My name is Wen Alder. My name is Foolish Cur. All my life, I have been torn between two legacies: that of my father, whose roots trace back to the right hand of the Emperor. That of my mother's family, who reject the oppressive Empire and embrace the resistance. I can choose between them - between protecting my family, or protecting my people - or I can search out a better path . . . a magical path, filled with secrets, unbound by Empire or resistance, which could shake my world to its very foundation. But my search for freedom will entangle me in a war between the gods themselves . . .

WAR MAKES MONSTERS OF EVERYONE. Foolish Cur, once named Wen Alder, finds that his allies in the rebellion might cross any line if it means freedom from the Empire. But he can't overcome a foe as strong as Emperor Tenet alone. REBELLION HAS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. Koro Ha, Foolish Cur's former tutor, discovers the Empire is not so forgiving of those who raise a traitor. And their suspicion may cost him and his people more than he can imagine. THE GODS ARE LURKING IN THE SHADOWS. As war against the Empire rages, Foolish Cur knows there is a greater threat. The emperor plans his own coup against the gods, and they will wreak destruction if he tries. To stop him, Foolish Cur might have to risk everything - and resort to ancient magics that could tear the world apart. The sequel to the spectacular The Hand of the Sun King, filled to the brim with magic and the cruel consequences of war. This is perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Shelley Parker-Chan. \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \* 'A captivating epic of conflicted loyalties and dangerous ambition' Anthony Ryan, New York Times bestselling author, on The Hand of the Sun King 'Brilliantly told and immediately engrossing' Andrea Stewart, critically acclaimed author of The Bone Shard Daughter, on The Hand of the Sun King

Pakty zostały zerwane. Rebelia poniosła porażkę. Po nieudanej próbie obalenia Cesarza, Głupi Kundel sięgnął po zakazaną magię, robiąc dokładnie to, czego pragnęli Bogowie. Od tej pory wojna nabrała impetu, przekształcając świat według boskiej woli. Wygładzenie jego struktury jest zbyt wielkim zadaniem dla jednego człowieka i będzie wymagało mnóstwa sprytu. Podczas gdy Imperium, rebelia i cały ziemski krajobraz zaczynają się kruszyć, Głupi Kundel musi połączyć siły z innymi walczącymi o wolność, aby stoczyć ostateczną bitwę i obalić Doktrynę oraz Bogów. Jednak konsekwencje odbudowy rozpadającego się świata mogą okazać się większe niż jest gotów zaakceptować…