The Hidden Earth Chronicles Series by Peter David

Peter David, a creative force in television, and a best-selling author of comics and novels, has created a fantasy world sure to delight his legions of readers. The Damned World is home to twelve races, each of which has fought the others for survival for generations. What none of them knows is that they are all creatures of Earth, a world of legend. On Earth eleven of the twelve races were creatures of human myth or folklore... morePeter David, a creative force in television, and a best-selling author of comics and novels, has created a fantasy world sure to delight his legions of readers. The Damned World is home to twelve races, each of which has fought the others for survival for generations. What none of them knows is that they are all creatures of Earth, a world of legend. On Earth eleven of the twelve races were creatures of human myth or folklore. All live in awe of the all-powerful Overseer, whose authority none dare challenge. A new spirit has arisen among those sick of war and tired of living in fear. Some believe that it is possible for the races to become allies instead of adversaries. With this new spirit has come a time of possibility, of change. Jepp, a human woman and Karsen, a Bottom Feeder, have broken with tradition and cast their lots together. They seek the Orb of Light, with which they believe they can gain the power and release the Damned World from its chains of violence and ignorance. But they're not alone, for everyone who knows about the Orb would kill to get it. If someone gets the Orb, things will change. These are, as the proverb warns, interesting times. less

The Earth of the future is not one you'd recognize. Creatures that had previously been thought simply myth - vampires, two-legged dragons, trolls, and nine other races - have overrun the planet and made it their own. Humanity is nearly extinct. But now the Twelve Races have discovered that their own fortunes are inextricably linked with the remnants of the human race... moreThe Earth of the future is not one you'd recognize. Creatures that had previously been thought simply myth - vampires, two-legged dragons, trolls, and nine other races - have overrun the planet and made it their own. Humanity is nearly extinct. But now the Twelve Races have discovered that their own fortunes are inextricably linked with the remnants of the human race.As a result, a young slave girl named Jepp, who holds the key to the future of the world, is on her way to a fateful meeting with the most powerful creature on the face of the planet. Except the question isn't what will happen when she gets there. The question is whether she's going to make it there alive... less

Many years ago, Darkness of the Light introduced us to the Damned World, where creatures of myth and magic had invaded the Earth and destroyed nearly all the humans. In this nameless planet, we met Jepp, a female Mort (mortal woman) who met a group of vagabonds and roamed the world, seeking fortune and survival. In the sequel, Heights of the Depths, Jepp was brought before the Overseer, the ruler of the Damned World, who threatened to hunt her and companions to their deaths.. moreMany years ago, Darkness of the Light introduced us to the Damned World, where creatures of myth and magic had invaded the Earth and destroyed nearly all the humans. In this nameless planet, we met Jepp, a female Mort (mortal woman) who met a group of vagabonds and roamed the world, seeking fortune and survival. In the sequel, Heights of the Depths, Jepp was brought before the Overseer, the ruler of the Damned World, who threatened to hunt her and companions to their deaths...until a loopy female Mandraque named Norda shot him to death, thereby supposedly ensuring the end of the World. Now Order of the Chaos brings us to the concluding chapter as a group of Phey embark on a journey to the far reaches of Dizz to find out why the world hasn't ended yet and what they should do to keep it going. Meanwhile Jepp, reunited with her friends, is being transported back to Paris or, as they call it, Perriz. There a final confrontation awaits Jepp and her companions against a colony of underground vampires (Piri, as they are called) who has a helpless Piri mother-to-be in their clutches: A Piri who is going to be giving birth to the first mixed breed child in the history of their twelve races. Provided her vampire queen mother allows it to happen. Terry Brooks called the first book in this series a "quirky, intriguing, wonderful tale, filled with adventure and unexpected plot twists." The concluding novel gives you more of the same, and a rousing finale to the tale of the Hidden Earth. less