Four destinies--a princess, a con artist, a soldier, and an heir to an empire--collide in a unique fantasy world of war and wonders, where empire is won with enchanted steel, and magical animal companions fight alongside their masters in battle.
Jimuro is the Iron Prince, and the heir to a fallen empire. The tiny island nation of Tomoda once ruled its colonies with its mastery of magical steel. But after the revolution, its colonies are now independent nations, and Jimuro is tasked with keeping a fragile peace--and finding his own place in this strange new world.
He''s protected by Tala, an honorable soldier from the Sanbu Islands, which were once enslaved by Jimuro''s people. Now Tala is torn between her duty to keep the peace her comrades-in-arms died for--and the memory of her family murdered by the Iron Prince''s army.
Meanwhile, another kingdom is rising: the budding empire of Shang, ruled by the Crane Emperor. Princess Xiulan has a plan to depose her father and take back the Snow-Feather Throne. But she''s a very eccentric princess, and she has a most peculiar plan--one that involves disguising herself as a detective, and recruiting an unlikely partner-in-crime.
Lee is a small-time criminal who''s never had much luck, but thinks she''s hit the jackpot when she meets the princess. Xiulan promises her freedom, money--and a magical animal companion of her own. As Xiulan and Lee work together on their master plan, they find they have a deeper connection than friendship.
This band of rogues and royals should all be enemies, but they unite for a common purpose: to defeat an unstoppable killer who defies the laws of magic. In this battle, they will forge unexpected bonds of friendship and love that will change their lives--and begin to change the world.
