Into the Land of Unreason Has Bent Bamboo, the Monkey, betrayed the Exiles? Who gave Thundering Heaven the horrible new sword he bears: Soul Slicer—a blade designed to destroy both the living and the dead? What is the source of the terrifying chaos that has taken over the Lands Born from Smoke and Sacrifice? Why is Pearl Bright, the once robust Tiger, visibly failing? Despite the threat offered by this unknown enemy, a small band of scouts ventures into the tormented chaos beyond the last door into the Lands. Brenda Morris is not among their company—not by her own choice, but because her protective father, the true Rat—refuses to let his daughter go into danger. Instead, Brenda is ordered to resume her life as a college student in South Carolina, far from the Orphans’ base in California. But Brenda’s involvement in occult matters is far from over. A mysterious classmate hints that the fate of numerous interconnected realities are threatened by the force behind the chaos in the Lands. When the scouts vanish, Brenda must decide whether to hide behind her father’s protection or to venture into realms no other Orphans has ever encountered. Bonus Material includes the newly expanded essay, “Flowers and Seasons of Ritual Magic.” “This complex novel blends passion, jealousy between beings living and dead, and day-to-day reality with the mysticism of Chinese astrology.… Infused with the symbolism and resonance of Chinese astrology, Five Odd Honors offers readers a wide cast of characters and a multilayered drama rich in magic, treachery, raw courage and true friendship. BookPage “…one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read recently. Lindskold is no slouch as a storyteller.” Green Man Review on Five Odd Honors

Orphans Besieged After a violent attack makes all too clear that the Lands Born from Smoke and Sacrifice are willing to invade, the indigenous magical traditions of Earth turn against the Thirteen Orphans. Pearl Bright, the Tiger, realizes the fight must be taken into the Lands—but she can’t do this alone, and her allies are increasingly untrustworthy. Shaken from her close encounter with death by violence, Brenda Morris is uncertain about her place among the Orphans, an uncertainty not helped by being forced to accept that that Flying Claw, once known as “Foster,” the man she thought she loved, is, by training and tradition, a skilled killer. Yet, despite numerous complexities, if the Orphans hope to meet their enemies from a position of strength, they must open the Nine Gates: a feat that will begin with the revelation of dark secrets and extend to demanding the cooperation not only of barely cooperating living allies, but also of the resentful dead. Bonus material includes the newly expanded essay “Disappointment Evaded.” “The system of magic is complex, the direction the series is taking is mysterious, and the correspondence to Chinese myth and mah-jong are thought-provoking.” Booklist on Nine Gates “Contrasting themes of love and duty, loyalty and ambition, family and otherness lend a sense of universality to this urban fantasy.” Library Journal on Nine Gates

A Dangerous Inheritance Brenda Morris has no idea that her father, Gaheris, has a secret life. He is the Rat: a key member of the curious cabal known as the Thirteen Orphans. When she is nineteen, Brenda learns that all the omens show that Brenda will be his heir. Brenda may inherit her place far sooner than anyone wishes. Unseen enemies are stalking the Thirteen Orphans. If Brenda does not join Pearl Bright, the Tiger, as she gathers the surviving Orphans to stand against their enemies, soon the Orphans—and their generations-long mission—will vanish, even from memory. Bonus material includes an expanded version of the essay, “Why Thirteen Orphans?” “This new series launch deftly mingles the fascination of the mah-jongg tiles and the animal lore of the Chinese Zodiac with a modern tale of discovery and danger. This urban fantasy should appeal to fans of Charles de Lint and Jim Butcher.” Library Journal on Thirteen Orphans “The millennia of culture behind this book broaden and strengthen it. I want to see the rest of the series.” Sacramento Book Review on Thirteen Orphans

Let's Play Mah Jong! is a self-teaching manual for the novice. It clearly explains the rules of the game, what to do, tips on playing and more.

Master the game of Mahjong while learning about its legends and history with this entertaining and useful guide. An excellent way to learn Mahjong or "Mah Jongg"--The Great Mahjong Book is the perfect resource for beginner or experienced mahjong players. Richly illustrated and easy to follow with detailed instructions and clear examples, it can help all players improve their game. Mahjong beginners get a solid introduction to the rules and equipment they need to get started, while better players will find invaluable tips for mastering the game. The Great Mahjong Book also includes the entire history of Mahjong as it spread around the globe, the equipment and accessories used in the game, basic rules, how and where the game first developed and all the international variants of Mahjong--including China, the U.S., Holland, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Hong Kong. Filled with hints, fun facts and numerous illustrations of memorabilia and artifacts, this authoritative and thoroughly enjoyable book is a perfect gift for anyone interested in this ancient and beguiling game. Mahjong players love the game because it's colorful, exotic, and fun! Whether you're a first time player or a pro, The Great Mahjong Book is a perfect companion to the wide world of Mahjong.

Mah Jong, Anyone? unlocks the mysteries of Mah Jong for Westerners. Mah Jong, the ancient game of China, is enjoying another burst of popularity in America, as well as in Asia. Often seen as a mystery to Westerners, Chinese Mah Jong includes the combination of skill, chance and social interaction of Western games like dominoes, bridge and dice. Authors Strauser and Evans unlock this mystery with an easy-to-follow instructional guidebook which outlines the rules and strategy of the game for Westerners. The perfect primer for the new player and a convenient manual for old hands, Mah Jong, Anyone? gives basic information on equipment, accessories, terminology, rules of play, scoring, penalties and bonuses. Experienced Mah Jong players will especially welcome the section on special hands.