<p><em>One hundred years ago</em>, the vampire Victory retired from a centuries-long mercenary career. She settled in Limani, the independent city-state acting as a neutral zone between the British and Roman colonies on the New Continent.</p><p><em>Twenty years ago</em>, Victory adopted a human baby girl, who soon showed signs of magical ability.</p><p><em>Today</em>, Victory is a city councilwoman, balancing the human and supernatural populations within Limani. Her daughter Toria is a warrior-mage, balancing life as an apprentice mercenary with college chemistry courses.</p><p><em>Tomorrow</em>, the Roman Empire invades.</p><p>This revised edition features the author&rsquo;s preferred text, a new introduction by award-winng author Lee Murray, a previously unpublished short story featuring Victory and the essay &ldquo;Limani: A Brief History&rdquo; by Lady Zhinu Zhuanxu-Wallace.</p><p>&ldquo;The innovative combination of genres is appealing, and Gribble&rsquo;s multiple story lines&mdash;invasion, anti-creature bias, and intercity politics&mdash;mesh very well together&hellip;.This is a solid first effort that sets the stage for more installments in an intriguing world with complex characters.&rdquo;<br />
&mdash;<em>Publishers Weekly</em></p><p>&ldquo;A deviously raucous romp through a modern world filled with were-creatures, mercenaries, and Victory&mdash;a fanged kickass heroine who must squelch her adopted city&rsquo;s political divisiveness before the Roman Empire can break down the proverbial gates and tear her world apart.&rdquo;<br />
&mdash;Diana Dru Botsford, author&nbsp;<em>Four Dragons</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>The Drift</em></p><p>&ldquo;Strong characters rule in this unique debut. Magic, murder, and mayhem wrapped up in one package&mdash;definitely my type of book!&rdquo;<br />
&mdash;Maria V. Snyder, The Chronicles of Ixia series</p>