One hundred years ago, the vampire Victory retired from a centuries-long mercenary career. She settled in Limani, the independent city-state acting as a neutral zone between the British and Roman colonies on the New Continent.Twenty years ago, Victory adopted a human baby girl, who soon showed signs of magical ability.Today, Victory is a city councilwoman, balancing the human and supernatural populations within Limani. Her daughter Toria is a warrior-mage, balancing life as an apprentice mercenary with college chemistry courses.Tomorrow, the Roman Empire invades.This revised edition features the author's preferred text, a new introduction by award-winng author Lee Murray, a previously unpublished short story featuring Victory and the essay "Limani: A Brief History" by Lady Zhinu Zhuanxu-Wallace."The innovative combination of genres is appealing, and Gribble's multiple story lines--invasion, anti-creature bias, and intercity politics--mesh very well together....This is a solid first effort that sets the stage for more installments in an intriguing world with complex characters." --Publishers Weekly"A deviously raucous romp through a modern world filled with were-creatures, mercenaries, and Victory--a fanged kickass heroine who must squelch her adopted city's political divisiveness before the Roman Empire can break down the proverbial gates and tear her world apart." --Diana Dru Botsford, author Four Dragons and The Drift"Strong characters rule in this unique debut. Magic, murder, and mayhem wrapped up in one package--definitely my type of book!" --Maria V. Snyder, The Chronicles of Ixia series