This box set contains all three parts of the epic tale - The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King. Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him the Rings of Power - the means by which he will be able to rule the world. All he lacks in his plan for domination is the Ruling Ring, which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Frodo Baggins... Brian Sibley, one of the original dramatists, has written new opening and closing narration for the character of Frodo, played by Ian Holm. This collection also includes a bonus CD featuring Stephen Oliver's complete musical score, and a demo version of 'Bilbo's Last Song'.13 CDs. 13 hrs 15 mins.

    Featuring 16 pages of four-color movie photos and a pull-out souvenir poster, this movie selections folio is a tremendous value at $12.95! Titles are: * The Chamber of Secrets * Dobby the House Elf * Family Portrait * Fawkes the Phoenix * Flying Car * Gilderoy Lockhart * Harry's Wondrous World * Hedwig's Theme * Moaning Myrtle * Nimbus 2000 * The Spiders.

    This official publication contains 500 exclusive images, from the earliest pencil sketches and conceptual drawings to magnificent full-color paintings that shaped the look of the film. All the principal locations, costumes, armor and creatures are covered in stunning detail, including concepts, storyboards and images that did not make it into the final film.As well as a wealth of sketches, paintings and digital images, The Art of The Fellowship of the Ring contains photographs showing how the creative process was realized and a number of stills from the film. Contributors include Alan Lee and John Howe, the two artists who inspired Peter Jackson's vision of Middle-earth and who worked with him to bring his trilogy to the big screen. They and a dozen other designers who created all of these diverse elements explain how they contributed to the development of the film, giving a fascinating insight into how Middle-earth was brought to life.With text compiled from exclusive interviews with director Peter Jackson, special effects supervisor Richard Taylor, designers Grant Major, Ngila Dickson, Paul Lasaine and others, this unique book celebrates the pivotal contribution made by a handful of people which help turn the first Lord of the Rings movie into an award-winning global success.

    Hailed by critics worldwide, part one of the movie trilogy was a box-office smash, one of the most successful films of the decade. Peter Jackson's "fierce, imaginative movie takes high-flying risks and inspires with its power and scale," wrote Newsweek. "In every way this is moviemaking on a grand scale," wrote the San Francisco Chronicle, while Time proclaimed the "grandeur, moral heft and emotional depth" of the film, which received thirteen Academy Award(R) nominations. Including more than 300 photographs from all three films, most unique to this book, and exclusive interviews with all the cast and crew, Brian Sibley's fascinating book takes every fan inside the process of adapting J.R.R. Tolkien's masterwork for the screen. For the first time in history, three major movies were made at the same time, a triumphant and monumental undertaking that took the world by storm. Here can be found details about the hundreds of dedicated artists, craftspeople and cast and crew members who labored for years -- adding authenticity at every stage -- to bring one of the greatest stories ever told to an eager film audience. Sibley takes us inside the process of filmmaking to show us how the magic is made -- from the director, writers and actors to wardrobe, makeup, miniatures, music and digital special effects, it's all here."It was tiring, physically and mentally, but never dull. Three movies, one big story, and so much variety: one day shooting scenes of intimate heart-wrenching drama, the next, vast battle scenes involving hundreds of extras. Every day brought an opportunity to create something new on this enormous canvas that is The Lord of the Rings." -- Peter Jackson

    As Roland crosses a desert of damnation in a macabre world that is a twisted image of our own, he moves ever closer to the Dark Tower of his dreams—and nightmares.

    Hosted by Douglas Gresham, stepson of C. S. Lewis, these timeless classics have mesmerized millions around the world. Upon entering an enchanted world called Narnia, four ordinary children learn extraordinary lessons in courage, self-sacrifice, friendship, and honor. Brought to life in London by a cast of more than 100 actors, including award-winners Paul Scofield, David Suchet, and Ron Moody, the 7-part Chronicles of Narnia provides over 22 hours of exhilaring listening entertainment. The Last Battle: A powerful script and stellar cast mark this final installment in the acclaimed Radio Theatre adaptation of C. S. Lewis's most famous work. What begins as a self-serving scheme by an evil ape quickly turns deadly, as the fierce Calormenes invade Narnia and claim that their god, Tash, and the Great Lion Aslan are one and the same. Young King Tirian and his comrades must fight for the survival of Narnia. "The Last Battle," though the conclusion of the series, is also a beginning--with a timeless message that listeners will treasure.Performers: Paul Scofield, David Suchet, Victor Spinetti, Andrew Sachs, Gwynn Beech, Philip Sully, Steven Webb, Jade Williams, Douglas Gresham.

    Hosted by Douglas Gresham, stepson of C. S. Lewis, these timeless classics have mesmerized millions around the world. Upon entering an enchanted world called Narnia, four ordinary children learn extraordinary lessons in courage, self-sacrifice, friendship, and honor. Brought to life in London by a cast of more than 100 actors, including award-winners Paul Scofield, David Suchet, and Ron Moody, the 7-part Chronicles of Narnia provides over 22 hours of exhilaring listening entertainment. The Silver Chair: Running from bullies at school, Eustace and schoolmate Jill unexpectedly find themselves in the enchanted land of Narnia and in the very presence of the Great Lion Aslan. Join Eustace, Jill, and their strange but courageous friend Puddleglum as they travel through dangerous and unknown lands in their quest to find and rescue the heir to Narnia's throne, Prince Rilian.

    He is ignored by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. For longer than anyone remembers, the Farseers have ruled the storm swept kingdoms of the Six Duchies--using the wild and perilous magic of the Skill. But now, as the barbarous Red Ship Raiders ravage the coasts and sleepwalkers prowl the heartland, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. For Fitz is a threat to the throne ... but he may also be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

    It contains three books, The Thousand Orcs, The Lone Drow, and The Two Swords. In this series, Drizzt takes a stand to stop the spread of chaos and war from an overambitious orc king across his adopted homeland. The series is followed by the installments in the Transitions series.In The Thousand Orcs, the orc King Obould Many-Arrows, allied with a clan of frost giants, sends a massive army against the towns of the North. On the sidelines, four drow from the Underdark orchestrate events behind the scenes, playing each side against the other for their own advantage. In The Lone Drow, Drizzt Do'Urden is mourning what he believes to be the death of his closest friends. Drizzt only regains his sense of purpose after two elves and their two pegasi decide to help. . In The Two Swords, Obould's horde has pressed the Companions to the very gates of Mithral Hall, where Bruenor and his clan launch a desperate, last-ditch effort to push the orcs back. A desperate rescue attempt succeeds, with Drizzt and Innovindil rescuing the latter's pegasus, which Obould had captured and chained as a trophy, and Drizzt is unexpectedly reunited with the Companions that he long thought dead. The only major plot line to be tied up in this novel is the question of what Drizzt will do about his relationship with Catti-brie.pegasus to a conclusion. A few more characters meet their demise in this novel. Ultimately, the novel keeps the major plot lines active for future novels, and introduces several more.

    But justice is swift in the form of a shadowy group called the Night Club. The couple meets an untimely end and the little girl is saved-just one of many innocent victims rescued by the members of the Club. It is with this group that Tobias has lived since he was abandoned as an infant, and he along with his fellow crusaders help clear Prague of crime. But when an unforeseen event nearly annihilates the Night Club, Tobias is given up for dead by the survivors. Little do they know that not only is he alive, but has been reborn as a vampire. When Tobias awakes to discover his astonishing fate, he finds himself in southeastern Asia aboard a modern-day pirate ship commanded by an immortal madam and her henchmen. Servitude to the evil villainess, however, is not in Tobias's plan; his future remains in Prague where he must continue his quest to punish the guilty. Although first he must escape An intriguing blend of fantasy, horror, and adventure, The Night Club delves into the seedy underworld where good prevails over evil, and justice must be served above all.

    In his fantasy world, the Dark One, the embodiment of pure evil, is breaking free from his prison. The overall plot is about a man who learns that he is the reincarnation of the world’s messiah and is once again destined to save the world from the Dark One — but possibly destroy it in the process. This saga is not only his story, but the story of an entire world’s struggle to deal with war and change, destruction and hope. The Wheel of Time® New Spring: The Novel#1 The Eye of the World#2 The Great Hunt#3 The Dragon Reborn#4 The Shadow Rising#5 The Fires of Heaven#6 Lord of Chaos#7 A Crown of Swords#8 The Path of Daggers#9 Winter's Heart#10 Crossroads of Twilight#11 Knife of DreamsBy Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson#12 The Gathering Storm#13 Towers of Midnight#14 A Memory of LightBy Robert Jordan and Teresa PattersonThe World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of TimeBy Robert Jordan, Harriet McDougal, Alan Romanczuk, and Maria SimonsThe Wheel of Time CompanionBy Robert Jordan and Amy RomanczukPatterns of the Wheel: Coloring Art Based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

    Who could believe that such a horrible thing could exist? After all, it’s been two hundred years since Thread supposedly fell on Pern. No one alive remembers that first onslaught. There’s no sign of it anywhere in the world. Only the dragons, originally created to be a weapon against Thread, are still around to remind people that once before their population was decimated, their hopes and dreams and livelihoods almost destroyed forever. For two centuries the dragonriders have been practicing and training, passing down from generation to generation the Threadfighting techniques learned on the fly by their besieged ancestors. And most of the Lord Holders are prepared to protect their people, to provide sanctuary, to assemble groundcrews to search out and destroy any Thread that might be missed by the dragons soaring overhead. All but one. Even now the ominous signs are appearing: the violent winter storms and volcanic eruptions that are said to herald the approach of the Red Star and its lethal spawn. Impossibly, one stubborn Lord Holder, Chalkin of Bitra, refuses to believe—and that disbelief could spell disaster for all of Pern. So while the dragonriders desperately train to face an enemy they’ve never fought before, they and the other Lord Holders must find a way to deal with Chalkin and protect Bitra.The Masterharper of Pern: In a time when no Thread has fallen for centuries—when, indeed, many are beginning to dare to hope that Thread will never fall again—a boy is born to Harper Hall. His name is Robinton, and he is destined to be one of the most famous and beloved leaders Pern has ever known. It is a perilous time for harpers. They sing of Thread, yet more and more people are beginning to doubt the return of that deadly scourge. They teach reading, writing, history, but Fax—who hates the harpers in general—is determined to keep his growing area of influence free of the learning that might sow unrest. And they extol the dragonriders, whom many view increasingly as a drain on the resources of the Holds. Now harpers are being turned away from the holds; and, worse yet, they are being derided, attacked, even beaten. It is the climate of unrest that Robinton will come into his own. For despite the tragedies that beset his own life, he continues to believe in music and in the dragons, and is determined to save his beloved Pern from itself…so that the dragonriders can be ready to fly against the dreaded Thread when it at last returns!The Skies of Pern: Now that Pern can look forward to a future without the threat of Threadfall, the people are free to leave their protective stone holds and spread across more of the planet, as well as improve their lives with the newly discovered ancient technology. Not everyone is happy, though. Some resist the change, and consider anything new to be an “abomination”. And the dragonriders are uncertain: without Thread, what will their purpose be in Pernese society? Then a new danger—again from the skies—looms. Once again, the people must pull together… And turn to the only ones who can solve the crisis: the dragonriders of Pern!

    And there's still the Black Company.  The Book of the South is the second omnibus of novels from one of the greatest fantasy epics of our age, Glen Cook’s Black Company series—collecting Shadow Games, Dreams of Steel, and The Silver Spike.

    Dragonsdawn and Renegades of Pern are the ninth and tenth novels in her celebrated Dragonriders of Pern series. In Dragonsdawn, the beautiful planet Pern seems a paradise to its new colonists—until deadly spores fall like silver threads from the sky, devouring everything in their path. In Renegades of Pern, having lost their hold, Aramina’s family fears both outlaws and the dreaded Threadfall.“Few are better at mixing elements of high fantasy and hard science fiction…” —The New York Times Book Review

    Loiosh, fatally venomous jhereg dragonet, distracts and attacks from assassin's shoulder. 4 Taltos - Thief Kiera teaches, gives him vial of goddess blood. Philanderer wastes assassin wages on girls. Morrolan and vampire Sethra trick him to fetch their ancestor Aliera from gods in the Halls of the Dead. Goddess Verra helps.5 Phoenix - By order of patron Demon goddess Verra, Vlad assassinates King of Greenaere island, where sorcery does not work, provokes war. Drummer Aibynn may be a spy, but Morrolan and Aliera rescue all. Wife Cawti supports rebels and rejects lovelorn Vlad. Kragar keeps business going. Dragonet Loiosh has mate Rocza.

    Now, led by their mother, a prophetess, they are free to seek their promised land. But the journey is long and hard, filled with many dangers, enemies, distractions, and temptations. And each of the travelers is preoccupied with his or her own worries. Hanno Hath, the twins' father, is troubled to see his beloved wife weaken as they draw close to the promised land. As well, he must bolster the endurance of the often doubting and disgruntled Manth people. Bowman is torn between his attraction to Sisi, a former princess, and his destiny, as he perceives it, to sacrifice himself for the good of the people. Kestrel also feels a pull toward a mission, toward something-but for some reason, she cannot envision her life beyond the journey. This is the satisfying and profound ending to the trilogy, which began with The Wind Singer, winner of the coveted Smarties Prize in England.

    As the son of an impoverished mother, he had no other career choice open to him. And Alberich had risen in the ranks with almost unnatural speed. He developed expertise with many weapons and excelled in academic subjects with an ease that was the envy of his classmates. But in fact, the reclusive Alberich studied long and hard, pushing himself ruthlessly.   In battle, Alberich had always had a sort of “sixth sense” about things which were about to happen—when and from where the enemy would attack. Instinctively, he hid this ability, for the Sunpriests kept careful watch for anyone exhibiting “demon powers” which were the hallmark of Karse’s greatest enemy—the witch-nation of Valdemar. Those they caught were “cleansed” in the fires of Vkandis Sunlord.   Both Alberich’s skill and secret served him well in the army of Karse, and when Alberich became one of Karse’s youngest captains, he received a special gift—a powerful white stallion “liberated” from the enemy. But this honor was merely a distraction, for the Sunpriests had laid a trap which even Alberich’s strange foresight could not predict…   Saved from burning as a witch when this odd white stallion braved flames and carried him over the border into Valdemar, he was healed by the same enemies he had been taught to hate his entire life. Though he knew he could never again return to his home, Alberich also knew he could never truly become a Valdemaran. How could Alberich remain true to his own people and still retain his honor while helping to train the direst enemy of Karse?

    . .Prepare to be enchanted! While humans go about their workaday lives, there is a secret world of well-dressed fairies flitting about in fragile fashions that would take your breath away - if only you could see them. Well, now you can. For the first time ever, elusive fairie couturier Ellwand allows mortals a peek at his ethereal designs in FAIRIE-ALITY, a catalogue so spectacularly crafted it befits a fairie queen herself. Showcased are nearly 150 creations - including dresses, jackets, trousers, shoes, hats, and delicate unmentionables - fashioned wholly from feathers, flower petals, shells, seeds, and other materials from nature. Consider these special features:Extraordinary production elements, including three specially selected paper stocks; metallic inks; fold-out booklets; vellum envelope with removable fashion card; and numerous half-, third-, and quarter-pages, notably to showcase garments for a playful mix & match, offering dozens of outfits to create.Drawings by celebrated fashion illustrator David Downton, capturing the graceful, but rarely glimpsed, fairie attired in Ellwand’s designs.Witty and delightfully romantic captions by Eugenie Bird. A breathless narrative by a young fairie guiding us from The Season’s start through May Day revelry and a Fairie Tale Wedding.Filled with authentic fairie lore that will lure fairie lovers by the legion, this superbly designed volume also offers many clever nods to human fashion history. Its fun, fanciful costume descriptions will amuse the fashion-savvy everywhere, while the stunning array of fashions themselves - a veritable dress-up dream - will leave readers of all ages spellbound.

    As anyone knows who has been touched by the storytelling magic of Anne McCaffrey, to read of the exotic world of Pern is to inhabit it—and to experience its extraordinary dragons is to soar aloft with them and share their dazzling adventures.Now, A Gift of Dragons brings together three beloved stories and a thrilling new tale of Pern in a single volume illustrated with beautiful artwork by Tom Kidd.In “The Smallest Dragonboy,” -Pern (Publication Order) #4.5- Keevan is the youngest dragonrider candidate, determined to impress a dragon when the next clutch of eggs hatches. But what transpires will surprise everyone—Keevan most of all.In “The Girl Who Heard Dragons,” -Pern (Publication Order) #8.5- a young girl’s rare ability to communicate with dragons puts her family in danger and will bring her face to face with her greatest fears—and with her most secret desire.The “Runner of Pern” -Pern (Publication Order) #15.5- is a girl named Tenna, who follows family tradition by delivering messages—and who will find her destiny on the mossy traces that runners have used for centuries under the dragon-filled sky.And finally, a very special gift: an exciting new Pern adventure, published here for the first time, fresh from the imagination of Anne McCaffrey. “Ever the Twain” -Pern (Publication Order) #16.5-

    He dreams of becoming a librarian knight – one of those sent out to explore the mysteries of their world. Somewhere out there lie the secrets of the past – including the lost floating city of Sanctaphrax – and hope for a future free from the fear of tyranny. When his chance comes, Rook breaks all the rules and sets out on a journey to the Free Glades. His luck and determination lead him from one peril to another until he encounters a mysterious character – the last sky pirate – and is thrust into an extraordinary adventure.The Last of the Sky Pirates is the first book of the Rook Saga – third trilogy in The Edge Chronicles. There are now 13 titles and four trilogies in the series, but each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can read The Edge Chronicles in any order you choose.

    An omnibus edition of three of David Gemmell’s best loved Drenai novels.With a new introduction to each novel by the author, this mega volume contains: The Legend of Deathwalker, Winter Warriors and the Sunday Times’ bestseller Hero in the Shadows.

    It includes volumes 4-6: Temple of the Winds, Soul of the Fire, and Faith of the FallenBook 4: Temple of the WindsWielding the Sword of Truth, Richard Rahl has battled death itself and come to the defense of the D'Haran people. But now the power-mad Emperor Jagang confronts Richard with a swift and inexorable foe: a mystical plague cutting a deadly swath across the land and slaying thousands of innocent victims.Book 5: Soul of the FireRichard Rahl has traveled far from his roots as a simple woods guide. Emperor of the D'Haran Empire, war wizard, the Seeker of Truth--none of these roles mean as much to him as his newest: husband to his beloved Kahlan Amnell, Mother Confessor of the Midlands. But their wedding day is the key that unlocks a spell sealed away long ago in a faraway country. Now a deadly power pours forth that threatens to turn the world into a lifeless waste.Book 6: Faith of the FallenEmperor Jagang is rising once again in the Old World and Richard must face him, on his own turf. Richard heads into the Old World with Cara, the Mord-Sith, while his beloved Kahlan remains behind. Unwilling to heed an ancient prophecy, Kahlan raises an army and goes into battle against forces threatening armed insurrection in the Midlands. Separated and fighting for their lives, Richard and Kahlan will be tested to the utmost.

    Bringing together three of her most popular novels--"Spindle's End, The Hero and the Crown" and "The Blue Sword"--this boxed set is the perfect gift for her fans.

    

    Yet their paths will lead them all to the most terrifying discovery in the long history of the drow, and set them on a quest to save not only Menzoberranzan but the entire dark elf race from Dissolution.The War of the Spider Queen begins here.The first novel in an epic six-part series from the fertile imaginations of R.A. Salvatore and a select group of the newest, most exciting authors in the genre. Join them as they peel back the surface of the richest fantasy world ever created, to show the dark heart beneath.

    At Transylvania Polygnostic University, Agatha Clay is a student with trouble concentrating and rotten luck. Dedicated to her studies but unable to build anything that actually works, she seems destined for a lackluster career as a minor lab assistant. But when the University is overthrown, a strange clank stalks the streets and it begins to look like Agatha might carry a spark of Mad Science after all.

    Aragorn, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, has joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and takes part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by Orcs, escape into Fangorn Forest and there encounter the Ents." "Gandalf has miraculously returned and defeated the evil wizard, Saruman. Sam has left his master for dead after a battle with the giant spider, Shelob - but Frodo is still alive, now in the foul hands of the Orcs." And all the while, the armies of the Dark Lord are massing as the One Ring draws ever nearer to the Cracks of Doom.

    A warrior and statesman: As comfortable in the shadowy halls of courtly intrigue as he is on the bloody battlefields where those intrigue's inevitably play themselves out. Karl Edward Wagner's complex and compelling character of Kane redefines the boundaries of heroic fantasy, and stands besides Michael Moorcock's Elric, and Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser as one of the most idiosyncratic and compelling characters of the fantasy genre. Gods in Darkness gathers together in one volume the complete novels of Kane.Contents:Bloodstone (1975)Dark Crusade (1976)Darkness Weaves (1970, revised 1978).

    Driving to their new home, Mom, Dad, and their daughter Chihiro take a wrong turn. In a strange abandoned amusement park, while Chihiro wanders away, her parents turn into pigs. She must then find her way in a world inhabited by ghosts, demons, and strange gods.

    these tales constitute a powerful work of the imagination, ranking with Tokien's Lord of the Rings novels and T.H. White's The Once and Future King. Evangeline Walton's compelling rendition of these classic, thrilling stories of magic, betrayal, lost love, and bitter retribution include the encounter between Prince Pwyll and Arawn, the God of Death, which Pwyll survives by agreeing to kill the one man that Death cannot fell, and the tale of bran the blessed and his family's epic struggle for the throne.The Mabinogion is internationally recognized as the world's finest arc of Celtic mythology; Walton's vivid retelling introduces an ancient world of gods and monsters, heroes, kings and quests, making accessible one of the greatest fantasy sagas of all time.

    Dark elf ranger Drizzt Do'Urden and his most trusted friends find themselves in the path of destruction. As blades slash and feet trample, even the heroes may not survive a desperate stand.

    The humorous style and witty wordplay that has enthralled readers over the last two decades makes these titles a perfect addition to your eBook library. For a limited time only, take advantage of this exciting opportunity: buy The Source of Magic and get A Spell for Chameleon for free!A Spell for ChameleonXanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled--where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. According to the Good Magician Humpfrey, the charts said that Bink was as powerful as the King or even the Evil Magician Trent. Unfortunately, no one could determine its form. Meanwhile, Bink was in despair. If he didn't find his magic soon, he would be forced to leave....The Source of MagicOrdered by King Trent to determine the source of Xanth's magic, Bink and his companions were harried by an unseen enemy determined to thwart them. When even their protector turned against them, Blink still managed to reach his goal and carry out the King's orders...but the king did not expect Blink's next act--to destroy utterly the magic of Xanth!Castle RoognaMillie, a ghost for 800 years, wants only one man--Jonathan, and he's a zombie. To prove himself, Magician Dor volunteers to get the potion that can restore Jonathan to full life. But he has to go back through time to do it, to a peril-haunted, ancient Xanth, where danger lurks at every turn....Centaur AisleDor agreed to act as King of Xanth while Trent was gone for a week. But the weeks passed and Trent did not return. Dor knew he had to rescue his king but with no magic powers, how could it be done...?

    As her orientation proceeds, Callie becomes frightened by the secrecy and evasion she encounters. When she demands to be released from the program, she is suddenly dropped into a terrifying alien world and into a perilous battle between good and evil. With limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie embarks on a life-changing journey. Will she decipher the plans the Benefactor has established for her escape, or will she succumb to the deception of the Arena?

    He had a family, a home, and even Marley, his beloved dog. Then one day his uncle Press showed up telling Bobby that some people needed his help, and nothing has been the same since. Now Bobby knows that he is a Traveler, and it's up to him to save the world. And not just Earth as we know it. All of Halla -- every time and place that has ever existed -- is being threatened by an evil enemy named Saint Dane, and Bobby must travel from one territory to another to stop Saint Dane's terrifying plans. Collected here together for the first time are books one through five in this exciting ten-book series!

    In Little Myth Marker, Skeeve bluffs his way into a high-stakes poker game, but when he wins, he's saddled with Markie, a pint-sized IOU with a talent for trouble.

    The evil Shadow Lord has taken over the kingdom...and only three people can save it. Lief, Jasmine and Barda have nothing in common — and everything to lose. They must embark on a perilous quest to recapture the seven lost gems of the magic Belt of Deltora. Only when the Belt is complete once more can the evil Shadow Lord be overthrown.The obstacles are many. The risks are real. But Lief, Jasmine, and Barda must defeat the darkness — or else Deltora will perish.

    The Magic Knight Rayearth boxed sets includes a handsome collector's case, three volumes of Magic Knight Rayearth 100% Authentic Manga and an exclusive Magic Knight Rayearth bonus book packed with never before seen original artwork.

    She is soon to find out: swept out of our world by a giant wave, she finds herself in another place entirely...The Abarat: a vast archipelago where every island is a different hour of the day, from the sunlit wonders of Three in the Afternoon, where dragons roam, to the dark terrors of the island of Midnight, ruled by Christopher Carrion.Candy has a place in this extraordinary world: she has been brought here to help save the Abarat from the dark forces that are stirring at its heart. Forces older than time itself, and more evil than anything Candy has ever encountered.

    Of course, every once in a while, we got on one another's nerves. Poseidon was always trying to organize swimming meets. Hestia was always tidying up the place. Hera was the bossy one, always telling the rest of us what to do. But Demeter was definitely the weirdest. She was always going on and on about wanting to plant a little vegetable garden.But, hey, we were family.We all grew up in Dad's belly together.When Hades and his siblings were born, their father, Cronus, Ruler of the Universe, swallowed them whole -- just because of a prophecy that said one of his children would be mightier than he was. Can Hades and his brothers and sisters overthrow their big, bad dad and take over the universe? It's sure to be a hot time, Hades!

    It includes:The Hunter's MoonFindabhair and her cousin Gwen have always believed in magic and the other world, and their dream is to find a way to enter it. Where better to begin than at royal Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland? Eager for adventure, they challenge an ancient law by spending the night in the sacred Sidbemound. When Gwen awakens, she is horrified to discover that Findabhair has disappeared, abducted by the King of the Faeries. How will Gwen rescue her cousin?The Summer KingSeventeen-year-old Laurel Blackburn has come to Ireland to escape the sorrow of her twin sister's death in Canada. After a magical experience involving her sister, Laurel's grandfather tells her the Irish once believed that Faerie was the land of the after-life. Then a cluricaun, of the Clan Leprechaun, gives Laurel a mission: To help her sister enter Faerie, Laurel must find the lost King of the West.The Light-bearer's DaughterDana's broken family is about to immigrate to Canada from Ireland, despite her protests. Then the King of Faerie charges her with a mission: She must carry an urgent message to his second-in-command deep in the mountains. Why has he chosen Dana, and what has it to do with her long-lost mother?

    Thirteen of the doors open and close. The fourteenth is locked, and on the other side is only a brick wall, until the day Coraline unlocks the door to find a passage to another flat in another house just like her own. Only it's different. At first, things seem marvelous in the other flat. The food is better. The toy box is filled with wind-up angels that flutter around the bedroom, books whose pictures writhe and crawl and shimmer, little dinosaur skulls that chatter their teeth. But there's another mother, and another father, and they want Coraline to stay with them and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go. Other children are trapped there as well, lost souls behind the mirrors. Coraline is their only hope of rescue. She will have to fight with all her wits and all the tools she can find if she is to save the lost children, her ordinary life, and herself. Critically acclaimed and award-winning author Neil Gaiman will delight readers with his first novel for all ages.

    They're getting something as good as you get from radio." - Neil GaimenProduced by the Sci-Fi Channel and Seeing Ear Theatre - these two plays are adapted for voice by Neil Gaiman from two of his short stories (both stories can be found in Smoke & Mirrors).SNOW GLASS APPLES: Once upon a time there lived a young princess with skin as white as snow, with hair as black as coal, with lips redder than blood. Most people think they know what happens to this young unfortunate girl. Most people are wrong. Tony-award winning actress Bebe Neuwirth (Chicago, Sweet Charity, and TV's Cheers) stars as a wise Queen who wants nothing more than to reign over her kingdom peacefully but is forced to match wits with an inhuman child who has an unnatural taste for blood.Full Cast List: Bebe Neuwirth as the Queen ; Martin Carey as the Huntsman; Mark Evans as the Prince; Merwin Goldsmith as the Lord of the Fair; J.R. Horne as the Archbishop & Friar; Alissa Hunnicutt as the Maidservant; Randy Maggiore as a Soldier; Kate Simses as the Princess; Nick Wyman as the KingMURDER MYSTERIES: In this mystery noir set in heaven's City of Angels before the fall, the first crime has been committed. It is an awful one. While the angelic hosts labor to create the world and its workings, one of their number is mysteriously slain by one of their own. Raguel, Angel of Vengeance, is mandated by Lucifer to discover both motive and murderer in this holy dominion that had so recently known no sin.Full Cast List: Brian Dennehy as Raguel ; Anne Bobby as Tink's Friend ; Christopher Burns as Saraquael ; Thom Christopher as Lucifer ; Ed Dennehy as Zephkiel ; Michael Emerson as Narrator ; Traci Godfrey as Tinkerbell Richmond ; Evan Pappas as Phanuel

    This unique eBook includes the prologue to CROSSROADS OF TWILIGHT plus an exclusive message to the reader, a digital signature, and a fascinating interview based on questions submitted by those who know his work best--his fans.In this electronic-only publication, GLIMMERS: The Prologue to Crossroads of Twilight, the incomparable imagination of Robert Jordan once again unveils a gripping adventure filled with suspense and surprises. Propelled onto International bestseller lists by compelling characters and a delightfully crafted world packed with action and intrigue, The Wheel of Time is a series no fantasy reader can resist and GLIMMERS delivers a tale that Jordan fans will not want to miss.

     In Mark of the Cat, Andre Norton presents a novel of magic and adventure- the unforgettable story of a boy’s journey of discovery, from trial to triumph. Hynkkel, commanded by his father to travel into the unknown in a test of survival, starts out with almost nothing, but the red-gold sandcat pendent worn around his neck as a reminder of his slain cat. His trek will bring him to a cave where he will enter the secret world of the cat…to a trail that will mark his destiny. In Year of the Rat, we find the natural water sources of the five queendoms of the Outer Region drying up. Hynkkel, not fully recovered from his previous trials, must now find a way to stop this loss and recover the missing water. To do so he must first find out who, or what, is causing the water loss and where it is going. When he and Murri, his sandcat, set out on their journey they make another, even more startling discovery. A being of ancient evil has returned and has brought with it, hoards and hoards of deadly desert rats, bent on one thing – to destroy the queendoms one by one. Can Hynkkel both find the missing water and stop the rats before all succumb to the Year of the Rat?

    It tells the story of a discussion between Death and a philosopher, in which the philosopher attempts to use the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics to argue death is not a certainty.

    Here, for the first time, is a collection of his stories about teenagers&150a collection for teen and adult readers alike. From the streets of his famed Newford to the alleys of Bordertown to the realms of Faerie, this is storytelling that will transfix and delight, with characters who will linger in the mind&150many of them from his novels. Featuring an illuminating preface by acclaimed author, anthologist, and critic Terri Windling, Waifs and Strays is a must-own for de Lint fans, and an ideal introduction to his work for newcomers.

    In M.Y.T.H. Inc. Link, former magician's apprentice Skeeve tumbles up the corporate ladder, but that doesn't keep him from sleuthing around some dangerous dimensions. And in Myth-Nomers and Im-Pervections, Skeeve's demon cohort, Ahaz, leaves in a huff, and Skeeve finds him in the worst neighborhood in the galaxy.

    Skeeve must deal with myth guided desires, fairy godfathers, and an offer he can't refuse in two of Robert Asprin's most delightful myth adventures.

    Now, on the anniversary of that ominous night, a girl-child ripens into the heritage of lost power. But before she can even comprehend her terrible new gift, the Dark Lord dispatches his winged monsters to capture her and bring him the embryonic magic she embodies.Fleeing the minions of darkness, Elena is swept toward certain doom-and into the company of unexpected allies. Aided by a one-armed warrior and a strange seer, she forms a band of the hunted and the cursed, the outcasts and the outlaws, to battle the unstoppable forces of evil and rescue a once-glorious empire...

    But few people know that his foolishness is [very convincingly] feigned. And that it's all that's saved him from death at the hands of his abusive father, who's always seen Ward as a bitter rival for power.When his father dies, Ward becomes the new lord of Hurog... until a nobleman declares that he is too dim-witted to rule. Ward knows he cannot play the fool any longer. To regain his kingdom, he must prone himself worthy--and quickly.Riding into a war that’s heating up on the border, Ward is sure he’s on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly serious turn. For he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep. The bones can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and Ward is certain his enemies will stop at nothing to possess them...

    

    Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard.The youth Takeo has been brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people who have taught him only the ways of peace. But unbeknownst to him, his father was a celebrated assassin and a member of the Tribe, an ancient network of families with extraordinary, preternatural skills. When Takeo's village is pillaged, he is rescued and adopted by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru. Under the tutelage of Shigeru, he learns that he too possesses the skills of the Tribe. And, with this knowledge, he embarks on a journey that will lead him across the famed nightingale floor—and to his own unimaginable destiny...

    Tolkien's epic fantasies The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have enthralled reader for more than half a century. The realm of Middle-earth is one of the most fully realized worlds in literature, yet the remarkable mythology upon which Tolkien founded is still a mystery to most readers.The Magical Worlds of The Lord of the Rings reveals the ancient folklore and legends that inspired Tolkien's masterpiece. From the Finnish saga Kalevala and the events in Beowulf to Arthurian mythology, Shakespeare, and even World War II, this indispensable guide provides insights not only into literature's most beloved fantasy but also the man who brought it to life.

    Under the guidance of Arkarian, his mentor, and with the help of Isabel, his unlikely but highly capable apprentice, Ethan has become a valued member of this other-worldly corps. As the only defense against the evil Order of Chaos, the Named travel through time to prevent the Order from altering history and thereby gaining power in the present and the future.As the threat from the Order intensifies, secrets of the past are revealed and villains and heroes are exposed. This gripping fantasy is set in modern times, but is infused with intrigue from the past, super-natural characters and surprising plot twists. Curley has written a winner through to the end.

    Years pass, and Guinevere becomes a great beauty, riding free across Northern Wales on her beloved horse. She is entranced by the tales of the valorous Arthur, a courageous warrior who seems to Guinevere no mere man, but a legend. Then she finds herself betrothed to that same famous king, a hero who commands her willing devotion. Just as his knights and all his subjects, she falls under Arthur’s spell. At the side of King Arthur, Guinevere reigns strong and true. Yet she soon learns how the dark prophecy will reveal itself. She is unable to conceive. Arthur’s only true heir is Mordred, offspring of a cursed encounter with the witch Morgause. Now Guinevere must make a fateful choice: She decides to raise Mordred, teaching him to be a ruler and to honor Camelot. She will love him like a mother. Mordred will be her greatest joy–and the key to her ultimate downfall. Return to a time of legend–the days of Guinevere and Arthur and the glory that was to become Camelot

    In The Princess Test, the author spoofs the notion that a pea can prove a person's pedigree. Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep features a genius of a princess, a hundred years of snooze, two princes, and a flock of balding sheep! Cinderella is a boy in Cinderellis and the Glass Hill, and the glass slipper is a glass hill. In For Biddle's Sake, Parsley tries to forget her beloved prince and get used to life as a Biddlebum Toad. The road to happily-ever-after isn't easy when a baker's son and a princess fall in love in The Fairy's Return.Elements of the classics are woven into these not-so-typical retellings of "Toads and Diamonds," "The Princess and the Pea," "Sleeping Beauty," "The Princess on the Glass Hill," "Puddocky," and "The Golden Goose." The fresh and funny twists on favorite fairy tales will win the hearts and capture the imaginations of young readers everywhere.

    They are missions combining excitement, violence, low cunning, betrayal, loyalty, greed, generosity, cowardice and insane bravery.This is an epic fantasy adventure that is both thought-provoking and thrilling until the very last second, set against the backdrop of an all too familiar yet weirdly different urban landscape.For the first time, Michael de Larrabeiti's much-loved, classic novels The Borribles, The Borribles Go for Broke and Across the Dark Metropolis are brought together in one book.

    Other leaders and other advisors, yes. Other tribemates sharing adventures, certainly. Friends aplenty.But there is something much more to the bond that exists between Cutter and Skywise, between chief and stargazer. Something that rivals even the unstoppable force of elfin Recognition.Neither born of the same parents nor at the same time, what extraordinary trials have compelled these two to become "brothers in all but blood"?

    In the enchanted regions of Hyperborea, Atlantis and Xiccarph, encounter malefic magic and demonic deeds beneath the last rays of a fading sun . . . For the first time ever, this volume encompasses Clark Ashton Smith's entire career as a writer. Smith virtually stopped writing stories in 1937, for reasons that have never been satisfactorily explained, but he left behind a unique legacy of fantasy fiction which is as imaginative and decadent today as when it was first published in the pulp magazines more than half a century ago.

    And when the carnage is done, only one survivor remains: a young boy named Kieli. A youth no longer, there is now but one road for him to travel: the path of vengeance. And he will not be alone. Under the tutelage of the rescuers who discovered him, Kieli will be molded into a sure and pitiless weapon. And he will accept the destiny that has been chosen for him ... as Talon of the Silver Hawk.But the prey he so earnestly stalks is hunting him as well. And Talon must swear allegiance to a shadowy cause that already binds his mysterious benefactors -- or his mission, his honor,and his life will be lost forever.

    Then she reads a story about a normal pony who turns into a snow-white unicorn when his owner reads a special spell. Lauren starts to wonder. Could her new pony Twilight really be a unicorn? This first book in the series is now specially priced.

    Love and war go hand in hand when Skeeve "the Great" asks two bumbling bodyguards to join the army of Possiltum-and then finds himself overrun by nubile suitors.

    This book features artwork from "Dragonlance" novels, games, calendars, and other materials created over the past ten years. With pieces from artists such as Brom, Matt Stawicki, Mark Zug, Todd Lockwood, Larry Elmore, and more, this collection features some of the best fantasy art published over the last decade.

    Tolkien's least-known and hardest-to-find works in one volume. These include "Smith of Wootton Major (story of a magical gift concealed in the most amazing cake), "Farmer Giles of Ham" (a dragon terrorizing the English village of Ham and the townspeople only hope is a local farmer with an inflated reputation of chasing away giants), "Tree and Leaf" (a work consisting of Tolkien's groundbreaking essay "On Fairy-stores" - a most readable examination of the meaning of fantasy), "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil" (sixten poems from the Red Book) and "Sir Gawain and teh Green Knight" (Tolkien's first career translation of medieval poetry).

    Corus today is a world of contending countries, of struggling humans, strange animals and elusive supernatural creatures. Though much has been forgotten, it is still a place of magical powers, and of a few people who are Talented enough to use them.Even as a child, Alucius showed very strong Talent. He was warned never to reveal it, lest others seek to exploit it. But as he grows to young manhood, Alucius must serve in the Militia like his father before him. When his country is invaded by the slave armies of the Matrial, immortal ruler of a nearby land, Alucius is captured and magically enslaved.A time of changes has come upon all of the world of Corus. If the evil surrounding the Matrial is not ended, those changes will not be happy ones. Alucius and his Talent have a central role to play.

    At first, things seem marvelous. The food is better than at home, and the toy box is filled with fluttering wind-up angels and dinosaur skulls that crawl and rattle their teeth.But there's another mother there and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go. Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and all the tools she can find if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.This beloved tale has now become a visual feast. Acclaimed artist P. Craig Russell brings Neil Gaiman's enchanting nationally bestselling children's book Coraline to new life in this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel adaptation

    It investigates all the clues that J.K. Rowling has hidden in her series.This is the Guide that got almost everything right about what would happen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Over 400 pages of theories and predictions -- including many more theories about what will happen in Books 6 and 7. Find out about those!Using only legitimate sources (J.K. Rowling's published works and interviews), this guide can be used to expose plot puzzles and clues that the author has concealed in her stories. Readers are excited to discover all the hints they missed when they read the Harry Potter books the first time(s)!Readers are taught to become an expert HP Sleuth, so they can have a lot more fun doing their Harry Potter detective work while they wait for Book 6.Here is a taste of what's in the book...-What's with Percy?-What is going to happen in the war?-Who may turn traitor in the final two books?-What secrets does Professor Snape hold?-Do you know how to solve Snape's poison bottle puzzle in the room "through the trapdoor?" Did you know there are actually 2 solutions to that puzzle?The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter addresses a broad audience in a humorous, fun-to-read, conversational format that brings new excitement to the Harry Potter series. It is a must have for Harry Potter fans!

    When Jessie finds the invisible door to the Fairy Realm, she enters a magical world full of elves, fairies, storytelling furrybears, fearsome griffins and unicorns.Jessie, the feisty, likeable young heroine, is an ordinary girl whose seemingly ordinary grandmother is actually a fairy queen.This collection has everything: adventure, danger, humour, great story-telling, a likeable heroine, and the small problems at home and school that are common to all children.

    If you had a second chance, would you take it? If you had a choice, would you do the right thing? And if you had a dream… What would you give to make it come true?Fandom: Labyrinth (1986)

    Рождение стальной крысы (A Stainless Steel Rat is Born, 1985)Стальная крыса идет в армию (The Stainless Steel Rat Gets Drafted,1987)Стальная крыса (The Stainless Steel Rat, 1966)Месть стальной крысы (The Stainless Steel Rat’s Revenge, 1970)Стальная крыса спасает мир (The Stainless Steel Rat Saves the World, 1972)

    An impenetrable barrier raised to imprison the Darklord Lorthas, bringing an end to the long and bloody MageWar.Nearly a millennium has passed since the Boundary's creation, and its power is fading. The Four Races struggle amongst themselves, their once-proud alliance little more than a distant memory. Old enemies have resurfaced, and new ones lurk in the shadows, eager to use the chaos to their advantage.The truth is known by two: Jeran, an orphan, raised by his uncle; and Dahr, an outcast, hiding from his past. Together, these two unlikely heroes must take news of the Boundary s fall to the King of Alrendria. Haunted by the knowledge of the Darklord s weakening prison, and pursued by Tylor Durange, exiled Prince of Ra Tachan, Jeran and Dahr race across Madryn, facing danger at every turn.Yet their greatest threat may come, not from the Darklord, but from the secrets they try so hard to keep from themselves.

    With the young King of Estelliana mysteriously ill, the kingdom is placed under the harsh rule of a starkin regent, Lord Zavion. One day a hearthkin boy, Durrik, has a vision telling him that the regent is planning to kill the new king and take over Estelliana, and that he must go on a quest to find a cure for the King and save the kingdom. He and his best friend Pedrin set out on their journey and are soon joined by a noble girl, Lisandre, and a servant girl called Briony. On their travels they meet with soldiers, wildkin, pirates and monsters before they reach their final destination - the magic Starthorn Tree - which may hold the miraculous cure...

    Art from every stage of game development will be included, from early concepts to finished pieces, along with behind-the-scenes commentary from the Blizzard development team. Enoromous coverage including " Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, Warcraft II, and Warcraft, " plus an exclusive glimpse at the upcoming " World of Warcraft " game. Anecdotal captions relevant to the story and events of the " Warcraft " series are also included. This timeless reference piece will give countless hours of enjoyment to avid " Warcraft " gamers everywhere!

    Cinderella, Jack (of bean-stalk fame), Little Red Ridinghood, and the Baker and his Wife set out for the forest on a quest to find "happily ever after." Along the way they meet Rapunzel, a Wicked Witch, a lascivious Wolf, vengeful Giants, a couple of charming Princes, and their own destiny. With wit and wisdom, the authors have given us a parable about the loss of innocence, the joys and sorrows of adulthood, and the price paid for getting the things you really want.

    She soon discovers that the outside world is a dangerous and confusing place. Bandits and monsters are the least of her problems. Someone is prying into a long hidden secret and Tevi is about to get caught up in the deadly consequences. Jemeryl has her future planned out. A future that will, hopefully, involve the minimum contact with ordinary folk who do not understand sorcerers. Her ambition lies with the Coven and the study of magic. Her goal is to rise up the Coven hierarchy and someday become ruler of the Protectorate. It is all very straightforward - until she meets Tevi. The fate of the greatest civilisation the world has known is at stake. Tevi and Jemeryl will have to risk their lives in the race to uncover the traitor and retrieve the chalice. If this is not enough, they will both have to re-evaluate their assumptions about society and their places in it, and then figure out exactly what they want from life and each other.

    

    Art of Imagination is a trilogy consisting of the award winning Illustrated History series: Science Fiction of the 20th Century (Year 2000 Hugo Award Winner), Horror of the 20th Century (Bram Stoker Award nominee), and Fantasy of the 20th Century creating the ultimate collection. It was in the twentieth century that book, magazine, and poster artists reached new pinnacles of creativity in depicting the unknown. This collection of works by artists and designers of movie posters, books, and magazines provides a hearty feast for the eyes of the enchanted reader. These artisans and their works are the subject of this new must-have book for not only collectors of memorabilia, but for every person who has longed to step into his or her imaginary world, be it one of fantasy, flight, or fear -- if only for a moment.

    One tale recounts the author's search for a Kafka story that can only be found in an elusive and quite possibly cursed edition. Other stories feature humans dressing in full-body protective exoskins in the personas of old Hollywood movie stars to barter old Earth movies for an alien aphrodisiac and a young boy coming to terms with creation and moulding his own man out of detritus from a nearby forest. In the title story, a great fantasy writer loses touch with the world he has created and pleads with his young assistant to help him visualise the story's end and enable him to complete his greatest novel ever.

    Kiernan as one of today's most versatile fantasists. Spanning and transcending the fields of fantasy, dark fantasy, and science fiction, these stories include some of Kiernan's early and hard-to-find work, and explore the limits of that ubiquitous bane of contemporary F&SF, the "theme" and "shared-world" anthology. In the words of Douglas E. Winter: "Caitlin Kiernan's stories, even when appearing in theme anthologies, fill a space that is genuinely hers ó thematically and stylistically. Rarely do her texts offer the punch line ending of a campfire tale, or even a tidy denouement. Instead they present a fine mingling of attitude and atmosphere, expressed with delightful idiosyncrasy . . ." Including such critically-acclaimed stories as "Emptiness Spoke Eloquent" (selected for The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror) and "Persephone," as well as Kiernan's first ever collaboration with Poppy Z. Brite, From Weird and Distant Shores is a nightmare tour de force you won't easily forget.

    To protect the mare and her magical foal, Heart must leave her village and embark on a quest that will not only reveal the unicorn's secret, but raise tantalizing mysteries about Heart's own history. Ages 7-10.Contents:MoonsilverThe silver threadThe silver braceletThe mountains of the moon

    A place untroubled by sorcery, in which the farmers of Heseldorn tend their fields, the warriors of Thaeonasta guard the pass to the Northern wastes, and the fellstalkers of Pendren continue their solitary wanderings on the wild fells. But it is also a land in which men touch iron ere they speak of elves, and the age-old alliance between the dwarves of the Grey Mountains and the men of Morieth has foundered in enmity and mistrust. Now King Praeledin is lost, a usurper sits on the throne of Arumet, and savage kralg overwhelm the land, murdering all in their path. If the Seven Realms is to be saved, a small company must battle dark magic, bloodthirsty pursuers, and their own age-old prejudices to find their lost King. This is a story of loyalty, friendship, sacrifice and love, for adult readers who enjoy Heroic Fantasy. The Rising Dark is the first book of The Charndras trilogy.

    

    They are sword-wielding defenders or magical spell-casters - roles too often considered the exclusive province of men.Handpicked by the late Marion Zimmer Bradley, here are 25 original stories about bold and talented women created by such masterful word-weavers as Diana Paxson, Esther M Friesner, and Dorothy J Heydt. Journey with them now through enchanted realms of the imagination into perils both physical and magical:Where the respect a sorceress pays to a simple farm animal can cure an entire village suffering from a devastating plague...A young woman is able to free a goddess from her husband, the god of war, with one word...With the help of a healer, a group of animal "familiars" unite to vanquish the magician who slew their masters...When the mentor of an apprentice sorceress is killed, the young sorceress-to-be gains her power from the most unlikely source imaginable...Before her death in 1999, Marion Zimmer Bradley had prepared volumes 19 and 20 of the ever-popular Sword & Sorceress anthology series. Known for discovering and nurturing some of today's best-selling talents, Bradley has once again assembled a powerhouse collection of fantasy fiction, filled with women warriors and wizards.Contents:Introduction · Elisabeth WatersThe Curse of Ardal Glen · Laura J. UnderwoodWhen the King Is Weak · Barbara E. TarboxThe Sign of the Boar · Diana PaxsonA Matter of Focus · Penny BuchananInner Sight · Susan WolvenFamiliars · Michael H. PayneOrdeal · Robyn McGrewGrain · Esther FriesnerGifts of the Kami · Carol E. LeeverOne in Ten Thousand · Aimee KrattsLord of the Earth · Dorothy HeydtLady of Light · Jennifer AshleyAll Too Familiar · P. Andrew MillerArtistic License · Deborah BurrosEarth, Wind and Water · Bob DennisFire for the Senjen Tiger · Stephen Crane DavidsonFighting Spirit · Karen MagonPride, Prejudice and Paranoia · Michael SpenceA Simple Spell · Marilyn A. RacetteSword of Queens · Bunnie BesselBetter Seen Than Heard · Emily C. A. SnyderOpenings · Meg HeydtA Little Magic · P. E. CunninghamEloma’s Second Career · Lorie CalkinsSylvia · A. Hall

    One of the most acclaimed writers in the field, Zelazny's rare ability to mix fantastical dream imagery with the real-life hardware of science fiction has won him more than a score of Hugo and Nebula nominations. He creates characters who live to haunt the reader beyond the page and who inhabit worlds both enchanting and disturbing--dazzling and memorable.7 • Introduction (The Last Defender of Camelot) • essay by Robert Siverberg11 • Comes Now the Power • (1966) • short story by Roger Zelazny18 • For a Breath I Tarry • (1966) • novelette by Roger Zelazny65 • The Engine at Heartspring's Center • (1974) • short story by Roger Zelazny76 • Halfjack • (1979) • short story by Roger Zelazny83 • Home is the Hangman • [Nemo] • (1975) • novella by Roger Zelazny165 • Permafrost • (1986) • novelette by Roger Zelazny195 • LOKI 7281 • (1984) • short story by Roger Zelazny204 • Mana from Heaven • [Magic Goes Away] • (1983) • novelette by Roger Zelazny250 • 24 Views of Mt. Fuji, by Hokusai • [Cthulhu Mythos] • (1985) • novella by Roger Zelazny329 • Come Back to the Killing Ground, Alice, My Love • [Kalifriki] • (1992) • novella by Roger Zelazny388 • The Last Defender of Camelot • (1979) • novelette by Roger Zelazny

    Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli must choose the Paths of the Dead to bring desperate aid to the besieged city of Minas Tirith in Gondor, where Gandalf and Pippin have gone to rally the steward Denethor. Merry, forbidden to accompany his friends or the army of Rohan in their long march to war, joins a mysterious rider banished to a similar fate. Spectacular imagery illuminates the story as it proceeds to the Battle of Pelennor Fields and beyond.

    She is unaware that she possesses a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the School of Pellinor. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true heritage and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now she and her new teacher must survive a journey through a time and place where the forces they battle stem from the deepest recesses of otherworldly terror.Alison Croggon’s epic fantasy, the first in the Books of Pellinor quartet, is a glittering saga steeped in the rich and complex landscape of Annar, a legendary world ripe for discovery.

    Well thought out.” Pulsar The award-winning Dreamland Chronicles are now in ebook! In Dreamland, you can experience your wildest fantasies come true. But not all fantasies are meant to become reality… Dreamland takes you out of your body and into computer-generated worlds where anything you can imagine is possible. People become avatars, battle dragons and wield swords, spells and their wits. Ride the open prairie with Jessie James or Billy the Kid, in Frontierworld. Sprout gills and experience an undersea adventure in Oceanworld. Hunt dinosaurs and meet the missing link in Primalworld. Fight a dragon and rescue a fair damsel from the black knight in Fantasyworld, the oldest and most popular of the Dreamland programs. The Dreamland Chronicles includes: In the Net of Dreams When Dreams Collide The Woman of His Dreams Written with a great deal of humour, suspense and wordplay, The Dreamland Chronicles is an enthralling blend of science fiction and fantasy. For fans of Ernest Cline, this will be a perfect read. Praise for William Mark Simmons: “Frequently fun…” Publishers Weekly “In the Net of Dreams comes about as close as possible to translating the sheer experience of fantasy gaming into novel form.” Dragon “…Simmons’ ability to mingle side-splitting humor with layers of depth makes him one of the most exciting new sf/f novelists to appear in years.” Elizabeth Ann Scarborough “In the Net of Dreams by Wm. Mark Simmons is not the first fantasy novel to mix cyberspace and role-playing games, but is one of the best, and a highly impressive first novel.” Carolyn Cushman, LOCUS “Simmons is a good storyteller who takes his work seriously, but isn’t afraid to have fun and to give his readers a good time.” Ledger Book Reviewer “A nonstop romp through a complex and captivating world! Highly recommended!” K D Wentworth “Recommended to those who enjoy gaming, computer programmers, and those who just like amusing fantasy.” M. R. Hildebrand William Mark Simmons spent his formative years in Independence, Missouri, and pursued a double major in Theatre and Mass communications. He has worked as an actor, director, musician, and entertainer, hosting his own shows in both Television and Radio while winning awards as a journalist and copywriter. He is the author of seven novels; his first, In The Net of Dreams, was a finalist for the Compton Crook Award and made the Locus “Best” list in 1991.

    Breathtaking vivid prose unveils a world beyond belief in this fantasy novel by Vera Nazaraian.

    With Innisfail once again divided by war and treachery, the Watchers threaten to engulf the world in bloodshed if Eremon of the North gains victory over his brother Eber of the South, while a poet-king and his warriors arrive from across the sea.

    From that day forward, all humankind carried a piece. Most have just a little- just the tiniest speck of dust- but some have one of the bigger grains- or even a pebble- and they are the most powerful of sorcerers. In the paranoid, magically-barren lands of the Seven Kingdoms, the street urchin Esmeree is born to carry a stone of unprecedented size and power. As she struggles to survive the unforgiving streets of Cliffs Reach, she endeavors to master the sorcery of her stone and understand its purpose. But time is running out for her for others have discovered her skills and seek to use or destroy her. The Inquisition, the Superbus Tyrannus, the Primate of the Holy Median church. Esmeree must determine her own path, or she will die their slave.

    And the stakes have never been higher. TAZIEM IS A MAGNIFICENT DRAGON: sexy, powerful, intelligent. Like other dragons, she hoards diamonds, but unlike other dragons, she covets knowledge as well. This drive for knowledge has forced her out of her cave and into the world of humans on more than one occasion. But this time, the stakes are even higher-for Taz and for her human-born dragonling, Lathwi. In the five years since the downfall of Malcolm Blackheart and his dark Mistress, Lathwi has led a life free of human complications. But now two old acquaintances intrude on her solitude. Pawl has come in search of help against an infestation of ghosts, while Luke bears dire news of dragon slayings. Lathwi recruits her mother, Taziem, to hunt down and destroy the murderers, and then sets out with Pawl to restore the dead to their rest. Their adventures draw them into the badlands of the south, where they encounter an ambitious warlord, his troubled mage, and a deranged dragonsire. The balance of continental power hinges on Taziem and Lathwi. Will humans win? Or will dragons?

    Three young heroes - Lief, Jasmine, and Barda - must save the kingdom from the evil Shadow Lord, and then free the slaves he has taken with him to the Shadowlands. Beasts and other dangers await, but the quest will not be over until good triumphs over evil.

    Tinker is a young elf who is trying to find his place in the world. He is shy, clumsy and the brunt of much taunting and teasing. After a number of calamities, Tinker is passed along from one job to the next until he is assigned the job as Chief Mechanic of the Village Express. When the reindeer come down with the chicken pox a week before Christmas, it is Tinker to whom Santa turns to help find another means to deliver the toys.

    War rages in the west—a titanic battle of will and strategy between the great wizard Gandalf and Sauron, the dark lord. Meanwhile, eastward in Mordor, Frodo and Sam approach the end of their improbable quest, bearing the One Ring ever closer to the Cracks of Doom—and to a final confrontation with the very essence of evil.

    

    The Raven travel to a new continent in search of mages to help the ruined college of Julatsa rebuild and find themselves in the midst of ancient curse - a curse that has unleashed a plague that threatens to wipe out the elven race.

    For ages 10+.

    Then he meets Lirilith, a prep school debutante who's looking for more out of life than her upper-crust lifestyle can provide her. Together, they find love despite the forces that work against them. But when an enemy from his past nearly stabs Lusiphur to death, the young lovers find their paths being pulled apart. Passion, sorrow, hatred, true love, and cold-blooded murder, in the tradition of all great love stories.

    Then Coconut and Hazel learn that Magikarp whiskers have love-inducing properties. The romance race is on.

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