Jacqueline Ferrell

The girls' secret plan to surprise Asterios with an unforgettable birthday party was a complete success. Their personal presents were already considered very memorable, but he would never forget the day he was officially elected as a new nation's ruler with a unanimous vote from Glimmervale's residents, not to mention being recognized by the monarchs of humans, demons, and elves. The Dragon Valley's struggles only began, and the dungeon that had manifested beneath the country would be the least of its worries.

James's great adventure begins with a simple thing — a rustic cabin in the countryside. Charmed by the prospect, he decides to leave his stressful city life behind and move into the woods. But country living isn't boring. There's a quaint town nearby with kind folks who still help each other out. Maybe the bubbly blonde storekeeper has a job or two for James? And let's not forget the magical legacy waiting for James, tracing back through the history of his family.

Two years ago, the end began. In 2036, a rapidly destabilizing climate culminated in a worldwide snowstorm that froze the entire planet. Billions are now dead due to starvation, disease, civil unrest, and the plummeting temperatures. What remains of humanity now live in small settlements or isolated makeshift villages, carving out miserable lives in this grim new reality. Some, like Chris Weston, choose to travel among the vast winter wastelands between the bastions of civilization. In the aftermath of the great collapse, Chris finds himself strangely suited for this new world.

With the rainy season quickly closing in on the Black Forest, Eizo and his family must hurry to renovate the cabin in preparation for more time spent indoors. The cold, stormy weather forces a change in routine, but Eizo knows just the thing to lift spirits and stave off cabin fever—comfort food! And now that Camilo has procured miso and soy sauce, Eizo can finally whip up some Japanese-style cuisine. Just as the household is adapting to its new normal, a mysterious woman turns up at the forge, soaking wet and bearing Helen's stolen dual blades.