The Aeronaut's Windlass
Hugo Award nominee 2016.
Jim Butcher, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Dresden Files and the Codex Alera novels, conjures up a new series set in a fantastic world of noble families, steam-powered technology, and magic-wielding warriors...
Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.
Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion — to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.
And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity’s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake...
Jim Butcher
Jim Butcher is a master of urban fantasy, best known for his Dresden Files series, which has captivated readers around the world with its thrilling blend of magic, mystery, and witty narration. A beloved author in the genre, Butcher has become synonymous with fast-paced, character-driven stories that push the boundaries of the supernatural, earning a loyal following of fans and critical acclaim. His ability to seamlessly weave intricate plots, sharp dialogue, and richly developed characters has made his books some of the most popular and enduring in modern fantasy literature.
The Cinder Spires
In The Cinder Spires series, Jim Butcher creates a world that feels as if it’s suspended between fantasy and steampunk, where airships glide through skies filled with danger, and ancient powers quietly shape the fates of cities and nations. The story is set in a world where towering spires rise above the clouds, home to powerful, and sometimes treacherous, forces that control everything from politics to magic. It’s a world where intrigue and adventure lurk around every corner, and each character’s fate seems bound by forces beyond their control—yet, they fight with everything they have to carve their own paths.
The Cinder Spires consists of two primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.