Author: Scott Michael Decker
Publisher: Next Chapter
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1378
Book Description
All four books in 'Fall Of The Swords', a series of fantasy novels by Scott Michael Decker, now in one volume! The Peasant: Following a civil war, an empire grapples with the devastating fallout. His conscience heavy, Peasant General Guarding Bear wants to usurp the tyrannical emperor’s throne. But the general’s rivals continue to play games, seeking to avenge their name and reclaim the Northern Imperial Sword. With his reign threatened and no progeny to his name, the Emperor plots to conceive an heir by stealth. Soon, Guarding Bear enters a world of deception, smoke and mirrors, and must decide where his loyalties lie. The Bandit: Tired of lying in wait, the exiled Noble Bandit seizes his chance at revenge. Meanwhile, as the birth of the Royal Twins nears, Peasant General Guarding Bear is repatriated by the Emperor. Fearing for the safety of his heirs, the emperor orders the general to lay siege to his enemy’s fortress. In preparation, the general recruits the aid of a powerful wizard and a skilled young healer – but none of them suspects a traitor in their midst. As loyalties are tested and new alliances made, who will rise above and claim victory as their own? The Heir: The future of the Empire hangs in the balance. Separated from birth, the Royal Twins have been raised in opposite corners of the empire. Meanwhile, bandits continue to lay waste to the kingdom in their attempt to force the Emperor to relinquish the Northern Imperial Sword. Among them is the Noble Bandit, nemesis of Peasant General Guarding Bear. Tasked with rearing one of the twins, the Peasant General wastes no time in preparing the boy for his destiny of ridding the kingdom of the bandits once and for all. But long-kept secrets are brought to life as the Heir is mistaken for his long-lost brother, and his new rival declares himself Emperor of the northern lands. Their path leads them towards a final confrontation that will forever change the fate of the realm. The Emperor: Seeking Sword looks to the south for only one thing: The Northern Imperial Sword, which now lies dormant in the vaults of the Eastern Empire. Without it, Seeking Sword will always be a bandit. And to get it, he'll have to defeat the Heir. Abandoned to bandits as an infant, Seeking Sword has known adversity, but nothing has prepared him to lead a campaign against such an adversary. It isn't the Heir's formidable fighting skills nor his tactical acumen that so dismays the bandit Emperor. It's the beloved devotion of his people.
Fall of the Swords Collection
Author: Scott Michael Decker
Publisher: Next Chapter
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1378
Book Description
All four books in 'Fall Of The Swords', a series of fantasy novels by Scott Michael Decker, now in one volume! The Peasant: Following a civil war, an empire grapples with the devastating fallout. His conscience heavy, Peasant General Guarding Bear wants to usurp the tyrannical emperor’s throne. But the general’s rivals continue to play games, seeking to avenge their name and reclaim the Northern Imperial Sword. With his reign threatened and no progeny to his name, the Emperor plots to conceive an heir by stealth. Soon, Guarding Bear enters a world of deception, smoke and mirrors, and must decide where his loyalties lie. The Bandit: Tired of lying in wait, the exiled Noble Bandit seizes his chance at revenge. Meanwhile, as the birth of the Royal Twins nears, Peasant General Guarding Bear is repatriated by the Emperor. Fearing for the safety of his heirs, the emperor orders the general to lay siege to his enemy’s fortress. In preparation, the general recruits the aid of a powerful wizard and a skilled young healer – but none of them suspects a traitor in their midst. As loyalties are tested and new alliances made, who will rise above and claim victory as their own? The Heir: The future of the Empire hangs in the balance. Separated from birth, the Royal Twins have been raised in opposite corners of the empire. Meanwhile, bandits continue to lay waste to the kingdom in their attempt to force the Emperor to relinquish the Northern Imperial Sword. Among them is the Noble Bandit, nemesis of Peasant General Guarding Bear. Tasked with rearing one of the twins, the Peasant General wastes no time in preparing the boy for his destiny of ridding the kingdom of the bandits once and for all. But long-kept secrets are brought to life as the Heir is mistaken for his long-lost brother, and his new rival declares himself Emperor of the northern lands. Their path leads them towards a final confrontation that will forever change the fate of the realm. The Emperor: Seeking Sword looks to the south for only one thing: The Northern Imperial Sword, which now lies dormant in the vaults of the Eastern Empire. Without it, Seeking Sword will always be a bandit. And to get it, he'll have to defeat the Heir. Abandoned to bandits as an infant, Seeking Sword has known adversity, but nothing has prepared him to lead a campaign against such an adversary. It isn't the Heir's formidable fighting skills nor his tactical acumen that so dismays the bandit Emperor. It's the beloved devotion of his people.
Publisher: Next Chapter
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1378
Book Description
All four books in 'Fall Of The Swords', a series of fantasy novels by Scott Michael Decker, now in one volume! The Peasant: Following a civil war, an empire grapples with the devastating fallout. His conscience heavy, Peasant General Guarding Bear wants to usurp the tyrannical emperor’s throne. But the general’s rivals continue to play games, seeking to avenge their name and reclaim the Northern Imperial Sword. With his reign threatened and no progeny to his name, the Emperor plots to conceive an heir by stealth. Soon, Guarding Bear enters a world of deception, smoke and mirrors, and must decide where his loyalties lie. The Bandit: Tired of lying in wait, the exiled Noble Bandit seizes his chance at revenge. Meanwhile, as the birth of the Royal Twins nears, Peasant General Guarding Bear is repatriated by the Emperor. Fearing for the safety of his heirs, the emperor orders the general to lay siege to his enemy’s fortress. In preparation, the general recruits the aid of a powerful wizard and a skilled young healer – but none of them suspects a traitor in their midst. As loyalties are tested and new alliances made, who will rise above and claim victory as their own? The Heir: The future of the Empire hangs in the balance. Separated from birth, the Royal Twins have been raised in opposite corners of the empire. Meanwhile, bandits continue to lay waste to the kingdom in their attempt to force the Emperor to relinquish the Northern Imperial Sword. Among them is the Noble Bandit, nemesis of Peasant General Guarding Bear. Tasked with rearing one of the twins, the Peasant General wastes no time in preparing the boy for his destiny of ridding the kingdom of the bandits once and for all. But long-kept secrets are brought to life as the Heir is mistaken for his long-lost brother, and his new rival declares himself Emperor of the northern lands. Their path leads them towards a final confrontation that will forever change the fate of the realm. The Emperor: Seeking Sword looks to the south for only one thing: The Northern Imperial Sword, which now lies dormant in the vaults of the Eastern Empire. Without it, Seeking Sword will always be a bandit. And to get it, he'll have to defeat the Heir. Abandoned to bandits as an infant, Seeking Sword has known adversity, but nothing has prepared him to lead a campaign against such an adversary. It isn't the Heir's formidable fighting skills nor his tactical acumen that so dismays the bandit Emperor. It's the beloved devotion of his people.
Swords Against The Senate
Author: Erik Hildinger
Publisher: Da Capo Press
ISBN: 0786741813
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
In the first century B.C., Rome was the ruler of a vast empire. Yet at the heart of the Republic was a fatal flaw: a dangerous hostility between the aristocracy and the plebians, each regarding itself as the foundation of Rome's military power. Turning from their foreign enemies, Romans would soon be fighting Romans.Swords Against the Senate describes the first three decades of Rome's century-long civil war that transformed it from a republic to an imperial autocracy, from the Rome of citizen leaders to the Rome of decadent emperor thugs. As the republic came apart amid turmoil, Gaius Marius, the "people's general," rose to despotic power only to be replaced by the brutal dictator Sulla. The Roman army, once invincible against foreign antagonists, became a tool for the powerful, and the Roman Senate its foe.
Publisher: Da Capo Press
ISBN: 0786741813
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
In the first century B.C., Rome was the ruler of a vast empire. Yet at the heart of the Republic was a fatal flaw: a dangerous hostility between the aristocracy and the plebians, each regarding itself as the foundation of Rome's military power. Turning from their foreign enemies, Romans would soon be fighting Romans.Swords Against the Senate describes the first three decades of Rome's century-long civil war that transformed it from a republic to an imperial autocracy, from the Rome of citizen leaders to the Rome of decadent emperor thugs. As the republic came apart amid turmoil, Gaius Marius, the "people's general," rose to despotic power only to be replaced by the brutal dictator Sulla. The Roman army, once invincible against foreign antagonists, became a tool for the powerful, and the Roman Senate its foe.
The Fell Sword
Author: Miles Cameron
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN: 0316212342
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 614
Book Description
When a mercenary and his company are charged with putting down a local rebellion, the consequences will be larger than they ever imagined in this action-packed sequel to The Red Knight. Loyalty costs money. Betrayal, on the other hand, is free. When the Emperor is taken hostage, the Red Knight and his men find their services in high demand -- and themselves surrounded by enemies. The country is in revolt, the capital city is besieged and any victory will be hard won. But the Red Knight has a plan. The question is, can he negotiate the political, magical, real and romantic battlefields at the same time -- especially when he intends to be victorious on them all? If you're a fan of Mark Lawrence, John Gwynne, or Brian McClellan you won't want to miss out on the second book of this intricate, epic fantasy.
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN: 0316212342
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 614
Book Description
When a mercenary and his company are charged with putting down a local rebellion, the consequences will be larger than they ever imagined in this action-packed sequel to The Red Knight. Loyalty costs money. Betrayal, on the other hand, is free. When the Emperor is taken hostage, the Red Knight and his men find their services in high demand -- and themselves surrounded by enemies. The country is in revolt, the capital city is besieged and any victory will be hard won. But the Red Knight has a plan. The question is, can he negotiate the political, magical, real and romantic battlefields at the same time -- especially when he intends to be victorious on them all? If you're a fan of Mark Lawrence, John Gwynne, or Brian McClellan you won't want to miss out on the second book of this intricate, epic fantasy.
Tremontaine
Author: Ellen Kushner
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 148148558X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 688
Book Description
"A duchess's beauty matched only by her cunning; her husband's dangerous affair with a handsome scholar; a foreigner in a playground of swordplay and secrets; and a mathematical genius on the brink of revolution. Suddenly long-buried lies threaten to come to light and betrayal and treachery run rampant in this story of sparkling wit and political intrigue."--Amazon.com.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 148148558X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 688
Book Description
"A duchess's beauty matched only by her cunning; her husband's dangerous affair with a handsome scholar; a foreigner in a playground of swordplay and secrets; and a mathematical genius on the brink of revolution. Suddenly long-buried lies threaten to come to light and betrayal and treachery run rampant in this story of sparkling wit and political intrigue."--Amazon.com.
The Fall of The Kings
Author: Ellen Kushner
Publisher: Bantam
ISBN: 0307418464
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 530
Book Description
This stunning follow-up to Ellen Kushner’s cult-classic novel, Swordspoint, is set in the same world of labyrinthine intrigue, where sharp swords and even sharper wits rule. Against a rich tapestry of artists and aristocrats, students, strumpets, and spies, a gentleman and a scholar will find themselves playing out an ancient drama destined to explode their society’s smug view of itself–and reveal that sometimes the best price of uncovering history is being forced to repeat it…. The Fall of the Kings Generations ago the last king fell, taking with him the final truths about a race of wizards who ruled at his side. But the blood of the kings runs deep in the land and its people, waiting for the coming together of two unusual men, Theron Campion, a young nobleman of royal lineage, is heir to an ancient house and a modern scandal. Tormented by his twin duties to his family and his own bright spirit, he seeks solace in the University. There he meets Basil St. Cloud, a brilliant and charismatic teacher ruled by a passion for knowledge–and a passion for the ancient kings. Of course, everyone now knows that the wizards were charlatans and the kings their dupes and puppets. Only Basil ins not convinced–nor is he convinced that the city has seen its last king…
Publisher: Bantam
ISBN: 0307418464
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 530
Book Description
This stunning follow-up to Ellen Kushner’s cult-classic novel, Swordspoint, is set in the same world of labyrinthine intrigue, where sharp swords and even sharper wits rule. Against a rich tapestry of artists and aristocrats, students, strumpets, and spies, a gentleman and a scholar will find themselves playing out an ancient drama destined to explode their society’s smug view of itself–and reveal that sometimes the best price of uncovering history is being forced to repeat it…. The Fall of the Kings Generations ago the last king fell, taking with him the final truths about a race of wizards who ruled at his side. But the blood of the kings runs deep in the land and its people, waiting for the coming together of two unusual men, Theron Campion, a young nobleman of royal lineage, is heir to an ancient house and a modern scandal. Tormented by his twin duties to his family and his own bright spirit, he seeks solace in the University. There he meets Basil St. Cloud, a brilliant and charismatic teacher ruled by a passion for knowledge–and a passion for the ancient kings. Of course, everyone now knows that the wizards were charlatans and the kings their dupes and puppets. Only Basil ins not convinced–nor is he convinced that the city has seen its last king…
The Falling Sword
Author: Ben Kane
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1409173453
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 438
Book Description
CAN GREECE RESIST THE MIGHT OF ROME? Get ready for the climax of the Roman invasion of Greece in Sunday Times bestseller Ben Kane's latest historical adventure. ONE FINAL CLASH Reeling from his defeat at the hands of the Macedonians, Rome's furious General Flamininus gathers his legions for the final strike on King Philip's mighty phalanx. AN EMPIRE ON THE EDGE Both leaders know the victor will rule Greece, and both armies will do everything in their power to claim the ultimate prize. TWO HEROES PREPARED TO DIE Fighting on opposing sides, Felix and Demetrios think they have survived the worst of the campaign. But between vicious infighting, unruly locals, and intense battle, both will be tested as the final showdown between two great civilisations begins . . . THE FALLING SWORD is the gripping follow-up to CLASH OF EMPIRES from Ben Kane, the master of historical fiction - for fans of Simon Scarrow, Harry Sidebottom, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. Praise for Ben Kane's CLASH OF EMPIRES: 'A triumph!' Harry Sidebottom 'Exceptional' Anthony Riches 'Fans of battle-heavy historical fiction will, justly, adore Clash of Empires' The Times
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1409173453
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 438
Book Description
CAN GREECE RESIST THE MIGHT OF ROME? Get ready for the climax of the Roman invasion of Greece in Sunday Times bestseller Ben Kane's latest historical adventure. ONE FINAL CLASH Reeling from his defeat at the hands of the Macedonians, Rome's furious General Flamininus gathers his legions for the final strike on King Philip's mighty phalanx. AN EMPIRE ON THE EDGE Both leaders know the victor will rule Greece, and both armies will do everything in their power to claim the ultimate prize. TWO HEROES PREPARED TO DIE Fighting on opposing sides, Felix and Demetrios think they have survived the worst of the campaign. But between vicious infighting, unruly locals, and intense battle, both will be tested as the final showdown between two great civilisations begins . . . THE FALLING SWORD is the gripping follow-up to CLASH OF EMPIRES from Ben Kane, the master of historical fiction - for fans of Simon Scarrow, Harry Sidebottom, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. Praise for Ben Kane's CLASH OF EMPIRES: 'A triumph!' Harry Sidebottom 'Exceptional' Anthony Riches 'Fans of battle-heavy historical fiction will, justly, adore Clash of Empires' The Times
Swordspoint
Author: Ellen Kushner
Publisher: Spectra
ISBN: 0307418359
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 363
Book Description
The cult classic fantasy of manners, now with three bonus stories “Swordspoint has an unforgettable opening and just gets better from there.”—George R. R. Martin Hailed by critics as “a bravura performance” (Locus) and “witty, sharp-eyed, [and] full of interesting people” (Newsday), this acclaimed novel, filled with remarkable plot twists and unexpected humor, takes fantasy to an unprecedented level of elegant writing and scintillating wit. Award-winning author Ellen Kushner has created a world of unforgettable characters whose political ambitions, passionate love affairs, and age-old rivalries collide with deadly results. On the treacherous streets of Riverside, a man lives and dies by the sword. Even the nobles on the Hill turn to duels to settle their disputes. Within this elite, dangerous world, Richard St. Vier is the undisputed master, as skilled as he is ruthless—until a death by the sword is met with outrage instead of awe, and the city discovers that the line between hero and villain can be altered in the blink of an eye.
Publisher: Spectra
ISBN: 0307418359
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 363
Book Description
The cult classic fantasy of manners, now with three bonus stories “Swordspoint has an unforgettable opening and just gets better from there.”—George R. R. Martin Hailed by critics as “a bravura performance” (Locus) and “witty, sharp-eyed, [and] full of interesting people” (Newsday), this acclaimed novel, filled with remarkable plot twists and unexpected humor, takes fantasy to an unprecedented level of elegant writing and scintillating wit. Award-winning author Ellen Kushner has created a world of unforgettable characters whose political ambitions, passionate love affairs, and age-old rivalries collide with deadly results. On the treacherous streets of Riverside, a man lives and dies by the sword. Even the nobles on the Hill turn to duels to settle their disputes. Within this elite, dangerous world, Richard St. Vier is the undisputed master, as skilled as he is ruthless—until a death by the sword is met with outrage instead of awe, and the city discovers that the line between hero and villain can be altered in the blink of an eye.
The Plague of Swords
Author: Miles Cameron
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN: 0316302414
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 553
Book Description
With more at stake than ever before, The Red Knight faces an uncertain future and is forced to team up with old enemies to defeat a greater evil in the fourth book in the Traitor Son Cycle. One enemy has fallen. But a greater one still remains. Now, it's war. With one army defeated in a victory which will be remembered through the ages, now the Red Knight must fight again. For every one of his allies, there is a corresponding enemy. Spread across different lands, and on sea, it will all come down to one last gamble. And to whether or not the Red Knight has guessed the foe's true intentions. With each throw of the dice, everything could be lost.
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN: 0316302414
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 553
Book Description
With more at stake than ever before, The Red Knight faces an uncertain future and is forced to team up with old enemies to defeat a greater evil in the fourth book in the Traitor Son Cycle. One enemy has fallen. But a greater one still remains. Now, it's war. With one army defeated in a victory which will be remembered through the ages, now the Red Knight must fight again. For every one of his allies, there is a corresponding enemy. Spread across different lands, and on sea, it will all come down to one last gamble. And to whether or not the Red Knight has guessed the foe's true intentions. With each throw of the dice, everything could be lost.
Clash of Empires
Author: Ben Kane
Publisher: Orion
ISBN: 1409173402
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 491
Book Description
HAS ROME FINALLY MET ITS MATCH? 'A triumph!' Harry Sidebottom 'Exceptional' Anthony Riches 'Fans of battle-heavy historical fiction will, justly, adore Clash of Empires' The Times **************** THE MIGHT OF ROME The great general Hannibal Barca is on the verge of defeat. Victory will crown Rome the most powerful empire in the world. While the ambitious senator Flamininus plots his path to power... THE GLORY OF GREECE Only unconquered Greece stands in the way of glory. King Philip V of Macedon's mighty phalanx is an enemy Rome has long feared, and one that has never known defeat. THE HEROES OF HISTORY Demetrios has dreamed of fighting with the phalanx his whole life, but the young villager will soon learn that, in a clash of empires, you're only ever one swing of the sword away from death - or entering legend. CLASH OF EMPIRES is the gripping first novel in a new series from the master of historical fiction - for fans of Simon Scarrow, Harry Sidebottom, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. *** PRE-ORDER BEN KANE'S NEW NOVEL, THE FALLING SWORD, TODAY *** What readers are saying about Ben Kane's masterful new historical novel: 'I have not read much about the Roman Invasion of Greece 200-197BC, so with a breath of fresh air up pops Ben Kane with a very masterful tale' Amazon review 'Grabs you from the start and never lets go' - Harry Sidebottom, author of the THE LAST HOUR 'Ben does a great job telling the story from both Greek and Roman perspective' Amazon review 'I haven't enjoyed a book this much for ages' - Giles Kristian, author of LANCELOT
Publisher: Orion
ISBN: 1409173402
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 491
Book Description
HAS ROME FINALLY MET ITS MATCH? 'A triumph!' Harry Sidebottom 'Exceptional' Anthony Riches 'Fans of battle-heavy historical fiction will, justly, adore Clash of Empires' The Times **************** THE MIGHT OF ROME The great general Hannibal Barca is on the verge of defeat. Victory will crown Rome the most powerful empire in the world. While the ambitious senator Flamininus plots his path to power... THE GLORY OF GREECE Only unconquered Greece stands in the way of glory. King Philip V of Macedon's mighty phalanx is an enemy Rome has long feared, and one that has never known defeat. THE HEROES OF HISTORY Demetrios has dreamed of fighting with the phalanx his whole life, but the young villager will soon learn that, in a clash of empires, you're only ever one swing of the sword away from death - or entering legend. CLASH OF EMPIRES is the gripping first novel in a new series from the master of historical fiction - for fans of Simon Scarrow, Harry Sidebottom, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. *** PRE-ORDER BEN KANE'S NEW NOVEL, THE FALLING SWORD, TODAY *** What readers are saying about Ben Kane's masterful new historical novel: 'I have not read much about the Roman Invasion of Greece 200-197BC, so with a breath of fresh air up pops Ben Kane with a very masterful tale' Amazon review 'Grabs you from the start and never lets go' - Harry Sidebottom, author of the THE LAST HOUR 'Ben does a great job telling the story from both Greek and Roman perspective' Amazon review 'I haven't enjoyed a book this much for ages' - Giles Kristian, author of LANCELOT
The Privilege of the Sword
Author: Ellen Kushner
Publisher: Spectra
ISBN: 0553902830
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
From the award-winning author of Swordspoint comes a witty, wicked coming-of-age story that is both edgy and timeless. . . . Welcome to Riverside, where the aristocratic and the ambitious battle for power and prestige in the city’s labyrinth of streets and ballrooms, theatres and brothels, boudoirs and salons. Into this alluring and alarming world walks a bright young woman ready to take it on and make her fortune. A well-bred country girl, Katherine knows all the rules of conventional society. Her biggest mistake is thinking they apply. Katherine’s host and uncle, Alec Campion, the capricious and decadent Mad Duke Tremontaine, is in charge here—and to him, rules are made to be broken. When he decides it would be far more amusing for his niece to learn swordplay than to follow the usual path to ballroom and husband, her world changes forever. And there’s no going back. Blade in hand, it’s up to Katherine to find her own way through a maze of secrets and betrayals, nobles and scoundrels—and to gain the power, respect, and self-discovery that come to those who master. . . . “Unholy fun, and wholly fun . . . an elegant riposte, dazzlingly executed.”—Gregory Maguire, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked
Publisher: Spectra
ISBN: 0553902830
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
From the award-winning author of Swordspoint comes a witty, wicked coming-of-age story that is both edgy and timeless. . . . Welcome to Riverside, where the aristocratic and the ambitious battle for power and prestige in the city’s labyrinth of streets and ballrooms, theatres and brothels, boudoirs and salons. Into this alluring and alarming world walks a bright young woman ready to take it on and make her fortune. A well-bred country girl, Katherine knows all the rules of conventional society. Her biggest mistake is thinking they apply. Katherine’s host and uncle, Alec Campion, the capricious and decadent Mad Duke Tremontaine, is in charge here—and to him, rules are made to be broken. When he decides it would be far more amusing for his niece to learn swordplay than to follow the usual path to ballroom and husband, her world changes forever. And there’s no going back. Blade in hand, it’s up to Katherine to find her own way through a maze of secrets and betrayals, nobles and scoundrels—and to gain the power, respect, and self-discovery that come to those who master. . . . “Unholy fun, and wholly fun . . . an elegant riposte, dazzlingly executed.”—Gregory Maguire, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked