A collection of three of the author's "Discworld" novels; "Equal Rites", "Wyrd Sisters" and "Witches Abroad", that feature the characters Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrit Garlick.

    Mort has been chosen as Death's apprentice. He gets board and lodging, free use of company horse, and doesn't even need time off for his grandmother's funeral. Looking like a skeleton is not compulsory, either.

    Sword & Citadel brings together the final two books of the tetralogy in one volume:The Sword of the Lictor is the third volume in Wolfe's remarkable epic, chronicling the odyssey of the wandering pilgrim called Severian, driven by a powerful and unfathomable destiny, as he carries out a dark mission far from his home.The Citadel of the Autarch brings The Book of the New Sun to its harrowing conclusion, as Severian clashes in a final reckoning with the dread Autarch, fulfilling an ancient prophecy that will forever alter the realm known as Urth.

    This great work is set on a huge generation starship in the same future as the classic Book of the New Sun (also available in two volumes from Orb).Gene Wolfe's Book of the Long Sun tetralogy ranks as one of the greatest literary achievements of 20th-century science fiction. Litany of the Long Sun, comprising the first two books in the series, is suffused with looming transcendence and theophany. Wolfe takes familiar speculative fiction tropes and embeds them in a tale so complex and wonderful that readers may find themselves wondering whether what they're reading is science fiction, fantasy, or something different altogether. Or whether it matters.The story of Patera Silk, a devout priest whose destiny is wrapped up with the gods he serves, takes place within the Whorl, a vast, cylindrical starship that has traveled for generations and is crumbling into disrepair. Through a strange and amazing series of events, Silk finds himself descending to base thievery, running afoul of a notorious crime lord, befriending a cyborg soldier, and encountering at least one of the gods of Mainframe.But when Silk encounters the Outsider, who may be a God of a very different sort, all his beliefs are shaken to the core, and his life swiftly takes a messianic turn. In a rousing climax, Silk becomes the reluctant leader of a political rebellion against the corrupt Ayuntamiento, who rule the city-state of Viron.It is not necessary to have read Wolfe's Book of the New Sun series, which takes place many centuries earlier, to enjoy the Long Sun novels, but keen-eyed readers will find many clues as to the origin of the Whorl and its gods in those stories. Further, although Wolfe's reputation for literary precision and trickery is well deserved, the Long Sun series (which continues in Epiphany of the Long Sun) is one of the more accessible places to start appreciating the author's treasures. --Therese Littleton

    All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring -- the ring that rules them all -- which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as the Ring is entrusted to his care. He must leave his home and make a perilous journey across the realms of Middle-earth to the Crack of Doom, deep inside the territories of the Dark Lord. There he must destroy the Ring forever and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose. Discover the incredible epic journey of Frodo in a celebratory seven-volume boxed set of fantasy classic, The Lord of the Rings.

    Join the fiery adventure as ancient secrets are unearthed, Thomas's fragile faith in God is tested, and as he faces a diabolic conspiracy that has ruled the land for centuries.

    Tolkien had a great knowledge of, and love for, world mythology when he wrote his beloved trilogy of Middle Earth. In particular, the symbol of the Ring has a rich and fascinating heritage, and this beautifully illustrated literary detective work searches down Tolkien's sources and inspiration. To understand the roots of The Lord of the Rings, we must go far back, to a tradition of ring-quest tales that came into being before the pyramids of Egypt were built, or the walls of Babylon raised. The extraordinary journey passes through the most magical stories told: Norse myths, including the Volsunga Saga; the Arthurian legends; the Carolingian tales, linked to the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne; Celtic and Saxon myths; German romances, such as the Nibelungenlied; and more. By drawing on these potent primary myths and legends, Tolkien was able himself to create a new mythology for the 20th century--and beyond.

    The set includes a hardcover book describing in detail the importance and evolution of geography within Tolkien's epic fiction and four color maps presented with minimal folds, including two (Beleriand and Númenor) never before published in this country.

    Taken to the Edge "TM" This setting has hot attitude and a hard-edged style. It deals with the multiverse -- all the planes of existence in the AD&D game. So, explore Sigil, the center of everything, and then take your adventures to the next level of reality -- and beyond

    . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence. In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them—for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword—to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out.This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

    She is a warrior, a priestess, and a threat to the powers of Ancient Rome. This breathtaking saga from acclaimed newcomer Donna Gillespie unveils a fascinating world of pagans and slaves, warriors and nobles--and the extraordinary life of a legendary woman they called the Light Bearer.

    But times have changed, the uneasy peace is over, and now the races are fighting once again. The only good elf, it seems, is a dead elf.Geralt of Rivia, the cunning assassin known as The Witcher, has been waiting for the birth of a prophesied child. This child has the power to change the world - for good, or for evil.As the threat of war hangs over the land and the child is hunted for her extraordinary powers, it will become Geralt's responsibility to protect them all - and the Witcher never accepts defeat.The Witcher returns in this sequel to The Last Wish, as the inhabitants of his world become embroiled in a state of total war.

    30 color photos.ContentsThe Creation of Water • (1994) • short storyTwilight in the Cupboard • (1994) • short storyAmok Harvest • (1994) • short storyTheory of Tension • (1994) • short storyBack to Nature • (1994) • short storyInternal Inspection • (1994) • short storyMetropolis II • (1994) • short storyIn the Oligocenskie Gardens • (1994) • short storyEurope • (1994) • short storyFever • (1994) • short storyAttack at Dawn • (1994) • short story; interior artwork is a variant of the cover artSusan • (1993) • short storyBetween Heaven and Hell • (1994) • short storyShed of Rebellion • (1994) • short storyTo Each His Own • (1994) • short storyEruption • (1993) • short storyThe Inquisition • (1994) • short storyBeneath the Dunes • (1994) • short storyThe Silence • (1994) • short storyDarkness Falls on the River • (1994) • short storyParadise • (1994) • short storyExpress Delivery • (1994) • short storyThe Agitators • (1994) • short storyTruancy at the Pond • (1994) • short storyAmmonite • (1994) • short storyBase • (1994) • short storyForaging in the Field • (1994) • short storyTraffic Prohibited • (1994) • short storyAfternoon with the Bros. Grimm • (1994) • short storyThe Cosmic Barnyard • (1994) • short storyUnder the Landscape • (1994) • short storyEllison Wonderland • (1994) • short storyPlease Don't Slam the Door • (1994) • short storyAfterthoughts • (1994) • essay

    From the popular and well-regarded Spectrum annuals, over 100 artists are represented, chosen from a jury of award-winning professionals. The introduction is written by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Lee Stuart, and some of the artists included are Michael Whelan, James Gurney, Don Maitz, Thomas Blackshear, and Frank Miller.

    Two unlikely heroes are destined to oppose the malign forces that threaten their lives and the survival of their world.

    Eleven! She must be on the roof when the next bell tolls. Twelve! With a deep breath, and only half believing she will survive, Cara jumps off the church roof and into Luster, land of the unicorns.In Luster, Cara meets many wonderful creatures, but the most magnificent of all is Lightfoot, a rebellious young unicorn. Cara's band of friends comes to include a hairy creature named the Dimblethum and the monekey-like Squijim. Together, they set out to reach the Unicorn Queen before the mysterious man who is following them does - to prevent the destruction of all unicorns forever."Coville weaves traditional unicorn myths into his accessible fantasy...[with] an ending that hints at the next adventure." Booklist

    Skandranon Rashkae is perhaps the finest specimen of his race, with gleaming ebony feathers, majestic wingspan, keen magesight and sharp intelligence. Courageous, bold, and crafty, Skan is everything a gryphon should be. He is the fulfillment of everything that the Mage of Silence, the human sorcerer called Urtho, intended to achieve when he created these magical beings to be his champions, the defenders of his realm--a verdant plain long coveted by the evil mage Maar.Now Maar is once again advancing on Urtho's Keep, this time with a huge force spearheaded by magical constructs of his own--cruel birds of prey ready to perform any evil their creator may demand of them. And when one of Urtho's Seers wakes from a horrifying vision in which she sees a devastating magical weapon being placed in the hands of Maar's common soldiers, Skandrannon is sent to spy across enemy lines, cloaked in the protective of Urtho's powerful Spell of Silence.

    Featuring poems written in Tolkien's inimitable style -- each of which add to the magic, mystery and lyricism of the epic saga The Lord of The Rings. These poems can also be enjoyed as a separate entity, apart from the main body of the text , with each stanza giving an insight into the mythology and sagas of Tolkien's parallel universe of Middle-earth. Trying to furnish England with a mythology he felt it hitherto lacked, and drawing on his own studies of epic poems of the past, including classics such as Beowulf, it could be argued that Tolkien's poetry is at the heart of the saga that was to become the Book of the Century.

    But the greater the magic, the greater the peril—and Lenfell was soon devastated by a war between rival Mageborn factions that polluted land, sea, and air with Wild Magic and unleashed the hideous specters known as Wraithenbeasts.Generations after that terrible war, with the land recovered from crippling wounds and the people no longer threatened by genetic damage, Mageborns still practice their craft—but under strict constraints. Yet so long as the rivalry between the Mage Guardians and the Lords of Malerris continues, the threat of another war is ever-present. And someone has been planning just such a war for many long years, the final strike in a generations-old bid for total power....

    Now in the first volume of the series sequel, she continues the same storyline, returning readers to a war-torn Valdemar in preparation to confront an ancient Eastern Empire--ruled by a monarch whose magical tactics by be beyond any sorcery known to the western kingdoms.

    Tolkien's mythical world of Middle-earth. Redrawn by artist John Howe from the original map created by Christopher Tolkien, it is beautifully decorated with scenes from The Lord of the Rings.

    Guinevere and Arthur. Lancelot and Merlin and Morgan Le Fay -- all the names of myth are given flesh and blood in this Del Rey Discovery of the Year book!

    Story list: Advocates (with Suzy McKee Charnas); Art Songs; Cabin 33; Investigating Jericho; A Question of Patronage; Renewal; Salome; Seat Partner; Spider Glass; My Favorite Enigma (essay). There are also a bibliography and a chronology.

    Morlan, Robert Silverberg, Michael Swanwick, Jane Yolen and many others. Supplementing the stories are the editors' invaluable overviews of the year in fantastic fiction, Edward Bryant's witty roundup of the year's fantasy films, and a long list of Honorable Mentions—all of which adds up to an invaluable reference source, and a font of fabulous reading.

    Contents:•Wayfinder's Story • [Book of Lost Swords] • (1992) • novel by Fred Saberhagen •Shieldbreaker's Story • [Book of Lost Swords] • (1994) • novel by Fred Saberhagen

    He takes them into the caves of Fundindelve, where he watches over the enchanted sleep of one hundred and forty knights. But the heart of the magic that binds them – Firefrost, also known as the Weirdstone of Brisingamen – has been lost.The Wizard has been searching for the stone for more than 100 years, but the forces of evil are closing in, determined to possess and destroy its special power. Colin and Susan realise at last that they are the key to the Weirdstone’s return. But how can two children defeat the Morrigan and her deadly brood?The Moon of Gomrath:It is the Eve of Gomrath – the night of the year when the Old Magic is aroused. Had Colin and Susan known this, they would never have lighted a fire on the Beacon, thereby releasing the uncontrollable ferocity of the Wild Hunt. Soon they are inextricably caught up in the struggle between their friend, the Wizard Cadellin, and the evil Morrigan.The strength of their courage will determine whether or not they survive the awaiting ordeal…

    Shadow & Claw brings together the first two books of the tetralogy in one volume.

    Or rather the psychic images of the fairies, who quickly turned it into a game, where they leapt between the closing pages in an effort to outdo each other to produce the most outrageous poses.

    This is the story of her life at the palace, her adventures with wizards, hobgoblins, unicorns and dragons, and her love for the gardener's apprentice.

    Swann says, "or a narration intended to enforce a useful truth, then these four are fables--which shouldn't be confused with fairy tales targeted only for children. These, then, are tales for kind and loving people of all ages.""The Temple of Sanity" tells of an idea that became a reality and grew into an insitution, only to develop rules and leaders, cliques and critics . . ."A Clay-Modeling Lesson" tells of the four identical boys separated at birth and raised Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and atheist, and how they met as representatives of their respective communities . . ."The Fate and Destiny of a Traveling Clairvoyant" tells of a woman with a special talent, who found that people prefer seeing dimly to seeing clearly . . ."Watcher of the Purple River" tells of an old woman and a young man, and how she taught him to watch the river of life . . .These fables came to Ingo Swann as a gift from a part of himself: He awoke four mornings in a row and literally had to write them. They have in common a gentle wisdom, a kindness, an empathy, that will make them immediately precious--and then unforgettable--to the reader whose heart is open.

    Charles Dobbs makes her part of a special team of healers. Dr. Dobbs introduces BJ to a world of unicorns, centaurs, and other wonderful creatures. As she tends them, she discovers the wonder of magic through her healing touch. An extraordinary novel of a world where medicine becomes magic.

    Walls tell her their secrets. Safes tell her their combinations. And a favorite toy dragon whispers dire warnings about those who would exploit her for their own malevolent purposes. There's no place Sarah can hide, from her pursuers or from her past…

    Le Guin has created a profound and transformational literature. The award-winning stories in A Fisherman of the Inland Sea range from the everyday to the outer limits of experience, where the quantum uncertainties of space and time are resolved only in the depths of the human heart. Astonishing in their diversity and power, they exhibit both the artistry of a major writer at the height of her powers and the humanity of a mature artist confronting the world with her gift of wonder still intact.A Fisherman of the Inland Sea containsAnother Story or A Fisherman of the Inland Sea • [Hainish]Dancing to Ganam • [Hainish] Introduction: On Not Reading Science Fiction Newton's Sleep The Ascent of the North FaceThe First Contact with the GorgonidsThe KerastionThe Rock That Changed ThingsThe Shobies' Story • [Hainish]

    Her mother, Concetta, is a writer whose characters hang around the house until their story is finished. Then they disappear, like steam from the bathroom mirror.But some characters dislike the way they've been written. They play up. So Concetta sends them off to The Island, a magical place with a School for Rebellious Characters.Ariel and Zed aren't happy with their roles, either. They're misfits, thrown together for the holidays, and they don't even like each other. But when Concetta sends them to The Island, where everyone and everything is unpredictable, they discover fresh possibilities: eccentric friends, dangerous adventures, a formidable enemy, and a new understanding of themselves and each other...

    In a chilling tale based on a traditional Japanese legend, a samurai faces the ultimate challenge when an evil shape-changing fox takes on an unexpected form.

    Omnibus of Elidor, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, The Moon of Gomrath

    In a quest that continues in the present day, the artist and mystic Magnaluci records his search for the Perilous Dragontooth and offers clues as to its resting place.

    Though stunned and scared by what she learns, Tanith is warmly welcomed by her aunts into the witchy world of magic. But then new girl, Astarte Perkins comes to school.

    Utterly wonderful!" -- RT Book Reviews "A love story that transcends all boundaries." -- The Medieval Chronicle Legendary warrior Conor of Ulster defies his people to make the exiled Brigid of Morna his queen—until a shattering act of treachery destroys their world. Driven to the ends of the earth, Conor lives a thousand lifetimes in the fading hope that—one day, somehow—he’ll find Brigid once again. Finalist "Best Time Travel" -- RT Book Reviews "One of the Year's Best Reads" -- The Readers’ Voice Finalist, three categories, Affaire de Coeur Reviewers’ Choice Awards

    Though confident of the King's leadership, Gulliver isn't so sure of his own ability. Each chapter contains a complete story with obvious biblical applications. Great family reading!

    Which is why when he meets a young boy sobbing in Sherwood Forest, he does not barbecue him on the spot. Instead Montagu takes John home where he becomes an invaluable member of the family.With his pet wolf by his side, John leads an adventurous life. And growing up with dragons in the days of knights and outlaws has some unexpected bonuses: all the familiar fun - and frictions - of family life are given an extra scaly dimension.

    Before they know it they are tumbling into an underwater world, racing across the countryside with a fast team of reindeer, soaring through the air with a flight of Canada geese - and, finally, returning the golden pine cone to its rightful owner. "The Golden Pine Cone" has stood the test of time because it is a simple, straightforward adventure which explores the potential magic in everyday things. The characters are ordinary children with courage and compassion; the setting and the mythology are uniquely Canadian. Suitable for ages 6 and up.

    The able commander of a German army battalion and the empathetic father figure to a gaggle of ne'er-do-well soldiers, he is a man of integrity and peace thrust into a conflict he finds appalling.

    George, and Chinese dragons.

    Jamie Weston is the key to humanity's salvation and the sole challenge to a terrifying conspiracy of magical alien technologies bent on annihilating a civilization just for the fun of it.

    But what was she doing in the Haunted Lands in the first place? What happened that caused her to leave her home? For the past 20 years, this has been one of the biggest mysteries of Jame's background. The answers to those questions-and others-are found in the pages of this collection. The original edition of Blood and Ivory first appeared in 1994, and included four short stories featuring Hodgell's signature character, Jame. This new edition, Blood and Ivory: A Tapestry is far more than just a reprint. Our edition includes not only the four original stories, but four new ones as well, written specifically for this collection: Three featuring Jame and the fourth one an original Sherlock Holmes tale. Pat has also written brand new introductions for each story, so the reader gets a fuller picture of Jame'

    Special guest appearance by Evil Ernie.

    Only Halthris of the nomadic Tanathi can warn the beautiful city of the threat. A chance encounter on the steppe throws her into a terrifying world of decadent royalty, sinister political intrigue and lethal magic...And into the midst of the jealous rivalries that plague Zithirian. The cool Ansaryon and handsome Tsenit, sons of the royal house, are at war with each other for control of the future. Halthris is courted by both men but must also safeguard the fortunes of her own people. And all the time the Ska'i hordes wait for their moment...

    Plus, the book includes original fantasy drawings of the exciting characters and events.

    gets caught up in a new friend's story of magic and intrigue, and learns to view life differently.

    Since the end of the 19th century, researchers have attempted to devise reasonably accurate terminology for classifying these stages. Until recently, it was not known to many Western scientists that the Qur'an and Sunnah, which are the sources of Islamic belief, provide detailed descriptions of significant events in human embryological development, and this terminology is characterized by descriptiveness, accuracy, ease of comprehension, and integration between description and appearance and main internal processes.This publication is a compilation of conference proceedings presented by renowned scientists and scholars in embryology, anatomy, and Islamic studies who investigated and compared the direct linguistic meanings of the Islamic terminology with the latest scientific findings. They concluded that the appearance of these terms 1400 years ago is astonishing, since it was impossible for this knowledge to have been attained through any human means, given the limitations of human scientific advancement and technology at the time. Furthermore, these terms, as explained in this book, can serve as valuable additions to the field of embryology.The relationship between science and religion in the West has often been characterized by antagonism, opposition, and hostility. In contrast, this relationship in Islamic society has been one of cooperation, harmony, and mutual benefit. The information presented in this book illustrates the clear support and encouragement provided through Islamic teachings for objective scientific research and is solid evidence for this type of harmonious relationship.

    The pages abound with images of superhuman characters, including her "Space Cowgirl" and "Robo Vampire," as well as heroes and heroines from Marvel Comics. In this portfolio Julie's amazing ability to paint realistic live, glistening metal is vividly displayed—the term "metal flesh" was coined specifically to describe the authentic appearance of the metallic-looking creatures she paints.Julie Bell is one of the best-known heroic fantasy art illustrators today. Her paintings have been acclaimed throughout the world of fantasy art, and include her best-selling illustrations of the X-Men for Marvel Comics. Her other books include Soft as Steel, Hard Curves, and Titans.

    In the upheaval, clan member Susan, her wolf, and a young boy find themselves thrown against the powerful forces of greed, hate, and magic. "Levy's alternative world is thoroughly described, and he portrays the shape-changers so realistically that readers will forget that this is a fantasy." -- Booklist

    But somehow, strange and beautiful creatures are slipping into her drawings and sketches. The world of Faerie is reaching out to her for help--and she may be its last chance for survival.

    This "official" guide gives complete details on all the moves, kicks, hits, dodges, and secret fighting methods to make any player a champion.

    In Dublin, a genetic engineer in the employ of a ruthless businessman dreams of creating the fastest racehorse ever. Add an inquisitive young girl and a dash of magic, and when an extraordinary foal is born, the adventure really starts. An exciting science-fantasy-thriller from a talented young writer.

    But once a year she becomes Lady Siobhan, renowned far and wide for her bravery and skill. On a massive campground in Pennsylvania, her medieval fantasy society holds its annual summer War. Here, as always, Cass will wander among the colorful participants dressed in medieval garb - jugglers, peddlers, courtesans, artisans, and knights - enjoying a delightful respite in a world of make-believe, culminating in a mock battle. But this year the fantasy will become a grim reality when an implacable army of gray-faced horsemen from the mists of Celtic legend is unleashed on the weekend warriors. Suddenly Cass finds herself in a world where the swords have real edges and people can die - and only one person stands between fantasy and a bloodbath: herself.

    This index collects under one cover names, events, relationships and pertinent historical and cultural details described in the books: [Arrows of the Queen], [Arrow's Flight], [Arrow's Fall], "Stolen Silver" [Horse Fantastic], Heralds Harpers & Havoc, and Lovers, Lore & Loss.

    Readers learn of the fabled healing power of the horn, of the unicorn's ability to cleanse water, how to capture a unicorn--and why the unicorn stirs our imaginations to this day.

    When Hesta discovers that her mother and her mother's lover have had rampant sex in Hesta's bed, she absconds with her friend Janey to the seaside.It is the last day of the season, sun bright and sea sparkling. The bars and shops are open, the funfair spins round with shrieks and shouts. As night falls, the illuminations go on. But when Janey catches the last train to London, Hesta stays behind. She falls in with the gothic-looking, unpleasantly attractive Skilt and his subject colony of junkies and beggars. In a rotting hotel on the front, among the broken marble balustrades, the mouse-eaten rooms and the bonfire in the ballroom, Hesta takes up her new life. She hears drugged legends told beside the fire, the rumours of ghosts and the strangeness of the sea.For now the season has ended, the seaside is deserted, the illuminations are switched off, this place is very strange. Does Skilt know its secret? Should Hesta be wary of the blond man who watches her from the pier? And what happens when the lights go out?It's dark.