An atmospheric and intriguefilled novel of dead gods buried histories and a mysterious protean cityfrom one of Americas most acclaimed young science fiction writers. The city of Bulikov once wielded the powers of the gods to conquer the world enslaving and brutalizing millionsuntil its divine protectors were killed. Now Bulikov has become just another colonial outpost of the worlds new geopolitical power but the surreal landscape of the city itselffirst shaped now shattered by the thousands of miracles its guardians once worked upon itstands as a constant haunting reminder of its former supremacy. Into this broken city steps Shara Thivani. Officially the unassuming young woman is just another junior diplomat sent by Bulikovs oppressors. Unofficially she is one of her countrys most accomplished spies dispatched to catch a murderer. But as Shara pursues the killer she starts to suspect that the beings who ruled this terrible place may not be as dead as they seemand that Bulikovs cruel reign may not yet be over. show more