The Grand Crusade (DragonCrown War Cycle)

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 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.

Michael A. Stackpole is an award-winning game and computer designer who now is also an award-winning author (His novel Ghost War was chosen the Best Long-form Fiction by the Academy of Gaming Arts and Design for 2002.) By the time you're reading this, he'll be fully recovered from the rotator cuff injury that slowed his work on this book (Yes, it was indoor soccer. Just because I'd knocked the guy down earlier in the game was no reason he should have taken me into a wall later. He was having a bad day and, shucks, just decided to share.)

Also, by the time you're reading this, he'll have finished The Secret Atlas, the first in a new trilogy of fantasy novels (He'll have finished, or Anne Groell will be tearing her hair out yet again.) Mike spends way too much time on airplanes, playing with his iPod, playing indoor soccer, reading, and trying to figure out why he alternates between first and third person in biographies like this.