Once Upon a Dreadful Time

National bestselling author of the Mithgar novels Dennis L. McKiernan delivers the exhilarating conclusion to his celebrated seasonal fairytale cycle, pitting the heroic couples of the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Woods against the ultimate darkness…   Once upon a dreadful time, the vile witch Hradian conceives of a plan to set free her master, the wizard Orbane, now trapped in the Castle of Shadows. But her scheme results in unforeseen consequences—threatening not only the world of Faery but that of mortals as well.   Rising to challenge this threat, the heroes and heroines of Winterwood, Summerwood, Springwood, and Autumnwood rally humans and Fey alike to a cause that may be lost before it begins.   Guided by the enigmatic words of the Fates, the alliance battles the dark forces in a desperate attempt to prevail, only to be driven back, for nothing, it seems, can stop the affliction. And though Time touches not this land of legend, Time itself is a hazard…   “Exhibits the author’s unflinching charm and obvious mastery of his art.”—Library Journal