Edmund, a king's son in disguise, and Elspeth, a sea captain's tomboy daughter, are the only two survivors of a terrible shipwreck. They just want to go home, but fate has other plans as they are drawn into the fight against an evil warlord terrorizing their homeland. Accompanied by a mysterious minstrel and haunted by magical powers they did not seek, Edmund and Elspeth journey across a savage land of wild boars, fierce rogue knights, and black magic. Fantasy fans will devour this dramatic tale of mystery, wonder, and the power of friendship.ReviewFrom CurledUpKids.comThis is an extraordinary adventure. Swordplay, guns, helicopters, fast cars and a striking conclusion make for a headlong, interesting read for teenagers. --CurledUpKids.com About the AuthorA.* J.* LAKE is a former teacher with a lifelong interest in the period of British history known as the Dark Ages. She is inspired by mountains, storms, and places of ice and snow. And she secretly hopes that dragons are real.

In COMING OF DRAGONS, Edmund and Elspeth received strange and powerful gifts that would lead them on a dangerous quest. Edmund has the vision of the Ripente - he can reach inside the minds of others and see what they see. Elspeth can draw upon the power of an enchanted sword and gauntlet when she is in danger. Now, the sword is speaking to Elspeth, leading her to a final showdown with an ancient god. But the journey they must take into the Snowlands is a perilous one, filled with haunting ice spirits, terrifying dragons and others who are aware of their presence in this remote realm. These two unlikely heroes must decide who they can trust and who means them harm. Elspeth's magical sword has brought them closer to their destiny than they realize, and it's up to them to succeed - at any cost. ReviewFrom Kirkus ReviewsA better-than-average middle volume that keeps the story rolling along nicely. --Kirkus Reviews From CurledUp.comA deep mystery is set up, done in such a way that it assumes intelligence on the part of a young reader, rather than spelling it all out the way so many books written for kids do….Thoroughly enjoyable. --CurledUp.comAbout the AuthorA. J. LAKE is a former teacher with a lifelong interest in the period of British history known as the Dark Ages. She is inspired by mountains, storms and places of ice and snow. And she secretly hopes that dragons are real. She is also the author of Coming of Dragons.

The ancient god Loki has been set free from the chains which bound him for centuries, and free to wreak terrible revenge. As Edmund and Elspeth desperately search for him, the fire and destruction they expect is nowhere to be seen. They discover instead strange emblems carved along the route south. Traveling ever closer toward the war between the Visigoths and the English, Edmond and Elspeth feel they are being drawn into a trap. But with the help of their friends, and faith in themselves they will face Loki one last time, at an ancient circle of stones that may be their last hope to defeat the terrible trickster.   Review"Beguiling and engrossing" (Praise for "The Book of the Sword") The Book Magazine About the AuthorA.* J.* LAKE is a former teacher with a lifelong interest in the period of British history known as the Dark Ages. She is inspired by mountains, storms, and places of ice and snow. And she secretly hopes that dragons are real. www.thedarkestage.com