DEATH IS NEAR, ARMIES ARE GATHERED,
AND THE FUTURE RESTS ON A KNIFE-EDGE

The Annurian Empire is losing a war on two fronts - and it's unclear who's in command. Adare is stationed in the thick of battle, calling herself Emperor. However, she can't hold back the nomadic Urghul forces forever. She needs her brilliant general, Ran il Tornja, but will he betray her again?

Adare's brother Kaden is the true heir, yet he'll accept a republic to save his divided people. And he faces something more terrible than war. He's unmasked Ran il Tornja as a remnant of an ancient race, one that attempted to destroy mankind. The general now plans to finish what they started. Kaden has also discovered that capricious gods walk the earth in human guise - and their agendas may seal the fates of all.

PRAISE FOR THE SERIES

'A complex and fast-moving fantasy set in a world where treachery and intrigue are everywhere'
L. E. MODESITT, JR

'Following in the footsteps of George R. R. Martin, Joe Abercrombie and the like'
KIRKUS REVIEWS

'Book Two finishes on a knife-edge . . . I loved every second of it'
FANTASY-FACTION.COM