<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revised edition features the author’s preferred text, a new introduction by award-winng author Lee Murray, a previously unpublished short story featuring Victory and the essay “Limani: A Brief History” by Lady Zhinu Zhuanxu-Wallace.</p><p>“The innovative combination of genres is appealing, and Gribble’s multiple story lines—invasion, anti-creature bias, and intercity politics—mesh very well together….This is a solid first effort that sets the stage for more installments in an intriguing world with complex characters.”<br />
—<em>Publishers Weekly</em></p><p>“A deviously raucous romp through a modern world filled with were-creatures, mercenaries, and Victory—a fanged kickass heroine who must squelch her adopted city’s political divisiveness before the Roman Empire can break down the proverbial gates and tear her world apart.”<br />
—Diana Dru Botsford, author <em>Four Dragons</em> and <em>The Drift</em></p><p>“Strong characters rule in this unique debut. Magic, murder, and mayhem wrapped up in one package—definitely my type of book!”<br />
—Maria V. Snyder, The Chronicles of Ixia series</p>
