Jim Butcher, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Dresden Files and the Codex Alera novels, conjures up a new series set in a fantastic world of noble families, steam-powered technology, and magic-wielding warriors…
Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.
Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.
And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous 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…
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"I have always enjoyed Jim Butcher's work, especially with the Codex Alera series. I wasn't sure what to expect with this new series, but I am ecstatic that I indulged in getting it. The characters are nuanced and have quirks that you really can't help but like. And there is a sense of honor that resonates through most of the main characters. You even have to respect a couple of the "bad guys". Absolutely wonderful book!!!!"
— Kenneth Morgan (5 out of 5 stars)
“This sweeping fantastical epic…[is] a fascinating, adventurous, and intricate story…giving the reader a thrilling ride.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Blends familiar steampunk and fantasy elements (airships, wizardry, and heroes from a monarch’s guard) in a fresh and wonderful way that results in a fantastic ride.”
— Library Journal (starred review)“With shifting points of view, short chapters, fast-paced action, and awesome battle scenes, the large cast of characters, elaborate world building, and intricate plot are revealed quickly and realized fully. It all reminds readers of when they first fell for Harry Dresden.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Obie Award winner and Scottish-born Euan Morton narrates this sprawling opening volume of the Cinder Spires with the spirit of a buccaneer and an ear for a couple of dozen different vocal rhythms and dialects from the British Isles. Morton is especially adept at naturally carrying on the conversations between the growling shipmates and the highborn Gwen. Morton keeps the action moving and speaks ‘cat’ perfectly.”
— AudioFile" New worlds launch story, interesting world, cats are a social class. The power of crystals can’t be over stated. Much fun in ways I wasn’t expecting. "
— james, 1/2/2019Jim Butcher is a martial arts enthusiast whose résumé includes a long list of skills rendered obsolete at least two hundred years ago. He turned to writing as a career because anything else probably would have driven him insane. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and the Cinder Spires novels.
Euan Morton is an Earphones Award–winning narrator. As an actor and singer, he is best known for his role as Boy George in the musical Taboo, which earned him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. He reprised the role on Broadway, earning him the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut, as well as nominations for the ony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League awards. His other stage performances include Leaves of Glass, Sondheim on Sondheim, and Cyrano De Bergerac.