A bizarre murder in an imperial mansion, where a high officer is found with a tree erupting from his body, sends Din and the brilliant detective Ana into a case tangled with leviathans, state corruption, and a dangerous borderland world. The novel blends the structure of a classic mystery with an inventive fantasy setting.

In an imperial borderland where logic collides with the monstrous, Ana and Din begin their investigation.

A prominent contemporary speculative fiction author who has won multiple major awards, including the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards for Best Novel in 2025.