Enjoy this epic fantasy series by N. M. Zoltack with plenty of courtly intrigue, murder, action, and adventure! The two queens are struggling to maintain their control over Tenoch Proper. Vincana seeking aid from the islands only serve to decrease the queens’ chances. But not all who are lost remain lost forever, and the road is paved for a return. Time away, however, can change a person and not always for the better. And what of the Keepers of the Flames? Will they fulfill their quest in resurrecting the dragons? If peace is to be had, perhaps the dragons should slumber until the end of time. After all, once war is finished, there tends to peace, yet this war shows no signs of ending anytime soon. KEYWORDS: epic fantasy, high fantasy, action and adventure, full length fantasy, king, prince, princess, royal, historical fantasy, dragon, courtly intrigue, dark fantasy, clean fantasy, war
Orikaa fell forty years ago. In the Capital of the Iron Empire, things are no better. As enemies come from every angle, Benjamin Karaas must become something greater to defend his country from the darkest evils known to man. The end is coming; are you ready?
The Return of the Ancient Ones was awarded WINNER status for the Fantasy Category in the 2011 National Indie Excellence Awards. The 2011 International Book Awards have been announced and the Return of the Ancient Ones has been honored as a "Finalist" in the "Fiction:Fantasy/Sci-Fi" category. Extended Description: Second in the Chronicles of Illúmaril series, author Gary Caplan's the Return of the Ancient Ones is a distinct tale that illustrates how one's fiercest enemy can become one's most aggressive ally. As dramatic as it is playful and sublime, Caplan has a knack at weaving the enchanted world of fantasy into the tension of a good old-fashioned cloak and dagger thriller. His incredible instinct for action rests on a spellbinding prose, yet what distinguishes his work in this genre is his ability to consider an otherworld culture as it reaches its pinnacle, rather than upon its downfall. In thirty-one chapters with titles like "Tyl University and the Academy of Spellweaving Arts," "Back to the Order of the Platinum Griffon and Duty," and "End Game," readers are reintroduced to Illúmaril, a land that patiently awaits its heir apparent. Once hidden on Earth, Gideon Finelen, as a birthright, holds the legacy that he and his ancestors are the only ones who can use the Sword of Order. Gideon's advisors, Tauri Ragan and Lord Talmor, hold great hope in Gideon and his Companions of the Sword of Order, but it is their enemy's enemy that first instigates a bold move. And while the Darkspawn have no intention of giving up their power, the return of Thatos and his twelve evil sorceror generals from their ancient, watery graves disperses Darkspawn's allegiance to temporarily help the armies of the Free Peoples against Thatos, his mercenaries, and other chaos warriors. For Gideon, the quixotic irony in all of this is that Darkspawn leadership is just as fixed on revenge as it is with maintaining its stronghold over Illúmaril. As he pits foe against foe to claim Illúmaril, the Sword of Order has a chance to triumph over Chaos.
All is well in the world until Beth sees shadow forms of the Halffers. She doesn't want to tell anyone in case they think sh'es brain-sick! The mighty wizard Tyr and his beloved Mora hear of Beth's plight and the plight of the Wicker people and they return to this world to put things right. Kroll and Sharma and the dragons Goragard and his beloved Maracand will fight at their side. And the new-birthed draglins! But - - - - will the Wyvern's be with them?
An instant New York Times bestseller! The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction—from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. This New York Times bestseller is perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir. For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom. But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death? "Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West African folklore. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative reminiscent of Children of Blood and Bone." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List") Don't miss the second book in this epic duology, A Psalm of Storms and Silence!
Five hundred years have passed since the Coven used the wild magic to banish the last of the Wraiths and their dark army. In that time, the Lands have prospered, yet the races have withdrawn to the forests, mountains, and cities. The Wraiths have returned, seeking vengeance. They hide in the shadows, waiting for the opportune time to strike at the heart of the Coven and destroy all hope for the Lands. The Wraiths have a far more insidious plan, and once in motion, nothing will stop them from dominating the Lands. Hidden deep in the Anis Fens, though, is the Catstaff. A legendary weapon of magic, it is the only hope to destroy the Wraiths. Melkoff the Traveler, a lowly messenger of the Coven, must find the Catstaff before it is too late. The Wraiths are after him, and are far more dangerous than before. With only a handful of companions, Melkoff travels into the most dangerous parts of the Lands to uncover the secrets of the Catstaff and Shadekeep.
The epic conclusion of The Avalonia Chronicles is here . . . War is on the horizon. Queen Morgana’s power grows every day, aided by her army and unseen dark forces. Illiador and Eldoren have fallen completely under her reign. There is no one who can stand against her now—except one. Aurora Firedrake has finally come to understand the power she is capable of wielding, but is it too late? Stripped of her allies and those she holds dear, failure seems inevitable. To win the war for Avalonia, she must journey to the deepest parts of the Darklands to find a way to take back all she has lost, before Morgana opens the Book of Abraxas and releases the greatest evil the world has ever known. Aurora, the Dawnstar, is all that stands between Avalonia and total destruction. But can she find the strength to unite her people and defeat Morgana and her wicked forces? Or will Avalonia be lost forever? Gold Medal winner in the 2020 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal winner in the 2020 Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner in the 2020 Best Book Awards PRAISE FOR The Return of the Dragon Queen "Farah Oomerbhoy is a great storyteller with a strong gift for character, plot, and conflict. Here is a story that will captivate fans of epic fantasy and readers who adore well-developed characters." - Readers' Favorite "Portals that transport people over geographical distances and tapestries that enable time-travel are just some of the delights that await readers in this sumptuous fantasy novel. At its heart is a story about a young girl who is the long-awaited Dawnstar that will save the world from the dark forces of Dragath. Aurora's personal quest is to step into and believe in her capabilities, and the reader navigates that thrilling journey with her." - The BookLife Prize
A brutal and unflinching tale that takes many of its cues from both cinema and pulp horror, Wraiths of the Broken Land is like no Western you’ve ever seen or read. Desperate to reclaim two kidnapped sisters who were forced into prostitution, the Plugfords storm across the badlands and blast their way through Hell. This gritty, character-driven piece will have you by the throat from the very first page and drag you across sharp rocks for its unrelenting duration. Prepare yourself for a savage Western experience that combines elements of Horror, Noir and Asian ultra-violence. You’ve been warned. Praise from Kurt Russell, Joe R. Lansdale, Booklist, Jack Ketchum, and Ed Lee: "Zahler's a fabulous story teller whose style catapults his reader into the turn of the century West with a ferocious sense of authenticity." -Kurt Russell, star of Tombstone, Escape from New York, Dark Blue, and Death Proof "If you're looking for something similar to what you've read before, this ain't it. If you want something comforting and predictable, this damn sure ain't it. But if you want something with storytelling guts and a weird point of view, an unforgettable voice, then you want what I want, and that is this." -Joe R. Lansdale, author of The Bottoms, Mucho Mojo, and Savage Season" "[C]ompulsively readable.... Fans of Zahler's A Congregation of Jackals (2010) will be satisfied; think Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. [C]lever mayhem ... leads to a riveting climax." -Booklist "[A] classic Western that's been twisted into the shape of a snarling monster...." -Gabino Iglesias, Out Of The Gutter Online "It would be utterly insufficient to say that WRAITHS is the most diversified and expertly written western I've ever read."-Edward Lee, author of The Bighead and Gast. "WRAITHS always rings true, whether it's visiting the depths of despair, the fury of violence, or the fragile ties that bind us together for good or ill. It's a Western with heart and intelligence, always vivid, with characters you will detest or care about or both, powerfully written." -Jack Ketchum, author of Off Season and The Girl Next Door
For three thousand years, Terrapin Xon was sealed from the rest of the world by the Thanatos Mountains. Lashtar maintains a watch over the only pass that winds through the range with the North Wall and the Outpost. The boredom is relived with fighting off the occasional Underdweller, bandits, or mad wizards. When Terrapin Xon flows from the pass, they roll over the Outpost and descend on the impregnable North Wall with fighters, mages, and creatures from legends. Lashtar's defense is overwhelmed. Then, against all military wisdom, Terrapin Xon keeps only a small force at the conquered crossroads, leaving their flanks and rear vulnerable. They drive for the city of Wintermist and the Mage School. Only the young wizard Anton and Duncan of Pentock can save the people and the Spirits of Wintermist before the king of Terrapin Xon releases the wraiths. Before these young men can bring their respective forces together, they must overcome their own personal demons. The wizard and fighter must gather entities from differing generations, skills, and cultures. They must form a unity and defy the prophecy of the Northland. They must turn back the invading force of Terrapin Xon before a legion can be unleashed.
A shadow broods over the world of Adarya as the dark lord Naurleth prepares to unleash his power. Everything seems hopeless for Ltheny, the leader of the Capprinces, a small people dwelling in southern Adarya. Naurleth's forces, led by his merciless captain, are moving closer to the Capprinces' homeland every day, and an attack is imminent. Ltheny's city is alone in its struggle - all of its allies are too far away to bring aid, and preoccupied with their own troubles. To make matters worse, the Niorians, a sea-faring people who have been on the brink of war with the Capprinces for decades, have been seen near the Capprinces' borders. Defeat seems certain, and Ltheny is forced to decide whether her people must abandon their home in order to survive. Everything changes, however, after a chance meeting with Anamer, the captain of the Niorians. Ltheny finds herself whisked away on an adventure aboard Anamer's ship, The Quest. All around her, legends spring to life as the ship strays into the Shadowy Seas, in the heart of Naurleth's territory. After various encounters with long-forgotten perils, and the discovery or a weapon that could rewrite Adarya's history, Ltheny and the other passengers aboard The Quest escape from the Shadowy Seas, only to find that things are not well at home. In order to warn the others of Naurleth's threat, they must overcome old prejudices, elude capture by Naurleth's agents, and delve deep into the secrets of Adarya's past. Amid the battle between good and evil, Ltheny finds a friendship with the Niorians that is constantly tested through the twists and turns of their adventure.
