The powerful city-state of Saraykeht is a bastion of peace and culture, a major centre of commerce and trade. Its economy depends on the power of the captive spirit, Seedless, an andat bound to the poet-sorcerer Heshai for life. Enter the Galts, a juggernaut of an empire committed to laying waste to all lands with their ferocious army. Saraykeht, though, has always been too strong for the Galts to attack, but now they see an opportunity. If they can dispose of Heshai, Seedless’s bonded poet-sorcerer, Seedless will perish and the entire city will fall. With secret forces inside the city, the Galts prepare to enact their terrible plan.
In the middle is Otah, a simple labourer with a complex past. Recruited to act as a bodyguard for his girlfriend's boss at a secret meeting, he inadvertently learns of the Galtish plot. Otah finds himself as the sole hope of Saraykeht: either he stops the Galts, or the whole city and everyone in it perishes forever.
- 'A thoroughly engrossing debut novel from a major new fantasist. A poignant human tale of power, heartbreak, and betrayal' George R.R. Martin
- 'Beguiling . . . The world-building is immaculate' Deathray
- 'A compelling, emotionally brutal and edgy fantasy that's genuinely worthy of comparison with genre heavyweights like George R.R. Martin . . . exceptionally well-written' SFX
Trade Paperback
Published 04/10/2007