Empire in Black and Gold (Shadows of the Apt Book 1)

Empire in Black and Gold is the first book in the Shadows of the Apt epic fantasy series. The Lowlands' city states have enjoyed decades of peace, but a powerful empire threatens to conquer them with superior military might.

As the empire's armies advance, only Stenwold Maker, an aging spymaster and statesman, recognizes the impending danger. He must convince the city leaders of the looming war that will devastate their lands.

Stenwold faces the daunting task of awakening his people to the threat while simultaneously fighting to survive the empire's advance. Failure means the destruction of everything he holds dear.