The Black Mountains (Ace book)

A magnificent blend of fantasy, medieval, hints of technology, and magic, this is Saberhagen at his best. The Black Mountains is the second section in Empire of the East, (related to the Swords novels). The plot details an assault by freedom fighters on a mountain citadel, held by a dark lord who has become something less than human, and a great demon, whose mere passing weighs heavy on human minds and makes bones feel like jelly. Another great being of unknown allegiance uses his power to heal whatever men come to him. The plot is gripping and detailed, yet simple, and the stories of the characters are well-told, inspiring, and necessary to the whole. It features characters from The Broken Lands: Rolf, and Chup. I've read many fantasy and Sci-fi works, this, along with its sequel Changling Earth, just might be the best.