A Wizard's War and Other Stories: Tales of the Three Worlds

Ian Irvine

Nov 2015 · Santhenar Trust

About this ebook

Over a million copies of Ian Irvine’s Three Worlds novels sold.

A collection of original short and long stories, and novellas, set in Ian Irvine's internationally bestselling Three Worlds epic fantasy universe.

The Price of Freedom. Tensor leads his troubled people to Santhenar to attack his Charon enemies. But can the Twisted Mirror show true? Or will it betray him? A long short story.

The Harrows. Dare Lita open the box at the bottom of the pool? And if she does, will it save her people – or harrow them again? A short story.

A Wizard's War. During the devastating Clysm, the first meeting of the two greatest wizards on Santhenar sets up a thousand years of conflict. Here, in Mendark’s own words, is the story of the worst deed of his life … and the deed that made him. A long short story.

Darkness Visible. A young Karan goes to Carcharon to investigate her father’s death, and wishes she hadn’t. A short story.

The Professional Liar. Llian, brilliant creator of the monumental Tale of the Mirror, is a tormented man, racked by guilt. Can he save himself – or is it too late? A long short story.

The Seventh Sister. Aviel, the unluckiest girl in the world, finds a dying man dumped in the Sacrifice Tree. Can she solve the riddle of his murder and turn her miserable life around, or will the thumbless killer get her too? A novella.

One Throw of the Die. The war has been lost and the surviving allies flee for their lives, pursued by Jal-Nish, who now holds all the magic in the world. Then Flydd's dying friend, Troist, begs him to save his twin daughters from the tyrant. It’s a suicide mission but Flydd cannot refuse. Can he rescue Liliwen and Meriwen, or will Jal-Nish destroy them all? A long novella.

What reviewers say about the Three Worlds books

“A compelling adventure in a landscape full of wonders.” – Locus

“A page-turner of the highest order … Formidable!” – SFX on Geomancer

“It is the most engrossing book I’ve read in years.” – Van Ikin, Sydney Morning Herald

“Readers of Eddings, Goodkind and Jordan will lap this one up.” – Starlog

“Utterly absorbing.” Stephen Davenport, Independent Weekly

“For sheer excitement, there’s just no one like Irvine.” SFX on The Destiny of the Dead

“As good as anything I have read in the fantasy genre.” – Adelaide Advertiser

More reviews

"In a world full of epic fantasy clones, this stands out as a world-building labour of love with some truly original touches." – Locus on A Shadow on the Glass

“Hugely ambitious – an epic, tragic tale of history’s implacable impact on the present, full of driven, often unlikeable and inept characters, and betrayal. Interest and originality there is aplenty – and action.” – Starburst, UK, on The View from the Mirror quartet. 

“A page-turner of the highest order … Arguably the most inventive fantasy author to emerge in recent years, Irvine can now consider himself comfortably ranked next to the works of Robert Jordan and David Eddings and, more appropriately, the mighty Anne McCaffrey. Formidable!” – SFX on Geomancer.

‘It is the most engrossing book I’ve read in years, the lucid prose unfolding an action-and-suspense storyline featuring wonderfully credible characters.’ – Van Ikin, Sydney Morning Herald on Scrutator.

“Hang on with both hands, because this story waits for no one.” Sandy Auden, SFX on The Fate of the Fallen.

“The final payoff is fantastic. The most unflaggingly inventive storyteller we’ve seen in years.” Sydney Morning Herald on The Destiny of the Dead

‘Unbelievably, Irvine has managed to increase the pace of his story in this third and final volume – for sheer excitement, there’s just no one like Irvine around at the moment.’ SFX on The Destiny of the Dead.

‘This precise and beautifully crafted novel blooms from its ascetic opening to a resonant and rewarding climax. Makes what’s currently available on fantasy shelves seem hackneyed and formulaic. Utterly absorbing.” Stephen Davenport, Independent Weekly on The Destiny of the Dead.

Ratings and reviews

A fantastic resource for fans of Ian's Three Worlds sequence and those who are looking for a bite-sized introduction to it. This collection comprises a nice mix of stories that flesh out the long-past history of the Three Worlds with stories that follow the fates of characters from the rest of the sequence. This collection also nicely sets up the forthcoming trilogy, and there's a handy timeline of events in the Three Worlds sequence at the back. Thanks very much!

As always from Ian Irvine: interesting characters, great writing, excellent world-building. The stories in this collection are just as engrossing as the Three Worlds' novels.

About the author

Ian Irvine, an Australian marine scientist, has also written 34 novels, an anthology of shorter stories, and various other short stories for children and adults. 

His novels include the Three Worlds fantasy sequence (THE VIEW FROM THE MIRROR, THE WELL OF ECHOES, THE SONG OF THE TEARS and THE GATES OF GOOD AND EVIL), which has been published in many countries and translations and has sold over a million copies.

Ian’s other books include a trilogy of eco-thrillers set in a world undergoing catastrophic climate change, HUMAN RITES, now in its third edition, and 12 novels for younger readers.