The Thousand Scars by Michael R. Baker

The Thousand Scars (Counterbalance #1)

The greatest war since the time of ancient Chaos has reached the Balian Empire. Within the Balian council, a rogue faction unleashes an unthinkable dark magic to defeat its enemies. As the Empire loses ground, disgraced scholar and exile Tyrone Cessil is forced to go on the run. His only chance is with a band of cutthroat mercenaries, the Thousand Scars. Tyrone’s new commander is the notorious and hated Necromancer, Tyir of Irene.

Life with the Scars is...