THE THIRD NOVEL IN THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED BOOKS OF BABEL SERIES, SET IN A LABYRINTHINE WORLD OF MENACE AND WONDER.'It is not merely a 5* book, it's a masterpiece' Mark Lawrence'A vibrant, wholly original, and expertly crafted novel that transcends genre fantasy. It is an instant literary classic' Fantasy Book ReviewThomas Senlin and his crew have been separated following the orders of the mysterious Sphinx. Meanwhile, the enslaved hods climb the Black Trail and whisper secrets in the dark. As Senlin and his crew are dragged ever further into the Tower's conspiracies, everything falls to one question: who is the Hod King?Praise for the series:'Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking' Madeline Miller, author of Circe'I'm wildly in love with this book' - Pierce Brown, author of Red Rising'Brilliant' - Publishers Weekly'I loved it' - Django Wexler, author of The Thousand Names'A universe of stars out of five' Superstar Drifter'These books are absolutely incredible' - The Quill to Live'Spectacular . . . fabulously gripping' - BookBag'An impressive display of imagination and humour' - SciFiNow'An engrossing, intoxicating delight' - Forbidden Planet