Return to the the epic tale of the Lord of the Isles, David Drake's saga of magic and might. For the first time in a thousand years, the Kingdom of the Isles has a government and a real ruler: Prince Garric of Haft. The enemies joining against him intend to destroy not only the kingdom but humankind as well. The rebels gathering in the West outnumber the royal army and the magic they wield can strike into the heart of the palace itself, but far greater dangers lie behind those. On the far fringes of the Isles, ancient powers ready themselves for a titanic struggle in which human beings are mere pawns--or fodder! Reptilian and insect monsters from out of the ages march on the kingdom, commanded by wizards no longer human or never human at all. If unchecked, their ravening slaughter will sweep over the Isles as destructively as a flood of lava. Garric, ripped from his time and body, must make new allies if he and his kingdom are to survive. Watching them all from the blackness of a tomb walled off in time and space, the Mistress waits... And her fangs drip poison! At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The LORD OF THE ISLES series has cemented David Drake's reputation in the US as a bestselling fantasy author, rapidly making him one of the top five fantasy authors in the US. And with over 60,000 copies in print with Gollancz, he is growing fast in the UK as well. Combining detailed and evocative world building, epic scale and superbly described military action, this series is perfect for all fans of George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan.

The fifth, and best novel yet in David Drake's acclaimed epic fantasy series is filled with startling revelations, action, romance and sorcery.

A guide to series fiction lists popular series, identifies novels by character, and offers guidance on the order in which to read unnumbered series.