Publisher's Weekly
From the small town of Deepwell in the kingdom of Myrcia, hardworking Luken Barra lights out to seek his fortune in the city of Castlecliff. His failure there is in contrast to his criminal brother Vearus, who rises from a prison term to become the powerful Healer to the ruling Sanctor. Things change, however, during a dire siege of the city that spurs Luken to go on a quest to the immortal draconian god, the Erseiyr Rizzix, whose intervention is the only hope of survival. Luken makes a bargain with Rizzix, but keeping it is made difficult by human treachery. Although much of this is familiar in outline, from the medieval fantasy world to the mud-and-blood realism to the monster's loneliness amid his hoard of gold, first novelist Fergusson has imagination and style to spare. This satisfying story keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. Reprint rights to Avon.