A fantasy novel told in four parts about a land crippled by the use of magic, and a tyrant who is trying to rebuild an empire-- unless the people find a way to resist.
Formatted Contents Note: Part I. The alchemist / by Paolo Bacigalupi -- Part II. The executioness / by Tobias S. Buckell -- Part III. The children of Khaim / by Paolo Bacigalupi -- Part IV. The blacksmith's daughter / by Tobias S. Buckell.