by T. P. M. Thorne (Author)
As the 3rd Century begins, China is in a state of chaos: the Han Empire is in decline, and dozens of warlords are waging war against each other, intent on gaining greater influence, or even sovereignty. Many believe they have the answers: one such man is the young scholar-turned-farmer Zhuge Liang, styled "Kongming", and known for his hidden talent as "Crouching Dragon". Although initially apprehensive to involve himself in the unfolding chaos, his desire to reverse the fortunes of the Han emperor brings him to the attention of the wandering warlord Liu Bei, and - together with other great warriors and statesmen of the time - they challenge the might of the ambitious Han Prime Minister Cao Cao and usher in an era that is still known to this day as the "Three Kingdoms". An era of complex politics, compromises and alliances unfolds, and - with support from good friends, and his wife and soul-mate, Yueying - Zhuge Liang begins his journey as military strategist, negotiator, politician and inventor, elevating Liu Bei from landless rebel to the emperor of an independent state, and setting his own place in history.