Warring States (4 Volumes)

The complete four-volume Warring States series comprises the Jixia, Changping, Rescuing Zhao, and Ying Zheng volumes, telling the story that begins with Chancellor Li Si's early steps and reaches young Ying Zheng's meteoric rise.

Jixia: In the final years of the Warring States, storms gather. Seventeen-year-old Li Si, unwilling to be a rat in the latrine, sets out to study at the Jixia Academy in Qi. He learns from the strengths of the Hundred Schools, befriends the fearless Mao Yuan, the refined and studious Qing Shu, and the gifted, free-spirited Ma Shi—and meets his fated rival, Han Fei.

Changping: Qin and Zhao contend, and the decisive battle at Changping begins! After parting at Jixia, former classmates who once laughed together become foes fighting to the death. Zhao Kuo dons armor and enters the field; Li Si joins the Qin camp and first unfolds his ambitions. One for Zhao, one for Qin—at Changping the drums beat out a song of blood. Meanwhile, politics and diplomacy become unseen arrows, crossbows cocked and waiting.

Rescuing Zhao: The tiger-and-wolf state points its sword at Handan—watch heroes gather in righteousness to turn the crisis! After Changping, Qin has lost more than half its troops, the treasury is empty, generals and chancellor are at odds, ruler and ministers estranged, yet it still presses like a fierce tiger toward Handan. Zhao's young men all died at Changping, and the state now faces ruin. At the critical moment, ruler and people are of one heart, cunningly remove a treacherous minister, and patriots from all sides gather in Handan to pull back the collapsing tide. The Qin general attacks without success; Bai Qi pleads illness and stays away. Lord Pingyuan takes Mao Sui on a mission to Chu, seeking reinforcements to resist Qin together.