Return to a land of war cats, lost cities, and mystic beings in the fifth Gandalara Cycle novel from the author of the Lord Darcy series.

After a meteor explosion, Rikardon wakes in a new body and in a strange desert land named Gandalara, where he must uncover his purpose—and survive to outwit his enemies . . .


Hidden somewhere in the ancient city of Kä lies the sword of the Kings—a precious artifact that will help Tarani and Rikardon wrest control away from the malevolent High Lord Indomel. Problem is, not only is the sword lost, but so is Kä itself.


Rikardon and Tarani gather their strength in the Valley of the Sha'um, home to war cats like Rikardon's companion, Keeshah. Tarani forms her own mindlink with Keeshah's pregnant mate, Yayshah. Soon they'll journey into the unforgiving desert to search for Kä, guided by memories Rikardon retrieves from the mystic All-Mind. But as Rikardon knows, while the sword can prove Tarani's claim to the throne, it will also reveal a deception that she may never be able to forgive . . .

Praise for the Gandalara Cycle

"Entertaining and well-paced . . . Full of swordplay and giant cats." —Theodore Sturgeon, The Twilight Zone Magazine

"This series as a whole is possibly the best of its kind in many years." —SF Chronicle