New Releases by Maria V. Snyder

“What happens if he returns to our world?” “It will burn.” There''s just no rest for Valek, Ixia’s Chief of Security. Challenges are constant and new problems arrive daily, including a request to help Castletown’s watch solve the mystery of a string of nighttime disturbances, and keeping a close eye on the Commander’s food taster as she schemes her way back into business. As if that isn''t enough, the Commander’s life is threatened. Is the assassination attempt on the Commander a declaration of war by the Sitian Council, or is it a ruse by an unknown party to incite a war between Ixia and Sitia? Valek is sent to Sitia to discover the answer and deal with the threat. Unfortunately, the problem turns out to be much bigger than even the council and the master magicians can handle. An unsanctioned clan with powerful warpers is plotting to take over both countries. As the danger heats up, Valek and Yelena must reunite and stop the group before they can set their entire world on fire. A companion novel to Fire Study, The Study of Fire reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what problems Valek tackles in Ixia before he joins Yelena in fighting against a unstoppable enemy.

Frankly, I think death is the best cure for stupidity. As Chief of Ixia’s Security, Valek’s work is never done. After rescuing Commander Ambrose with, Yelena, his heartmate’s, help and seeing her off to Sitia, Valek discovers the nefarious scheme to overthrow their country is far more complex and far reaching than anyone could have guessed. Valek must discover who is continuing with Brazell and Mogkan’s conniving plans, all while dealing with a tense political situation. The Ixian generals are questioning his abilities to keep the Commander safe, and whispers of a possible coup are circulating. Will Valek be able to survive a plot that seeks to sabotage all he and the Commander have worked for? Also, having opened his heart to love, will Yelena still wish to be with him when all is said and done? A companion novel to Magic Study, The Study of Magic reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what hazards Valek encounters and survives before he and Yelena are reunited once more.

“Then what were you waiting for?” He turned to her. “You.” New York Times bestselling author, Maria V. Snyder, presents a complete collection of short stories and novellas from the dynamic and complex world of Ixia & Sitia. These stories delve into and expand the critically acclaimed Chronicles of Ixia series, featuring readers’ favorite characters: Yelena, Valek, Opal, Ari, Janco, and Commander Ambrose. This comprehensive collection includes familiar stories: Assassin Study, Power Study, Ice Study, Shattered Glass, and Diaper Study, along with three exciting and never before seen additions: Diamond Study, Wedding Study, and After Study. Readers will also find bonus content with introductions to all the stories, detailed maps, character timelines, and amazing artwork by talented fans. For Snyder’s fans and Soulfinders, this is a must have compilation and guide for all things Ixia & Sitia.

Fierce, determined, dangerous. No wonder her soul called to his. As Chief of Security of Ixia, Valek has spent the last fifteen years keeping Commander Ambrose and his citizens safe. With his complex network of spies, informers, and soldiers, it’s his job to hunt down and capture criminals, including the intriguing Yelena. Sensing there is more to the story of why she killed a general’s son, Valek arranges for Yelena to become the Commander’s new food taster, training her in the delicate art of detecting poisons. As mysteries and a devious plot to harm the Commander unravel, Yelena’s presence becomes crucial. Will her intelligence, stubbornness, and survivor instincts be a help to Valek’s investigation, or a hinderance? A companion novel to Poison Study, The Study of Poisons reveals Valek’s side of the story. Return to the world of Ixia and discover just how the lovely Yelena got Valek’s cold heart pumping!

The apprenticeship is over--now the real test has begun.

Lightning Never Strikes Twice? Luke Riley is lost. His mother''s recent death has set Luke and his family adrift. Even though his father, twin brothers, and their three Bloodhounds are search and rescue volunteers, they have been unable to rescue themselves and become a family again. The summer after sixth grade looms in Luke''s mind as a long, lonely three months where the only thing he can look forward to is watching The Weather Channel. Luke is fascinated with the weather, but since his mother''s death in a storm, he is also terrified. Even the promised 13th birthday present of a Bloodhound puppy fails to lift Luke''s spirits. He would rather have a different breed - a petite Papillon, but his father insists he get a Bloodhound. When Luke decides to get the Bloodhound from Willajean, a dog breeder who owns Storm Watcher Kennel, he works out a deal to help at her kennel in exchange for the expensive dog. Thrilled to have a summer with a purpose, Luke befriends Willajean''s daughter, Megan and together they plan how Luke can get a Papillon puppy instead of a Bloodhound. But nothing seems to work as they struggle with stubborn fathers, summer storms, unhelpful siblings, and hidden guilt. Can one little white dog really save both families? The book also includes an appendix of fun weather facts and quizzes!

Magic, murder, mayhem and military missions gone sideways! New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder has written it all, proving she’s Up to the Challenge no matter the story. Bringing together Maria V. Snyder’s many fantasy and science fiction short stories, this collection showcases her talent for crafting engaging worlds and is a perfect introduction for new readers as well as a must-have for her loyal fans. Meet Mongrel as she protects an injured “dog” from those seeking to kill him in Mongrel. Fly through space with Sergeant Harris on a mission to defuse a bomb in Godzilla Warfare. Discover why fencing phenom Ava’s new and famous coach keeps wooden swords in his equipment closet in Sword Point. Follow Gwen, an exiled Fae princess, as she searches for her missing sister in Lost & Found, INC. And enjoy many more adventures that will keep you up late into the night!

The nail-biting finale of the award-winning fantasy series by New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder. You can join me or you can die. Hard on the heels of trouble in Zirdai city, Shyla Sun-Kissed and Rendor are ordered to report to the King of Koraha - a summons that is deadly to ignore. The King holds the key to Koraha''s existence, but a formidable new enemy threatens Koraha''s very survival and the King desperately needs Shyla and Rendor''s help. Wielding a terrifying and unknown magical power that can convert opponents into devoted soldiers, the mysterious army is hellbent on usurping the crown. Shyla and Rendor are tasked with discovering who in the seven hells these insurgents are. And what their real endgame is. Trekking through the punishing conditions across the searing surface of Koraha, and facing numerous unseen foes and untold danger, they must follow the clues to uncover the truth before it''s too late. The fate of the King and all the citizens of Koraha rests in their hands...

MIRA brings you three full length novels in one collection! Enter into a stunning world of molten magic as Opal Cowan, glassmaker and magician-in-training, faces trials, challenges, and deadly secrets that could change the realms of Sitia and Ixia forever. This box set includes: STORM GLASS (A Glass Series Novel) By New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder Enter into a stunning world of molten magic, where storms can be captured in glass and a magician''s powers can remain hidden…until challenged. SEA GLASS (A Glass Series Novel) By New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder Return to the realms of Sitia and Ixia, where a young glass magician becomes ensnared in a deadly power struggle that may cost her everything… SPY GLASS (A Glass Series Novel) By New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder In this riveting conclusion to Opal Cowan’s saga, the young magician will discover that glass holds many secrets… including the key to her plight. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

It''s suicide, Shyla. You''re the prize they want. Through her courage and tenacity, Shyla Sun-Kissed has awoken the power of The Eyes of Tamburah. But this feat only marks the beginning of the challenges that the magical order, the Invisible Sword, faces to free the underground city of Zirdai. Though they have allies among the monks and splinter cells inside the city, Shyla knows the Invisible Sword doesn''t have the strength to win. With the group fracturing due to the strain of losses from their latest ordeal, thinly veiled suspicions and endless disagreements, it''s up to Shyla to forge a new united order. When both the draconian Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess learn of Shyla''s new powers, life becomes even more complicated as they will stop at nothing to capture Shyla and take the magic of The Eyes for themselves. Hunted at every turn and unable to hide, Shyla and the Invisible Sword must use every resource at their command - and unearth new ones - in their race to save the city from destruction. But their enemies always seem to be one step ahead. And the cost to win the battle may be more than Shyla would ever be willing to pay...

2020 PRISM Award Winner: Fantasy He thinks you are the thief… Shyla is a researcher who resides in the underground desert city of Zirdai, which is ruled by the wealthy Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess. Even though Shyla is sun-kissed - an outcast, considered cursed by the Sun Goddess - she is still renowned for uncovering innumerable archaic facts, lost artefacts, ancient maps, and obscure historical documents. Her quiet life is about to change when Banqui, an archaeologist, enlists her services to find The Eyes of Tamburah: legendary gemstones that bestow great magic on their wielder. These ancient objects can tip the balance of power and give whoever possesses them complete control of the city. But chaos erupts when The Eyes are stolen soon after they''re found - and Shyla is blamed for the theft. Forced to flee, with the Prince''s soldiers and the Priestess'' deacons on her trail, Shyla must recover the jewels and clear her name. A quest that will unearth secrets even more valuable than The Eyes of Tamburah themselves...

Pokračování fantasy románu o dívce nadané magickou mocí, která byla jako dítě unesena a po návratu do rodné země se vyrovnává s prožitými hrůzami. Po útěku z Ixie má Jelena v Sitii, dlouho ztracené domovině, šanci znovu se setkat s rodinou. Ale cizí země má vlastní tajemství, a navíc zde s Jelenou jednají jako s nepřítelem. A to i ti, kteří by měli stát na její straně - třeba vlastní bratr. Jelena se musí dostat do citadely, kde se bude učit, jak ovládnout své magické dovednosti. Zatímco se učí pravidla kouzel, narazí i na ty, kteří jsou ochotni udělat cokoli pro to, aby je zlomili. Nakladatelská anotace. Kráceno.

Year 2522. ufeffOh. My. Stars. Junior Officer Ara Lawrence here, reporting for duty. Again. It''s situation critical for the security team and everyone in the base - including my parents - with a new attack from the looters imminent, a possible galaxy-wide crime conspiracy and an unstoppable alien threat. But this all pales in the face of my mind-blowing discovery about the Q-net. Of course, no one believes me. I''m not sure I believe me. It could just be a stress-induced delusion. That''s what my parents seem to believe... Their concern for me is hampering my ability to do my job. I know they love me, but with the Q-net in my corner, I''m the only one who can help the security team beat the shadowy aliens from the pits we discovered. We''re holding them at bay, for now, but the entire Milky Way Galaxy is in danger of being overrun. With battles on too many fronts, it''s looking dire. But one thing I''ve learned is when people I love are in jeopardy, I''ll never give up trying to save them. Not until my dying breath. Which could very well be today...

From New York Times Bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder Magic, danger, and intrigue abound in the worlds of Sitia and Ixia… Yelena Zaltana’s life has always been fraught with peril, but the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia is safe for her anymore. The growing discord between the two countries, and the possibility of imminent war, threaten everything Yelena holds dear. Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he’s quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided and has been keeping secrets...secrets that put Valek, Yelena, and their allies in terrible danger. And as the assassin and the Soulfinder are pulled deeper into the conflict, they realize the Commander’s plans are far more sinister than they could have ever imagined. Previously published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

From New York Times Bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder Once, only her own life hung in the balance... When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. Now, she’s become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Through wits and magic, she’s able to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek. But as old rivalries begin to emerge, Yelena discovers sinister plots that threaten to unravel the carefully won peace. Valek’s job and his life are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret—or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is—while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers. Her days as a poison taster are long gone. But without her magic, Yelena must once again rely on wits and skill to survive… Previously published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

2020 PRISM Award Winner! Year 2522. Lyra Daniels is dead. Okay, so I only died for sixty-six seconds. But when I came back to life, I got a brand new name and a snazzy new uniform. Go me! Seriously, though, it''s very important that Lyra Daniels stays dead, at least as far as the murdering looters, know. While dying is the scariest thing that''s happened to me, it morphed my worming skills. I can manipulate the Q-net like never before. But the looters have blocked us from communicating with the rest of the galaxy and now they believe we''ve gone silent, like Planet Xinji (where silent really means dead). A Protector Class spaceship is coming to our rescue, but we still have to survive almost two years until they arrive - if they arrive at all. Until then, we have to figure out how to stop an unstoppable alien threat. And it''s only a matter of time before the looters learn I''m not dead and returns to finish what they started. There''s no way I''m going to let the looters win. Instead I''ll do whatever it takes to save the people I love. But even I''m running out of ideas...

Masa menjadi murid magang sudah usaiÑkini ujian sesungguhnya akan dimulai. Ketika kenyataan bahwa Yelena adalah seorang Pencari JiwaÑmampu menangkap dan melepaskan jiwaÑmenyebar seperti kobaran api, orang-orang mulai gelisah. Ketika Dewan memperdebatkan takdir Yelena, gaids itu mendapatkan pesan yang mengkhawatirkan: ssatu komplotan sedang bangkit melawan tanah kelahirannya, dipimpin oleh seorang penyihir pembunuh yang telah dia kalahkan sebelumnya.... Kemampuannya membuat Yelena harus melalui ragam ujian, tetapi harapan untuk kembali bersatu dengan semua yang dia cintai menguatkannya. Perjalanan Yelena kali ini dipenuhi sekutu, musuh, kekasih, yang-dicurigai pembunuh, dengan kesetiaan yang masih patut dipertanyakan. Yelena hanya memiliki satu kesempatan untuk membuktikan dirinya, dan menyelamatkan negeri yang dia cintai.

Yelena menyadari bahwa hidupnya begitu rumit dan merindukan masa-masa menjadi pencicip makanan.... Seharusnya Yelena merasa bahagia, karena musuh terbesarnya sudah mati dan dia akan segera berkumpul dengan keluarganya. Namun, meskipun dia sudah terbebas dari Ixia, dia tetap merasa sendiri—terpisah dari cintanya, Valek, dan dicurigai sebagai mata-mata Ixia. Yelena pun berniat memulai pelatihan sihirnya—ia telah didesak untuk menguasai sihirnya dalam satu tahun, atau dia akan dieksekusi. Akan tetapi, rencana-rencananya harus dibelokkan karena ia diikutsertakan dalam rencana untuk mengembalikan tahta Ixia kepada si Pura-pura Raja, Cahil. Tak hanya itu, keputusan Yelena yang sering bertentangan dengan para Master Penyihir membuatnya dibenci, dan kakaknya sendiri, Leif, menginginkan kematiannya.

''He thinks you are the thief...'' Shyla is a researcher who resides in the underground desert city of Zirdai, which is ruled by the wealthy Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess. Even though Shyla is sun-kissed - an outcast, considered cursed by the Sun Goddess - she is still renowned for uncovering innumerable archaic facts, lost artefacts, ancient maps and obscure historical documents. Her quiet life is about to change when Banqui, an archaeologist, enlists her services to find The Eyes of Tamburah: legendary gemstones that bestow great magic on their wielder. These ancient objects can tip the balance of power and give whoever possesses them complete control of the city. But chaos erupts when The Eyes are stolen soon after they''re found - and Shyla is blamed for the theft. Forced to flee, with the Prince''s soldiers and the Priestess''s deacons on her trail, Shyla must recover the jewels and clear her name. A quest that will unearth secrets even more valuable than The Eyes of Tamburah themselves...

Pilih satu: Mati dengan cara cepat atau mati perlahan-lahan.... Yelena sudah melakukan pembunuhan, dan karenanya akan dieksekusi. Namun dia mendapatkan tawaran yang menggiurkan dari Valek, tangan kanan sang Komandan: menjadi pencicip makanan Komandan. Yelena akan menyantap makanan ternikmat, tidur di istana..., dan tetap berisiko mati saat melakukan itu semua. Yelena, tentu saja memilih untuk terus hidup dengan menjadi pencicip makanan. Tapi Valek dengan sengaja memberikan racun di makanan Yelena. Itu adalah strategi Valek agar Yelena tidak berbuat jahat kepada Komandan. Yelena masih bisa terus hidup, asalkan setiap pagi dia menemui Valek untuk mendapat penawarnya. Malapetaka terus merundung Yelena. Begitu banyak yang ingin menghabisinya, tapi Yelena sering terhindar dari kematian karena ternyata dirinya pun mewarisi sihir, yang tak pernah dia ketahui. Sesuai Kode Tingkah Laku, penyihir yang ditemukan di Ixia akan dihabisi, berbeda dengan Sitia, tempat para penyihir bebas berkeliaran. Belum ada yang mengetahui tentang sihir Yelena, tapi dia punya satu kendala: dia belum dapat mengendalikan sihirnya. Akankah identitas Yelena terkuak? Apakah dia akan, sekali lagi, dihukum mati?

2019 PRISM Award Winner! “The answer is no, Lyra,” my mother utters her favorite—I swear—phrase. No means I have to travel with them to another planet—again. No means leaving all my friends fifty years in the past. Thanks, Einstein. Seventeen-year-old Lyra Daniels can’t truly blame Einstein or her parents for their impending move across the Milky Way Galaxy. It’s all due to the invention of the Q-net, which made traveling the vast distances in space possible—with one big caveat: the time dilation. But that never stopped Lyra''s ancestors from exploring the Milky Way, searching for resources and exoplanets to colonize. What they didn’t expect to find is life-sized terracotta Warriors buried on twenty-one different exoplanets. ... Make that twenty-two. As the Galaxy’s leading experts on the Warriors, Lyra''s parents are thrilled by the new discovery, sending them—and her—fifty years into the future. Her social life in ruins, she fills her lonely days by illegally worming into the Q-net. The only person close to her age is the annoyingly irresistible security officer who threatens to throw her into the brig. After the planet they just left goes silent—meaning no communications from them at all—security has bigger problems to deal with than Lyra, especially when vital data files go missing. But that''s just the beginning, because they’re not as alone as they thought on their new planet... and suddenly time isn''t the only thing working against them.

The complete collection is now available in a box set! Discover the mystical world of the Healer Series, from New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder. Touch of Power Avry of Kazan is the last Healer in the fifteen realms. Hunted, with a bounty on her head, she must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Scent of Magic Coming out of hiding, Avry is on a mission to find her sister, stop a megalomaniacal king by infiltrating a holy army, and stop a looming war. Taste of Darkness With the armies of the Fifteen Realms in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever. And her heart-mate is missing, possibly forever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully.

A magic healer must stop a villainous king and his army of undead soldiers in this fantasy adventure by the bestselling author of Touch of Power. As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confidant, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle. Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat. War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible . . . again. Originally published in 2013 Praise for Touch of Power “Filled with Snyder’s trademark sarcastic humor, fast-paced action and creepy villainy . . . a spellbinding romantic adventure that will leave readers salivating for the next book in the series.” —USA Today

Spændingsroman. Yelena, der er ved at blive henrettet, tilbydes jobbet som madsmager for Ixias kommandør, men politik og magi truer hendes liv

From New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder In this riveting conclusion to Opal Cowan’s saga, the young magician will discover that glass holds many secrets… including the key to her plight. After siphoning her own blood to defeat her enemy, Opal Cowan lost everything—including her powers. Moreover, her choice has made her immune to the effects of magic. Once a trusted protegee, Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in her world. Until spying through glass unlocks something new within her. Suddenly the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. She also discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood for nefarious purposes—and that finding it might allow her to regain her powers. As she sets out on a new journey, she’ll learn, once and for all, if her powers are lost forever… and what she would sacrifice to regain them. Previously Published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

Study series 4 Paradossalmente, per Yelena l''esistenza era molto più semplice quando era soltanto un''assaggiatrice di veleni... e soprattutto non era così pericolosa! Si è complicata a dismisura nel momento in cui è diventata Ufficiale di collegamento tra i paesi rivali di Ixia e Sitia, un ruolo delicatissimo che la costringe a usare i propri poteri per mantenere la pace tra i due popoli. E ora che si trova costantemente al centro di macchinosi intrighi politici e violente lotte di potere, in gioco c''è anche la vita di Valek, mentore, amico e amante, l''uomo che ha saputo conquistarla anima e corpo. A complicare la situazione, poi, si aggiunge il fatto che la sua magia non funziona più, un problema che Yelena deve tenere segreto a tutti i costi mentre cerca di scoprire chi o che cosa l''abbia neutralizzata. E in queste condizioni, lottare per difendere se stessa e le persone che ama appare sempre più pericoloso e difficile.

Study series 1 Condannata a morte per omicidio, Yelena ha un''unica possibilità: diventare l''assaggiatore ufficiale del Comandante Ambrose. Ma le torture subite sembrano averle rubato l''anima, facendo di lei un simulacro vuoto, una farfalla di pietra simile al ciondolo donatole dal suo salvatore. Emozioni e sentimenti sono banditi entro le severe mura dell''antico palazzo reale, dove nessuno, amico o nemico, è ciò che appare. Nemmeno Valek. Uomo affascinante e spietato assassino, maestro di veleni e raffinato scultore, sembra essere lui a possedere il cuore della fanciulla e l''antidoto al veleno mortale che le ha somministrato a tradimento.

Study series 3 Quando la notizia che lei è una Cercatrice d''Anime si propaga come un incendio incontrollabile per tutta Sitia, alla Cittadella dilaga l''inquietudine, e Yelena, già considerata con sospetto a causa del suo passato, si ritrova ancora una volta sola. Ma all''improvviso il nemico di sempre torna a colpire, più crudele ed efferato che mai. E a lei non rimane che affrontarlo, abbracciando fino in fondo il proprio destino. Perché questa volta avrà una sola occasione per mettere alla prova i limiti del proprio potere e per salvare ciò che ha di più caro al mondo.

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond—and a family—that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia. Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person’s resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall—and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal. With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician…and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.