The fate of the world will be decided in the searing conclusion of this bold and bloody epic fantasy series.

THERE ARE NO GODS. ONLY MEN.

Betrayed by her closest allies, Empress Miko Ts''ai is thrust from ruler to pawn. But she won''t suffer the whims of men. A string of dangerous gambles could win Miko her empire for good, but to take back the throne, she must become everything her ancestors failed to be.

Rah e''Torin leads a herd again. Now he seeks to honor a promise he made a lifetime ago-to safely bring his Swords home. Yet Rah''s loyalty to the past may be his ultimate undoing.

Cassandra Marius is lost. Ensnared by memories that aren''t her own, Cass must decide who she really is, but the answer lies beyond one final confrontation with Leo Villius.

And trapped in the heart of the Chiltaen army, Dishiva e''Jaroven is handed unexpected power. The dream of a new homeland is within her grasp - if she risks everything and trusts her former enemies.

Praise for the series:

''An incredibly satisfying finale . . . Madson sends the series out on a high'' Publishers Weekly (starred review)

''Highly recommended'' John Gwynne, author of The Shadow of the Gods

''Damn this was a good book . . . a triumph of a debut'' Fantasy Hive

''A visceral, intriguing, intense and emotionally charged ride'' Grimdark Magazine

''Breathtakingly triumphant . . . it has become one of my favourite books of all time'' Novel Notions

''Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a hell of a ride'' Fantasy Book Critic

''Complex and immersive . . . doesn''t let go until the final electrifying pages'' Fantasy Book Review