Some family reunions have arguments. This one has a demon war. Ashe Stelfire's daughter is dying by inches. Her body lies broken and inert, her spirit a living ghost clinging to the world. The only cure is a stolen blade, and it rests in the hands of the one person who hates them both most. Avril's mother. Ashe's ex. To reach it, Ashe must carve through a dark empire. The bloody empress has united the east behind demonic armies of super-tech and sorcery, and the tattered west is buckling. Their one real advantage is a band of mercenaries renowned for turning hopeless battles. The Brigands. Ashe is one of them now. But the empress isn't the only player on the board. Someone older and colder is moving in the shadows, and every move Ashe makes is one he already predicted. To save his daughter, Ashe will have to decide what he's willing to sacrifice. And who. Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Glen Cook, and Brandon Sanderson. Hold the line.