The Silk Map: A Gaunt and Bone Novel
“The Silk Mapis an exciting adventure set in a world as lovingly constructed as Frank Herbert’sDuneor Lovecraft’s ghoul-haunted nightmares. Legends from the Mongol and Islamic empires to ancient China hover just below the surface. Xanadu and Shambala appear with slightly different names. Heroes Gaunt and Bone careen from one misadventure to the next, with companions that include a second-rate flying carpet (with murderous tendencies) and a lovelorn zombie. Did I mention that the story is also funny? I loved it.”—Nancy Farmer, winner of the National Book Award and three Newbery honors, author ofThe House of the Scorpion“The perfect sort of sword and sorcery—elegant, swift, and as sharp as a blade. Willrich has the light touch of Leiber, the imaginative fecundity of Moorcock, and a wit all his own; thrilling and charming all at once, oh, and bloody good, too. This is sword and sorcery as it should be written. Chris understands the poetry of fantasy, and the wry sense of humor that sustains even the darkest of tales. Adventure lies ahead, and Chris is a sure and delightful guide.”—Trent Jamieson, author of the Death Works trilogy"Gaunt and Bone are the Han and Leia of heroic fantasy."—Howard Tayler, creator of the Hugo Award-nominated Schlock Mercenary"A vivid, richly imagined world populated by delightfully memorable characters.... Witty narration, well-drawn characters, and a fast-moving plot."—Publishers Weekly "Reading Chris Willrich feels a bit like playing Dungeons and Dragons® with a drunken Will Shakespeare." —Saladin Ahmed, Hugo award-nominated author ofThrone of the Crescent Moon"Persimmon Gaunt and Imago Bone are just as delightful when pondering poetry or philosophy as when stealing a magic sword."  —Scott H. Andrews, editor ofBeneath Ceaseless Skies