From the founding of the Comyn Council to a Terran's first encounter with Iaran, here are original tales that take readers from Guild House to Dry Town, from the Terran spaceport settlement to the heart of Hastur's Domain in an exciting new exploration of Darkover and its mysteries.

    And here they must face great challenges: recontact with Terra, the native chieri, and the laran powers they must control at all costs.

    "Bradley's Darkover series grows richer by the book."--Science Fiction Review.Introduction: And Contrariwise by Marion Zimmer BradleyAcurrhir Todo; Nada Perdonad by Deborah J. RossObject Lesson by Mercedes LackeyBeginnings by Cynthia DroletClingfire by Patricia Duffy NovakDeath in Thendara by Dorothy J. HeydtFiretrap by Elisabeth Waters & Marion Zimmer BradleyFriends by Judith KobyleckyManchild by L.D. WoeltjenJust a Touch… by Lynne Armstrong-JonesMind-Eater by Joan Marie VerbaMist by Meg MacDonaldOur Little Rabbit by Mary FreyGift from Ardais by Barbara DenzHorse Race by Diann PatridgePlague by Janet RhodesTapestry by Micole SudbergTo Serve Kihar by Judith Sampson

    And now, the latest tale in this epic, generations-spanning saga is sure to become a favorite of both long-time readers and newcomers.

    Hansen Through Fire and Frost, by Dorothy J. Heydt Way of a Wolf, by Lynne Holdom A Recipe For Failure, by Millea Kenin Where the Heart Is, by Millea Kenin Di Catenas, by Adrienne Martine-Barnes Camilla, by Patricia Shaw Mathews Skeptic, by Lynn Mimms Cold Hall, by Aly Parsons A Gift of Love, by Diana L. Paxson In the Throat of the Dragon, by Susan M. Shwartz Legend of the Hellers, by Ty Nolan Escape, by Leslie L. Williams Rebirth, by Elisabeth Waters Confidence, by Phillip Wayne Wind-Music, by Mary Frances Zambreno

    the choice Rohana Aillard-Ardais must make between Comyn rule and her heart's desire...the fate of a telepath torn between Tower and Domain...and who will triumph when Comyn, Terrans, Catpeople, Free Amazons, and matrix masters vie for control in this ever-changing world of the Bloody Sun.

    They, forming the Friends of Darkover, have joined with Marion Zimmer Bradley to create this anthology of new stories of Darkover, written by its most talented followers. Here are stories that span the whole of Darkover history -- from the days after the original landfall, through the Ages of Chaos, the Pact of the Comyn, and the coming of the Terrans. Included are three original stories by Marion Zimmer Bradley and her editorial commentaries on each story.

    I hop to avoid either and to entertain you while I'm doing it."Here she has succeeded!

    Here are two dozen brand-new tales of magic and mayhem that span the many realms of fantasy.

    IN THE MAGIC REALMSa quickly woven spell may proved the key to power or to a power weaver's downfall, while a skilled blade wielder may survive dangers beyond even a sorceress wildest imaginings.So join today's top magic makers and talented newcomers as they guide you to kingdoms where: a late night encounter in a tavern can awaken sorceries more compelling than death;a swords-woman's capture will pit her against a cult of darkness;oath-bound companions possessed of a magical blade and wizardly skills stumble across a shape-changing mystery they're not all sure they should attempt to solve;and a colorful cast of bold women warriors and mistresses of enchantment comes breathtakingly alive to rove kingdoms created by Mercedes Lackey, Diana L Paxson, and many another noble scribe.

    A wonderful writer, as well as successful and beloved by fans across the world, Anne McCaffrey has created an exciting collection of telepaths, secret gifts, dangerous missions, dragonriders, and more.Contents:Lady in the Tower.--A Meeting of Minds.--Daughter.--Dull Drums.--Changeling.--Weather on Welladay.--The Thorns of Barevi.--Horse From a Different Sea.--Great Canine Chorus.--Finder's Keeper.--A Proper Santa Claus.--The Smallest Dragonboy.--Apple.--Honeymoon.

    They are sword-wielding defenders or sorcerous spell-casters - roles too often considered the exclusive province of men.In 26 original stories of bold and talented women, Diana Paxson, Deborah Wheeler, Elisabeth Waters, Adrienne Martine-Barnes and their fellow word-weavers lead their readers through bespelled realms of the imagination into dangers both physical and sorcerous, where all the powers of Avalon lie in a woman's hands...a talisman of love can banish a demon's deadly threat...an otherworldly hunter catches different game than she bargained for...a mother's scorn begets a daughter's magic...The Bargain • (1997) • short story by Laura J. UnderwoodThe Impression of Power • (1997) • short story by Lee MartindaleThe Naming of Names • (1997) • short story by Adrienne Martine-BarnesChangelings • (1997) • short story by Diana L. PaxsonDeath-Hunt • (1997) • short story by Raul ReyesA Single Soul • (1997) • short story by Deborah WheelerThe Needle and the Sword • (1997) • short story by Jessie D. EakerSmall Considertions • (1997) • short story by Judith Fielder LeggettIf You Can't Stand the Heat… • (1997) • short story by P.E. CunninghamSilver Bands • (1997) • short story by Syne MitchellThe Hand of a Lady • (1997) • short story by Anne CutrellTo Have and To Hold • (1997) • short story by K.D. BarnesA Knight on Tower Hill • (1997) • short story by Kathrina BoodThe Longest Night • (1997) • short story by Lisa S. SilverthorneBlood Moon • (1997) • novelette by Cynthia WardBy the Skin of her Teeth • (1997) • short story by Heather Rose JonesFriends in High Places • (1997) • short fiction by Christina KruegerThe Blade of Unmaking • (1997) • novelette by Elisabeth WatersThe Stone-Weaver's Tale • (1997) • short story by Cynthia McQuillinThe Hollow Dancer • (1997) • short story by Mary Soon LeeLa Faie Suiateih • (1997) • short story by Lisa DeasonVengeance • (1997) • short story by Dorothy J. HeydtThe Moongate Troll • (1997) • short story by Patricia Duffy NovakLifestone • (1997) • short story by Mary CatelliWhite Elephants • (1997) • short story by Christopher KempkeTraveler's Aide • (1997) • short story by Kathi ThompsonAfterword: The Last Word (Sword & Sorceress XIV) • (1997) • essay by Rachel E. Holmen

    A woman who can change into a leopard is pursued by a hunter who is more than human. Occult detective Diana Tregarde trails a very unusual vampire. Four SKitty stories, and more!ContentsIntroduction --Werehunter --SKitty --A tail of two SKitties --SCat --A better mousetrap --The last of the season --Satanic, Versus --Nightside --Wet wings --Stolen silver --Roadkill --Operation Desert Fox --Grey --Grey's ghost.

    sword bearers called to a greater war...these are just some of the elements brought together in this latest sorcerous brew of spellbinding excitement and adventure, specially concocted under the direction of the Wise Woman of Darkover herself, Marion Zimmer Bradley.So heed this latest call to arms, and prepare to march to magical wars with such powerful spell casters and sword swingers as Jennifer Roberson, Charles de Lint, Diana Paxson, Richard Corwin, and their comrades in creation of wonderful worlds replete with myth and menace, where courageous women test their talents against the deadliest and most diabolical of foes.Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress series has always featured the best in contemporary women's fantasy, and this outstanding new volume carries on the tradition! These original stories of brave, talented, and heroic women will take readers through enchanted realms of the imagination into danger both physical and mystical, where the only way to survive is through the power of sword and spell. Introduction · Marion Zimmer BradleyA Tale of Heroes [Vows and Honor] · Mercedes LackeyThe Woodland of Zarad-Thra · Robin Wayne BaileyThe Weeping Oak [Angharad] · Charles de LintGullrider · Dave SmedsBlood Dancer · Diana L. PaxsonKayli's Fire · Paula Helm MurrayThe Ring of Lifari · Josepha ShermanRite of Passage · Jennifer RobersonThe Eyes of the Gods · Richard CorwinFate and the Dreamer · Millea KeninThe Noonday Witch [Cynthia] · Dorothy J. HeydtRedeemer's Riddle · Stephen L. BurnsThe Tree-Wife of Arketh · Syn FergusonSpell of Binding · Richard CornellStorm God · Deborah WheelerDie Like a Man · L.D. WoeltjenDeath and the Ugly Woman · Bruce D. ArthursBloodstones · Deborah M. Vogel

    The bestselling Sword and Sorceress series continues with this exciting 20th edition of all-new stories. It's all here: hard-hitting action, spellbinding magic, butt-kicking heroines... and some of the most popular names in fantasy today.