Field Marshal Tamas' coup against his king sent corrupt aristocrats to the guillotine and brought bread to the starving, but also provoked war with the Nine Nations, internal attacks by royalist fanatics, and the greedy scrambling for power among his allies: the Church, workers unions, and mercenary forces. Tamas relies on his powder mages, including his estranged son Taniel, and retired police inspector Adamat, whose loyalty is tested by blackmail. Attacks batter them from within and without, and whispers of old peasant legends about gods waking to walk the earth begin to spread. In a world that mixes magic with technology, mages control gunpowder and bullets.
Field Marshal Tamas' coup against his king sent corrupt aristocrats to the guillotine and brought bread to the starving, but also provoked war with the Nine Nations, internal attacks by royalist fanatics, and the greedy scrambling for power among his allies: the Church, workers unions, and mercenary forces. Tamas relies on his powder mages, including his estranged son Taniel, and retired police inspector Adamat, whose loyalty is tested by blackmail. Attacks batter them from within and without, and whispers of old peasant legends about gods waking to walk the earth begin to spread. In a world that mixes magic with technology, mages control gunpowder and bullets.
