Bair, the progeny of an Elf and a shape-changing Baeran, is cursed with a destiny that he is the Hope of the World--perhaps the long-foretold Rider of the Planes. Unaware of the peril around him, Bair accompanies his friend Aravan on a quest to find the yellow-eyed demon Ydral. But the oracle warns them to be prepared for a time of chaos.

A thousand years before the Winter War, Elgo, prince of the Vanadurin, killed the Dragon Sleeth and returned home with the fabulous wealth from the dead beast’s lair. But there was more in the bounty than gems and gold, for the treasure was cursed, and in time it brought death to noble and peasant, war between Man and Dwarf, strife and destruction beyond reckoning. Now, generations later, as the conflict continues, the great Dragon Black Kalgalath, in league with the Wizard Andrak, appears to avenge Sleeth’s death and claim the Dragon-cursed hoard. Against this unholy alliance, two sworn enemies set forth to find a legendary long-lost weapon: a warhammer of incalculable power that may be the only hope of victory. But neither the Warrior Maiden Elyn nor the Dwarf Thork is prepared for the dangers awaiting them on this quest....

Tip and Beau and their allies--elves, dwarves, mages, Silver Wolves and their warrior maidens--contend with the powers of darkness in their battle to save Mithgar.

From the bestselling author of the Iron Tower trilogy and The Silver Call duology comes the magnificent epic of Mithgar... A thousand years had passed since the Eye of the Hunter last glared in the heavens. A thousand years since the immortal Elfess Riatha brought word of the prophecy to the Warrows Tomlin and Petal with whom she had leagued to hunt down and defeat Baron Stoke, one of the most evil beings to ever stalk the lands of Mithgar. The price of Stoke’s doom had been a beloved companion’s life, the two plunging, locked in combat, down an icy chasm which had sealed shut the ring of eternity. Now the comet known as the Eye of the Hunter again rode Mithgar’s skies, and the creatures of darkness once again ravaged the lands, heralding the imminent return of their dread mster, Baron Stoke. And now five brave souls must answer the call of prophecy: Riatha and the elf called Aravan; Gwylly and Faeril, last in a long line of Firstborn Warrow descendants of Tomlin and Petal; and one other, one restored to them from Death’s chill grasp.

The myth of a lost city carved of precious jade has proven irresistible to many in Mithgar. Now Aravan, captain of the Elven ship Eroean, has undertaken a quest to find it. With his true love Aylis, the Magekind Seeress, beside him and a crew of men and dwarves, he sets sail to follow the lure of legend.

McKiernan's Mithgar books are among the most loved in fantasy fiction. "The Iron Tower" includes the first three novels set in the world of Mithgar -- collected in a single volume for the first time -- with an all-new introduction by the author.

The Mage Alamar has never forgotten the life debt he owes to Farrix, one of the legendary Hidden Ones of Mithgar, who keep to themselves and avoid contact with ordinary humans. So when Farrix’s mate, the Lady Jinnarin, appears on Alamar’s doorstep, he fears the worst. Months ago, Farrix vanished—and Jinnarin has been plagued by nightmares of him being in danger ever since. To find him, Alamar and Jinnarin must embark on a journey across the sea to confront a master of dark magic preparing to open a portal between Mithgar and a destructive Dark God....