This Curious Black Powder — Larry Perkins

This Curious Powder is the story of Nico Conti, a young metal smith, who discovers how to make black powder and its many uses in defending his people against the hated Hariq invaders who threaten their way of life. His exploits lead him into the heart of the empire to discover more about the uses of gunpowder and the corrupting influence that wealth success, and rank bring. He experiences intrigue, friendship, power, and the loss and finding of love.