Thieves' World

Thieves' World is a low fantasy shared world created by Robert Lynn Asprin in 1978. The original series comprised twelve anthologies, including stories by science fiction and fantasy authors Poul Anderson, John Brunner, Andrew J. Offutt, C. J. Cherryh, Janet Morris, and Chris Morris.

Alfred Elton van Vogt ( VAN VOHKT; April 26, 1912 – January 26, 2000) was a Canadian-born American science fiction writer. His fragmented, bizarre narrative style influenced later science fiction writers, including Philip K. Dick. He was one of the most popular and influential practitioners of science fiction in the mid-twentieth century, the genre's so-called Golden Age, and one of the most complex. The Science Fiction Writers of America named him their 14th Grand Master in 1995 (presented 1996).

In the beginning there was Thieves' World, a book so popular that it earned a panel all its own at the World Science Fiction Convention. Then came Tales form the Vulgar Unicorn... And now "Shadows of Sanctuary", Sanctuary, the meanest, seediest town in all of fantasy, has captured the imaginations of some of the most popular writers in all of fantasy — Robert Asprin, Lynn Abbey, Andrew J. Offutt, Vonda N. McIntyre, Janet Morris, C. J. Cherryh. Join them, and the characters you came to love in previous books, in this third volume of the most unique series in science fiction.

In Tyse at the foot of Wizardwall, Niko, disillusioned, quits the Sacred Band of Stepsons, then falls into the hands of the Band's enemies and into the middle of a plot to assassinate the Rankan emperor at the Festival of Man. Stalked by the Nisibisi witch who loves him and secretly protected by the Sacred Band of Stepsons who are trying to extricate him, Niko faces his greatest peril. Tempus leads his Sacred Band of Stepsons to a costly victory against the Mygdonian alliance in this third of the three 'Beyond' novels, joined by Tempus's daughter Kama and her unit, the 3rd Commando, consummate shock troops of the Rankan Empire. A bold and innovative book in the Sacred Band series, full of intrigue, passion and conflict among the Stepsons themselves and between them and their enemies.

A Science Fiction Book Selection and first of the "Beyond" series about Tempus and the Sacred Band of Stepsons. This first "authorized" 'Thieves World Novel begins with "Wizard Weather," the story that introduced to Thieves' World many of the Sacred Band of Stepsons, and takes the Sacred Band far 'beyond' Thieves' World, to ancient Nisibis and the mountains of Wizardwall, where the Stepsons and Tempus fight mages and the expanding empire of Mygdonia. Mixing ancient history and epic fantasy, Morris begins her trilogy of 'Beyond' novels, among the most fascinating in fiction, with a book that transcends mere fantasy and enters the realm of myth. As always, Morris mixes sexuality, philosophy, religion, mythology and military history with fantasy. Her ancient cavalry fighters, paired lovers and friends, fight for the freedom of Nisibis against foes both human and supernatural. Unforgettable characters in a heart-stopping adventure.