**The explosive conclusion to a series that bridges steampunk sci-fi
with the action of a heist thriller and the humor of a buddy comedy
**
Detan Honding is determined to survive this war, even when caught
between not one but two besieging armies! After rescuing the renowned
engineer Nouli from the clutches of the empire, the valiant rogue has
returned to his aunt's city--to find it under siege by Thratia's army.
With Nouli's help, they manage to turn back the tide, at least until
imperial forces descend, prepared to hammer the Thratian force against
the anvil of the city's walls. Worse yet, the imperial advance is aided
by an elite force of dark magicians.
His aunt is forced to forge an uneasy alliance with Thratia to keep the
city from falling back under imperial control--but Detan's wary. While
Thratia and his aunt bring their forces to bear against the new threat,
Detan puts his own plans into motion--to ensure that when the final blow
is dealt, Thratia and her army will find themselves on the other side of
the city's walls.