New Releases by Michael J. Sullivan

One of fantasy’s finest next-generation storytellers continues to break new ground. Michael J. Sullivan’s trailblazing career began with the breakout success of his Riyria series: full-bodied, spellbinding fantasy adventures whose imaginative scope and sympathetic characters won a devoted readership and comparisons to fantasy masters Brandon Sanderson, Scott Lynch, and J.R.R. Tolkien himself. Now Age of Myth inaugurates an original five-book series. Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever. Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun. Magic, fantasy, and mythology collide in Michael J. Sullivan’s Legends of the First Empire series: AGE OF MYTH • AGE OF SWORDS • AGE OF WAR

Not bound, as a book. Free.Like Unfettered before it, the contributing writers of Unbound were allowed to submit the tales they wished fans of genre to read--without the constraints of a shackling theme. The result is magical. Twenty-three all-original stories are sure to captivate you--some will move you to tears while others will keep you turning the pages long into the night. The power of Unbound lies in its variety of tales and the voices behind them. If you are a fan of discovering new writers or reading the works of beloved authors, Unbound is for you.Return to Landover with Terry Brooks. Go to trial with Harry Dresden and Jim Butcher. Enter the Citadel and become remade with Rachel Caine. Survive a plague with John Marco and his robot companion Echo. Be painted among the stars by Mary Robinette Kowal. These tales and the others that comprise the anthology are only bound by how enchanting and enthralling they are.Unbound is filled with spectacularly wonderful stories, each one as diverse as its creator. You will be changed upon finishing it.And that is the point.

What’s on the horizon for 2016 and beyond? Find out in this annual ebook sampler of excerpts from some of Del Rey’s most exciting science fiction and fantasy titles! Inside are a slew of iconic authors and brands. Michael J. Sullivan, the author of the Riyria series, kicks off an original five-book saga. Elizabeth Moon revisits her classic military sci-fi epic Vatta’s War with a new standalone novel. Science Fiction Hall of Famer Connie Willis returns with a satire of love and (mis)communication. China Miéville, one of the most consistently original voices in any genre, presents a brilliant work of alternate history. And a bold era of World of Warcraft storytelling begins with a tale of justice and vengeance. Here, too, are emerging voices and incredible new visions. At the edge of the Russian wilderness, a young girl tries to protect her family from terrifying fairy tales come to life. In Kolkata, India, a college professor learns of a race of people at once more than human yet kin to beasts. An ordinary family in England undertakes a ten-year period of servitude to a ruling class endowed with powerful magic. A contestant on a reality TV show, cut off from all outside contact, learns that the real world may have changed in terrifying ways. A young man with inexplicable powers is recruited by a secret training program at West Point. And in South Dakota, a child falls through the earth—only to wake up in the palm of a giant metal hand. This marvelous ebook sampler contains excerpts from eleven recent and upcoming works: AGE OF MYTH by Michael J. Sullivan THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden COLD WELCOME by Elizabeth Moon CROSSTALK by Connie Willis THE DEVOURERS by Indra Das GILDED CAGE by Vic James THE LAST DAYS OF NEW PARIS by China Miéville THE LAST ONE by Alexandra Oliva THE POINT by John Dixon SLEEPING GIANTS by Sylvain Neuvel WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ILLIDAN by William King

Der Erbe - in den Händen des Feindes. Die Hochzeit - eine tödliche Falle. Der Gegner - ein alter Bekannter. Mit den Feierlichkeiten will Saldur, der Regent des Neuen Imperiums, das Schicksal seiner Widersacher endgültig besiegeln: Arista, die Hexe von Melengar, und Degan Gaunt, der Erbe Novrons, sollen öffentlich hingerichtet werden. Um Arista und Gaunt zu retten, muss Hadrian am großen Turnier von Aquesta teilnehmen und einen Ritter töten. Royce hingegen jagt Merrick Marius, seinen größten Feind - und ältesten Freund. Gleichzeitig steht die Hochzeit der Imperatorin Modina an, der Höhepunkt der Feierlichkeiten, auf den schon bald ein tödlicher Unfall folgen wird ... (Laufzeit ca 10 h 38)

Der Hilferuf – von einer alten Hexe. Der Übeltäter – ein betrunkener Adliger. Die Retter – ein ungleiches Diebesduo. Das erste Abenteuer von Hadrian und Royce, lange bevor sie den berüchtigten Titel »Riyria« annehmen. Hadrian ist zwar seit Neuestem ein Dieb, aber er hat noch Ideale. Also überredet er seinen viel durchtriebeneren Partner Royce, einer alten Frau zu helfen, in deren Scheune sich ein Landstreicher breitgemacht hat. Aber Royce hat wenig Lust, sich die Probleme der Bäuerin aufzuhalsen. Und Hadrian hätte besser auf ihn gehört – denn die gute Tat bringt die beiden Diebe schon bald in größte Schwierigkeiten. Dieses E-Book-Original enthält neben einer Erzählung aus der Riyria-Welt Leseproben zu allen Bänden der Reihe.

Allzu menschlich Für Ellis Rogers kommt die Diagnose wie ein Schock: Er hat nur noch ein paar Monate zu leben. Nachdem er sein Leben lang auf Nummer sicher gegangen ist, setzt Rogers jetzt alles auf eine Karte – denn in seiner Garage hat er eine Zeitmaschine gebaut. Sein Plan: in die Zukunft reisen, um dort nach einem Mittel gegen seine Krankheit zu suchen. Doch als die Maschine tatsächlich funktioniert, katapultiert sie Rogers in eine Zeit, die mit unserer Gegenwart nichts mehr zu tun zu haben scheint ...

Die Bedrohung – ein neues Imperium. Die geheime Macht – die Kirche Nyphrons. Zwischen allen Fronten – Hadrian und Royce. Riyria und die Welt von Elan sehen sich der größten Gefahr seit Jahrhunderten gegenüber. Die berüchtigten Diebe mit Namen Riyria übernehmen einen Auftrag als Spione des Königs von Melengar, während sich das kleine Königreich verzweifelt im Kampf gegen das Neue Imperium wehrt. Mit einem brutalen Krieg gegen die Bevölkerung versuchen die Putschisten, hinter denen Kirche die Nyphrons steht, die Macht an sich zu reißen. Allen Königreichen droht die Knechtschaft. Kann Prinzessin Arista auf eigene Faust ein Bündnis gegen die Aggresoren schließen? Als Begleitung nimmt sie die besten Agenten des Königreichs mit: Riyria. Doch schon bald findet sich das Trio in einem uralten, beinahe 1000 Jahre alten Konflikt wieder, aus dem es keinen Ausweg zu geben scheint ...

In einem Turm – ein uraltes Geheimnis. Das Problem – ein Ungeheuer. Die Rettung – zwei Diebe. Hadrian und Royce möchten eigentlich nur ein paar Bauern in einer armen Gegend helfen. Und auf einmal sind sie in die undurchsichtigen Pläne des Zauberers Esrahaddon verwickelt. Das mittellose Mädchen Thrace bittet Royce und Hadrian, ihr abgelegenes Dorf vor den nächtlichen Angriffen eines unbekannten Ungeheuers zu schützen. Dabei stoßen die beiden allerdings auf viel größere Schwierigkeiten als gedacht: Die Kreatur scheint unbesiegbar. Einer alten Prophezeiung nach kann nur das Geheimnis im alten Elben-Turm von Avempartha den mit allen Wassern gewaschenen Dieben weiterhelfen. Warum tauchen aber plötzlich Vertreter des Adels und der Kirche von Nyphron in der gottverlassenen Gegend auf? Und welche Ziele verfolgt Esrahaddon der Zauberer?

Le sort de l''Empire est entre les mains d''un voleur... La guerre a atteint Melengar. Une fois de plus, Royce et Hadrian sont recrutés pour une dangereuse mission : former une alliance clandestine avec les nationalistes, en guerre contre le pouvoir. Tandis que la domination de l''Empire de Nyphron ne cesse de s''étendre, Royce soupçonne qu''une ombre mystérieuse manipule son ami. Pour connaître la vérité, il doit découvrir le secret du passé d''Hadrian. Une révélation qui pourrait bien briser leur amitié, et mettre fin à leur duo, alors que le chaos menace... « Un tourbillon de coups de théâtre, de surprises fracassantes et de trahisons fatales. » Literary Magic

O SEGUNDO VOLUME DA TRILOGIA REVELAÇõES DE RIYRIA Os reinos dos homens estão unificados sob uma mesma bandeira, o Novo Império, apoiada pela Igreja de Nyphron, a mais poderosa instituição existente. Apenas um território permanece independente, Melengar, com cada vez menos aliados e vendo as forças inimigas crescerem sem poder fazer nada. Em meio a isso, os mercenários Royce e Hadrian se veem envolvidos em conflitos políticos e são contratados pela princesa Arista, de Melengar, para escoltá-la em uma perigosa missão diplomática. Assim, os três partem em uma jornada para garantir que a iminente guerra não signifique um massacre das forças de resistência e para descobrir seus reais papéis no mundo. Isso os conduz a embates épicos e viagens aos confins das fronteiras conhecidas, onde criaturas malignas vivem à espreita. • Ascensão do Império é o segundo volume da trilogia Revelações de Riyria, precedido por Roubo de espadas. • Foi publicado originalmente em dois volumes: A ascensão de Nyphron e Tempestade de Esmeralda. • Os livros de Michael J. Sullivan já foram publicados em mais de dez idiomas.

La fortune sourit aux audacieux... Royce et Hadrian, voleur et mercenaire, n''ont jamais reculé devant une mission. Le danger, c''est leur fonds de commerce. Alors, quand on leur propose la fortune servie sur un plateau d''argent, ils pensent n''en faire qu''une bouchée. Ils n''avaient pas prévu qu''on leur tendrait un piège. Les voilà accusés du pire des crimes : l''assassinat du roi ! Pour sauver leur peau, ils n''ont pas le choix. Il leur faut dénouer les fils d''un mystère qui, depuis des générations, renverse les monarques et bouscule les empires... « Un tourbillon de coups de théâtre, de surprises fracassantes et de trahisons fatales. » Literary Magic

Michael J. Sullivan, De Openbaringen van Riyria 5 - Wintertij Met zijn boeken over het sluwe roversduo Rolf Molenbeek en Hadriaan Zwartwater wist fantasy-talent Michael J. Sullivan in korte tijd naam te maken als de nieuwe koning van de bondige fantasy-roman. In dit vijfde boek uit De Openbaringen van Riyria gaan de onweerstaanbare dieven opnieuw op pad, maar dit keer niet voor een beloning. Dit keer staat er meer op het spel. WINTERTIJ Het Nieuwe Keizerrijk is van plan haar overwinning op de Nationalisten met veel vertoon te vieren. De aanstaande heerser heeft zijn persoonlijke feestdag tot in de puntjes voorbereid: tijdens de Wintertijfestiviteiten zal hij eerst met de keizerin trouwen, daarna worden Degan Gaunt en de Heks van Melengar publiekelijk geëxecuteerd, en vervolgens zal hij zijn kersverse bruid om het leven brengen en het op een ongeluk laten lijken. Het is allemaal perfect gepland. Er is echter één ding waar de nieuwe keizer niet aan heeft gedacht: het roversduo Rolf Molenbeek en Hadriaan Zwartwater. Het tweetal heeft eindelijk de verdwenen erfgenaam van het rijk gevonden. En dat verandert alles...

Der König - getötet. Der Mord - zwei Dieben in die Schuhe geschoben. Die Drahtzieher - unbekannt. So beginnt die atemberaubende Geschichte der beiden Gauner Hadrian und Royce, die alles zu bieten hat, was Fantasyleser lieben: Abenteuer und Verrat, Schwertkämpfe und Liebestränen, Magie und Mythen. (Quelle: Buchdeckel verso).

Two thieves want answers. Riyria is born. . . For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, Royce returns to Medford with Hadrian but the two receive a very different reception -- Gwen refuses to see them. The victim of abuse by a powerful noble, she suspects that Royce will ignore any danger in his desire for revenge. By turning the thieves away, Gwen hopes to once more protect them. What she doesn''t realize is what the two are capable of -- but she''s about to find out.

Two men who hate each other. One impossible mission. A legend in the making. Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Hired by an old wizard, they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm''s most prized possessions. But it isn''t gold or jewels that the wizard is after, and if he can just keep them from killing each other, they just might succeed.

Two men who hate each other. One impossible mission. A legend in the making. Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Hired by an old wizard, they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm''s most prized possessions. But it isn''t gold or jewels that the wizard is after, and if he can just keep them from killing each other, they just might succeed.

Os habilidosos ladrões Royce Melborn e Hadrian Blackwater construíram sua fama nos reinos sob o nome de Riyria ao realizar façanhas inimagináveis. Porém, ao concordar em roubar uma famosa espada do interior de um castelo, os dois se envolvem numa trama repleta de armadilhas, seres fantásticos, conspirações políticas, magia e, sobretudo, perigosas reviravoltas. Para completar a missão com sucesso, eles precisam ser cuidadosos ao escolher aliados e inimigos, pois não apenas a vida da dupla está em jogo, mas o futuro da Igreja, dos reinos e de todo o mundo.

The New Empire intends to mark its victory over the Nationalists with a bloody celebration. On the high holiday of Wintertide, the Witch of Melengar will be burned and the Heir of Novron executed. On that same day the Empress faces a forced marriage, with a fatal accident soon follow. The New Empire is confident in the totality of its triumph but there''s just one problem-Royce and Hadrian have finally found the true Heir of Novron -- -and they have their own holiday plans. When author Michael J. Sullivan self-published the first books of his Riyria Revelations series online, they rapidly became ebook bestsellers. Now, Orbit is pleased to present the complete series for the first time in bookstores everywhere. Heir of Novron is the final volume of The Riyria Revelations and includes Wintertide and -- available for the first time -- the final volume, Percepliquis.

IMPORTANT NOTE! This edition of Percepliquis is being released for readers of the original Ridan editions of The Crown Conspiracy. It does not include book 5, Wintertide. If you''re reading the omnibus editions from Orbit, you should purchase Heir of Novron (which includes both Wintertide and Percepliquis). Percepliquis is the final installment of the epic fantasy, The Riyria Revelations. In this saga that began with The Crown Conspiracy, two thieves caught in the right place at the wrong time were launched on a series of ever escalating adventures that have all lead to this moment. Three thousand years have passed and the time for Novron''s heir to act has arrived.

The adventure continues as Royce and Hadrian aid the struggling kingdom of Melengar as it alone stands in defiance against the newly formed empire. War approaches and a desperate gamble behind enemy lines is their only chance at forming an alliance with the Nationalists to the south. But Royce has plans of his own as he uses this opportunity to discover if an ancient wizard is using Riyria as pawns in his own bid for power. To find the truth, Royce must unravel Hadrian''s hidden past. What he discovers will lead them to the end of the known world, on a journey rife with treachery and intrigue. When author Michael J. Sullivan self-published the first books of his Riyria Revelations, they rapidly became ebook bestsellers. Now, Orbit is pleased to present the complete series for the first time in bookstores everywhere.

Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles-until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in a conspiracy that uncovers a plot far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom. Can a self-serving thief and an idealistic swordsman survive long enough to unravel the first part of an ancient mystery that has toppled kings and destroyed empires? And so begins the first tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend. When author Michael J. Sullivan self-published the first books of his Riyria Revelations, they rapidly became ebook bestsellers. Now, Orbit is pleased to present the complete series for the first time in bookstores everywhere.

The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) considered trade-offs made by the military services before validating requirements for four of the seven proposed programs it reviewed in FY 2010. According to Dept. of Defense (DOD) officials, the most significant trade-offs are made by the military services during the analysis of alternatives (AOA), which occurs between the JROC''s review of an Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) and its review of a Capability Development Document (CDD). The Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (WSARA) directed JROC to ensure trade-offsamong cost, schedule, and performance objectives are considered as part of its requirements review process. This report addresses (1) the extent to which the JROC has considered trade-offs within programs, (2) the quality of resource estimates presented to the JROC, and (3) the extent to which the JROC is prioritizing requirements and capability gaps. Includes recommendations. Figures. This is a print on demand report.

For nearly 30 years, the statutory provision, known as Nunn-McCurdy (NM), has been an oversight tool for Congress to hold the DoD accountable for cost growth on major defense programs. A NM breach occurs when a program''s unit cost exceeds certain thresholds. When that happens, DoD must notify Congress of the breach. There are a number of statutory provisions that help implement cost growth reporting under NM. Referring to these statutory provisions as the NM process, this report examines trends in NM breaches and factors that may be responsible for these trends. It also discusses changes DoD is making or proposing to make to the NM process. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

The past two years have seen the Congress and the DoD take meaningful steps towards addressing long-standing weapon acquisition issues -- an area that has been on the high risk list since 1990. This testimony focuses on the progress DoD has made in improving the planning and execution of its weapon acquisition programs and the potential for recent acquisition reforms to improve program outcomes. The testimony includes observations about: (1) DoD''s efforts to manage its portfolio of major defense acquisition programs; (2) the knowledge attained at key junctures of a subset of 42 weapon programs from the 2009 portfolio; (3) other factors that can affect program execution; and (4) DoD''s implementation of recent acquisition reforms. Illus.