The elves claim no one can enter Animonea and live. Nine champions hope they are wrong . . . When Gray Darien's love, Lady Tana, is kidnapped, he leads a warrior band into the realm of Faerie to rescue her. Among them, a Scythian mercenary, a shapeshifting Contessa, an American soldier from WWII, a woman created by enchantment—and a Faerie prince who wants Gray dead. They enter Animonea, a land the Elf-King feared so much he raised a wall to keep its denizens out. There, every animal, tree, insect, and bird possesses intelligence. Every object—swords, chairs, garments—can speak. Which creatures can they trust? Which merciless predators intend to destroy them? Gray is soon embroiled in a war against an invading army of nightmarish mechanical soldiers intent on eradicating the source of Animonea’s sentience. Unless he and his companions can overcome the designs of men, wolves, rivers, and trees, Animonea will perish, and Gray and Tana with it. A novel both complete in itself and the first book of a series. . . . the author has captured the very essence of fantasy, rife with magic, quest archetypes, greed and treachery, panoramic battles, chivalric romance, megalomania . . . and an endearing puppy named Blunder. During the expedition into Animonea, where every single thing has a voice and often clamors for attention, the sojourners discover many truths about themselves, their fellow travelers, and Animoneas lifeblood that will either serve them well or effect their tragic downfall. While loyalty, friendship, and honor are major themes, betrayal, jealousy, and avarice provide the necessary balance in such an epic tale across a wondrous land filled with inhabitants and objects that have the power either to help you or hurt you, based on your intent and gratitude. --Lone Star Literary Life