When the trade caravan Driwna Marghoster was hired to protect is attacked, she discovers a dead body hidden inside a barrel. Born of the powerful but elusive Oskoro people, the body is a rare and priceless find, the centre of a tragic tale and the key to a larger mystery...

For when Driwna investigates who the body was meant for, she will find a trail of deceit and corruption which could bring down a kingdom, and an evil more powerful than she can imagine.

From the author of the critically acclaimed Snakewood and The Winter Road comes a gritty and epic standalone adventure that's perfect for fans of Mark Lawrence, Joe Abercrombie and Andrzej Sapkowski's the Witcher.

About the Author
Adrian Selby studied creative writing at university before embarking on a career in video game production. He is a Tolkien fanatic and an online gaming addict, and lives with his wife and family on the south coast of England. His debut novel Snakewood is an epic and inventive fantasy about a company of mercenaries and the assassin trying to destroy them. You can find Adrian on Twitter, tweeting as @adrianlselby.

Reviews
A lot to enjoy, especially if you are a fan of dark, gritty, old-soldier stories

Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie

Wears its grimdark on its sleeve . . . a thrilling tale of adventure, betrayal, triumph and loss

I give it nothing but the highest recommendation

Grim mercenaries and badass alchemists brought to life by a bold, assured storyteller

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster . . . Highly recommended - John Gwynne



Book Information
ISBN 9780356508443
Author Adrian Selby
Format Paperback
Page Count 512
Imprint Orbit
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 360g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 126mm * 40mm