The kingdoms of Osten Ard have been at peace for decades, but now, the threat of a new war grows to nightmarish proportions. Simon and Miriamele, royal husband and wife, face danger from every side. Their allies in Hernystir have made a pact with the dreadful Queen of the Norns to allow her armies to cross into mortal lands. The ancient, powerful nation of Nabban is on the verge of bloody civil war, and the fierce nomads of the Thrithings grasslands have begun to mobilize, united by superstitious fervor and their age-old hatred of the city-dwellers. But as the countries and peoples of the High Ward bicker among themselves, battle, bloodshed, and dark magics threaten to pull civilizations to pieces. And over it all looms the mystery of the Witchwood Crown, the deadly puzzle that Simon, Miriamele, and their allies must solve if they wish to survive. But as the kingdoms of Osten Ard are torn apart by fear and greed, a few individuals will fight for their own lives and destinies--not yet aware that the survival of everything depends on them.

Udgivet af Hodder & Stoughton 

Tad Williams
Amerikansk forfatter og en af de bedste nulevende forfattere I genren. Hans første bog var "Tailchaser's Song", fra 1985, som havde katte som hovedpersoner. Men tre år senere udkom "The Dragonbone Chair", og det ver denne bog som var med til at give Williams hans store gennembrud. Det var første del I hans fantasy trilogi "Memory, Sorrow and Thorn", en kæmpesaga med dusinvis af spændende personer og racer. I 1996 startede Williams sin næste store saga, denne gang SF. Det var "Otherland" som bliver på fire bøger når den er færdig.