Into the Land of Unreason

Has Bent Bamboo, the Monkey, betrayed the Exiles? Who gave Thundering Heaven the horrible new sword he bears: Soul Slicer—a blade designed to destroy both the living and the dead? What is the source of the terrifying chaos that has taken over the Lands Born from Smoke and Sacrifice? Why is Pearl Bright, the once robust Tiger, visibly failing?

Despite the threat offered by this unknown enemy, a small band of scouts ventures into the tormented chaos beyond the last door into the Lands. Brenda Morris is not among their company—not by her own choice, but because her protective father, the true Rat—refuses to let his daughter go into danger. Instead, Brenda is ordered to resume her life as a college student in South Carolina, far from the Orphans’ base in California.

But Brenda’s involvement in occult matters is far from over. A mysterious classmate hints that the fate of numerous interconnected realities are threatened by the force behind the chaos in the Lands. When the scouts vanish, Brenda must decide whether to hide behind her father’s protection or to venture into realms no other Orphans has ever encountered.

Bonus Material includes the newly expanded essay, “Flowers and Seasons of Ritual Magic.”

“This complex novel blends passion, jealousy between beings living and dead, and day-to-day reality with the mysticism of Chinese astrology.… Infused with the symbolism and resonance of Chinese astrology, Five Odd Honors offers readers a wide cast of characters and a multilayered drama rich in magic, treachery, raw courage and true friendship. BookPage

“…one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read recently. Lindskold is no slouch as a storyteller.” Green Man Review on Five Odd Honors