The Massacre of Mankind 

Stephen Baxter

In Calabria

Peter S. Beagle

Crosstalk 

Connie Willis

Crippled Prince Yarvi takes the throne after his father’s murder, only to lose it to treachery. Vowing revenge on the traitors, the former prince turned galley slave gathers a motley crew of eccentrics to recapture his kingdom. Prince Yarvi struggles mightily before discovering that not all heroes win and the struggle is often more worthy than the victory. This Viking-style adventure, with its violent action and grim landscape, suggests that the worst hardships, borne in good company, can help even half a man realize his true calling.