From publisher blurb: The journey to Blackhill Gaol was once only one-way, a stream of first debtors, then hardened criminals, then political prisoners brought to the remote labour camp to spend the rest of their lives in backbreaking work. Eventually, unwilling to accept their fates, the prisoners revolted. Though they earned some measure of freedom in the Uprising, life improved only a little. Now no warden watches their every move, but that means the most powerful among them—political masterminds, poison-wielding criminals and cult leaders—vie for control through guile and force. Worse, with guards outside the prison walls ready to mete out harsh reprisals should any flee, these leaders serve as de facto jailers. Now the journey to Blackhill Gaol is no longer only a one-way trip for most; visitors make the difficult trek in search of forbidden lore or black-market goods, knowing that as long as they watch their step inside, they are free to leave Blackhill Gaol once their business is complete.