A young woman must take up arms against a powerful empire in this fantasy series of dragons and mages from the New York Times-bestselling author. Twenty years after the Great Guilds were overthrown, the Empire plans to avenge its defeat with the help of renegade Mechanics and Mages still loyal to the old Guilds. But first they must eliminate a threat in the midst: Kira, daughter of Master Mechanic Mari and Master of Mages Alain. Kidnapped and imprisoned, Kira must not only escape but evade the full might of the Empire. Her only hope lies in the skills she has mastered; her indomitable spirit; and the unfailing aid of Jason, her boyfriend from the distant world of Urth. With the Imperial legions closing in and thousands of lives riding on her efforts, Kira has to use every weapon available to her, including special abilities she has kept secret until now--abilities that may prove to be as dangerous as the enemy. Meanwhile, Mari and Alain must work to create an alliance against the Empire. If they fail, a deadlier new war will erupt, with every soldier carrying a rifle instead of a sword or crossbow--and the Peace of the Daughter will end in a bloodbath.