The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom, #1)

In The Bridge Kingdom, two large continents are connected by a long, winding, sea-defying bridge owned by the kingdom of Ithicana, a seafaring, neutral nation that oversees the international trade between both continents. In the northern continent are the kingdoms of Harendell (known for its great universities, wealth, and steel) and Amarid (a warring, mountainous country that perpetually seeks to claim the bridge). The southern continent consists of the kingdom of Maridrina, which is mostly consumed by the Red Desert; the empire of Valcotta, with whom Ithicana has a long-standing friendship; and Maridrina, with whom Ithicana has a long-standing war. Finally, there is the kingdom of Teraford, which is known for its lush forests.

All five kingdoms vie for possession of the bridge, for the nation that controls the bridge gains immeasurable wealth and also controls the world’s economy. As a result, Ithicana has closed its borders and is now a mysterious country that denies entry to all but certain merchants who have permission to sell their wares on the bridge. Shrouded in secrecy, the bridge kingdom uses its intelligence network and heavy defenses to protect against natural forces, routine raiders from Amarid, and Maridrinian spies.