A new generation confronts the ages-old battle between magic and technology in this new chapter of Saberhagen's Empire of the East.

Vulcan the god has a hard task to perform for his bored and restless colleagues — forge 12 magic Swords, quenched with human blood, and scatter them across the world. Each Sword possesses a different power. With them the gods will play a new, grand, and glorious Game. Mere humans foolishly striving for dominion, wealth and glory, are invited to risk their puny lives by joining in. (Later, the gods realize with horror that something has gone wrong in the forging, and with the Game. The Swords are much too powerful, controlling chance, enhancing fortune, changing destiny. And lethal even to their divine creators.) Jord the Smith, drafted to help Vulcan in his task, loses his right arm in the process (receiving the Sword Townsaver as pay). He is too weak to claim Mala, his bride-to-be, who joins a traditional fertility rite, where her partner might be the enigmatic Emperor, his face hidden by a leather mask. Nine months later, she gives birth to Mark. Thirteen years pass, then Townsaver wipes out a raiding party on orange-furred warbeasts, sent to Mark’s village. It falls to Mark to carry the blade away to hide or destroy it.

 Now the great Mindsword is in play. Murat of Culm with the help of Coinspinner has located the Blade. Knowing Mindsword brings blind devotion to whoever wields it, Murat plans to keep the Sword sheathed until he can gift it to the beautiful Princess Kristin of Tasavalta to win her free affections and to make reparation for a grave past transgression. The power of the Sword and the intentions of the Murat’s son and advisors make for twists and turns in Murat’s once honorable plan. Prince Mark, consort of Kristin, having neglected of his home duties while in the service of his father, finds himself in a struggle for his wife, his kingdom and his loyal friend.

An epic novel steeped in action, intrigue, and romance. July 1187: the forces of the Muslim sultan known as Saladin have defeated the army of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, allowing Saladin to achieve his lifelong ambition of recapturing the Holy City for Islam. This sets the stage for the Third Crusade: the confrontation between Saladin and the legendary Christian warrior, Richard the Lionheart. Both men believe they are destined by God to lead their holy armies to complete victory. Richard, a legendary warrior with a keen military mind, finds his vow to retake Jerusalem complicated by infighting over succession to the British throne, a rivalry with the French king, and a choice between two potential queens. Meanwhile, Saladin struggles to keep his fractious forces together while remaining true to the noblest principles of Islam. These events are also portrayed through the eyes of two common men: Pierre of Botron is a Christian knight who is captured on the battlefield and subjected to the indignity of slavery. Rashid of Yenbo is a Muslim trader who finds prosperity in Saladin's triumphs. The relationship between Rashid and Pierre offers the possibility that people of good will can overcome polarizing conflicts. As events build toward the Battle of Jaffa, one of the most well-known conflicts of the Crusades, the fates of the characters depend on the choices they make between the compassionate and fanatical aspects of their faiths. The Swords of Faith offers an eye-opening comparison and contrast of the tenets of Christianity and Islam, insights that reverberate into the present day.

The world fades as dragons, having turned on their human masters, seek to destroy civilization and rule supreme. Dragon Slayers – a cursed family with the power to steal dragon souls and abilities – stand as humanity’s last defense. Basa Alkire emerges from hiding to join the Fallen Embassy, dragon-fighting warriors. But he soon discovers his uncle, their leader, is a dangerous zealot. Deception and betrayal lurk around every corner. Amidst the chaos, an even darker secret comes to light. Goddess Vulpecula deceived them all when she created Ashwick, a mighty sulfur dragon birthed pregnant with a vile demon child. Now, the moon goddess favors only darkness, and humanity’s days are numbered. As the end nears, Basa must battle lethal foes from without and within. Will this world belong to dragons and demons, or can Basa turn the tide before all is consumed by death and deceit?

Mark and Ben travel deep into the Blue Temple's hidden horde in an attempt to recover whatever gold and Swords they can for the forces of Sir Andrew. Gods, demons and human traitors have other plans for the Swords and for the adventurers. In the game of the gods, no one’s survival is secure, even a god’s.