With one foot in the heroic past and one swinging fist in the future of fantastic storytelling, these 28 tales of swashbuckling adventure give answer. The heroes of these stories face insurmountable odds—and do not always prevail. Strength of muscle might fail; strength of will may falter before mankind's oldest enemy. Demons. Creatures of utter dark and fire's flare. Immortal princes of Hell who damn as well as destroy, who look upon humanity as playthings . . . and prey. Emerging from the shadows of the past; slithering from other dimensions; clawing their way out of the Pit; summoned by mischief or mistake. Clad in fair flesh or foul form, they are thirsty for blood, hungry for souls. Against this ancient evil men and women rise in challenge, heroes who meet the demonic host with cold, sharp steel. The next time a shadow by the windowsill issues a diabolical moan or whispers from the eaves, you’ll wish you had one of these heroes along. Barring that, you’ll want to have this book. So strap your armor tight, grasp your sword tighter—if such false hopes will comfort you—and prepare to enjoy worlds where terror and courage are two edges of the same blade.
With one foot in the heroic past and one swinging fist in the future of fantastic storytelling, these 28 tales of swashbuckling adventure give answer. The heroes of these stories face insurmountable odds—and do not always prevail. Strength of muscle might fail; strength of will may falter before mankind's oldest enemy. Demons. Creatures of utter dark and fire's flare. Immortal princes of Hell who damn as well as destroy, who look upon humanity as playthings . . . and prey. Emerging from the shadows of the past; slithering from other dimensions; clawing their way out of the Pit; summoned by mischief or mistake. Clad in fair flesh or foul form, they are thirsty for blood, hungry for souls. Against this ancient evil men and women rise in challenge, heroes who meet the demonic host with cold, sharp steel. The next time a shadow by the windowsill issues a diabolical moan or whispers from the eaves, you’ll wish you had one of these heroes along. Barring that, you’ll want to have this book. So strap your armor tight, grasp your sword tighter—if such false hopes will comfort you—and prepare to enjoy worlds where terror and courage are two edges of the same blade.