A World Fantasy award-winning author «raises the bar for realistic fantasy war craft. . . . [an] exquisite feat of literary engineering» (Publishers Weekly).
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.
“A richly textured and emotionally complex fantasy. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal, starred review
"[R]efreshing and innovative. . . . Highly recommended." —Kirkus Reviews, starred reviews
