One hundred years ago, the vampire Victory retired from a centuries-long mercenary career. She settled in Limani, the independent city-state acting as a neutral zone between the British and Roman colonies on the New Continent.

Twenty years ago, Victory adopted a human baby girl, who soon showed signs of magical ability.

Today, Victory is a city councilwoman, balancing the human and supernatural populations within Limani. Her daughter Toria is a warrior-mage, balancing life as an apprentice mercenary with college chemistry courses.

Tomorrow, the Roman Empire invades.

This revised edition features the author’s preferred text, a new introduction by award-winng author Lee Murray, a previously unpublished short story featuring Victory and the essay Limani: A Brief History by Lady Zhinu Zhuanxu-Wallace.

The innovative combination of genres is appealing, and Gribble’s multiple story lines–invasion, anti-creature bias, and intercity politics–mesh very well together….This is a solid first effort that sets the stage for more installments in an intriguing world with complex characters.

–Publishers Weekly

A deviously raucous romp through a modern world filled with were-creatures, mercenaries, and Victory–a fanged kickass heroine who must squelch her adopted city’s political divisiveness before the Roman Empire can break down the proverbial gates and tear her world apart.

–Diana Dru Botsford, author Four Dragons and The Drift

Strong characters rule in this unique debut. Magic, murder, and mayhem wrapped up in one package–definitely my type of book!

–Maria V. Snyder, The Chronicles of Ixia series