National Network for Equitable Library Service

"The Blue Knight" reveals problems in our society related to racism and bullying, which is an important topic that is currently at the forefront of many lives and is being discussed at great lengths around the world. The main character, a teenage boy named Owen, lives in a small village with his mother. He is chastised by everyone he encounters until the day he meets an unusual friend who lives in the mountains nearby. Both outcasts must gain each other's trust and learn self-worth, mutual respect and tolerance.

The dwarves have returned to their home in the mountains and reunited with their rightful King, Uthgar, but with their arrival comes conflict with the humans. Owen is assigned a warrior to further his training, but not only is she a dwarf, she's also female. Owen's world is completely changed forever as a long-lost family member reemerges with hatred for dwarves. When a clash of cultures and struggle for power causes animosity between the two races, Owen must overcome his own misconceptions, create new relationships and help find balance between the two cultures.

In the world of Sorrow's Knot, the dead do not rest easy. Every patch of shadow might be home to something hungry, something deadly. Most of the people live on the sunlit, treeless prairies. But a few carve out an uneasy living in the forest towns, keeping the dead at bay with wards made from magically knotted cords. The women who tie these knots are called binders. And Otter's mother, Willow, is one of the greatest binders her people have ever known. But Willow does not want her daughter to lead the lonely, heavy life of a binder, so she chooses another as her apprentice.

Gwin has lost her husband to war and her children to a plague. Desolate, she nurses her stricken neighbours. But those who survive the plague are cursed with terrible abilities and are cast out. Gwin shelters a young girl, and this act changes her world forever. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1995.

In her mid-twenties, Bettina San Miguel leaves her desert homeland for a northern art colony. There the presence of los lobos draws her into the mythic world of the past, where Celtic spirits followed Irish immigrants and met the resident Indian and Mexican spiritual forces. 2000.

The Kingdom of Al-Rassan is home to three nations. Once mighty, the kingdom has been splintered by rival kings and fanatical religious leaders. Two generals from different peoples share a political exile and the love of a beautiful physician also from Al-Rassan, but a religious war in their homeland pits each against the other. 1995.

China, 8th century. Shen Tai is the son of a general who led his forces in the empire's last war against their western enemies - a war where forty thousand men on both sides died. Tai has spent two years of official mourning alone at the battle site, laying to rest their unburied bones. One spring morning, he learns that the White Jade Princess is to present him with 250 Sardian horses, given in recognition of his honour done to the dead. Some descriptions of sex, some strong language, and descriptions of violence. Bestseller. 2010.

The sensuous men and women of Arbonne, a sun-blessed country of olive trees and vineyards, worship the mother goddess. In Gorhaut, the pious and dour people who worship the god Corannos view Arbonne as a land ripe for the taking. Moving through these two worlds is Blaise, a bitter mercenary who must confront the secrets of his past. 1992.

An epic tale of prideful emperors, battling courtiers, nomadic invasions, and of a woman at war in her own way to find a new place for women in the world. A world inspired by the glittering, decadent Song Dynasty of China. Sequel to "Under heaven". 2013.

Jason Walker lives a predictable life: going to school, playing baseball, volunteering at the local zoo - until one day he falls through a tunnel near the hippo tank and ends up in a new, utterly different world. In Lyrian, the people dress differently, behave differently, and all live in fear of their malicious Emperor, Surroth. But in Jason's search for a way home, he learns of a magical, ancient word that could destroy the terrifying Surroth.