The Anvil of the World

Smith, one of many of the family Smith, was once an assassin, helping solve some of the problems that arise for the Children of the Sun, a race given to blood feuds. In the hopes of a quiet retirement, he takes a job as master of a caravan transporting people and goods to the coast, only to run into more than his share of magic, and guests who all seem to have dark secrets. He meets the young lord Ermenwyr, a half- (or is it quarter-?) demon with a penchant for trouble. Once at the coast, Smith tries his hand at innkeeping, but a murder at a festival requires him to exercise the skills of his former trade. Lord Ermenwyr then requires his presence on a ship he has purchased but has no idea how to operate, and Smith must confront his own path--and his imminent destiny.

The Anvil of the World is Kage Baker's first fantasy novel, with the intrigue, charming cast of characters, deft dialogue, and wry humor that have made her a beloved voice in science fiction.