{"product_id":"the-cartel","title":"The Cartel - The Apprentice, Volume 1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLilian should have died for her father's crimes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen her father’s crimes destroy the Grey Gyre Cartouche, Lilian loses everything in a single brutal stroke. Her family name is ruined. Their fortune seized. Their allies scattered. To protect the last of her family, Lilian accepts a three-year Trial by Ordeal under the authority of Monsignor Lucius Mercio, ruler of the powerful Serengeti Group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the Twelve Systems, commerce is war and power belongs to the cartels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLucius Mercio did not build his empire through mercy. Ruthless, brilliant, and feared across the systems, he rules Serengeti with absolute control. Political rivals, economic warfare, and hidden enemies surround him on every side.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat he does not expect is Lilian.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeneath her quiet obedience lies an extraordinary mind, one capable of uncovering patterns, conspiracies, and threats his enemies worked desperately to conceal. As counterfeit vistrite spreads through the systems and powerful forces move against Serengeti, Lucius realizes his disgraced apprentice may become his greatest advantage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd his most dangerous weakness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrawn into a world of cartel intrigue, brutal hierarchy, and scorching desire, Lilian finds herself trapped between survival and temptation. Because the closer she grows to Lucius, the more impossible it becomes to separate fear from trust, power from protection, and possession from devotion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the Twelve Systems, love is never safe.\u003cbr\u003eAnd power always demands a price.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE TWELVE SYSTEMS CHRONICLES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1\u003cbr\u003eBright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2\u003cbr\u003eTransgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3\u003cbr\u003eFortuna: The Apprentice, Volume 4\u003cbr\u003eSerengeti Valor: The Apprentice, Volume 5\u003cbr\u003eNightingale: The Apprentice, Volume 6\u003cbr\u003eBond Proof: The Apprentice, Volume 7\u003cbr\u003eChalice Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 1\u003cbr\u003eShield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2\u003cbr\u003eThorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buniac Entertainment, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Perfect Bound","offer_id":68147186925872,"sku":"9780988690004","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0262\/2357\/5085\/files\/9780988690004.jpg?v=1792612797","url":"https:\/\/www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk\/products\/the-cartel","provider":"The Great British Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}