David Drake Book order

"Jon of Dun Add has created a civilization where before there had only been isolated pockets of humanity in a shattered cosmos. Young knight Pal is one of the most respected members of Lord Jon's Hall of Champions. But Pal's greatest talent lies not on the field of battle, though he's no slouch there. He is also a Maker, one who can repair the tools the Ancients had left--sometimes. Moreover, he has learned to use his warrior dog's ability to predict motion better than any human could, an ability that has saved his skin and won the day more than once. Now, Pal will need all his talent-as a fighter, as a Maker, as a Champion-to deal with the monsters the Waste throws at him-and to deal with his fellow humans. For there are those who would destroy Dun Add, and Lord Jon's vision of a humanity united in peace, from within..."-- Provided by publisher

Set in a far future inspired by Arthurian legends, this collection showcases David Drake's masterful storytelling in science fiction and fantasy. The narratives weave together themes of heroism, honor, and adventure, featuring rich world-building and complex characters. Readers can expect a blend of traditional motifs and innovative twists, as Drake explores timeless tales through a futuristic lens, continuing his acclaimed exploration of chivalric ideals in a new and imaginative setting.

Lest Darkness Fall by L. Sprague de Camp is a seminal work in science fiction that established the alternate-history subgenre. It follows Martin Padway's time travel to 6th-century Rome, where he attempts to alter history. This influential book has inspired numerous authors and includes new stories in its 2021 edition.

NATIONAL BEST SELLER IN HARDCOVER ADVENTURES BEYOND THE EDGE OF THE KNOWN UNIVERSE. The truce between Cinnabar and the Alliance allows the Republic of Cinnabar Navy to explore the galaxy without getting caught in power conflicts. The Far Traveller is on a mission to probe sponge space for trade routes and to catalog life forms. Harry Harper, an RCN officer and scientist from an aristocratic family, joins the crew. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Rick Grenville, who prefers the thrill of battle, finds himself on this exploration vessel instead. He soon realizes that the dangers of the fringes of civilization are as perilous as those of direct combat. As the Alliance's grip weakens, regional powers vie for control using ruthless methods. The ship's Director of Science, Doctor Veil, has her own agenda: to uncover the mysteries of the Archaic Spacefarers who existed long before humanity. The crew of the Far Traveller is set to unveil secrets of the past—if they can survive the journey. Praise for the series highlights its strong characters, engaging storytelling, and intricate political machinations, appealing to fans of classic space opera. David Drake's writing is noted for its intensity and action, solidifying his reputation as a leading science fiction author.

In a world where civilization has crumbled and monsters roam, a young hero emerges. Long ago, the universe was united, but now only remnants of that past remain, scattered across enclaves—some small, some ruined, some wild. Between these settlements lurk monstrous beings: twisted men, alien creatures, and entities that threaten all life. A Leader has risen, uniting the fractured human settlements under a banner of peace and justice, while ruthlessly combating chaos. In his capital, Dun Add, he enforces law and order, sending his Champions to restore civilization beyond its borders. Pal, a youth from a rural background, arrives in Dun Add with dreams of becoming a Champion. A budding Maker, he has wielded the weapons of the Ancients back home, but he is unprepared for the challenges that await him in the capital. Meanwhile, the Leader and his followers remain unaware of the true potential hidden within this seemingly simple country boy. This tale unfolds as a story of hope, courage, and determination amidst violence and chaos. David Drake's masterful storytelling captures the intricate political machinations and the harsh realities of war, appealing to fans of classic space opera. The narrative promises excitement and depth, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

Governor Saxa, of the great city of Carce, a fantasy analog of ancient Rome, is rusticating at his villa. When Saxa's son Varus accompanies Corylus on a visit to the household of his father, Crispus, a retired military commander, Saxa graciously joins the party with his young wife Hedia, daughter Alphena, and a large entourage of his servants, making it a major social triumph for Crispus. But on the way to the event, something goes amiss. Varus, who has been the conduit for supernatural visions before, experiences another: giant crystalline worms devouring the entire world. Soon the major characters are each involved in supernatural events caused by a struggle between two powerful magicians, both mentored by the deceased poet and mage Vergil, one of whom wants to destroy the world and the other who wishes to stop him. But which is which? There is a complex web of human and supernatural deceit to be unraveled. Monsters of the Earth, the new novel in David Drake's ongoing chronicles of Carce, The Books of the Elements, is a gripping and intricate work of fantasy.

#1 in a new series from a military science fiction master with over 3 million books in print. A young hero comes of age in the crucible of war and galactic struggle. When Allen Allenson, scion of a noble family that has fallen on hard times, gets a mission to roust the power-hungry Terrans from a “wild” star sector where they’re encroaching, he jumps at the chance to show his individual worth, improve his family’s fortunes – and gather enough lucre to make a good marriage. But the wily Terrans are not so easily persuaded by a young colonial they think of as a rube. Worse, Riders, the beings who naturally ply the wilderness between the stars, are playing their own deadly political games – against the Terrans, against the colonials, and against one young greenhorn commander in particular: naÏf young Allen, whom they figure they can manipulate to do their bidding. The one thing nobody has counted on is the fact that Allen, while young and inexperienced, and much to his own amazement, happens to be a hero in the making. About David Drake’s RCN series: “[R]ousing old-fashioned space opera.”-- Publishers Weekly on the “RCN” series. “The fun is in the telling, and Mr. Drake has a strong voice. I want more!” – Philadelphia Weekly Press “[S]pace opera is alive and well. This series is getting better as the author goes along…character development combined with first-rate action and memorable world designs.” – SFReader.com About David Drake: “[P]rose as cold and hard s the metal alloy of a tank…rivals Crane and Remarque…” – Chicago Sun-Times “Drake couldn’t write a bad action scene at gunpoint.”– Booklist

"The Legions of Fire" is the first of a fantasy quartet set in the new world of Carce, based on Europe during the later Roman Empire.

In this collection of two technothriller novels, Tom Kelly emerges as a resourceful hero determined to protect the U.S. and Earth from an alien invasion and the oppressive threat posed by the Russians. David Drake masterfully blends military science fiction with high-stakes action, showcasing Kelly's ingenuity and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the complexities of international relations during a time of crisis.

Dobrá snaha komisaře Hansena o všeobecný mír v Otevřeném kraji se zvrtla a nový diktátor král Venkatna právě pod záminkou udržení míru vládne krutou rukou a válčí s každým, kdo se mu nechce podřídit. Hansen se rozhodne věci znovu změnit. Aby North dokázal Hansenovi, že jeho mírové plány jsou nesmyslné, dodá Venkatnovi stroj, ovlivňující běh událostí a k němu dvě operátorky – otrokyně, bývalé Pátračky Julii a Race. Znovu se setkáme s kovářem Vrabčákem, který se vydá do světa androidů, aby vybojoval nevěstu pro svého pána Sabura, i se zrádným poloandroidem Fortinem, jenž nenáviděnému Hansenovi nastrojí smrtelnou past v Páté rovině.