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The power of rhe Realms depends on irs dragons, Jealously guardcd, nuriured by their handlers, ridden by the aristocracy, they are bred for hunting and for war. But only the alchemists and rhe mysterious Iiquid they administer to the dragons stand between the Realms and disaster; for without rhe liquid, the dragons would be returned to their natural fury: Unbiddable, tcrrifying, awesomely strong, able tó destroy an entire army, to burn a kingdom to ashes.

Prince Jehal is thinking of other things. Of power over all the Kings and Queens of the Realms; and he is prepared to charm, lie, betray, plot and murder to get it. Nor is he alone in his ambition. Queen Shezira has her daughters and she means to use them as she herself was used, to gain the tiltimate prize, marrying them off to secure her influence and power.

All sell-sword Kemir is thinking of is money. Of freedom from the un-ending arrogance of rhe dragon riders.

And maybe of a little cold revenge against the warlords who both need him and despise him.

jAnti mmi a bragon has ganc miting...

Stephen Deas debut novel is a gripping tale of Machiavellian politics, of court intrigue, of lust and betrayal. And dragons. Awe-inspiring, horrifyingly powerful, fire-breathing nightmares that have forgotten what freedom tastes like. Until now...

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