SHIANG: Empire of Salt Book Two

By the master of old-school fantasy, this second book of a trilogy can very much be read on its own. Two ancient cities, one final war. In Shiang, the Emperor send four master swordsmen to Darien, their mission to bring back the traitor, Tellius. Swordsmen stand on every corner, looking for the first sign of rebellion, yet in one swift move, order is overturned. The balance of centuries is undone in the sudden spill of blood, and in the darkness, something terrible returns to Shiang. The sword saint and his companions have crossed a continent to bring an old man home for punishment and they will not be denied, even if the whole city stands in their way. Tellius knows something is coming but not what. He must protect his home and those he loves against whatever wicked things shamble towards Darien. The city stands with Tellius and the next bloody chapter in the lost tale of the Empire of Salt will be told. High fantasy tinged with dark magic in an East-meets-West clash of cultures and an epic adventure. 359pp in paperback.