The bloodheart

the long version

The world is gripped by magic. Islands soar. Ships fly. And whispers abound: the Bloodheart. Long has it remained dormant, hidden from the dark forces that would tap its power. Waiting. Bowen Cord seeks only treasure, and despises his heritage as an ice-summoner. Magic could not prevent his wife's death. What allegiance, then, should he owe it? When he learns of a priceless relic abandoned in the ruins of a floating island, he leaps at the chance to earn a fortune. Small matter to take with him an orphan boy who hails from the same isle—yet the boy is a mystery, and from their first meeting Bowen knows not whether his presence is a boon or a curse. But when a king's ruthless agent pursues them, threatening his stalwart crew and ship, Bowen is thrown into a quest for something far greater than treasure.