As with previous volumes in the Wheel of Time series, Macmillan is making the prologue for Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s The Gathering Storm available for purchase before the hardcover is released on 10/27/09.

In the prologue, titled ‘What The Storm Means,’ Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward—wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders—his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.

‘What the Storm Means’ is available for $2.99 as either an ebook or an audio download. You can buy the ebook from a wide range of online retailers, and it is compatible with nearly all e-reading devices, including the Sony Reader and the Kindle. The complete list of retailers can be found here.

Review written for Best Fantasy Books by Enchanté (a.k.a) Jon Snow from Sleeping With Books.

I’ve gotten a whole lot of books from Egmont publishers recently.

One of the books I received from the publishers was a children’s picture book. I am a primary school teacher and just love picture books. They bring together many elements of writing and enjoyment that novels just cannot reproduce. They are very eye catching because they usually have great art, the story draws you in and the rhyming enraptures you. This one even has a fantasy feel to it!

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks goes on an adventure with his faithful cat and good grey mare where he meets creepy monsters, fire breathing dragons and a not so wicked witch. Each encounter he faces he is left abandoned by his companions but brave and clever Sir Charlie will know what to do.

Just when I started to wonder where the story was leading, a clever ploy was there to distract me. This book has fold out pages that flow with the story line! “As Charlie pushed open the big wooden door. Up the windy windy staircase marched Sir Charlie Stinky Socks.”

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure by Kristina Stephenson does not disappoint at all, in fact, it probably goes a step beyond. It had great narrative, the art was fantastic and the pop out pages were very well thought out. Young kids should be drawn to this book like moths to a flame.

Contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated. The winners have been emailed

“Once again, Chris Evans outflanks fantasy conventions with this black powder epic of ordinary soldiers, their flawed commanders, and the extraordinary evil they must overcome. Gritty, inventive, and compelling–a fresh mixture of military, history, and fantasy elements. This second volume of the Iron Elves saga is twice as good as the first book, and that’s saying something!” — C. C. Finlay, author of THE PATRIOT WITCH

“A thrilling epic from beginning to end, filled with wit, intrigue, and twists and turns reminiscent of Glen Cook’s The Black Company. A grand new entry in the field of fantasy masters!” — Richard A. Knaak, New York Times Bestselling Author

Hey guys, another great giveaway happening for you. Chris Evans, author of A Darkness Forged in Fire: Book One of the Iron Elves has just released the sequel book, The Light of Burning Shadows: Book Two of the Iron Elves. This hardback book is fresh off the press — so get it while it’s hot!

You can read more about this book over here.

I’ve personally read the first book and quite enjoyed it. Chris is a talented author and I’m interested to see where he goes with this series. What I like about “Iron Elves” is the different take on the whole elf and dwarf thing. The book series follows an elf as he serves in a human military. If you like RA Salvatore, you’ll probably find yourself right at home with this series. I’m also a pretty big fan of good cover art as well — something this new hardback has in spades.

How to Enter the Fantasy Book Giveaway Contest
A lot of book websites make you jump through all sorts of hoops to win a prize. I like to keep things simple here. The first 10 people who send me an email to bestfantasybooks@gmail.com will win the prize. Make sure you include a paragraph listing your top 5 favorite fantasy books — I want to know what my readers like in terms of fantasy.

Simple eh?

So here are the steps again:
1. Send an email to bestfantasybooks@gmail.com
2. Include a paragraph listing your top 5 Fantasy books (if you don’t have any, then your top 5 Science Fiction books. If you have never read fantasy or science fiction, then your top 5 books).
3. Include your name, shipping address, and telephone number (need this for the shipping — I will NOT be giving this away or calling you)
4. Get ready to enjoy your new book in 2 weeks.

So start sending those emails to win. Only one prize per person.

Ben