In this entry in the Forgotten Realms series, author Salvatore explores further aspects of the deadly Shard, introduced early on in the lengthy series.

The acclaimed graphic-novelist Marjane Satrapi (PERSEPOLIS) returns with a mesmerizing tale of her great-uncle Nasser Ali Khan, an Iranian musician who takes to his bed after his precious lute is irreparably damaged. During the eight days while he waits to die, Nasser is visited, not only by family, but also by visions, Hollywood stars, and kaleidoscopic images from Iranian history, culture, and art.

Charlie and Sam are growing up in Marblehead, Massachusetts. One memorable evening, Charlie steals a car, and the two drive down to Fenway Park in Boston for a Red Sox game. On the way home, they are in an accident, and Sam is killed. For 13 years, Charlie meets Sam's spirit in the local cemetery--a tradition that entails a sacrifice for both of them: Charlie works as the cemetery's caretaker, Sam is unable to move up a level in the afterlife. But they both take comfort from the ritual until Charlie falls in love with Tess. But is she alive, or a spirit?

Based on the life of feminist writer (and mother of Mary Shelley) Mary Wollstonecraft, this novel takes its heroine from Paris in the Revolution to the English countryside.