The Legends of Karac Tor Series by D. Barkley Briggs has been released in trade paperback format.

"The Book of Names"

It's Thanksgiving Break and chores are being handed out. Hadyn, nearly 16 and the oldest of the four Barlow brothers, is told by his father to clear the back acres of their new farm. Hadyn resents life. After losing his mother to cancer and relocating away from the only home he's ever known, he misses his friends and his Mom. While hacking through a briar patch, a strange rock formation arouses his curiosity. After four mysterious black birds deliver a strange summons, Hadyn and his brother Ewan realize the stone is really a magic Viking runestone. Through this portal, they cross into the ancient world of Karac Tor.

Crisis looms. In the Five Dominions of Karac Tor, names are being stolen from the young- literally erased from the sacred Book of Names. Meanwhile, the sorceress Nemesia is spreading darkness from her Tower of Ravens. While Hadyn and Ewan are immediately hailed as Champions sent to help rescue the land, the brothers have a far more simple goal: find their way home- and stay alive! As the seductive call of Nemesia lures them towards despair, the Barlows must discover power and courage they never knew they possessed. Yet even if they survive, will anyone know how to send them back to our world? Or will they be lost forever?

"Corus, the Champion"

In the sequel to the Book of Names follows the Barlow boys as they try to rescue Corus and save an entire generation of youths from being led critically astray. Kr'Nunos is planning to ruin the land of Karac Tor by breaking down its greatest champion, Corus, whom he stole from the Fey. It's up to all four Barlows-Hadyn, Gabe, Garret, and Ewan. Will they save this world from an even greater threat?

"The Song of Unmaking"

The dreadful Goths have invaded Rockval, testing the strength of Bitterland's beautiful, widowed ruler. Meanwhile, the Barlow brothers are growing stronger in their powers-all except for Ewan, who traded his gift away to save the life of his friends.

Soon it becomes clear that the Goths are the least of their worries. A terrible machine is being built high atop Mount Vishgar, above Rockval, where the raging winds never cease. If the machine really does release the Song of Unmaking, what will happen? Can Arthur lay aside his grief and once more become a great leader of men? And what is the mysterious Doorless Tower, Nein Dyrr?

Format: Paperback, Number of Pages: 400, Vendor: Living Ink, Publication Date: 01/18/12, Dimensions: 9.00 X 6.00 (inches), Series: Legends of Karac Tor

About the Author:

Dean Barkley Briggs is an author, father of eight, and prone to twisting his ankle playing basketball. He grew up reading J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lews, Patricia McKillip, Guy Gavriel Kay, Stephen R. Donaldson, Ursila K. Leguin, Susan Cooper, Madeline L’Engle, Terry Brooks, Andre Norton and Lloyd Alexander (just to name a few)...and generally thinks most fantasy fiction pales in comparison. (Yes, he dabbled in sci-fi, too. Most notably Bradbury, Burroughs and Heinlein).

After losing his wife of 16 years, Briggs decided to tell a tale his four sons could relate to in their own journey through loss. Thus was born The Legends of Karac Tor, a sweeping adventure of four brothers who become enmeshed in the crisis of another world. Along the way they must find their courage, battle against overwhelming odds, face their pain, and never quit searching for home.

In God’s timing, beauty and joy arose from the ashes of loss. Briggs remarried a lovely redhead named Jeanie, who previously lost her husband in an auto accident. Together with her four children, their hands are quite full.

D. Barkley Briggs may be found on the web at www.HiddenLands.net