James Barclay

"This is The Raven, older and wiser. Some returned from the grave. Grieving and seeking nothing but rest from conflict--something the world will not grant them. But still The Raven. Still answering when the call comes. Still the force most likely to survive and bring the world with them. Still willing to die so that those they love can live."--from cover, p.

The Dawnthief spell--designed to destroy the world, but cast to save it--has torn a hole in the sky, a pathway into the dragon dimension, and, through it, unfriendly eyes are turning to Balaia. With war already sweeping the land, there are no armies to send against the dragons. All that stands between Balaia and complete dominion by these tyrannous beasts is a tiny, but legendary band of mercenaries: The Raven. And if they fail, Balaia will fall beneath the wings of countless dragons.

The Raven are caught in the flames of war. Three of the mercenary band are dead, but the survivors will keep the faith and keep their promises. All while one of them struggles with a burgeoning power that could herald a new world--and destroy the old.

The dragons have gone home, the elves are safe. The Raven have kept their promises. But fate has not finished with them. As the war between the colleges rages on an old enemy senses that his chance to revenge a bitter defeat has come. Tessaya, Lord of the Paleon Tribes has waited patiently for his moment and now, with Balaia in flames, he makes his move and unleashes the Wesmen hordes. In Xetesk, his forces scattered, Dystran, Lord of the Mount faces certain defeat by the Wesmen unless he unleashes the horrifying power of dimensional magics. And Dystran has not come this far to be beaten at the last by a rabble of ignorant tribesmen. And so the veil between dimensions is torn ... And beyond, a predatory evil stirs. Demons catch the scent of countless souls in Balaia. Can even the Raven prevail when the world is coming to an end? A fantasy milestone is reached. James Barclay brings his sensational saga of The Raven to a heart sopping conclusion.