The Wars of Light and Shadow is a series of fantasy novels by American author Janny Wurts. When completed, it will consist of five story arcs, with the first four arcs complete. Background The series was inspired by a documentary about the Battle of Culloden Moor. Wurts initially planned to write a heroic fantasy about war, but after watching the film, felt that the brutality and bloodshed depicted therein belied the notion of a "righteous battle for a grandiose cause". She then decided to write a more gritty, realistic tale in which the lines between good and evil were blurred. Books The Wars of Light and Shadow follows the lives of two half-brothers who are rivals, but are forced to join forces against a supernatural invader. The tale is divided into five arcs as detailed below. Arc 1 (1993) Curse of the Mistwraith Arc 2 (1994—1995) Ships of Merior Warhost of Vastmark Arc 3: Alliance of Light (1997—2007) Fugitive Prince Grand Conspiracy Peril's Gate Traitor's Knot Stormed Fortress Arc 4: Sword of the Canon (2011—2017) Initiate's Trial Destiny's Conflict Arc 5 Song of the Mysteries (planned title) Short stories Child of Prophecy This short story tells of events in the life of Meiglin s'Dieneval before the rebellion. It was originally printed in the Masters of Fantasy anthology and is also available as a digital book on the author's website. Reins of Destiny This short story tells the tale of Kayjon sen'Davvis and his courageous acts during the rebellion that dethroned the High King of Havish. It was originally printed in The Solaris Book of New Fantasy, and is also available as digital book on the author's website. The Sundering Star This short story tells the tale of a WorldFleet officer and Koriani initiate, Jessian, and her actions on the planet of Scathac, long before the start of the main story. It was originally printed in Under Cover of Darkness anthology, and is also available as digital book on the author's website. The Decoy This short story tells of Falion sen Ardhai and his mission to bear a message to the Queen-Regent Cindein s'Ilessid in the period leading up to the rebellion. The Gallant This novella describes how Verrain sen Dient became apprenticed to the Fellowship of Seven. It was originally published by Cornucopia Press in the Spells and Secrets anthology. The author has provided a recommended reading order for the