Inga Alenir is a Swordbearer. She is the latest in a long line of women to inherit a magical weapon called Deathbringer. She's also dead, murdered on her wedding day by the ruthless and covetous noblewoman Yenda Avard, who steals the sword after killing Inga and her entire family.And yet, some secrets won't stay buried. Deathbringer has a will and a consciousness of its own, and even has the power to raise Inga from the dead for a short time. It warns her that she has one week to f...

In the city of Bhai Mandwa, towers of steel and glass reach for the sky while boiler-cars roll along streets that are inhabited by gangsters, demonic assassins, inept policemen and wandering ghosts. More than a million people call the city home, one in the midst of an industrial revolution, torn between the traditions of the old world and a new, frightening future. Below, the Genja River flows, waters possessed by spirits and magic from ancient times.Prem Marantha, third of four ro...

Inga Alenir is in peril.The Deathbringer has been reclaimed, and the black sword’s magic is the only thing keeping her alive. Meanwhile, new armies are gathering as old allies make ready to go to war once more. New enemies are tracking Inga from across Agareth, intent on ending her life before she endangers their plans. As she struggles to evade bands of assassins, a threat even more dangerous, and centuries-old, is searching for her.But some hope remains: Inga learns of th...

From magic battlefields where horses fear to tread, to flying fortresses, fantastical otherworlds, a planet infested with eldritch abominations, and lands ruled by fear, heroes will fight for what is worth fighting for. Knights in gleaming armor, soldiers, Middle Earth’s most deadly Elvish assassin, hunters, and kings. All will risk their lives to defend the defenseless, to destroy monsters, to preserve the lives and honor of fair maidens.See a soldier fight to rescue a besieged pr...

Jaska Isrodel is a negotiator, a woman who prides herself on her sophistication and expertise. But she also bears the Bloodlust, a magic sword capable of driving anyone who uses it to unspeakable depravity, violence and madness. Sent to broker peace between the Ordus Empire and the rebellious Matriarch Sienna Chale, Jaska hopes to prevent a regional conflict from sending the entire continent of Agareth into a devastating war after the last toppled several noble Clans and claimed millions o...

The Ties That BindCayna is slowly adjusting to her new reality in Leadale and all the ways it’s changed over the past two hundred years, from when it was only a game. Right as the seventeen-year-old starts to find her footing, though, a trip to the northern nation of Helshper brings her face-to-face with a famous elf merchant who claims to be her grandson! Just how much has Cayna’s in-game “family” expanded in the two centuries since she last logged on?

Darweena must choose to fight for the Forest Folk in an epic battle against the beasts. Will she choose love over her home? A short story of 3700 words.

This 19th anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar high fantasy universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new short story from Mercedes Lackey herself.The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages—and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, ...

In her stunning literary debut, Mia Araujo presents a gorgeous reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, spinning a new story that is accompanied by arresting, ethereal illustrations about twin sisters and how one must venture outside the safety of their home, into the wilderness, in order to find herself and true happiness.Afia has always felt like half of a whole. Her twin sister, Aya, is perfectly happy with fulfilling their family's expectations...

Solstice Eve. An unexpected side trip. Barlo and Iarion find themselves looking for a room in the human city of Nal Huraseadro to take shelter from the snow.During their journey, Barlo only seeks the answer to one question. What did his elf friend get him for Solstice? His endless guesses border on harassment. Iarion refuses to budge.Despite the approaching holiday, not all remains peaceful in the city....And Iarion's ...

Magic is the key... but will it save them, or consume them?Magical potential reveals itself without warning, altering the course of a person’s life forever. For those discovered with the gift, power and privilege await. Yet while the successful rise to the highest levels of society, those who fail are never spoken of again.Natalia’s magical abilities revealed themselves long before they should have. Torn from her mother’s arms, she was borne away t...

Ridmark Arban is the Shield Knight, the defender of the realm of Andomhaim from dark magic.But when dark magic stirs in the mountains of Taliand, not even the power of the Shield Knight might be enough to save Andomhaim...