In this incredible conclusion to the epic fantasy saga, continuing from When Dragons Rage, New York Times
bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole returns to a world of mystery, prophecy, and magick, where dreams-for better or worse-can come true...

The Grand Crusade

The hope of the future, Will Norrington, prophesied to bring down the northern tyrant Chytrine and redeem the world, is said to be dead, lost in the heart of a fiery volcano. The news has thrown the Council of Kings into a furor and drained the spirit from once united factions. As questions swirl about as to Will's legacy, and even his identity, one thing is clear: a divided alliance lacks power. And this may be exactly the opening Chytrine needs to seize control-and capture the empowering artifact, the DragonCrown-once and for all. Still, Will's friends and comrades remain true to his cause, preparing to continue the fight. Among them is the Vilwanese hero, Kerrigan Reese, and Alyx, groomed to lead an army. Sayce, pregnant with Will's child, must remain behind as the new custodian of the Norrington future in case they fail. But even as they draw up battle plans, with the enemy nearer than they think, a shattering betrayal-and a stunning revelation-may change the course of everything.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

**

From Publishers Weekly

The last volume in Stackpole's DragonCrown trilogy (after 2002's When Dragons Rage) should please his many fans with its large helpings of violence, intrigue and plot twists. Still reeling from the unexpected death of prophecy-bound hero Will Norrington, his friends and allies struggle to marshal a coherent defense against the sorceress-dragon Chytrine, whose forces continue to further fracture the squabbling nations of the Southlands. Should Chytrine gain all the long-ago scattered pieces of the legendary DragonCrown, she'll be able to reconstruct the crown and open the way for the return of the treacherous Oromise, an ancient race long banished from the world. With Will Norrington gone, only a handful of heroes can stand against her: the young upstart sorcerer Kerrigan Reese, the charismatic war leader Princess Alexia of Okrannel and her lover, Crow, and the Vorquelf Resolute. While Chytrine schemes with King Scrainwood and manages to kidnap Sayce, Will's pregnant lover, the blind seeress Oracle has a vision that suggests all is not lost. This is fantasy on the most epic of scales, with plenty of bloody conflict and treacherous double-dealing. Readers new to the series will be at a distinct disadvantage, but those who can successfully navigate a course through the dense backstory in the opening chapters will find plenty of excitement and adventure.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

The Norrington, prophesied hero and hope of the future, is reported dead. The Council of Kings, once united, is now conflicted about what to do next. As fear and uncertainty increase, the land grows more vulnerable to invasion and takeover by Chytrine, empress of the North and the darkest of evils. She seeks the Truestones of the Dragoncrown, most of which are still hidden, and she is closer than ever to possessing all of them and, with them, power to rule the world. With her formidable forces against them, Will Norrington's faithful companions organize to fight to the bitter end and to find Will, if he still lives. When Princess Sayce, who is carrying his child, is captured, it is a dark hour indeed. Now, all the Norringtons are missing. With a plot like a set of Chinese boxes, complex military strategies, horrific undead creatures, a fabulous mage, and a sweet love story to soften it a bit, Stackpole's white-knuckle ride of an epic fantasy continues in fine form. Paula Luedtke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved