Steel Victory

<p><em>One hundred years ago</em> 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.</p><p><em>Twenty years ago</em> Victory adopted a human baby girl who soon showed signs of magical ability.</p><p><em>Today</em> 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.</p><p><em>Tomorrow</em> the Roman Empire invades.</p><p>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revised edition features the author’s preferred text a new introduction by award-winng author Lee Murray a previously unpublished short story featuring Victory and the essay “Limani: A Brief History” by Lady Zhinu Zhuanxu-Wallace.</p><p>“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.”<br />—<em>Publishers Weekly</em></p><p>“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.”<br />—Diana Dru Botsford author <em>Four Dragons</em> and <em>The Drift</em></p><p>“Strong characters rule in this unique debut. Magic murder and mayhem wrapped up in one package—definitely my type of book!”<br />—Maria V. Snyder The Chronicles of Ixia series</p>