Steel Crow Saga

Four destinies collide in a unique fantasy world of war and wonders, where empire is won with enchanted steel and magical animal companions fight alongside their masters in battle. A band of rogues and royals should all be enemies, but unite for a common purpose: to defeat an unstoppable killer who defies the laws of magic. In this battle, they will forge unexpected bonds of friendship and love that will change their lives--and begin to change the world. Tala lost her family to the empress's army. In avenging them in battle Tala has committed crimes against the laws of magic-- and against her own flesh and blood. Jimuro has inherited the ashes of an empire. He must depend on Tala to bring him home safe, but it was his army who murdered her family. Xiulan can solve any mystery, but has a mystery of her own. She's a princess in disguise, and is hunting for the world's most wanted prince. Lee is a small-time criminal who Xiulan asks to be her partner in crime. She can’t say no, and she soon finds she doesn't want to leave the princess behind. They should all be enemies, but unite for a common purpose: to defeat an unstoppable killer who defies the laws of magic. -- adapted from jacket