A tale of magic, revenge, and bitter death—on the rain-spattered streets of the great city. This is epic fantasy not "in the tradition of Tolkien," but, instead, sensual, ominous, shot through with the sweat of fear and the intoxication of power. One of the most prolific new writers of the decade, Lake won 2004's John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His novels include Mainspring, Escapement, Pinion, and Green. The world of Green is also the setting for "A Water Matter."