Dave Duncan Knihy

Věrný stájník Rap bojoval proti všem myslitelným nástrahám, jen aby vysvobodil Inos, svou královnu. Ale na konci jeho lopocení přišlo všechno vynaložené úsilí vniveč. Inos už byla provdána za proklínaného sultána Azaka. Byla oloupena o krásu, ukradli jí i její království. A namísto líbánek naplánoval Azak nebezpečnou cestu do Hubu, hlavního města Impirie. Tam, v kadlubu zlopověstných kouzelníků a zrádných císařských politiků, kteří obklopují churavějícího císaře, chce Azak kompenzovat svoje dosavadní ztráty a zbavit se trýznivého prokletí. Zlomený Rap, který ve vlastních očích selhal, očekává svůj osud v rukou Azakových katanů. A Inos dál kráčí po boku žárlivého manžela za svým osudem, jehož konec nedokáží předpovědět dokonce ani bohové.

Exploring the cycle of life and death, this narrative delves into the emotional journey of characters as they navigate loss and rebirth. Themes of renewal and transformation are central, highlighting how endings can lead to new beginnings. The story intertwines personal struggles with universal experiences, offering a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit. Through vivid storytelling, it captures the complexities of grief and the hope that emerges from it.

A barbarian warrior faces the forces of the Fire God in this thrilling adventure from the acclaimed author of Children of Chaos. Wallie Smith is staring death in the face; only a miracle can save him. And then one does The Goddess appears to preserve his soul, but she does much more than that. She promises to bestow upon him a new and powerful body, and, more important, to endow him with the fabled Sapphire Sword of Chioxin. But nothing in this world or any other comes without a price. The Goddess demands that, for her services, Wallie become her champion. It will be an honor to serve such a presence, to have the chance to be victorious over all challengers. But Wallie and his sword quickly find themselves outmatched in a world of high-stakes magic. Even the Goddess's priests cannot offer any resistance to the invading sorcerers and their quest to conquer souls for the Fire God. Wallie will need to find in himself and in the world the powers that will save all mortals. He will need to find the Coming of Wisdom.

Set in a world facing impending doom, the characters are powerful figures who are determined to maintain their status and influence. Despite their awareness of the planet's decline, they cling to the hope that it won't happen during their lifetimes, leading them to make ruthless decisions to secure their dominance. The narrative explores themes of power, denial, and the moral implications of self-preservation in the face of global catastrophe.

From the author who brought you "The gilded chain" comes a sword-and-sorcery novel in which a young man sets out to avenge his family. He is Wasp, a swordsman with magic powers who was orphaned by Viking-like pirates from the land of Baelmark.