Award-winning fantasy authors Jeanine Berry, Sheri L. McGathy, Shannah Biondine, and Jeanne Allen reunite to bring you TWILIGHT CROSSINGS II, another extraordinary anthology born within the enchanted realms of twilight.
When Tanner is hired to find the mythical city of Sha-da-nay, little does she know that what she seeks is far different than what she'll find. For buried in the darkest depths of the Hagath Forest is a truth that can set her free, if only she is willing to truly see WHERE LIES BEAUTY.
The fate of all the Known Realms hangs in the balance when a great mage is assassinated and his Umbra Amulet stolen, leaving a world frozen in perpetual twilight. Zavend Preece has one clue-a firedrake scale found at the murder scene. Can he and the enigmatic Capt. Praxis track the killers and retrieve the enchanted amulet, or will they be forced evermore to MOURN A MOONREFT SKY?
In THE WELL OF FOREVER, enter an ancient world where desert winds part the sands to uncover a mesmerizing tale of magic and romance. In the wrong hands the wand of the legendary sorcerer Lohar could devastate the world, as it almost did once before. Caireya plans to destroy the wand before that can happen, but her plan may cost her life.
Cultures clash when Arvalian warriors invade the peaceful isle of Ignatia for its legendary treasures. In THE TREASURE OF ARVALIS, which will prevail, a determined warrior, a priestess striving for peace, or will a war among the gods force them toward a common destiny?
What others are saying about Twilight Crossings II:
5 STARS! from HUNTRESS REVIEWS "Four brilliant novellas that will tantalize your imagination to no end. Magic and romance combine to make this a book you won't soon forget." Reviewed by Detra Fitch
"I could not put the book down
and I did not want the stories to end. I hope that there is a
Twilight Crossings III in the future. Jeanne, Jeanine,
Shannah, and Sheri's ability to create complex stories with
divergent yet unified themes is a pleasure and gift to behold."
Reviewed by Dena at Fallen
Angels Reviews.
"These four tales of myth and legend, elves and dragons, magic wands and Vikings are guaranteed to sweep you away to distant times and fanciful places on epic journeys of adventure and romance. Fans of fantasy are sure to find Twilight Crossings II a delight."~~Elysa M. Hendricks, award-winning fantasy author of the Moon Trilogy
"...a wonderful anthology. Once again, these stories all have one theme in common: a major, life-altering decision to be made. We also have the theme of things not being what they appear on the surface, from the misshapen little man in WHERE LIES BEAUTY, to the treasure in THE TREASURE OF ARVALIS. These are four exceptional stories I recommend everyone reading!" ~~Chere Gruver for ParaNormal Romance Reviews
"This reviewer was amazed, awed, and astounded by the sheer depth of each author's perceptions in each story. Each story could literally stand alone as its own book, as the magnitude of each authors' perception and lushness of each world makes this fantasy anthology a must have in any library. Each author's characters appealed to the readers, and the interplay was captivating from the beginning. The authors drew the readers in and gave them a ride of their life. They didn't stop until the end of the book, and even then, this reviewer was wondering what was next. This book was different, as it was a fantasy that spans the imagination. This reviewer feels that this was one of this year's best in Fantasy Romance and highly recommends this one as a keeper. All four authors give a different perspective on their take on fantasy and it all comes together with flare, excitement and captivating reading. This reviewer gives high praise towards these four for creating a wonderful, enchanting series that seems to go beyond the scope of what fantasy is. High marks to all." Reviewed by Dawn at Love Romances Reviews.
"Each story of the anthology transports the reader to a vivid setting with strong characters. Choosing a favorite out of the four stories would be impossible. Twilight Crossings II is well written and very enjoyable. The authors have done a wonderful job of creating stories I'll reread many more times."~~Tina Morgan for Fiction Factor.
"This anthology is a wonderful collection of four novellas that capture that magical time between darkness and light. While each story has a romantic element sufficient to satisfy readers looking for that, I found the romance to be anything but overwhelming. It complemented the skilled storytelling rather than overpowering it. Readers will appreciate the strong interpersonal feelings experienced by the characters as relationships develop, but I at least did not feel that to be the primary point in any of these stories. Each of these character driven tales brings us through periods of conflict and enlightenment sure to be enjoyed by a wide audience." Review by Kevin Tisserand, fantasy author
Twilight Crossings is an anthology featuring four novellas by some of the most exciting women writing in science fiction and fantasy today--Jeanne Allen, Jeanine Berry, Shannah Biondine, and Sheri McGathy. Twilight...a time when reality blurs and a universe of infinite possibilities shimmers before our eyes.
Twilight Crossings...four novellas that will transport you to dazzling
new worlds ...
... ISADORA by Jeanne Allen: On an earth where nuclear war destroyed
the old world, Isadora must fight for the freedom to explore truth.
... TWIN STAR by Jeanine Berry: Forced to marry against her will,
Sonneret must hide the secret powers of her race from a man she
is beginning to love...a man who may destroy her people if he
learns the truth.
... EIDOLON by Shannah Biondine: An unusual stranger comes to
town in this fun tale about the old wild west with a devilish
twist of humor...
...THIEF OF DREAMS by Sheri L. McGathy: Nerys Devi has met the
man she could love with all her heart, the one she would share
her dreams with. Yet, fate has other plans. Instead of sharing
her dreams, will he now be doomed to haunt them?
Here's what others are saying about Twilight Crossings!
From the Amazon site: Five stars *****
"Magical Stories. Skillful writing and
magical themes highlight this fine collection of impressive stories.
'Isadora' delivers a different slant on the Salem Witch Trials
theme. 'Twin Star' comprises a fascinating alien romance story.
'Eidolon' explores a different type of brother and sister. 'Thief
of Dreams' is a tale filled with fairies and fairy rings and forest
creatures and lovers betrayed. This anthology is well worth the
price." Reviewer: Charmaine Mitchell
Lisa Lambrecht for In the Library Reviews:
"TWILIGHT CROSSINGS is a wonderful collection of stories that takes you to new and exciting places. It's a must read for those who love romance filled with the unknown, excitement, and adventure."
Cindy Penn for Word Weaving:
"A marvelous selection of paranormal stories -- Very highly recommended.
Four marvelously talented authors pool their gifts in the speculative fiction anthology TWILIGHT CROSSINGS, which consists of four separate stories. The combination of science fiction, futuristic, historical and fantasy tales promises a play of light and shadow that will cater to almost any taste. Each story is richly told, resulting in a marvelous anthology that comes very highly recommended."
Patricia Spork for eBook Reviews Weekly:
"Jeanne Allen, Jeanine Berry, Shannah Biondine and Sheri L. McGathy share vivid futuristic and fantasy tales in TWILIGHT CROSSING. Parallel-world time travel, alien/human conflict, devilish humor and Celtic myths make the collection a true treasure for any science fiction/fantasy romance reader. I highly recommend TWILIGHT CROSSING to people delighting in story sharing that endears the heart, enlightens the mind, and brings smiles to faces."
Piers Anthony, best-selling author of the Xanth series:
These are two Science Fiction Romances, one naughty Fantasy, and one Fantasy Romance, overall varied and interesting.
"Isadora" by Jeanne Allen is an alternate reality tale of America, with love across realities. Isa is about to be burned for witchcraft because she is curious about science. I thought of the Inquisition and the reaction of our present American administration to criticism. The oppressive feel is well presented, and the resolution consistent.
"Twin Star" by Jeanine Berry is about a woman of an alien but really human species who is selected to marry the ruler, stirring up plots against her. I am a foreign-born naturalized American citizen; I can relate to that kind of discrimination. Again, it is well enough done.
"Eidolon" by Shannah Biodine is quite different. Azubah is one of Satan's sisters, and she's full of mischief though she is a sexy living doll: no genitalia. She has a bet with Satan that she can find an honorable man, one who won't lie and cheat to get sex. She loses, though I think Satan cheated. Regardless, this is a fun read.
"Thief of Dreams" by Sheri L. McGathy features Nery, whose true love is treacherously ambushed, so that the bad man can force her to marry him, and she undertakes a rough quest to recover her love. I like the environmental theme, with a stag she saves helping her.
Do I recommend this book to genre readers?
Yes, especially to women. ~ Piers Anthony
Suzanne Coleburn, Winner of the Melinda Helfer Fairy Godmother Award 2002, for Reader To Reader Reviews
"TWILIGHT CROSSINGS is a book that will
light up your imagination and send it soaring into fantasyland,
future worlds, a wager with Lucifer, and fairy dreams. The authors
are clever, vastly talented, and exceptional storytellers. I was
enchanted by these spellbinding tales of love and crave to hear
more from these super charged authors in the future. Fans of this
genre will find TWILIGHT CROSSINGS a treasure!" Read
more of the review.
Elizabeth Delisi, author of LADY OF THE TWO LANDS
"TWILIGHT CROSSINGS showcases four distinctive
stories by four talented speculative fiction authors. A touch
of fantasy, a hint of romance, a sprinkle of the supernatural,
woven together with a web of the macabre, makes for a compelling,
can't-put-it-down reading experience. Don't miss this one!"
Detra Fitch for HUNTRESS BOOK REVIEWS!
This is a combination of Sci-Fi and Fantasy type of novel. It
contains four separate stories.
In ISADORA by Jeanne Allen, a young woman is accused of
witchcraft and sentenced to burn all because she falls in love
with a strange traveler. I cannot reveal where the traveler is
from though. That is vital to the story. I would prefer you, as
the reader, to find out on your own.
In TWIN STAR by Jeanine Berry, a young woman of the Dorshan
race is a "true dreamer". The ruler seeks a bride and
orders several single women locked in his harem so he may sample
them and choose. These two may change their entire world.
In EIDOLON by Shannah Biondine, a young lady (sort of)
has a wager with her brother. I REFUSE to tell anything
about her brother though. Part of the story's surprise is finding
out. Anyhow, the brother maintains that humans are selfish, lazy,
and greedy. She is to secure a pact with a mortal who must prove
himself better than his peers. Both demonic and heavenly hosts
await the outcome.
In THIEF OF DREAMS by Sheri L. McGrathy, the daughter of
a lord is wooed by two men. One wants her for herself. The other
wants her because the joining of their houses would be considered
a great alliance. They have one year to win her heart. This story
involves a Faery Ring. Telling anything more would ruin the tale.
**** Fantastic stories from awesome authors that you will want
to read over and over. I enjoyed every moment of the book. These
stories do not target a certain audience. Great for male or female.
Recommended! ****
Elaine Hopper for Word Weaving
"A treasure chest full of gems, each story
in Twilight Crossings sparkles. Sexy heroes, lovely heroines,
and magical romances ~ I was mesmerized. Cross the twilight and
escape the bounds of Earth for a few delicious hours by treating
yourself to this exceptional anthology."
Melinda Rucker Haynes, award-winning author of The Eternal Trust and Breach of Trust
"Twilight Crossings is a fantasy sampler of rare quality that discriminating readers of cutting-edge speculative fiction will adore."
Tee Morris, co-author of MOREVI
"A collection of stories that can turn any romantic from hopeless to hopeful."
Chere Gruver for Timeless Tales Reviews
"ISADORA...a wonderful heroine and story reminiscent of Salem with the witch trials. TWIN STAR is another wonderful tale. I loved the society, with the all-powerful Aklihesh. EIDOLON...If you like the Twilight Zone, you will definitely enjoy this story. THIEF OF DREAMS...I recommend this story to all lovers of Celtic lore. TWILIGHT CROSSINGS Anthology is a very absorbing book and I recommend it to everyone." Rating: 4.5 Stars. Read the whole review.
Elaine Corvidae, award-winning author of WINTER'S ORPHANS:
"Each of the four stories in TWILIGHT CROSSINGS pushes the bounds of speculative fiction in its own way, from an exploration of the price of foreknowledge, to giving the devil his due. This collection will satisfy any lover of thoughtful, provocative speculative fiction.
In ISADORA, Jeanne Allen spins a thought-provoking tale that explores the consequences of choice, both in our individual lives and in the universe as a whole.
TWIN STAR by Jeanine Berry is a fascinating story with superb world-building. An exploration of love and fate, it will hold your attention and not let go until the last word.
EIDOLON by Shannah Biondine is one of those rare stories that stays in your thoughts long after you have set the book aside. In a dusty mining town, a bet is carried out between Satan and his sister, using the townsfolk as pawns--but not all the players are as they seem.
In THIEF OF DREAMS, Sheri L. McGathy breathes new life into the old story of mortals abducted by fairies. Beautifully written, this tale of love and hope in the face of overwhelming odds casts a spell of its own over the reader."
The Eternal Night, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Fiction Web Site
"Twilight Crossings is a collection of 4 stories based around a common theme - the idea of people passing between different worlds. The stories are of very different styles but the theme binds them together beautifully. They could have been published separately but I feel that they benefit from being grouped together." Read more.
About Jeanne Allen
Jeanne Allen has drawn from her interest in science and nature to write thought-provoking stories that intertwine the genres of science fiction and romance. Jeanne is a member of the writers' group EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection). Her science fiction romance novel, The Most Daring Dreams, will be re-relased in spring 2005 by Double Dragon Publishing. Jeanne resides with her husband and border collie mix, Ursula, in the North Woods of Minnesota. Click here to visit Jeanne's website.
About
Jeanine Berry
One of the blackest moments of Jeanine's life was when she realized she would never live long enough to read all the books in the library. So why is she writing more? Because she can't resist a good fantasy story and there are too many of them teeming in her brain. Jeanine is the author of two fantasy novels, Dayspring Dawning and Dayspring Destiny, and a science fiction novel of the near future, The Sex Gates, which she co-wrote with Darrell Bain. She is currently working on the concluding book of her Dayspring series, The Secret Sky. Click here to visit Jeanine's website.
Jeanine's book Dayspring Destiny is a 2004 EPPIE FINALIST in the fantasy category.
About
Shannah Biondine
Shannah Biondine is an avid fiction reader and the author of several novels. Her published works are available at LTDBooks, New Concepts Publishing, and Puff Adder Books. She's a member of RWA, EPPRO, AEPRA, and the Authors Den. Shannah lives in Ventura County in Southern California with her husband, two children, three dogs, and a very contrary calico cat. Her LTDBooks title, SHADOW IN STARLIGHT, won the 2002 Eppie for Best Fantasy/Paranormal Romance and is a 2002 PRISM Finalist. You may visit Shannah on the web or contact her via e-mail.
About Sheri L. McGathy
"Born
a buckeye, I was uprooted in 1971 and replanted amongst sunflowers,
tornadoes and college football. It's a good life." ~ Sheri
L. McGathy
Sheri is married and has one grown son. She works in prepress in a graphic design department as a Graphic Arts Proofer/Copy Editor. When not working, she enjoys reading, writing, drawing and spoiling her three dogs, Hanna, Brenna and Hershey. Sheri is a member of The Kansas Writer's Association and IFWA - Internet Fantasy Writers Association. She is the author of the fantasy novels WITHIN THE SHADOW OF STONE and ELFEN GOLD. Visit Sheri's website or contact her by e-mail.
Sheri's stories Thief of Dreams and The Ancient One have finaled in the 2004 EPPIE Awards contest!
Excerpt from "Isadora" by Jeanne Allen:
Prologue
Clouds of gloom hung over the village, concealing all evidence
the sky had ever been blue. Hubert Alder stood before the woman
on trial. "Your powers of healing go beyond anyone born of
this earth. Every one of our brethren who has contracted the scourge
has succumbed. But you!" the Tribunal Lord thundered, the
long sleeves of his black robe flapping like bat wings as he pointed
an accusing finger. "You've used your power to cure a man
who committed grave sins against our God. You visited him in prison
while he was ill with the scourge. His recovery shortly thereafter
enabled him to overpower the guards and make his escape!"
On the large, wooden dais, Hubert paced slowly, deliberately in
front of the crowd, then turned on his heel to face the accused.
His voice became soft, but it was not soothing. "Why, Kander,
would you allow an evildoer like him a full recovery when good
people are left to sufferunless you are evil yourself? My own
wife died under your care." He bowed his head as if needing
a moment to overcome the sadness of having lost his spouse. He
lifted his head. "What say you, witch?"
She has already answered him! thought a yellow-haired girl,
holding onto her mother's leg as she peeked through an opening
in the crowd of adults standing around her. The woman did not
know why the prisoner recovered while others she treated did not.
Kander did not answer the Tribunal Lord again, but stood tall,
her eyes focused on the foot of the mountain that lay in the distance.
"Aha!" Hubert sneered. "You gaze at the City of
Rubble, a city destroyed for its wickedness. Is that where our
prisoner hides?" Her gaze darted to him. "You answer
not," he said, "but I see from your guilt-stricken eyes
that I am correct. Have no doubt, we will find him."
"No, let him be!" she cried. "He has hurt no one!"
Hubert swung toward the eight judges sitting in a row on the edge
of the stage. "How does the Council find this woman?"
The little girl stared at each judge as he took his turn to somberly
voice one word, "Guilty." When it was her father's turn,
he hesitated.
Father, please let her go.
"Guilty," he said in the end.
The girl's mother made a noise of disgust. "Come, Isa, I've
seen enough." She grasped Isa's hand and led her through
the crowd. As they wound their way forward, Isa heard Hubert's
voice. "On this eleventh day of April of the year nine hundred
and ninety-three after the Great Dying, you, Kander Leading, have
been found guilty of practicing sorcery."
After the sentence was pronounced, raucous cries rose from the
villagers. "Kill the witch!" "Hang her 'til dead!"
"Lord have mercy!"
A crystal voice rang out over the crowd. The words the woman sang
sounded foreign, but it was the most beautiful sound Isa had ever
heard. As her mother pulled her away, Isa caught a glimpse of
Kander's arms raised in the air, palms up, while she sang. Isa
was certain she was singing to God, despite what she heard from
one in the crowd: "She's calling for her legion!"
The music stopped abruptly, and Isa craned her neck to see the
condemned woman trying to wrench herself free from the grips of
the guards. They dragged her off the dais to a smaller platform
where, as drops of rain began to fall, a rope swayed in the building
wind.
Chapter One
Isadora Wynton was tingling with excitement. It may have been
due to being on the brink of a new discovery, or maybe it was
because she finally had someone to share her excitement with.
Either way, her concern about being labeled too eccentric for
a young woman in Alderwood during a time when independent thinking
was not particularly encouraged--especially for a woman--was the
last thing on her mind.
Her workshop behind the main house had been constructed for her
soap-making business, though, as her father, Oliver Wynton, was
heard to say, it also served the dual purpose of moving her experiments
out of the house.
She recalled him becoming enlivened in a way uncharacteristic
for a member of the Seven City council. Council members were known
for their solemn demeanors, for pursing their brows while making
rulings that kept order in the land. At least they had that reputation
in public. But Oliver seemed almost jubilant to see his daughter
finally take on the more normal household interest of making soap.
He'd had her workshop equipped with a firepit, the necessary cauldrons
and ash hoppers, stirring sticks, and wooden forms.
But Isa had envisioned a different type of work place. She'd lined
the shelves with bottles of colored solutions and powders, some
derived during her experiments, others purchased from Angus, the
apothecary in the village. She had added to the array various
utensils and mixing bowls, a crude weighing scale, and glassware
of varying sizes, shapes, and colors.
A meticulously self-drawn chart of the night sky covered a wall,
a thousand brightly colored dots painted on a dark blue canvas.
One area of shelving was reserved for her mother's geodes and
another for her childhood butterfly collection of iridescent blues
and greens.
A six-foot taxidermic alligator, its mouth gaping to expose rows
of sharp teeth, was an unusual choice of gift from someone who
wanted to see her take on more acceptable pastimes. "Your
mother would have loved it," Oliver had said. "I couldn't
resist." He'd brought it home from his recent journey to
lands in the south. Al, as Isa had named it, lay in wait by the
door, guarding the room.
Black of Night, Isa's pet raven, sat at the split door that had
its top half open. Head cocked, he listened to the conversation
within.
"See, Marcus, it says here: 'Azotic acid readily acts upon
copper metal.'" She was referring to the large book borrowed
from Angus. "We're about to see what these words really mean!"
The expression on the young man's face was one she couldn't quite
read. Amusement at her enthusiasm? Teasing her? Whatever he was
thinking, the way his golden-brown eyes sparkled as he looked
at her warmed her heart. He was a bit of a mystery, this Marcus.
Where the man came from, she couldn't be sure. Where he went off
to at times, no one knew. But he was here today, assisting her,
and he didn't seem to mind her odd choice of pastimes at all.
Marcus standing by her side, she placed a copper coin in the porcelain
bowl. She was about to pour in a few drams of the clear, thick
liquid.
"Perhaps you should open the window," he offered.
"The window?"
"Maybe the other window, too, so the air moves through the
room better."
Isa gave him a curious glance, for what he said made sense. She
set down the vial of acid.
"And put the bowl on the windowsill."
"You've done this before?"
"No, I've just seen noxious fumes come from unexpected places."
"From where?" Her curiosity was roused.
"From...elsewhere." He went to open the window on the
other side of the room.
Her attempts to find out more about him were left unanswered,
again.
Having taken the precautions, she carefully poured the acid on
the coin.
"Rawk!" the raven warned with a low, hoarse croak, and
he flew off.
Isa's eyes were riveted to the violent reaction bubbling before
her. A quick glance at Marcus told her he was as fascinated as
she. The liquid was turning a deep green-blue, not unlike the
color of the crystals inside one of her mother's geodes. A reddish-brown
cloud hissed and billowed above the reaction. Air currents carried
it outside until a backdraft returned the cloud to the room, causing
her to freeze like a statue in utter amazement, not to mention
that the cloud was immediately suffocating.
Marcus grabbed her arm and yanked her out of the building.
Once outside, Isa bent over, coughing as though she would never
stop. She coughed a bit longer until the air was expelled from
her lungs. Her fit finally beginning to subside, she drew in several
deep breaths.
"You all right?" He patted her back.
"Never felt better!" She was overtaken by more coughs.
"You sure?" His patting on her back changed to vigorous
rubbing.
"Of course I'm sure!" She continued to clear out her
lungs with residual hacking. Once recovered, she gushed, "Did
you see that, Marcus? How utterly splendid!" She produced
a few more coughs for good measure.
"Just so you're all right." He kept watching her as
though waiting to see if she was going to fall lifeless to the
ground.
"Marcus, I'm all right." She stressed each word.
Appearing satisfied that she was going to make a complete recovery,
he said, "Seeing that reaction was well worth the copper
coin, don't you think?"
"Most definitely." Gazing into his eyes, she felt a
thrill, a soul-reaching connection with this person who roamed
like the wandering stars she plotted on her chart. On impulse
she hugged him and discovered she could stand there for a lifetime
with his arms tenderly holding her like that. But the memory of
Cyril chose that moment to jar her from her reverie. She pulled
away, leaving Marcus to stand there, his arms empty, his expression
asking for an explanation, something she was not able to give
him.
She directed her mind toward her alchemy, deciding it was safer
to observe a reaction that produced suffocating gases than to
consider the feelings Marcus stirred in her. "Do you suppose
the fumes have cleared?" She turned toward the shed. "I
must write this in my journal, while the memory's fresh."
On entering her workshop, she noticed the coin gone and a liquid,
blue as a late afternoon sky, waiting for her at the bottom of
the bowl. Isa poured the liquid into a glass bottle and stoppered
it. To her, it was like holding a precious jewel.
But even more precious was having someone near her who shared
in her spirit of discovery, who, as she glimpsed through the window,
was nowhere to be seen.
End of Chapter One