Emperor Mapidere was the first to bring the island kingdoms of Dara under a single governing authority. A TIME MAGAZINE BEST FANTASY BOOK OF ALL TIME. But now that the emperor is dying, his subjects are worn out from his extensive, conscriptive engineering projects, and his advisors only work together for their personal benefit. The gods themselves can't sit still. As they each lead their own rebellion against the ruthless rule of the emperor, a cunning, charismatic robber and the vengeance-sworn son of a deposed duke meet paths. They will travel to the centre of the empire together, where they will see armies conflict, fleets of silk-draped airships, mystical texts, and gods that can take several forms. Their unusual friendship will significantly alter Dara's power dynamics. nevertheless, at what cost?