Book excerpt: The 10th anniversary edition of the #1 Bestselling series. "A breathtaking world and an excellent epic fantasy series! This wonderful adventure reminds me of a cross between J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Tad Williams, and C. S. Lewis." "Clear and simple prose. Swift, action-oriented scenes. Solidly built." --Foreword Magazine "This guarantees fans, and those fans will be ready to wield their swords against the Dark Lord in Stanek's next installment." -- VOYA, the leading magazine for YA librarians "Word of mouth turned it into a bestseller. Very satisfying." -- The Fantasy Guide Bestselling Series! Over 1,000,000 Ruin Mist books sold! #1 Fiction Bestseller. In the Service of Dragons is the continuation of Robert Stanek's multilayered epic fantasy adventure for young adults that began with Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches. In the Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books, Robert Stanek introduced readers to the story of Ruin Mist, an extraordinary world of magic, adventure, and intrigue. Now in the eagerly awaited follow-up, he once again proves himself a wonderful storyteller with a gift for fast pacing and believable storylines. Already hailed as a classic, Robert Stanek's powerful series has been enjoyed by readers all over the world. The Elves of the Reaches returned from exile, bringing grave news. War came to the Kingdoms, and many perished in the turmoil and unrest. An attempt was made to kidnap a princess and assassinate a king. Now, from the ancient past a dark power returns. "The Fourth Wind blows across the mountain tops," they say. And the Twelve Clans emerge from myth and memory. As prophecy becomes reality, the factions struggle for control only to further divide the lands. Some would say that it was foolish for King Andrew Alder to support the Elves of the Reaches and send men to aid their cause when Men in all lands were being put to the test of steel. And in the North, men back their words with action. Against a backdrop of treachery and intrigue, murder and mayhem, the price of freedom is high. Many will pay with their lives. Many will succumb to imprisonment and enslavement; for when alliances shatter, old hatreds rise anew and the plotting and scheming begin. Bold, inventive, brilliantly imagined, In the Service of Dragons is a novel of magic and wonder-a tale of pure excitement you will not soon forget. Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1, 2, 3, 4: Winds of Change Seeds of Dissent Pawn of Dragons Tower of Destiny In the Service of Dragons #1, 2, 3, 4: A Clash of Heroes A Dance of Swords A Storm of Shields A Reign of Dragons Guardians of the Dragon Realms #1, 2: The Dragon, the Wizard & the Great Door A Legacy of Dragons Dragons of the Hundred Worlds #1,2: Breath of Fire Living Fire A Daughter of Kings #1, 2, 3, 4: Betrayal Deliverance Rebirth Discord