The Cinder Spires: The Aeronaut's Windlass

<b>Jim Butcher, the #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of the Dresden Files and the Codex Alera novels, conjures up a new series set in a fantastic world of noble families, steam-powered technology, and magic-wielding warriors. ... </b><br> <b> </b><br> Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity. Within their halls, the ruling aristocratic houses develop scientific marvels, foster trade alliances, and maintain fleets of airships to keep the peace.<br> <br> Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship <i>Predator</i>. Loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy's shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the <i>Predator</i> is damaged in combat, Grimm joins a team of Albion agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring his ship. <br> <br> And as Grimm undertakes this task, he learns that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity's ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake. . . .