From the world of The Hunger, "Crude Magic" is a short story about Meckule, a mage nobleman who needs to be the first to harvest a magical fossil from deep in the earth to prevent a war but can’t figure out how to do it in time.

The world has already burned. In the wake of Rahim’s Wrath, the clans lie shattered, their keeps reduced to ruin and ash. Mals roam the land in mindless hunger, and the surviving Remnant cling to life beneath darkened skies and three silent moons.

Feed your Hunger. In a distant, war-torn land, every man, woman and child must either consume the magical substance known as Sustenance or succumb to the Hunger. Those who succumb develop deformities and face exile — or even death.

Join 13-year-old Rich Witz on his adventure to become a Paladin, in an exciting world where checkmate is always only one move away. This Omnibus collection contains all five books of the Chess Quest series, including: Book 1: Paladin: Pawn Book 2: Nemesis: Knight Book 3: Rook: Revenge Book 4: Bishop: Betrayal Book 5: Sovereign's Song Include an interview with the author about the Chess Quest Series.

The balance is broken. The endgame has begun. And there may be no winners.