Book excerpt: An empire on the edge of war threatens to crumble in this action-packed fantasy novel of epic adventure and revenge. They call him the Usurper. Once the Kisian empire was ruled by gods. Now Kin Ts'ai, a man of common blood, sits on the Crimson Throne. At his command, the last Otako emperor was executed and a new era began. But claiming an empire is easier than holding it. In the north where loyalty to the Otako name runs deep, a rebellion grows. And Emperor Kin will learn that killing one Otako, doesn't mean you've killed them all. Vengeance is coming. The Vengeance TrilogyThe Blood of WhisperersThe Gods of ViceThe Grave at Storm's End For more from Devin Madson, check out: The Reborn EmpireWe Ride the Storm