From the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Dresden Files comes an all-new, action-packed fantasy adventure set in the Cinder Spires universe.
Benedict Sorellin-Lancaster hasn’t even broken in his lieutenant’s insignia when he’s summoned to meet with the Spirearch of Spire Albion himself for a very special—and very secret—purpose. The Spirearch needs Benedict to retrieve a bag he’s “misplaced” on the Colony Spire known as Dependence, which has strangely cut off all contact with the outside world. It’s a delicate mission at best, a potential bloodbath at worst.
To this end, the Spirearch has supplied Benedict with backup in the form of three Warriorborn. But unlike the courageous lieutenant, this trio has formerly used its special gifts for crime, carnage, and outright bloody murder. And all of them were caught and imprisoned because of Benedict. Now, if they behave—and make it back alive—they’ll go free.
But when the odd squad reaches Dependence, they soon discover something waiting for them: a horrific weapon that could shatter the balance of power among the Spires. And Benedict will have to bring his own Warriorborn skills to bear if he, his team, and Spire Albion are to have any hope of survival . . .
The series
In The Cinder Spires series, Jim Butcher creates a world that feels as if it’s suspended between fantasy and steampunk, where airships glide through skies filled with danger, and ancient powers quietly shape the fates of cities and nations. The story is set in a world where towering spires rise above the clouds, home to powerful, and sometimes treacherous, forces that control everything from politics to magic. It’s a world where intrigue and adventure lurk around every corner, and each character’s fate seems bound by forces beyond their control—yet, they fight with everything they have to carve their own paths.
Read full series description
The series follows the journey of a group of unlikely heroes, each with their own secrets, motivations, and moral quandaries. At the heart of it all is the spire of the Aeronauts, a faction of daring warriors and cunning tacticians whose fates become intertwined in a struggle to protect their world from a growing, unpredictable menace. With magical technology, aerial battles, and a richly detailed landscape that blends skybound technology with ancient secrets, the world-building in The Cinder Spires is a triumph that readers can get lost in.
But it’s not just the spectacle of airships and mysterious magic that makes the series stand out—it’s the characters. Each member of the crew, from reluctant heroes to steadfast leaders, has a deeply personal stake in the battles they fight, whether it’s loyalty, revenge, or the desire to protect what remains of their world. They grapple with the legacies of their actions, the weight of duty, and the overwhelming desire to make a difference in a world that often seems indifferent to their struggles.
What truly sets The Cinder Spires apart is Butcher’s ability to weave a tale that is both grand in scale and intimate in its character-driven moments. There’s a constant tug-of-war between the sweeping aerial battles and the deeply human moments of sacrifice, loyalty, and love. As the series progresses, the stakes grow higher, and the lines between good and evil blur in unexpected and thrilling ways.
Whether you’re drawn in by the complex political intrigue, the aerial battles that soar above the clouds, or the unforgettable cast of characters, The Cinder Spires offers an immersive experience that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what’s to come next. It’s a world where magic is as unpredictable as the skies, and the characters are just as complex as the world they inhabit. Dive in, and let the winds of adventure carry you through this thrilling, unforgettable series.
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