Book excerpt: All three books in 'The Dark Amulet', a series of epic fantasy novels by Jennifer Ealey, now in one volume! The Pale-Eyed Mage: Sheldrake is a mage. Maud is a shapeshifter. When their son is born, he is completely pale with nearly white eyes: the legacy of a fearsome great-grandmother. Jayhan grows into a cheery, accident-prone eight-year-old, unhappily aware of his heritage. Soon, a dark-eyed orphan enters his life; rescued from a brutal master to become their stableboy, Sasha's past is shrouded in secrets. The only legacy Sasha has of the past is an obsidian amulet. With ancient prophecies coming to bear and deadly enemies at all sides, can they uncover the secrets of the dark amulet.. and survive? The Green-Eyed Man: Stefan, one of the King’s arms masters, is appointed to train and protect Sasha, whose green eyes are a color never seen among the people of Carrador. This alone is enough to bring High Lord Tarkyn, forest guardian and sorcerer from the neighboring country of Eskuzor, to investigate. What he discovers turns Stefan’s world upside down. Soon, all other considerations are thrust aside when Sasha and her friend are abducted by the Kimorans. Racing against time, can Stefan save the two and bring peace to the realm? The Dark-Eyed Shaman: Upon return to Highkington, eleven-year-old Sasharia and her elder brother, Jondarion, try to settle back into day-to-day life. But their murderous aunt Toriana has no intention of allowing Sasha or Jon to survive, and will go to any lengths to protect her throne. Setting out for Kimora, the two hold on to a faint hope that Sasha, by wielding her amulet, can overcome her aunt’s magical binding and confront Toriana herself. But even with the help of her companions the task is monumental for a young girl. But Sasha is the true High Shaman and holder of the dark amulet. She is the only person who can even attempt to stop Toriana before the Kimoran armies invade Carrador. And unknown to them all, another unexpected force is also in play.