A manuscript from the lost civilization of Edil-Amarandah chronicles the experiences of sixteen-year-old Maerad, an orphan gifted in the magic and power of the Bards, as she escapes from slavery and begins to learn how to use her Gift to stave off the evil Darkness that threatens to consume her world.

After a brief reunion with his lost sister Maered, who continues to pursue her dangerous destiny in the frozen North, orphaned Hem is sent south to Turbansk for safety but, as the armies of the Dark overrun the city, he flees with his mentor Saliman, his white crow Irc, and the orphan girl Zelika to join the resistance forces of the Light and finally learn his role in his sister's quest.

In a highly anticipated prequel to the Books of Pellinor, Alison Croggon captivates fans old and new with her ancient, legendary world of Annar.

After being seduced into sorcery by an agent of the Dark, the promising Bard Cadvan of Lirigon recklessly unleashed the terrible Bone Queen, bringing destruction down upon Annar. Cast out of the Schools of Barding for his crime, Cadvan now lives in exile, burdened by memories of his dealings

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