This young adult mystery novel is set in feudal Japan where a fascinating plot unfolds along with a wealth of information about classical Japanese history and culture. When Zenta and Matsuzo two sixteenth century Japanese samurai arrive at the White Serpent castle they find anything but a warm welcome. Immediately surrounded by a courtyard full of sword-wielding samurai, the two learn that not only is Lord Okudaira dead, but the missing heir to the castle has just arrived to claim lordship over his nine-year-old brother. But who is the legitimate successor? As Zenta and Matsuzo investigate the maze-like castle, they find more than the haunting cries of the White Serpent ghost a monstrous white creature said to emerge whenever a crisis threatens the castle they also discover jealousy, murder, and a battle for power that neither side is willing to lose. Zenta and Matsuzo are wandering ronin (masterless samurai) with a skill and code of honor unlike the ordinary citizens of Japan. Together the stoic Zenta and carefree Matsuzo fall in and out of extraordinary adventures solving mysteries that leave others baffled. Set in sixteenth century Japan, the books in the Zenta and Matsuzo Mystery series present unique plots for young readers.

A recognized master fantasist, Tanith Lee has won multiple awards for her craft, including the British Fantasy Award, the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Horror. The White Serpent returns to the world of Vis nearly a century after the reign of Raldnor, the legendary Storm Lord who brought peace to Dorthar. Despite his efforts, the people are once again divided by conflict, and the goddess Anackire must choose new champions if the realm is to have any hope of preservation.... As a child, Rehger was sold into slavery, torn from his home and family. As a young man, he has proved his martial prowess as a lauded gladiator, fighting in the grand city of Saardsimney. But in the midst of his rise to fame, he meets Aztira, an intriguing woman who wields devastating power. With her magic and knowledge, she could be the person who transforms his life of subservience and leads him to his destiny. But before he can fully uncover the truth of their connection, a powerful earthquake strikes, devastating the city and forcing Rehger to flee. Haunted by visions of Aztira long after their first encounter, Rehger embarks on a quest to seek out her people, the legendary Amanackire, in a city shrouded in mystery and myth....

The Legend of the White Serpant is an old Chinese legend that is a classic in Asia. Like all famous children's fairy tales, it has been retold again and again under various names, even taking the form of a popular Chinese opera and, of several films and a full-length color cartoon. But it has never been retold more charmingly than here. Accompanied by more than 40 brilliant paintings in the classic Chinese style by a gifted Hong Kong artist, this story of rich imagination relates the adventures of a little white snake and the schoolboy who has her for a pet. After he sets her free, she is transformed by the ancient gods of China into a beautiful young woman whose name becomes White Modest Beauty. This eventful transformation involves her and her young master in a series of astonishing adventures and strange difficulties before they at last find happiness by overcoming even the unbending decree of the gods.

Deep in the Empyrean forest? Nothing stays hidden. We are The Principality, and our community is special. Some of us joined, some were born into it. But regardless of how we got here, we all serve him. Our Head Priest is a wise and fearless leader. All-knowing, the secrets of our land are spoken to him through the air. We follow him willingly, worshipping the Earth as intended. While his brother lurks in the shadows...But who is this King I can't stop watching, so captivating and beautiful? And who is the man with the snake eyes?I must know more about them both? I must peek beneath the cover. Unearthing the truth brings me between a King and a Serpent, and the lust we share isn't the only unexpected gift. What is a young servant to do but follow his path? I will seek answers in the woods of the mountain... Where existence is not what it seems.

An encyclopedia of Japanese animation and comics made since 1917.

Long Live the Blood Witch. Helpless, 17-year-old witch Blodwyn watches as her mother, the Blodheska, dies in childbirth. Unwilling to inherit the mantle and incredible power of the Blodheska, Blodwyn is intent on resurrecting her. After all, only her mother could possibly bring back the Old Gods, as was written in the prophecy. Blodwyn does not think she can carry such a heavy burden. Her grief is heavy enough. She finds herself at odds with her own coven, all of whom insist she follow the rules and caution against the arcane ritual. Inspired by true events, Witch of the White Serpent is a study on loss, longing, and letting the dead rest in peace.

Things have been quiet since the incident on Tsalbrin, but veteran demonhunter Karian Vanador recognizes the calm before the storm all too well. When one of the Order's most prominent mortal enemies arrives on campus demanding help with an underworld threat, Kari knows there has to be a connection to the incident on Tsalbrin. Harried by a deadly foe, Kari must call upon friends old and new to track down a serial killer from the underworld. Along the way she must figure out: are the killings just the act of a depraved demon, or an ingenious plot to shatter the barriers between Citaria and the underworld? And will the people she goes to help prove to be her allies or her enemies in the end? "White Serpent, Black Dragon" is the second volume in the Eve of Redemption series.

HE WHITE WITCH - She is Aztira, one of the magical Amanackire race, a pure white albino with powers both mysterious and terrifying. She can grant life and defy death, enchant men - or destroy them! AND THE WARRIOR - He is Rehger. Sold into slavery at the age of four, he will become one of the finest warriors and charioteers in the land. Yet all his prowess with arms will not save him from the spell of the White Witch, a dangerous bewitchment that will lead him to challenge the mightiest of mortals and immortals ... and to embark on a fearsome quest in search of the legendary city that is home to the Amanackire.