epic fiction

Provides critical overviews of literary epics of all time periods, nations, and cultures. Includes discussions of themes, characters, literary traditions and cultural context.

Presents the complete, unabridged text of James Joyce's "Ulysses," as corrected and reset in 1961, with page references to the 1934 edition, the author's original foreword, and a reprinting of the 1933 court decision to lift the federal ban on the book.

Landing on a new planet where he's instantly caught up in the struggle between a tyrant and the rebels, Nomad, in a world under constant threat of a sunrise whose heat will melt the very stones, must gain enough power to leap offworld before he pays the ultimate price.

"Idris used to be a war hero--a fighting elite, technologically enhanced not only to be stronge, faster, and near immortal, but to communicate mind-to-mind with Earth's mysterious alien enemies known as the Architects. Then the Architects simply disappeared--and Idris and his kind became obsolete. Now, fifty years later, Idris and his crew have found something strange abandoned in space. Have their enemies returned? And if so, why?"--Provided by publisher.

"Bled dry by violent confrontations with the Magadhan Empire, the Mathuran Republic simmers on the brink of oblivion. Senator Krishna and his third wife Satyabhama have put their plans in motion, both within and beyond the Republic's blood-soaked borders, to protect it from total annihilation. But they are soon to discover that neither gold nor alliances last forever--and that they are not the only players on the board. Mati, Pirate-Princess of Kalinga, has decided to mend her ways and become a good wife. But old habits die hard, especially when one habitually uses murder to settle old scores. Brooding and beautiful Karna hopes to bury his brutal past, but finds that destiny is a miser when it comes to granting second chances. Hero-turned-torturer Shakuni limps through a path of daggers. Meanwhile, his foes and woes multiply, leaving little time for vengeance. Their lives are about to become yet more difficult, as a cast of sinister queens, naive kings, pious assassins and ravenous priests are converging where the Son of Darkness is prophesied to rise . . . even as forgotten Gods prepare to play their hand"--Provided by publisher.

"Jade, the mysterious and magical substance once exclusive to the Green Bone warriors of Kekon, is now known and coveted throughout the world. Everyone wants access to the supernatural abilities it provides, from traditional forces such as governments, mercenaries, and criminal kingpins, to modern players, including doctors, athletes, and movie studios. As the struggle over the control of jade grows ever larger and more deadly, the Kaul family, and the ancient ways of the Kekonese Green Bones, will never be the same. The Kauls have been battered by war and tragedy. They are plagued by resentments and old wounds as their adversaries are on the ascent and their country is riven by dangerous factions and foreign interference that could destroy the Green Bone way of life altogether. As a new generation arises, the clan's growing empire is in danger of coming apart. The clan must discern allies from enemies, set aside bloody rivalries, and make terrible sacrifices... but even the unbreakable bonds of blood and loyalty may not be enough to ensure the survival of the Green Bone clans and the nation they are sworn to protect"--Provided by publisher.

Svanhild is now one of King Harald?s wives and while her brother, Ragnvald, believes Harald will bring peace to Norway, he also knows success will be his downfall. When an old enemy of Ragnvald kidnaps his niece, he and Svanhild journey to Iceland, which offers a chance for a new life but also unexpected challenges.

"Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches. Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty...and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa's forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him. Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he's deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he's one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning. Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa's adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin's ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton's partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she's playing for--her lover or her kingdom.".

Infected with the essence of death itself, robbed of his power as a war wizard, Richard must race against time to uncover and stop an infernal conspiracy and Kahlan, also touched by death's power, will die completely if Richard fails.

". . . a novel of art, time, love, and plague that takes the reader from an island off Vancouver in 1912 to a dark colony of the moon three hundred years later, unfurling a story of humanity across centuries and planets"--Provided by publisher.