Once Upon A Dreadful Time
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
National bestselling author of the Mithgar novels Dennis L. McKiernan delivers the exhilarating conclusion to his celebrated seasonal fairytale cycle, pitting the heroic couples of the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Woods against the ultimate darkness…
Once upon a dreadful time, the vile witch Hradian conceives of a plan to set free her master, the wizard Orbane, now trapped in the Castle of Shadows. But her scheme results in unforeseen consequences—threatening not only the world of Faery but that of mortals as well.
Rising to challenge this threat, the heroes and heroines of Winterwood, Summerwood, Springwood, and Autumnwood rally humans and Fey alike to a cause that may be lost before it begins.
Guided by the enigmatic words of the Fates, the alliance battles the dark forces in a desperate attempt to prevail, only to be driven back, for nothing, it seems, can stop the affliction. And though Time touches not this land of legend, Time itself is a hazard…
“Exhibits the author’s unflinching charm and obvious mastery of his art.”—Library Journal
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Technically a stand-alone, McKiernan's solid fifth and final Once Upon fantasy (after 2006's Once Upon a Spring Morn) focuses on the battle to keep the dreadful witch Hradian and scheming wizard Orbane from despoiling Winterwood, Springwood, Summerwood, Autumnwood and the River of Time itself. After King Valeray and Queen Saissa's children and their consorts destroy Hradian's three wicked sisters and take possession of the seasonal lands, Hradian becomes determined to exact revenge. Toward this end, she decides to free the wizard Orbane, whose evil machinations soon exceed even Hradian's foul desires. Fey allies and the enigmatic guidance of the Fates are required to counter Orbane, and success is far from assured. Series fans should be satisfied, though some may be disappointed that this one is more about war than romance and that background information, presumably for the benefit of newcomers, slows the plot in places.
