Bored, rebellious Princess Adrina flees her moribund kingdom in search of adventure, while the peasant boy Vilmos, whose forbidden magic powers attract the interest of both good and evil forces. Finally, Seth, a warrior priest and part of the Elf Queen's elite personal guard, sets off as an envoy to the human lands.

Readers everywhere are discovering the works of Robert Stanek. Robert's books are published in over 20 countries around the world and beginning in 2005 the first of many translations will be published. Mark of the Dragon is the continuation of Robert Stanek's multilayered epic fantasy adventure begun with Keeper Martin's Tale, continued with Kingdom Alliance, and last told in Fields of Honor. In his acclaimed Keeper Martin's Tale, he introduced us to the story of Ruin Mist, an extraordinary world of magic, adventure and intrigue. Now in the eagerly awaited follow-up to Fields of Honor, he once again proves himself a wonderful storyteller with a gift for fast pacing and believable storylines. Already hailed as a classic, Robert Stanek's powerful series has been enjoyed by readers all over the world. The Elves of the Reaches returned from exile, bringing grave news. War came to the Kingdoms. Many perished in the turmoil and unrest. An attempt was made to kidnap a princess and assassinate a king. Now, from the ancient past a dark power returns. "The Fourth Wind blows across the mountain tops," they say. And the Twelve Clans emerge from myth and memory. As prophecy becomes reality, the factions struggle for control, only to further divide the lands. Some would say that King Andrew Alder foolishly agreed to support the Elves of the Reaches, sending men to aid their cause when the causes of all Men in all lands were being put to the test of steel. And in the North, men back their words with action. Against a backdrop of treachery and intrigue, murder and mayhem, the price of free will is high. Many will pay with their lives. Many will succumb to imprisonment and enslavement. For when alliances shatter, old hatreds rise anew and the plotting and scheming begin. Bold, inventive, brilliantly imagined, Mark of the Dragon is a novel of magic and wonder-a tale of pure excitement you will not soon forget. The official reading order of the Ruin Mist Chronicles is Keeper Martin's Tale, Kingdom Alliance, Fields of Honor, and Mark of the Dragon. Elf Queen's Quest is the first Ruin Mist: Dark Path story--an alternate version of the story.

Robert Stanek’s KEEPER MARTIN'S TALE introduced readers to RUIN MIST and the chronicles of the lost ages of the HUNDRED WORLDS penned by Keeper Martin. The Ruin Mist books have gone on to become worldwide bestsellers and have been translated into many languages. THE GUARDIANS OF THE DRAGON REALMS presents a new journey into RUIN MIST, telling an epic fantasy adventure story of tragedy, betrayal, hope, ice, and fire. Whether you are a new reader or already a fan, you can begin your journey into RUIN MIST and the HUNDRED WORLDS right here. Don’t miss the other books, which are now available in special 10th anniversary editions: Keeper Martin's Tale, Kingdom Alliance, Fields of Honor, Mark of the Dragon, and Dragons of the Hundred Worlds. Myth. Legend. Dream. A kingdom torn apart and left for crows. Those exiled plot their return. The conquerors, to exterminate the rebels who remain. Memories born in fire have been cleansed with ice. New heroes born while ancients perish. The Guardians of the Dragon Realms collects three previously published Ruin Mist adventures: The Dragon, the Wizard & the Great Door; A Legacy of Dragons; and Memories of Fire.

The complete Ruin Mist Chronicles, over 3,000 pages in print. Enter a world of titans and dragons, men and elves. Three heroes set out on an epic journey of discovery only to find that at the end of their journey nothing is what they thought it was and that their world is undergoing a transformation that will change everything. Survival in a changing world depends on their ability to adapt and if they fail, their world and everything they believe in will perish. Against a backdrop of treachery and intrigue, murder and mayhem, the price of free will is high. Many will pay with their lives. Many will succumb. For when alliances shatter, old hatreds rise anew and the plotting and scheming begin. Bold, inventive, brilliantly imagined, Ruin Mist Chronicles is an epic adventure of magic and wonder. Their world will be transformed. This is their story. Fully linked and cross-linked with links to individual books. Extras: Lost chapters and scenes restored; the meeting of Xith and Vilmos as originally written; the chronicles of Ruin Mist completely unaltered to hint at the story's origins in ancient myth and legend.

An all new edition to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Robert Stanek's fantasy world! Journey to the ancient past and learn the secrets of Ruin Mist's greatest legend. For thousands of years the ageless dragons have ruled the hundred worlds, conquering all who oppose them while raising those who bring them glory. But in remote Karthold, Rastín struggles to keep alive the memories of his fallen people and fulfill the wishes of his ailing father. For an Alv, Rastín is young. He has no great power to help him, no true magic to light his way and keep him safe. Yet as his life turns increasingly grim, Rastín must find the courage and resourcefulness to befriend his most savage enemies if there is to be hope for him and his people. To restore the honor of his people, Rastín will rise from slave to gladiator and from gladiator to emperor. This is his story. This is where the story of Ruin Mist truly begins.

For the first time ever, Robert Stanek's Mark of the Dragon is available in a deluxe hardcover edition with a dust jacket. Featuring an exclusive Art of Ruin Mist insert with illustrations from original paintings, and many extraordinary extras, this powerful fantasy novel will delight even the most demanding fantasy enthusiast! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert Stanek is the award-winning, international best-selling author of more than 65 books for young people and adults. He lives with his wife and children in the Pacific Northwest in the United States, and is intensely fascinated with our natural world. He loves the outdoors and frequently takes his family on short trips to see the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, and Puget Sound. ABOUT THE BOOK: Mark of the Dragon is the continuation of Robert Stanek's multilayered epic fantasy adventure begun with Keeper Martin's Tale, continued with Kingdom Alliance, and last told in Fields of Honor. In his acclaimed Keeper Martin's Tale, he introduced us to the story of Ruin Mist, an extraordinary world of magic, adventure and intrigue. Now in the eagerly awaited follow-up to Fields of Honor, he once again proves himself a wonderful storyteller with a gift for fast pacing and believable storylines. Already hailed as a classic, Robert Stanek's powerful series has been enjoyed by readers all over the world. Against a backdrop of treachery and intrigue, murder and mayhem, the price of free will is high. Many will pay with their lives. Many will succumb to imprisonment and enslavement. For when alliances shatter, old hatreds rise anew and the plotting and scheming begin. Bold, inventive, brilliantly imagined, Mark of the Dragon is a novel of magic and wonder--a tale of pure excitement you will not soon forget.

Readers all over the world are discovering the works of Robert Stanek. Filled with mystery, intrigue, adventure, and magic the books transport readers to a world unlike any other. In this insightful book, you get the real scoop on Robert Stanek. From his childhood days to his recent success with the Ruin Mist books, this outstanding book sheds new light on his life and his struggle to excel as a writer. His story is a story of hope and dreams, and in many ways, reading this book is like visiting with an old friend. You'll laugh and you'll cry and you'll be enchanted. And that's just the beginning. You also get a complete collector's guide to the Ruin Mist books, complete rules for playing King's Mate, and more.