''Great action scenes, a fascinating world, and characters of a sort I''ve never seen before. This is everything I''ve come to expect from Jim Butcher, but in a delightful new flavour''
PATRICK ROTHFUSS

''Beware fellow readers, herein lies adventure that will keep you from food or rest . . .''
PATRICIA BRIGGS

Jim Butcher, the number one bestselling author of The Dresden Files, begins a new series set in a gloriously imagined world of noble families, marvellous artificers and magic-wielding warriors.

Since time immemorial humanity has lived inside the Spires, habitats towering for miles over the dangerous, monster-inhabited surface of the world.

Captain Grimm of the merchant airship, Predator, was dismissed from Spire Albion''s military in disgrace - now his ship and crew are all he has, and he''s fiercely loyal to both. When the Predator is severely damaged in combat Grimm has only one choice - take on a clandestine mission for Albion''s leaders, or stay grounded for good.

And even as Grimm undertakes this perilous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity''s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake . . .

***Sequel out now: read The Olympian Affair for more Butcher-esque adventures and skyship-bound derring-do***