They killed her father. They took her ship. But nothing will stop Ikaria's vengeance.

Forty years since Constantinople fell to the Venetian flying citadels, high-altitude Aether racing is the favoured pastime of bored, wealthy Latin nobles. Ikaria, proud daughter of a legendary Aether engineer and one of the best racing pilots in the Aegean, is determined to uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious disappearance at the end of the last Grande Regatta of Negriponte.

Driven by the thirst of vengeance and pursuit of engineering excellence in equal measures, Ikaria vows to win the next Regatta herself - and to find out what really happened to her father. But there's a catch: a new Imperial edict bars her, and anyone not of noble blood, from taking part in Aether races. To her rescue comes Sire Mikhael of Chiarenza - an enigmatic handsome young Greek turncoat in the service of new Latin masters. His motivations unclear, the source of his funds and supplies a secret, Ikaria nonetheless agrees to accept his help: together, they set out to challenge the supremacy of the six Hexarchs, the infamous Flying Barons of Negriponte.


Set sail for a gripping tale of adventure, intrigue, and technological marvels set in an alternative medieval world of the Fourth Crusade Mediterranean where sailing ships soar on Aether and alchemy holds a mysterious power: the first in a thrilling new series from the acclaimed author of The Year of the Dragon and The Song of Britain.

PRAISE FOR "THE SAXON SPEARS"

"In The Saxon Spears James Calbraith gives us a fast-paced, immediate, raw look into the dark times of the fifth century. (...) James Calbraith's Ash is a sympathetic protagonist, full of mystery and a yearning to discover the secrets of his past and the truth of his destiny. The Saxon Spears is a great read." - MATTHEW HARFFY, author of Bernicia Chronicles

★★★★★ "Rich, detailed writing and compelling characters." - Jessica Belmont, Jessica Belmont

★★★★★ "A truly intriguing and impressive start to a new series." - Liberty Ireland, Historical Graffiti

PRAISE FOR "THE SHADOW OF BLACK WINGS"

"Fast paced and full of energy"
--Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Shadows of the Apt

"This manuscript is full of highly crafted detail that will make readers shiver at times with fear and delight ... a familiar yet highly original fantasy that is a worthwhile read."
-- Publishers Weekly