First published 2009
The Wasp Empire's relentless advance threatens to crush Lowland resistance. In the besieged city of Tark, Salma and Totho prepare for battle, as their mentor Stenwold Maker is deemed too dangerous to live. But an even darker force gathers within the city, one that could spark a reign of blood lasting a thousand years. As the Empire's young emperor pursues his sinister ambitions, the fate of Collegium – and the world – hangs in the balance.
Genres: military-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Capitas, Collegium, Sarn, Tark
673 pages · Paperback · Tor Books
Content warnings: violence