My name is Anita Blake. I'm a U.S. Marshal for the Supernatural Branch, and I always have my friends' back. Even if they ask me to risk everything for this... Raphael, the king of rats, faces a challenge to his crown. He asks me, one of his closest allies, to help him defeat the most dangerous opponent he has ever fought. But some wererats are afraid that Raphael is relying too much on me and my connection to the vampire world. They believe that there can only be one ruler in America, and that Raphael will abandon them to the bloodsuckers. A new contender for the throne has appeared among Raphael's enemies... He is younger, he is hungry for power, and he has dark secrets that could destroy more than just wererats , but also vampires. And now my friend is forced to go into the heart of his people to find the strength and cruelty it takes to save them all or die trying to do so. Many of you have told me that you want a book about Raphael, Claudia and the other wererats, a book , in which they would be at the center of events. Well, this book is for you and for all those readers who asked for new stories to be published more often. “Write faster” - that’s what you told me! So here’s another book that’s just in time for release in the Year of the Rat! The old year is coming to an end, the year of the Ox is coming - may it be full of hope, happiness, health and prosperity for the whole world.