Legends of Karac Tor Series by D. Barkley Briggs

It’s Thanksgiving Break and chores are being handed out. Hadyn, nearly 16 and the oldest of the four Barlow brothers, is told by his father to clear the back acres of their new farm. Hadyn resents life. After losing his mother to cancer and relocating away from the only home he’s ever known, he misses his friends and his Mom. While hacking through a briar patch, a strange rock formation arouses his curiosity... moreIt’s Thanksgiving Break and chores are being handed out. Hadyn, nearly 16 and the oldest of the four Barlow brothers, is told by his father to clear the back acres of their new farm. Hadyn resents life. After losing his mother to cancer and relocating away from the only home he’s ever known, he misses his friends and his Mom. While hacking through a briar patch, a strange rock formation arouses his curiosity. After four mysterious black birds deliver a strange summons, Hadyn and his brother Ewan realize the stone is really a magic Viking runestone. Through this portal, they cross into the ancient world of Karac Tor.Crisis looms. In the Five Dominions of Karac Tor, names are being stolen from the young—literally erased from the sacred Book of Names. Meanwhile, the sorceress Nemesia is spreading darkness from her Tower of Ravens. While Hadyn and Ewan are immediately hailed as Champions sent to help rescue the land, the brothers have a far more simple goal: find their way home—and stay alive! As the seductive call of Nemesia lures them towards despair, the Barlows must discover power and courage they never knew they possessed. Yet even if they survive, will anyone know how to send them back to our world? Or will they be lost forever? less

From his frozen fortress in The Cruel North, Baron von Gulag (a.k.a. Kr’Nunos) schemes and cackles with delight. His mighty Goth army is ready to be released. Also, though his plan to take control of Karac Tor by ruining the youth did not come to full fruition, an entire generation was critically led astray. Kr’Nunos knows that without leaders, character or strength, the land will fail, and no one will be strong enough to resist him... moreFrom his frozen fortress in The Cruel North, Baron von Gulag (a.k.a. Kr’Nunos) schemes and cackles with delight. His mighty Goth army is ready to be released. Also, though his plan to take control of Karac Tor by ruining the youth did not come to full fruition, an entire generation was critically led astray. Kr’Nunos knows that without leaders, character or strength, the land will fail, and no one will be strong enough to resist him. To complete the ruin of the land, his intent is to break down the final resistance of its greatest champion, Corus, whom he stole from the Fey. But all four Barlows boys—twins Gabe and Garret crossed over at the end of Book 1—are now working hard against him, with powers beyond his ability to corrupt or control. Gabe has begun the mastery of his surprising gift of Bird Speech, revered by the Highlanders, and Garret is learning to command the wind under the tutelage of none other than Merlin of old who has long traveled between the two worlds, and who, in ages past, brought Artorius the King to Karac Tor to rest and heal after he fell in the Battle for Breton.But it is Ewan who will face the most difficult test as he and Sorge set out to rescue Corus from the clutches of Hel. Meanwhile, ancient destinies are rising from the ash heap of history, for a Champion must serve a King and the shameful betrayal committed by Corus’s famous ancestor must be atoned for. Will the Barlows grow as brothers and learn to live heroically? Maybe...if they can stay alive! less

IN THE BITTER NORTH, HOPE AND FEAR COLLIDE. The dreadful Goths have invaded Röckval, testing the strength of Bitterland's beautiful, widowed ruler. Meanwhile, the Barlow brothers are growing stronger and stronger in their powers - all except for Ewan, who traded his gift away to save the life of his friends. Soon it becomes clear that the Goths are the least of their worries. A terrible machine is being built high atop Mount Vishgar, above Röckval, where the raging winds never cease... moreIN THE BITTER NORTH, HOPE AND FEAR COLLIDE. The dreadful Goths have invaded Röckval, testing the strength of Bitterland's beautiful, widowed ruler. Meanwhile, the Barlow brothers are growing stronger and stronger in their powers - all except for Ewan, who traded his gift away to save the life of his friends. Soon it becomes clear that the Goths are the least of their worries. A terrible machine is being built high atop Mount Vishgar, above Röckval, where the raging winds never cease. If the machine really does release the Song of Unmaking, what will happen? Can Arthur lay aside his grief and once more become a great leader of men? And what is the mysterious Doorless Tower, Nein Dyrr? As Kr'Nunos grows more bold, the Barlow brothers take their stand with the viks of the north. Yet it is Ewan alone who must answer the question: Is any music stronger than the most powerful song of destruction the world has ever known? less

Having laid his noose around the neck of Karac Tor, Kr’Nunos now begins to tighten the rope. A vast armada sails south, ravers press toward Midland, and an ancient enemy rises from the west, forcing Arthur’s beleaguered armies into a devastating multi-front war. From Portaferry to the critical naval blockade at Seabraith, the Outlanders and the children of the Vanír use every shred of their arcane power to bolster strategic defense points. Yet the Horned Lord has left nothing to chance... moreHaving laid his noose around the neck of Karac Tor, Kr’Nunos now begins to tighten the rope. A vast armada sails south, ravers press toward Midland, and an ancient enemy rises from the west, forcing Arthur’s beleaguered armies into a devastating multi-front war. From Portaferry to the critical naval blockade at Seabraith, the Outlanders and the children of the Vanír use every shred of their arcane power to bolster strategic defense points. Yet the Horned Lord has left nothing to chance. Soon it becomes clear that his ultimate goal is not merely to eliminate his foes, but to vanquish history itself—to purge not only the lineage of men, but the memory of Aion, and everything good. In such a desperate hour, faith will be sorely tested. Sacrifices must be made. On the brink of despair, does the Ravna’s Riddle hold one final hope? And even if it’s true, will there be anything left to save? less