First published 2001
A single fateful act transforms young Ren Daiyan's life. Guarding an imperial magistrate, he kills seven men - and is cast into the Kitanese wilderness, where he joins a band of outlaws. Years later, Ren emerges a hardened warrior, drawn back toward the imperial court as war looms on Kitai's borders. With enemies circling and his own past haunting him, Ren must navigate the treacherous waters of power and loyalty to forge his own destiny.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, redemption
Setting: Kitai, Kitanese
Period: imperial
639 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins