Artificer

What does a master artificer need after eliminating a threat to the future empire? Nothing but a chance to finally pursue his craft in peace. I cheated death itself and returned to the glorious city on the Neva, the one we built together with the Czar. Three hundred years have passed, and everything has changed. I've awakened in the body of a young count with a scandalous reputation. But I am still an artificer. I am home. And I can become even stronger now-just as soon as I deal with a few lingering problems . . . and put a couple of particularly irritating nobles in their place.

The family has been saved from ruin, and the old mansion's standing strong again-things are finally looking up! A fresh commission is on the horizon, promising Alexander a return to his cherished craft. The artifact he's expected to make appears simple enough. Could there really be any associated problems-or unexpected discoveries? There's enough going on already-not least the new pairing of magic, which brings its own surprises, and, on top of everything , a cryptic message from the past arrives, begging to be unraveled. It would appear the only certainty that the future holds is of more adventure!

A job from an old family friend unleashes a flood of surprises. And there's a bigger problem than dark mage threats-the patriarch is sick, and only one healer can save him. The mission? Complete the job-and track down that healer. Along the way there will be new allies, unexpected charges, and a conspiracy starring the mysterious death mage once again. Oh, and that pesky riddle from the past? Still needs solving. Time to buckle up. Things are about to get interesting.

A new commission becomes an unexpected and dangerous challenge. This time I'm dealing with the denizens of the Shadow World-thieves of human souls. My search for answers takes me to a small northern village whose secrets are guarded not only by people, but also by monsters. To prevail, I must master the powers of both Light and Shadow. As if that weren't enough, my fluffy pets reveal a surprise. A big fat magical surprise. But I've handled worse-I'm an artificer, after all. So I'll figure it out.

And once again, a new commission turns out anything but simple. At first, nothing makes sense at all-but as events unfold, dangerous details begin to surface . . . ones that could shake the Imperial throne itself. To make matters worse, the Voznesensky mansion is getting visitors-and not the pleasant kind. Not to mention that a clash with a powerful dark mage could happen any moment. And yet, no obstacle is insurmountable, be it an ancient curse or meddlesome relatives. Our hero faces trials by fire and water, and a sea voyage full with salty winds, raging storms-and hope. "Now that's an interesting problem," as Count Alexander would say.