Book one in an epic fantasy of intrigue and empire, for fans of George R. R. Martin and Nicholas Eames. When the emperor is murdered, his heir must claim the throne and restore order. But first he'll have to navigate courtly conspiracy, secret assassins and ancient powers.

The circle is closing. The stakes are high. And old truths will live again. The Emperor has been murdered, leaving the Annurian Empire in turmoil. Now his progeny must prepare to unmask a conspiracy. His son Valyn, training for the empire's deadliest fighting force, hears the news an ocean away. And after several 'accidents' and a dying soldier's warning, he realizes his life is also in danger. Yet before Valyn can act, he must survive the mercenaries' brutal final initiation. The Emperor's daughter, Minister Adare, hunts her father's murderer in the capital. Court politics can be fatal, but she needs justice. Lastly Kaden, heir to the empire, studies in a remote monastery. Here, the Blank God's disciples teach their harsh ways, which Kaden must master to unlock ancient powers. But when an imperial delegation arrives, has he learnt enough to keep him alive, as long-hidden powers make their move? 'A vividly imagined story of conspiracy and empire' Col Buchanan 'A richly imagined world and vibrant characters . . . an exhilarating adventure' Elspeth Cooper 'A complex and fast-moving fantasy set in a world where treachery and intrigue are everywhere' L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Winner of the 2015 David Gemmell Award for Best Fantasy Debut.

An explosive fantasy debut, The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley is a fast-paced, thrilling epic. If you like Joe Abercrombie and George R. R. Martin, you'll love this.

'Will keep you turning the pages late at night' – Pierce Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of Red Rising

The circle is closing. The stakes are high. And old truths will live again . . .

The Emperor has been murdered, leaving the Annurian Empire in turmoil. Now his progeny must prepare to unmask a conspiracy. His son Valyn, training for the empire's deadliest fighting force, hears the news an ocean away. And after several 'accidents' and a dying soldier's warning, he realizes his life is also in danger. Yet before Valyn can act, he must survive the mercenaries' brutal final initiation.

The Emperor's daughter, Minister Adare, hunts her father's murderer in the capital. Court politics can be fatal, but she needs justice. Lastly Kaden, heir to the empire, studies in a remote monastery. Here, the Blank God's disciples teach their harsh ways, which Kaden must master to unlock ancient powers. But when an imperial delegation arrives, has he learnt enough to keep him alive, as long-hidden powers make their move?

'A vividly imagined story of conspiracy and empire' – Col Buchanan

'A fantastic and compelling fantasy world' – Io9

The Emperor's Blades is the first novel in Brain Staveley's epic Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne series. Continue the story with The Providence of Fire.