7#23 in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series created by Eric Flint. After carving a free state for itself in war-torn 17th century Europe, citizens of the modern town of Grantville, West Virginia go on a quest for the makings of medicines that have yet to be invented in 17th century Europe.

The United States of Europe--the new nation formed by an alliance between the Swedish king and the West Virginians hurled back in time by a cosmic accident--is beset by enemies on all sides. What's more, the U.S.E. needs a reliable source of opiates for those wounded in action, as well as other goods not available in Europe.

Prime Minister Mike Stearns sends a mission to the Mughal Empire of India hoping to secure a trade deal with the Mughal emperor. Instead they find an empire on the brink of war, danger lurking around every corner, and the beautiful and shrewd daughter of an emperor who may be the key to success--or a bringer of disaster.

About Eric Flint's groundbreaking Ring of Fire series:
"This alternate history series is . . . a landmark..."--Booklist

About Eric Flint's best-selling Jao Empire series coauthored with K.D. Wentworth and David Carrico:
"The action is fast and furious . . . a trimphant story . . . "--The Midwest Book Review

"Building to an exhilarating conclusion, this book cries out for a sequel."--Publishers Weekly

About Eric Flint's Boundary series, coauthored with Ryk E. Spoor:
". . . fast-paced sci-fi espionage thriller . . . light in tone and hard on science . . ." --Publishers Weekly on Boundary

"The whole crew from Flint and Spoor's Boundary are back . . . Tensions run high throughout the Ceres mission . . . a fine choice for any collection." --Publishers Weekly on Threshold

"[P]aleontology, engineering, and space flight, puzzles in linguistics, biology, physics, and evolution further the story, as well as wacky humor, academic rivalries, and even some sweet romances." --School Library Journal on Boundary