A bizarre kidnapping case leads FBI Special Agent Jasper Wilde into the mysterious world of a strange religious cult. At the scene of the kidnapping itself, a frightening apparition is seen. Then, a hideously-mutilated corpse is found nearby. Something wicked has come to the normal-seeming Chicago suburbs. Soon, open warfare erupts. And as the FBI agents race to intervene to put a stop to the horrors, they come to understand and accept that something very ancient and very evil has surfaced in the world—or, perhaps, something that is very, very alien.

From the distant past to the far future, those who carry the sword rack up commendations for bravery. They are men and women who, like the swords they carry, have been forged in blood. These are their stories. In medieval Japan, a surly ronin is called upon to defend a village against a thieving tax collector who soon finds out it's not wise to anger an old, tired man. In the ugliest fighting in the Pacific Theater, an American sergeant and a Japanese lieutenant must face each other, and themselves. And, when a planet fragments in violent chaos, seven Freeholders volunteer to help protect another nation's embassy against a horde. Featuring all-new stories by Michael Z. Williamson, Larry Correia, Tom Kratman, Tony Daniel, Michael Massa, Peter Grant, John F. Holmes, and many more.

Lord Wulf von Dunstig is in deep trouble. He is surrounded by invading enemies and kingdoms fallen into chaos. Ursel Keiler wishes she could control her errant heart as easily as she can guide the flight of an arrow to a target. She tries to escape into the woodlands she adores, only to be pulled back by a band of desperate and brave warriors who need her help. But aiding them will lead Ursel straight to Wulf von Dunstig, and to the heartache she is fleeing. Now Wulf, Ursel and their friends must find a way to unite the land of Shenandoah against a powerful Roman inquisitor. Yet there is hope even in the deepest and darkest places of the world, and all may depend upon Wulf and Ursel forging a powerful weapon drawn from the heart of a dragon—THE AMBER ARROW.

Major Bhaajan achieved the impossible. Born to the Undercity, she broke free from crushing poverty and crime to become a military officer. Now retired from military duty, she walks the mean streets of Undercity as a private investigator. And she is about to embark on her most challenging case yet. Summoned by no less than the Ruby Pharaoh herself, Major Bhaajan is tasked with finding a killer. But this is no ordinary murderer. The Ruby Pharaoh witnessed a Jagernaut cut down Assembly Councilor Tap Benton—which shouldn’t have been possible. The Jagernauts are the elite of the elite soldiers in the Imperial Space Command. What’s more, the spinal node implanted in all Jagernauts should have prevented the murder. But the Ruby Pharaoh is sure of what she saw, and she has reason to believe that the Jagernaut will kill again.

Tony Daniel’s newest novel, The Amber Arrow, is set in an alternate history in which the Vikings discovered and colonized North America. Now, such a dramatic shift in events would no doubt alter the timeline more or less beyond recognition, but for the sake of argument, let’s say it didn’t. What would 21st Century American pop culture look like, with a Viking twist? What would our sports teams be called? How would Facebook look different? What would McDonald’s serve? Let us know your thoughts in a short (100 words or fewer) paragraph for a chance to win a signed copy of The Amber Arrow.

Find out how to enter here.

Last month, we asked you what character or characters from another fantasy, science fiction, or horror series would you like to see team up with Owen Pitt and the MHI crew? Congrats to Stephen Bortner, who wins a signed copy of Monster Hunter Siege.

Read Stephen's winning entry here.

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