Alexey Pehov

Shadow Harold, master thief, is in over his head. When he accepted the King's commission (not that he had any choice in the matter) he did not think that it would be to retrieve a legendary artefact from Hrad Spein, the underground resting place of ogres, elves and wizards; a place of dread, and immeasurable power that has been sealed up for centuries. Unless Harold finds the long-lost Horn, the Nameless One will overrun the realm of Valiostr. But that was just the first of the challenges facing Harold. He is magically bound to the Key with which the dark elves sealed Hrad Spein, and which his enemies are determined to obtain at any cost. Treachery and death follow Harold and his companions as they fight to reach their goal. On one side is the threat of the Nameless One; on the other, the servants of the mysterious Master. A long-dead mage is living in Harold's head, and his dreams are haunted by terrible visions. What is the meaning of the Houses of Power, Pain, Love, and the House of Fear? Still resolutely denying his destiny as the mystical Dancer in the Shadows, Harold's journey takes him to the Forest of Zagraba, 'the land where the gods walked at the dawn of time'...

Shadow Harold, master thief, and his band of companions have reached the deep catacombs of Hrad Spein, where Harold must go in alone to face unknown horrors and retrieve the Horn that will save Siala. He is magically bound to the Key with which the dark elves sealed Hrad Spein, and the Master's servant, the sorceress Lafresa, is close behind him. Harold and his companions must face H'san'kors, evil magic and the agents of the Nameless One, but unless they find the long-lost Horn darkness will overrun the realm of Valiostr. Harold's destiny is tied to the fate of the kingdom...

After centuries of calm, the Nameless One is stirring. An army is gathering: thousands of fellcreatures joining forces from across the Desolate Lands, united for the first time in history under one black banner. By the spring, or perhaps sooner, the Nameless One and his forces will be at the walls of Avendoom.Unless Shadow Harold, master thief, can stop them. Epic fantasy at its best, Shadow Prowler is the first in a trilogy that follows professional thief Shadow Harold on his quest for a long-lost artefact that will save the Kingdom of Siala. Bound by oath to fulfil his commission, even if he dies trying, Harold is accompanied on his quest by a mysterious elfin princess, ten Wild Hearts -- the most dangerous fighters in the world -- and the King's court jester (who may be more than he seems ...or less). His journey will lead Harold towards a destiny greater and more perilous than he could imagine...