Anne C. Petty Bücher

Author Anne Petty looks at dragons in fantasy literature and offers something unique in this a character study of the most fabulous beasts in myth and modern fiction. A survey of dragons from both western and eastern myths, sagas, legends, and fiction sets the stage for the character studies that make up the bulk of the book. Such things as duplicity (be careful when you make a bargain with a dragon!), cleverness in use of language (especially riddling), loyalty and lack thereof, and much more. Individual examples are culled from many well-known books, and Petty shows how each author develops those traits as character development in their stories, discussing imagery and dialogue, and how exotic dragons have become such a staple in modern fantasy. Two or three dragons from each author's works will be discussed, with each author confined to a single chapter. Such luminaries of fantasy literature as Tolkien, JK Rowling, McCaffrey, GoodKind, Pratchett, and LeGuin are examined - nearly 20 authors and their incredible dragons in all.

A careless spell in a Queensland burial cave binds a Quinkan, a shadow demon from Australian Dreamtime, to Cadjer Harrow, a mixed-blood shaman. This bond curses Cadjer's family for centuries, with the Quinkan, treated as a familiar, forced to obey the shaman despite its bloodthirsty nature. As the demon haunts the family in creatively malicious ways, it seeks to break free from its dark magical entrapment, leading to a clash of power and legacy that threatens to unleash chaos.

The story revolves around the perilous quest to capture a banshee, exploring the dark magic and high stakes involved in such an endeavor. As the protagonist grapples with the challenges of this supernatural pursuit, the narrative delves into the dire consequences that come with meddling in forces beyond comprehension. Surviving the ordeal becomes a critical concern, as the struggle to maintain control over the captured entity may threaten one's very soul.