The Mortal Tally series (Bring Down Heaven series Book 2)

The acclaimed grimdark fantasy epic continues as a war-torn city burns, and a weary mercenary hears the siren call of a demon . . .Cier'Djaal, once the crowning glory of the civilized world, has gone from a city to a battlefield and a battlefield to a graveyard. Foreign armies clash relentlessly on streets laden with the bodies of innocents caught in the crossfire. Cultists and thieves wage shadow wars, tribal armies foment outside the city's walls, and haughty aristocrats watch the world burn from on high.As his companions struggle to keep the city from destroying itself, Lenk travels to the Forbidden East in search of the demon who caused it all. But even as he pursues Khoth-Kapira, dark whispers plague his thoughts. Khoth-Kapira promises him a world free of war where Lenk can put down his sword at last. And Lenk finds it hard not to listen.When gods are deaf, demons will speak.

Robin Hobb on The City Stained Red

"Insouciant, unrepentant and irrepressible adventures in a powder keg of a city. And that's just how the story begins."

Brent Weeks on The City Stained Red

"Action fantasy with soul -- albeit a small, dirty, funny soul."

Scott Lynch on The City Stained Red

"Sam Sykes continues to reinvent the fantasy adventuring party in a vibrant world of rude magic and good intentions gone bad. Bold and exuberant, never cynical, Sykes fights the good fight on behalf of rich fantasy that nonetheless refuses to apologize for being kick-ass fun."

Brian McClellan on The City Stained Red

"Sykes has put the fun back in fantasy with fantastic creatures and a lovable crew of malcontents. The City Stained Red is like David Eddings meets Conan the Barbarian."

RT Book Reviews (4.5 Stars) on The City Stained Red

"Excitement, vivacity, and sly wit... simply impossible not to enjoy."

Juliet E. McKenna, author of The Thief's Gamble, on The City Stained Red

"An entertaining blend of classic adventure and inventive inspiration."

SF Signal on The City Stained Red

"Playful language, distinctly drawn characters, and a cavalcade of action."

About the Author

Sam Sykes -- author, citizen, mammal -- has written extensively over the years, penning An Affinity for Steel, the Bring Down Heaven trilogy, Brave Chef Brianna, and now The Grave of Empires trilogy. At the time of this writing, no one has been able to definitively prove or disprove that he has fought a bear.

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