How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It

This is the story of how the City was saved, by Notker the professional liar, written down because eventually the truth always seeps through.

The City may be under siege, but everyone still has to make a living. Take Notker, the acclaimed playwright, actor and impresario. Nobody works harder, even when he's not working. Thankfully, the good citizens of Classis appreciate an evening at the theatre even when there are large rocks falling out of the sky.

But Notker is a man of many talents, and all the world is, apparently, a stage. It seems that the Empire needs him - or someone who looks a lot like him - for a role that will call for the performance of a lifetime. At least it will guarantee fame, fortune and immortality. If it doesn't kill him first.

This is the story of Notker, an occasionally good man and a terrible liar. With razor-sharp wit, K.J. Parker has created one of fantasy's greatest heroes, and he might even get away with it.

For more from K. J. Parker, check out:

Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City

The Two of SwordsThe Two of Swords: Volume OneThe Two of Swords Volume TwoThe Two of Swords: Volume Three

The Fencer TrilogyColours in the SteelThe Belly of the BowThe Proof House

The Scavenger TrilogyShadowPatternMemory

Engineer TrilogyDevices and DesiresEvil for EvilThe Escapement

The CompanyThe Folding KnifeThe HammerSharps