Once a Hero

A rousing adventure of mystery and magic, in the best tradition of Robert Jordan and David Eddings, by one of the most exciting and imaginative voices in fantasy

A LEGEND COME TO LIFE

Half a millennium ago Neal Elfward, a legendary human warrior, fought alongside his Elven friend Aarundel for the freedom of mankind against the tyranny of the sorceress Reithrese's empire. But Neal's victory began a genocidal war that cost him dearly. Now the future he hoped for is unraveling. Count Berengar has invited the lovely Genevera, Aarundel's granddaughter, to join in a quest to bring stability to the land. Pressed to accomplish the impossible, Genevera suggests the unthinkable--raising Neal from the dead. But what is true in legend is not always true in reality. A hero from yesteryear may be a hero still, but is Neal the hero they want?

Praise for Once a Hero

"Magic, action, adventure, romance . . . This book has it all "--Jennifer Roberson

"A magnificent tale A page turner."--Dennis L. McKiernan

Michael A. Stackpole is the New York Times bestselling author of many titles in the Star Wars universe, including many of the Star WarsX-Wing novels and the New Jedi Order: Dark Tide novels Onslaught and Ruin. When not chained to a desk madly fighting deadlines, he plays indoor soccer, rides a mountain bike, and reads, but not all at the same time. Stackpole lives in Arizona with Liz Danforth and a small pack of Cardigan Welsh corgis.