This Cursed Black Powder — Larry Perkins

This Cursed Black Powder continues the story of Nico Conti now a ranking officer in the imperial army with a knowledge of how to use cannons and muskets in a world that doesn't yet understand how they change warfare. Nico and Elena reach and understanding that leaves both of the questioning their relationship. Rajid finds that the Imperial Academy and the promised career in government service is an illusion and rejoins the regiment. A grand campaign against the Merkit speeds up Nico's promotion by the sultan, but advancement brings as many troubles as opportunities. Nico comes to understand that he cannot find what he wants in Harqana and is forced to make several difficult choices resulting in him finding a way to use his weapons for his own people against his recent master. The cost is very high.