✍ Scribed by James Boschert
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
Talon stared wide-eyed at the devices, awed that they could make such an overwhelming, head-splitting noise. His ears rang and his eyes were burning from the drifting smoke that carried with it an evil stink. “That will show the bastards,” Hsü told him with one of his rare smiles. “The General calls his weapons ‘the Dragon’s breath.’ They certainly stink like it.”
Talon, an assassin turned knight turned merchant, is restless. Enticed by tales of lucrative trade, he sets sail for the coasts of Africa and India. Traveling with him are his wife and son, eager to share in this new adventure, as well as Reza, his trusted comrade in arms. Treasures beckon at the ports, but Talon and Reza quickly learn that dangers attend every opportunity, and the chance rescue of a Chinese lord named Hsü changes their destination—and their fates.
Hsü introduces Talon to the intricacies of trading in China and the sophisticated wonders of Guangzhou, China’s richest city. Here the companions discover wealth beyond their imagining. But Hsü is drawn into a political competition for the position of governor, and his opponents target everyone associated with him, including the foreign merchants he has welcomed into his home. When Hsü is sent on a dangerous mission to deliver the annual Tribute to the Mongols, no one is safe, not even the women and children of the household. As Talon and Reza are drawn into supporting Hsü’s bid for power, their fighting skills are put to the test against new weapons and unfamiliar fighting styles. It will take their combined skills to navigate the treacherous waters of intrigue and violence if they hope to return to home.
**
"The sixth book in the series, this well-researched book is an exciting addition. I was not let down by the storyline. I always look forward to Mr. Boschert's new publications with anticipation. His writing is exceptional and his characters realistic for the time period because he adds depth and life to each character. The tension builds from chapter to chapter with cliffhangers to keep you engaged in the story. An excellent book and series." -- Historical Novel Review
📜 SIMILAR VOLUMES
Having recovered their human shape, Emeralda and Eadric try to help Aunt Grassina find the special objects needed to break the spell that turned Grassina's true love, Haywood, into an otter.
Emma and Eadric have no sooner turned back into humans (from being frogs) than Emma's mother is in a panic, Aunt Grassina is distracted because she's found her true love turned into an otter, and Emma's magic is so out of control she sends herself to the dungeon by mistake. The neighboring kingdom h
When the balance between good and evil is tipped, and it looks like evil will win, it’s up to the most unlikely pair to bring balance back to the world, but has fate chosen correctly or will the all the magic in the world disappear forever. Max’s life has never been his own, he’s never had the free
A shifter raised to protect and defend… A witch with secrets, and blood on her hands… A chasm of distrust, only destiny can conquer. Taylor isn’t tempted by power or glory, but he’s ready to give his life for his family and their small community of shifters; a group that have been fighting for