The demon-haunted cardsmith's apprentice Byron struggles with his limited skills and attacks from mysterious enemies. And when he comes into the possession of some very hot magic-bearing cards, he draws the attention of the cardmaster Cerise. Soon they're off to the Great Game up in the mountains for virtual "war across the table". Gangs of cardplayers will battle with sprawling card decks simulating armies and supplies and terrain. The prize is leadership of three small kingdoms. If Byron and Cerise can stay alive. If the leaders aren't assassinated by a spying traitors. And if the pillaging hordes of the Shinyar don't ravage the valley first!
Clayton Emery is an umpteen-generations Yankee, Navy brat, and aging hippie who grew up playing Robin Hood in the forests of New England. He's been a blacksmith, dishwasher, schoolteacher in Australia, carpenter, zookeeper, farmhand, land surveyor, volunteer firefighter, and award-winning technical writer. He currently lives in Washington, DC, where he works for the Department of Homeland Security. Check out his books on Amazon, and watch for The Republic, an upcoming TV show he created.
