The emperor has won his first battle, but the rebels will return. Distracted by the pregnancy of his concubine, he sends a distrusted aide to govern Santung in his place. Ping Wen, the aide, discovers the healer Tien who is obsessed with a library of sacred texts whose secrets may determine the fate of the war.

But as all sides prepare for more blood to flow, a powerful woman commits an act that will entwine her with the spirit of jade itself. Amid the butchery, a group of people will test their human and mystical powers against the violence. But the angry dragon trumps all.

This is a phenomenal series, and in Hidden Cities, the conclusion is the best. With characters you care about, a fascinating world based on feudal Chinese myths and history, though loosely, we are brought into world dominated by violence with brushstrokes so light and clear, the colors have depth that immerse the reader in a complex culture like great poetry without effort on the part of the reader. I loved it. I recommend it and the series for every fantasy lover’s library. You will enjoy multiple readings. Enjoy. ~~ Pam Allan