquer Death

From the introduction:

The Velkou Ocean had long been considered the edge of the world. Until recently, none had succeeded in crossing it and returning to tell the tale. Twenty years ago a brave explorer, whom all had assumed perished, pulled back into harbor, bringing with him stories of exotic lands, animals and people, and of an expansive, unclaimed wilderness.

But opportunity travels hand in hand with danger, for there is more hidden in the unclaimed jungles of the New World than gold…