Best of
Sword-And-Sorcery

2013

The Ruby Throne


Julien Blondel - 2013
    However, Elric's empire is crumbling before him and now his envious cousin and prince of Melniboné, Yyrkoon, plots to claim the Ruby Throne for himself.      Yet when Elric's people come under the threat of a pirate attack, Elric believes that he can once again restore his authority and regain their faith by defeating the pirates. However, the true cost of this task will force him to reveal his allegiance to the dark Arioch, the most dominant of the Lords of Chaos...

The Spellmonger's Wedding


Terry Mancour - 2013
    But along the way down the river he stops to buy a bag of smoke and discovers that he might be receiving some unexpected guests at his wedding. After everything he's been through, he's not about to let his bride's one perfect day be ruined. And he's willing to start a peasant's rebellion to protect it, if he has to.With the power of the Witchsphere now in his hands, and with the help of family and friends, he can't take a chance that something will go amiss -- because he's worked too hard for it, fought too long for it, and because you just can't get your deposits back easily in a feudal economy. Join Min as he, Pentandra, Alya, Tyndal, and the rest of his family contend with unexpected guests, welcome and unwelcome, in this prequel to Magelord!

The River Mists Of Talry


Terry Mancour - 2013
    . . and use them as leverage against Master Minalan the Spellmonger.Tyndal is out of his element - just barely a mage, he's far more adept with a pitchfork than a wand. But then the gods never asked his opinion, and he sets to his task with the determination of a mountain-born lad. And the attractive daughter of a local innkeeper persists in distracting him from his charge, an attention that Tyndal desires even as he recognizes the danger of such an entanglement.What's a young apprentice mage to do . . . especially when the worst of his fears are realized, and the checkered cloaks of the Censorate warmagi appear on the docks of Talry. Then Tyndal's only hope to save his master's bride and his family - not to mention his own life - is to trust in the River Mists of Talry!

The Ghosts Omnibus One


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
     When her life is torn apart by sorcery and murder, young Caina Amalas joins the Ghosts, the legendary spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar. She learns the secrets of disguise and stealth, of assassination and infiltration, and grows from a frightened child to a Ghost nightfighter, a woman who can face the most terrible foes and prevail through boldness and cunning. But even that might not be enough to save her. For the evil that destroyed her family seeks to devour the entire world... ABOUT THE AUTHOR Standing over six feet tall, Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas. He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works.

Demonsouled Omnibus One


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
     Banished for fifteen years, the wandering knight Mazael Cravenlock returns home at last to the Grim Marches, only to find war and chaos. His brother plans a foolish and doomed rebellion. His sister hopes to wed a brutal and cruel knight. The whispers speak of living corpses that stalk the night, of demons that lurk in darkness, and a sinister snake-cult that waits in the shadows. Yet Mazael's darkest enemy waits elsewhere. Within his own tainted soul. And with the dark magic of his blood, he can either save the world...or destroy it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Standing over six feet tall, Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas. He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works.

The Godling Chronicles Three Book Bundle


Brian D. Anderson - 2013
    The Dark Knight has betrayed the Gods and stolen The Sword of Truth, trapping them in heaven. With the power of the Sword he can reshape the world and bring death to all who oppose him.Only one thing stands between the darkness and the light. Gewey Stedding. Only he has the power to stand against the oncoming storm.Only he can mend the world. But only if he can discover his power...."Of Gods and Elves" - Book Two:Armies gather for war in the frozen land of Angrääl threatening to set the world ablaze. The elves are divided and scattered and humans fall prey to the dark influence of the Reborn King. Now, Gewey is faced with his greatest challenge yet. Unite the world of elf and human before it is too late..."The Shadow of Gods" - Book ThreeValshara has fallen, and the forces of Angrääl are advancing. For the first time, human and elf must shed blood as one, in order to stem the tide of evil. But new hope has arisen. From across the Western Abyss, a people long forgotten have returned. However, hope comes at its own price. Gewey must choose between his bond of love, and his duty to the world he is struggling to save.

James & the Dragon


Theresa Snyder - 2013
    But, dragons and boys are not meant to live together – or are they? When Laval – a wizard harboring a secret hatred for Farloft finds out about James, he sees his chance for revenge.

Steel, Blood & Fire


Allan Batchelder - 2013
    These stories make Vykers seem like a god; he is a man, an arrogant, ruthless and bloodthirsty man. And he may be the only thing standing between the human race and utter annihilation at the hands of the mad sorcerer whose name is also his only goal: the End of All Things. Against this backdrop, smaller, lesser folks struggle to fulfill their own destinies, folks like Long Pete, the former gigolo and jack-of-all trades, and Spirk Nessno, the enigmatic, over enthusiastic simpleton. Struggling, too, is the Mender, Aoife, burdened with a secret so dark she is driven to do the unimaginable. Can Tarmun Vykers save them all, or will he simply hasten their demise?Are you a fan of Grimdark, Joe Abercrombie, Steven Erikson, Glen Cook or George R. R. Martin? You will love this book!The author does not recommend this book for anyone under the age of seventeen, due to violence and mature language and themes.

Magic Astray


Gregory L. Mahan - 2013
    But the elves turn out to be more dangerous than he bargained for, seeking to rip open the veil between Tallia and Llandra and unleash swarming hordes of unspeakable horrors. Even worse, Berry seems to be on their side!Determined to stop them, Randall races against time to find the one artifact that can save Tallia, or destroy it.

The Blood She Betrayed


Cheryse Durrant - 2013
    Shahkara is one of the most engaging female role models I’ve seen in a long time and the plot is full of ingenious twists, turns and surprises." - LJ Smith, author of The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle

Woman of the Woods


Milton J. Davis - 2013
    But tragic events change her life forever, revealing a hidden past that leads her into the midst of a war between her people and those that would see them destroyed, the Mosele. Armed with a spiritual weapon and her feline 'sisters, ' Sadatina becomes a Shosa, a warrior trained to fight the terrible nyokas, demon-like creatures that aid the Mosele in their war against her people. Woman of the Woods by Milton Davis is an action filled, emotionally charged adventure that expands the scope of the world of Uhuru and introduces another unforgettable character to the fabled continent's heroic legends.

The Wrath of the Orphans


Chris Philbrook - 2013
    In idyllic New Picknell nearly nothing happens, and when their day to day routine is interrupted by a skirmish between an invading patrol of the dead from The Amaranth Empire and a defending force from Varrland, their world begins to come undone.With international war looming on the horizon New Picknell becomes the center of quite unwanted attention, and the twins have their world shattered. With nothing left to lose, they set out on a mission of vengeance that will take them to places they'd never dreamed of visiting, discovering mystical powers in The Way that will change their lives forever, and revealing dark knowledges best left undiscovered.Written by the author of the internet phenomenon Adrian's Undead Diary, The Wrath of the Orphans is the first book in a sprawling dark fantasy epic trilogy that is sure to thrill, charm, and disturb.

Ghost Thorns


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
     But when word of a strange assassination plot reaches her ears, Caina faces a new kind of danger. For there are other ways to kill than swords and knives... ABOUT THE AUTHOR Standing over six feet tall, Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas. He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. Visit his website at: http://www.jonathanmoeller.com Visit his technology blog at: http://www.computerbeginnersguides.com

Griots: Sisters of the Spear


Milton J. Davis - 2013
    Charles R. Saunders and Milton J. Davis present seventeen original and exciting Sword and Soul tales focusing on black women. Just as the Griots Anthology broke ground as the first Sword and Soul Anthology, Griots: Sisters of the Spear pays homage to the spirit, bravery and compassion of women of color. The griots have returned to sing new songs, and what wonderful songs they are!

The Kormak Saga


William King - 2013
    In reality Kormak is a Guardian, one of an ancient order sworn to protect humanity from the servants of the gathering darkness.Kormak is a sword and sorcery hero in the tradition of Conan, Solomon Kane and Druss the Legend, a driven man with a mission to hunt down the ancient demons who slaughtered his family. His fast-paced, action-packed adventures take him from one end of his richly detailed fantasy world to the other. THE KORMAK OMNIBUS The Kormak Omnibus compiles all of Kormak’s adventures so far into one massive volume packed with high adventure. It contains the first three novels, the short story Guardian of the Dawn and many extras such as a map of the Kingdoms of the Sun and the author’s notes for all of the stories. If you’ve never entered Kormak’s world of danger and excitement, here is the perfect opportunity to do so at a special bargain price. GUARDIAN OF THE DAWNIn this chilling tale, Kormak seeks refuge for the night in an isolated peasant home only to find himself thrown into a terrifying confrontation with an ancient evil. STEALER OF FLESHThe Ghul are the Stealers of Flesh, an ancient race of demons who possess the bodies of humans to work great evil. Now one of them has been freed from its ancient prison using Kormak's own dwarf-forged sword and the Guardian must pursue it to a haunted city on the edge of the world to end its reign of terror.DEFILER OF TOMBSAn open tomb, a dead child and an unleashed ancient horror send Kormak on a path of vengeance through the haunted northlands of Taurea. He seeks Morghael, a necromancer with a plan for resurrecting the dark empire of Kharon and the power to bring the dead swarming back to life. WEAVER OF SHADOWWar brews along the border of the Elvenwood. The prophet of an ancient evil has corrupted the nation of Mayasha, reducing the once proud elves to feral slaves of the Shadow. Allied with the monstrous Spider Folk she is poised to sweep away the human settlements in the ancient forests and spread her Blight across the lands. Only one man stands between her and absolute victory; Kormak. ABOUT THE AUTHOR William King lives in Prague, Czech Republic with his lovely wife Radka and his two sons Dan and William Karel. He has been a professional author and games developer for almost a quarter of a century. He is the creator of the bestselling Gotrek and Felix series for Black Library and the author of the Space Wolf books which between them have sold over three quarters of a million copies in English and been translated into 8 languages.His novel Blood of Aenarion made the shortlist for the 2012 David Gemmell Legend Award, the premier award in the field of heroic fantasy. His short fiction had appeared in Year’s Best SF and Best of Interzone. He has twice won the Origins Awards For Game Design. His hobbies include role-playing games and MMOs as well as travel.

Skullkickers: Treasure Trove, Volume 2


Jim Zub - 2013
    It's The Hobbit meets The Hangover as two hard-headed mercenaries kill monsters in their mad search for money, fame, and adventure! The Skullkickers story continues in this oversized hardcover edition collecting the third and fourth story arcs, along with lots of extras and rarities.Collects SKULLKICKERS #12-23 (including the five 'unbooted' issues Uncanny, Savage, Mighty, All-New Secret and Dark Skullkickers Dark).

The Melding of Aeris


D. Wallace Peach - 2013
    The Burn–the only means of destroying a lush land so manipulated by man that while its crops sated hunger, they poisoned the flesh. Now the wilderness slowly reseeds, hard lessons learned through starvation, displacement, and poverty. What remains for nature’s tinkerers? Pathway, the coveted distillation that enables the grafting of skin across species. The Sahls of the Sea Barrows meld spiral horns to their skulls, reptilian scale to their chests. They embed the razor teeth of sea-beasts in the bones of their forearms and replace the flesh on their backs with the pelts of wolves. Women of wealth adorn their bodies with serpent skin as elegant as black lace, tufted tails, and plumed feathers, their own skin cast off, no longer desirable. Then they bear children…creatures like Aeris, a man who longs to be human.Too late, he discovers the truth–there is only one source of human skin. Trapped in the flesh of a murdered man, Aeris joins the a dogged crew of transfigured renegades. Their goal–to destroy Pathway, no matter the cost.

Ghost Claws


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
    Caina Amalas is a Ghost nightfighter, trained by the circlemaster Halfdan to be one of the Emperor’s elite spies and assassins.But when a foreign noble is ripped to shreds by a mysterious beast, Caina and Halfdan face something far more dangerous than any hunting animal.For treachery is the deadliest blade of all…

Ghost Omens


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
    When rumors spread that a dead Emperor has returned from the grave, Caina Amalas of the Ghosts and Claudia Aberon must work together to defeat the threat.

Ghost Aria


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
    Sixteen years old, Caina is a student of the Ghosts, the spies and agents of the Emperor of Nighmar, and from them she learns the arts of stealth and infiltration, of disguise and intrigue.But when a man dies of a mysterious poison, Caina faces a deadly test.Because if she doesn't solve the murder, she might die next...

Azieran Adventures Presents Artifacts and Relics: Extreme Sorcery


Christopher HeathFred C. Adams - 2013
    The tales are masterfully written by veteran storytellers such as David C. Smith of "Oron" and "The Sorcerer's Shadow" fame, Bill Ward, Black Gate Magazine contributor, and many other new pulp writers.

Ki-Khanga: The Anthology


Milton J. Davis - 2013
    We're not asking you to Kickstart or Indiegogo, just purchase a copy of this exciting collection of stories by Yours Truly and Milton Davis; with an amazing cover by Eugene Randolph Young and a powerful introduction by the Father and Founder of Sword & Soul, Charles Saunders! You get a great anthology now, and a great role-playing game later. It's a win-win! The anthology is now available for Kindle and Nook. Print copies are coming soon. Sword and Soul forever!http://www.amazon.com/Ki-Khanga-The-A...http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ki-kh...

Bound to the Eye


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
    But now an enemy attacks through his mind, through his dreams, and Morgant has no defense. Unless he finds a way to break the power of the Eye before its sorcery devours him forever…

The Order of the Stick, StickTales: Uncivil Servant


Rich Burlew - 2013
    A special Order of the Stick story created for Kickstarter backers, this is a prequel story starring Belkar Bitterleaf.

Bloodsong! — Hel X 3


C. Dean Andersson - 2013
    Dean Andersson’s three epic fantasy Bloodsong novels are gathered together in a digital omnibus!RIDE INTO ADVENTURE!Join in the Bloodsong saga, a grand tale set faithfully in the mystical world of Scandinavian mythology—a world of gods light and dark, of monsters and heroes, of flashing blades and a mortal warrior’s desperate determination set against the uncanny forces wielded by her immortal enemies.Bloodsong and Freedom!"Bow not your head!" Odin ordered.Bloodsong quickly raised her head.His expression softened. "You are free, Bloodsong, you and all your people, free by your own deeds. I have heard the war cry they scream in their thoughts. ‘Bloodsong and freedom,’ is it not? And so it should be, for if not for your leadership and your rebellion, you would this day still be Hel’s slaves, fighting against me and my allies instead of by my side to break Hel’s power and banish Her beneath the Earth."The Orlog of your bloodline will be a hard one, Bloodsong, and often your warrior descendants shall curse my name for the pain and suffering I shall set in their paths. But without battles and challenges, warriors grow soft and weak, and those who follow me must ever be strong, and free, as are you and your people."Odin raised his spear toward Bloodsong and her assembled army of Corpse Beasts. "Bloodsong and freedom!" Odin shouted in his thoughts.Bloodsong raised her chin high and held Odin’s gaze. "Odin and Asgard!" she shouted back with her thoughts."Odin and Asgard!" thought first one Corpse Beast, and then another, following Bloodsong’s lead, until soon her people were all repeating the battle cry over and over again.“Freya and Folkvang!” screamed the Valkyries as Freya raised Her spear. Other battle cries arose from within the ranks of Odin’s forces, cries to Thor and Sif, to Frey, to Skadi, to Heimdall, to Frigga, on and on, while from behind Hel’s lines came only the silence of the grave.And then the battle began.PRAISE FORC. DEAN ANDERSSON’SBLOODSONG SERIES“The Heavy Metal of Fantasy adventure.” — Publishers Weekly“Forged from the same steel as Robert E. Howard's Conan.” — Richard Lee Byers, author of The Year of Rogue Dragons“The best of the best in Fantasy.” — Huntress Reviews“Non-stop action and characters you care about!”— Dag Rossman, author of A Walker in Shadows“In a fierce world of magic and danger, tales of a warrior, a woman, Bloodsong!” — Angeline Hawkes, author of Out of the Garden: Tales of the Barbarian Kabar of El Hazzar“A great trilogy! Top-notch Fantasy!” — Christopher Fulbright, author of Red Chalice“C. Dean Andersson’s writing is fearsome and up-front.” — Graham Masterton“Takes readers down pathways the rest are too timid to explore.” — R.A. Jones, author of Deathwalker“C. Dean Andersson's writing will hammer you.” — John Steakley, author of Armor“A classic to read again and again.” — Curled Up with a Good Book Reviews

Ghost Undying


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
     Yet when he accepts a contract to kill a renegade sorceress calling herself the Moroaica, Sicarion realizes he may have made a mistake. For what can an assassin do against a woman who has already died as many times as the Moroaica? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Standing over six feet tall, Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas. He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. Visit his website at: http://www.jonathanmoeller.com Visit his technology blog at: http://www.computerbeginnersguides.com

Shardfall


Paul E. Horsman - 2013
    His commonsense saves their lives from cold and starvation.Kjelle, heir to the Lord of a rich mininghold, is spoiled, and covetous of his thrall's tantalizing find. His greed causes an avalanche that leaves both young men marooned on an icy mountain slope.Birthe, young wisewoman and huntress, mother of baby boy Búi, is brave and clever. She knows her way through the snowy wilderness of the Norden and her songs are filled with magic.Now they are bound together on a danger-laden journey to a lost and burning land, where Muus needs to connect the skyshard to the Kalmanir, the standing stone that is the world’s fount of all magic. The Kalmanir's time is almost up and it urgently needs to be replenished before the magic of Gods and men runs out. The two boys have to learn to trust each other, for all around them, enemies abound. Rebels threaten both the kingdom and Kjelle's holding, and a tribe of mad idolaters is trying to recall the banned primordial Old Gods. Even more imminent is Muus' danger, for it comes from nearby, from the shard itself. An action-packed adventure in a snowy land full of betrayal, rebellion and danger.

Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles Book One)


Julian Saheed - 2013
    In the deepest corner of his hidden lair he has finally found a way to break the laws of magic. His malevolent scheme will forever ensnare the world. And the Feldonian nation will be powerless to stop him.Yet destiny comes in twos. For on the very eve of Zephra’s rise to power nineteen years ago, two brothers were kidnapped from their homeland by the savage Miirvkin. Brothers who, growing up amongst their hated foes, are fated to return to Feldom at the turning point of this ancient struggle.Now, whilst strange creatures stalk the shadows, and the darkness encroaches, destinies will clash. Thibalt and Christill will find that they have a larger part to play in the fate of their homeland. Yet the salvation of an entire race will weigh a heavy burden on them.

Samurai and Other Stories


William Meikle - 2013
    This collection by William Meikle brings together stories from the past decade in an exploration of the perils of exploring dark places, both external and internal. "There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Meikle is one of the premier storytellers of our time." - Famous Monsters of Filmland "Meikle is a writer that can grace the page with words of beauty whilst twisting a nightmare into grotesque shapes before your eyes." - Len Maynard and Mick Sims "William Meikle's short stories and novels are shining examples of what is missing in horror fiction today: atmospheric in style, old-school in character, with an intriguing story to be told." - David Wynn, Mythos Books

Swords of the Four Winds: Tales of Swords and Sorcery in an Ancient East That Never Was


Dariel Quiogue - 2013
    From serpent-goddess temples in the jungle lands to the snowy peaks and hidden valleys of the Drokpa Mountains, Swords of the Four Winds delivers rousing sword and sorcery adventures in the classic vein, rife with cruel schemes, betrayals, grisly magic, and swift, savage swordplay.

The Orc's Tale


Jonathan Moeller - 2013
    But to become a full warrior of Vhaluusk, Kharlacht must survive his blood quest…a perilous mission chosen by the tribe’s shaman.And Narrakhan wants him dead. To survive, Kharlacht will have to use his wits, and overcome magic darker than he can imagine…ABOUT THE AUTHORStanding over six feet tall, Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works.Visit his website at:http://www.jonathanmoeller.comVisit his technology blog at:http://www.jonathanmoeller.com/screed

Slayer of the Osgarth


Clark Graham - 2013
    Republished under the title "Wizards and Heroes".Jason dreams every night that he is transported to a dark and foreboding land where evil prevails and good struggles. It is a land of swords and sorcery, with castles and roaming monsters. Each night the dream is just of continuation of the last. Jason can keep it to himself until he gets hurt in the dream world and wakes up bleeding! His teachers worry that he is being abused by the parents, the parents think he is sleep walking and getting hurt and his school counselor is just trying to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile Jason must deal with an evil king that wants him dead, monsters attacking him and a massive wall of ice that he must scale. Will Jason find someone that will believe him before it is too late?

The Demon's Curse


Micaela Fischer - 2013
    Visions of a man with a blackened hand, harboring an even darker secret. A powerful hatred threatens to bring destruction to the world. Cora must face her own weakness and learn to trust in the man with the black hand. Together they will have to shed the chains that bind if they are to triumph over...The Demon’s Curse.

Crimson


Cosmo Fischer - 2013
    How he decides to fight it will determine the fate of his true love and launch a desperate voyage across a raging sea of monsters to save his kingdom.

Elric of Melniboné and Other Stories


Michael Moorcock - 2013
    Doomed to wander the multiverse, battered by the whims of Law and Chaos, in thrall to his soul-eating sword, Stormbringer, Elric lies at the heart of Michael Moorcock's extraordinary mythology of the Eternal Champion.If you know his story already, then this definitive edition will finally let you read the entire saga in the author's preferred order. If you've never experienced the chronicles of the albino with the soul-sucking sword, then this is the perfect place to start.

The Crystal Chalice


R.J. Grieve - 2013
    The cruel servants of the Destroyer, the ancient enemy of the kingdom, are creeping into the forests of the Forsaken lands ever closer to the mighty river that forms the boundary of Eskendria. Their goal: to annihilate it completely. Eskendria's allies have deserted it and its mountain passes are terrorised by a nest of brigands led by their enigmatic leader, Celedorn - the greatest swordsman in the kingdom and a man with such a savage reputation that even the minions of the enemy are afraid of him. As a final resort, Relisar, the last of the Sages, attempts to summon the champion predicted in an ancient prophesy to save the Kingdom in its darkest hour. But alas, age has diminished Relisar's powers and all he manages to summon is one ragged girl who can remember nothing about herself, not even her name. The king, desperate to avoid a battle on two fronts, sends his eldest son, Andarion, to deal with the threat from the mountains, but he is facing no ordinary adversary in Celedorn and his plans go badly awry. The confrontation in the mountains sets in train a series of unexpected events that lead to Relisar, Andarion, Celedorn and the girl with no name finding themselves on a perilous journey across the Forsaken Lands in a race against time both to save themselves and Eskendria. Yet no human being has crossed these lands in a thousand years and all that is known about them is merely legend. Are the rumours true that fragments of the Old Kingdom live on, hidden from the Destroyer? Are the stories about ancient and evil spirits haunting the forests only myth? As for the companions, who is the girl with no name? And most of all, what is the dreadful secret that Celedorn is hiding that could affect the fate of the Kingdom?

The Boar Knife


Luke Sky Wachter - 2013
    This novella will be free on the 10th of each month through October.Falon had never wanted to be a boy. She was content to dream of falling in love with Prince Charming, dancing in silk dresses, and traveling the world like the fair Ladies in her sister's books.But with a faltering estate and the inability to market their family's goods, her sister Christie devised a plan which involved Falon pretending to be a boy so that she could do business in the markets of the local villages.Two years had passed, and the girls had done their best to provide for their siblings while their father's health slowly deteriorated, until he was bedridden and unable to help with managing their meager estate.One day, while walking through the family orchard with her papa's favored war hound, Falon came across a threat to her family's survival. But a four hundred pound, rampaging boar intent on destroying her fruit orchard would quickly become the least of her family's problems.Caught in an impossible situation, Falon must find a way to answer the unlikely call of her Lord. Even having a Witch for a mother is not enough to spare her from the drums of war. But first her family has to get a couple of supply wagons ready.Will she crumble under the enormous pressure, or will she rise to the challenge?

The Lost Gateway


Josephine L. Brooks - 2013
    Fearful of losing more animals, Enyeto tracks the creatures and destroys them. But these invaders are only the beginning. The creature's tracks lead him to a mysterious gateway where monsters are entering his world. His tribe is endangered. His shaman is clueless. And no one knows how to close the gateway.Betrayed by WizardsFaced with a problem beyond their understanding, Enyeto's tribe sends him to get help from the Outsiders. But a stable gateway between worlds is a prize no wizard can resist. Faced with a culture he barely understands, Enyeto falls prey to wizardly power games as they vie for control of this phenomenon.In the Company of WitchesOnly two back-country witches are willing to stand between Enyeto's tribe and total annihilation. Can he trust them, or do they also have ulterior motives?

ChanceShaper


K. Lynn Bay - 2013
    A peaceful world. And one woman born to stand between." For twenty years, the Maga invaders have been ravaging the world. Now the world has forged a defender: a woman who can touch its living power. Kara, daughter of a great healer, knows only the life of a slave in the toxic darkness of a mine. Her murdered mother's healing herbs grow untended while her family toils in the fields to grow food for Maga tables. What else can they do? The world binds them to its peace. Violence is unthinkable. Yet Kara is anything but peaceful. She'd wipe the Maga off the face of the earth if she could. When her master accuses her of sabotage and she has to run for her life, Kara discovers that she has the ability to alter chance to make her wishes a reality. But her wishes bring only storm and chaos. Soon, the violence that follows her ignites a war between Maga factions, forcing her into an improbable alliance with Maga Master Gerek...a tie that, against Kara's every instinct, begins to grow into something more. As she struggles to control her wild power, Kara will find out if her willingness to fight the hated Maga will heal the living world-or destroy it.

Dragonlord


Kattie McKinsey - 2013
    He believes that what hatches from them are flying lizards of some type. That is until a dragon lands on the beach in front of him. Greg is terrified, thinking the dragon will roast and eat him. His fears are quickly alleviated when the dragon speaks to him. But, it is not until he travels to Dragon Isle that he learns that he is a Dragonlord, the highest sorcerer on the planet. Not only will the dragons do his bidding, but he controls all creatures on Melipo. But, Greg is not the only sorcerer among the crew of the Wanderer. On a planet where magic is supposedly dying, the crew boasts three sorcerers and a multitude of witches. Greg, who takes the sorcerer name of Whiz, quickly discovers that being Dragonlord isn’t all fun and games. First, there is the rogue dragon he must fight, a drought he must bring to an end and a burgeoning population of dragons he must provide for. But, that is nothing compared to the battle of good versus evil he must face. Just how does one fight giants, goblins and ogres led by a sorcerer who has managed to learn to make them work together?

Drith


Donna Thorland - 2013
    Set in an alternate history Earth, the story contains many fantasy elements, including magic and archetypes: Drith is a skilled thief, Shard a swordsman. Upon their arrival, they are taken to Prince Nikoleides who tasks Drith with finding a particular book in possession of his rival Ambrose. Shard is to remain as human collateral. Truths unfold as Drith’s mission progresses, unravelling a far more intricate situation than it once seemed.Donna Thorland mixes real world settings with fantasy elements perfectly. Settings are described in great detail, while maintaining concision and flow. The plot is never what it seems, and is always believable. There is also a good amount of backstory to develop the characters, and their relationships and motives. “Drith” is a must read.

Red Sonja: Unchained #1


Peter Brett - 2013
    Brett's Red Sonja: Blue one-shot left off, with Sonja fleeing the scene of a murder after killing a young man who tried to test her vow. Bereft of her signature chain-mail and the reputation that goes with it, she must rely on her wits and her sword as she embarks on a new series of adventures. Guilt-ridden, penniless and on the run, she is unaware that the innocent blood she spilled has awakened the dark spirit of the demon whose pelt she wears.

Blood Bound


Sarah Cawkwell - 2013
    For the successful procurement and return of the item (as described) in its original state and undamaged, the promised and most generous payment will be made in full. Should this contract be broken, the consequences will be most severe. By signing this oath, you acknowledge your full and complete understanding of these terms.This is non-negotiable.”