The #1 bestselling series finally back in print for the 20th Anniversary of the world-wide phenomenon that has been translated into 17 languages and sold over 5 million copies worldwide! 65 full-page illustrations from original paintings, 50 additional richly detailed illustrations, deluxe full-size format, and beautiful white paper. Finally released in the version envisioned by the author 20 years ago, this is the story of Ruin Mist completely unaltered to hint at the story's origins in ancient myth and legend. The ultimate Ruin Mist experience. Distinctive cover art features the wizard Xith and others, deluxe maps help you explore the realms, lavish illustrations bring the author's words to life, and an expansive guide to the world provides additional background to help you unravel the secrets of Ruin Mist. Robert Stanek has been called a modern day Tolkien, and his books have been called Star Wars with Elves."A prolific non-fiction writer, Stanek's focus on instruction influences his fiction with a penchant for clear and simple prose. He also prefers swift, action-oriented scenes. Solidly built." -- Foreword Magazine."This wonderful adventure reminds me of a cross between J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Tad Williams, and C. S. Lewis.""Robert Stanek is one of our most featured and respected authors." -- The Audio Book Store"Word of mouth turned it into a bestseller. Very satisfying." -- The Fantasy Guide"Recommended series."-- Ancient Art of Faery Magick"Stanek augments the beginning of this complex tale with illustrations that are sure to attract fans of graphic novels and classic Tolkien alike." -- VOYA - the leading magazine for YA librarians."The world of literary fiction featuring elves and fairies has a multitude of great authors... [and] Robert Stanek is one." -- The Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and FairiesABOUT THE AUTHOR: A gifted and distinguished writer, respected and skilled teacher and recipient of our nation's highest flying honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Robert Stanek wrote over 200 books of both fiction and nonfiction in his 30-year career. Although his works were published and/or distributed by nearly every major US publisher, Robert operated against the grain and became the first breakout author of the digital publishing movement. The first to serialize an ebook, the first to e-author a bestseller, and the first to e-author a digital audio bestseller. Robert is the recipient of multiple awards recognizing his outstanding contributions and excellence in writing, and a recent nominee for a Lifetime Achievement award. Translated into 57 languages, Robert Stanek's books have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide.Achievements for Robert Stanek's Ruin Mist books...#1 Fiction, Audible (12 weeks, 2005)Top 50 Sci-fi/Fantasy, Amazon (26 weeks, 2002)Top 10 Fiction, Audible (25 weeks, 2005)Top 50 Fiction, Audible (52 weeks, 2005-2006)Top 10 Kids & YA, Audible (180 weeks, 2005-2007)#1 Featured Book Audible June-July 2005Featured in Cover Story, Publisher's Weekly (2009)Featured in VOYA (2007)Featured in Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies (2005)Featured in Ancient Art of Faery Magick (2005)Popular Series Fiction for Middle School and Teen Readers (2005, 2008)Top 10 Recommended Author -- SciFi Bookcase (2004 - 2012)Top 10 Book -- SciFi Bookcase (2004 - 2012)Top 20 Author -- RateItAll (2005 - 2012)A Top 100 Fantasy -- The Fantasy 100 (2005 - 2007)