The Elvenbane
The Halfblood Chronicles series, Book 1
Mercedes Lackey & Andre Norton
There will come a child. One born of human mother but fathered by the demons, possessed of magic more powerful than the elven lords! The child shall be hunted before its birth, yet shall escape the hunt and will rise up against the masters and cast them into the lowest hell . . .
The world is run by the elvenlords. Powerful, proud and secure in their dominion, they keep legions of human slaves for work and take their pleasure in elven or human concubines. The breeding of halfbreeds is strictly forbidden. Then Serina Daeth – the favoured human concubine of elven overlord Dryan – finds herself pregnant.
Forced to flee into the desert, Serina dreams – as she dies – of a midwife delivering her baby, Shana; the midwife is in fact the shapechanging dragon-shaman Alara.
But Shana is no ordinary child: raised by the dragons, she is destined to become the Elvenbane. Her destiny is the enthralling adventure of a lifetime.
First published November 1991
Praise for the Halfblood Chronicles Series:
“A brisk, glittering yarn that packs as much action, suspense, and twisting of conventions into one novel as many writers invest in whole trilogies.” —Amazing Stories
“A splendid blend of the talents of two excellent storytellers!” —Anne McCaffrey
“One of the season's liveliest and , most appealing fantasy epics.” —Publishers Weekly
“Grand Master Andre Norton and new master Mercedes Lackey combine prodigious talents in … a conjuration of all the ingredients of classic fantasy – sentient dragons, elegant elves, wily wizards, magical crystals, rites of passage, political intrigue, and a dash of youthful romance. Norton and Lackey fans will be spellbound by this novel!” —Jennifer Roberson
“Romance blossoms, war threatens, and heroism ensues. . . . Both authors have a sweet way with characters, and there is enough magic, mystery and romantic bonding of fantastic species in improbable ways to keep loyal fans entertained.” —Publishers Weekly
“The women in the book are particularly strong characters, taking control of their own lives. LaShana has great leadership qualities, and Sheyrena has strength and resourcefulness, and the two of them provide two good role models for young women.” —Voya