Drakemaster — E.C. Ambrose

What connects an ancient map carved in a cane, a disgraced descendant of Chinggis Khan, and a secret Chinese society?1257 AD, Kaifeng, China: Dailus, a European bronzecaster taken as a slave by the Mongols, builds mighty siege cannons for the Khan, but discovers there are even more frightening weapons. His fate intersects that of the Mongolian scout who enslaved him desperate to remove the name of 'traitor', the last warrior monk of a ruined temple, a Chinese astronomer's daughter forced to suppress her mind to her beauty, and a dancer whose grace hides deadly skills: allies and opponents in a race across medieval China to locate a clockwork doomsday device. As cities fall and empires are threatened, this legendary device could turn the tide of battle, or burn the world to ash with the power of the stars. An epic historical fantasy novel from the author of The King of Next Week, The Dark Apostle and Bone Guard series. I've long admired E.C. Ambrose's thriller and mystery work, but Drakemaster is a huge cut above. Taking place in Mongolia in 1257 A.D., Drakemaster is a superbly researched and well-written epic fantasy taking place in a realm most of us know little about, but Ambrose is an expert guide to this mysterious and troubling world, starting with a first chapter that will leave you breathless. Expertly researched with unforgettable characters and superb writing, this is one not to be missed.  —Brendan DuBois, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of Resurrection Day In DRAKEMASTER, E.C. Ambrose vividly evokes the 13th-century Mongol invasion of China, breathing life into the history and cultures of the region as the backdrop to an epic fantasy adventure imbued with a cosmic sense of wonder. Fascinating and complex characters, devious political machinations, clockwork magic, and thrilling chases across breathtaking landscapes coalesce in a poignant journey of spiritual self-discovery, human connection, and heroic sacrifice. Sure to please fans of historical fiction and high fantasy alike.  —Christopher M. Cevasco, author of Beheld: Godiva's Story