Live fast, die young. Tam Hashford is tired of working at her local pub, slinging drinks for world-famous mercenaries and listening to the bards sing of adventure and glory in the world beyond her sleepy hometown. When the biggest mercenary band of all, led by the infamous Bloody Rose, rolls into town, Tam jumps at the chance to sign on as their bard. It's adventure she wants — and adventure she gets as the crew embark on a quest that will end in one of two ways: glory or death. "Humorous twists and pulse-ratcheting action abound in , but its Eames' knack for heart-wrenching poignancy that makes his warm, wonderful fantasy so harmonious." — For more from Nicholas Eames, check out: