Joella E. Hartshorn

Written at the request of Charles Dickens, North and South is a book about rebellion that poses fundamental questions about the nature of social authority and obedience. Gaskell expertly blends individual feeling with social concern and her heroine, Margaret Hale, is one of the most original creations of Victorian literature. When Margaret Hale's father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience she is forced to leave her comfortable home in the tranquil countryside of Hampshire....

The legendary Sword of Bellandra is believed able to defeat any enemy. Because of the Sword’s reputation, no one has dared attack Bellandra for generations. But King Kareed of Archeld leads his seasoned warriors against the peaceful kingdom, easily overcoming the untrained Bellandran soldiers who attempt to turn him away. When Bellandra is overthrown, Prince Landen loses his father, his kingdom, his sword, and his freedom.