'Parker raises the bar for realistic fantasy war craft with this series opener.' - Publishers Weekly

'When so many fantasy sagas are tired, warmed-over affairs, a writer like K.J. Parker is more of a hurricane than a breath of fresh air.' - Dreamwatch

When an engineer is sentenced to death for a petty transgression of guild law, he flees the city, leaving behind his wife and daughter. Forced into exile, he seeks a terrible vengeance - one that will leave a trail of death and destruction in its wake.

But he will not be able to achieve this by himself. He must draw up his plans using the blood of others ...

In a compelling tale of intrigue and injustice, K. J. Parker's embittered hero takes up arms against his enemies, using the only weapons he has left to him: his ingenuity and his passion - his devices and desires.

The acclaimed author of The Fencer Trilogy and The Scavenger Trilogy begins a brilliant new series, pushing the boundaries of fantasy fiction with his most powerful novel to date.

Books by K.J. Parker:

Fencer Trilogy

The Colours in the Steel

The Belly of the Bow

The Proof House

Scavenger Trilogy

Shadow

Pattern

Memory

Engineer Trilogy

Devices and Desires

Evil for Evil

The Escapement

Saloninus

Blue and Gold

The Devil You Know

Two of Swords

The Two of Swords: Part 1

The Two of Swords: Part 2

The Two of Swords: Part 3

Novels

The Company

The Folding Knife

The Hammer

Sharps

Savages

Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City

My Beautiful Life