Set in a world of tricorn hats, frockcoats and flintlock pistols, Monster Blood Tattoo abounds with monsters, chemical potions and surgically altered people. In this first book, 'Foundling', David Cornish begins the journey of a young boy, Rossamund, a boy with a girl's name, who is about to begin a life as a lamplighter in the service of the Haacobin Emperor. What begins as a simple journey is threatened by encounters with monsters - and people, who may be worse. Learning who to trust and who to fear is neither easy nor without its perils, and Rossamund must choose his path carefully. This is a truly original story - highly unusual among the vast array of fantasy novels available today. Lavishly illustrated by the author, an accomplished artist.