Packer, Allan N.: - "Allan Packer writes epic fantasy. The Stone of Knowing, The Cost of Knowing, and the Stone of Authority are the first novels in his Stone Cycle series. Allan grew up surrounded by books and became an avid reader during his childhood. In his university years fantasy displaced science fiction as his favorite genre, thanks primarily to J. R. R. Tolkien. He later shared this love with his four children by reading The Lord of the Rings to them aloud - a three-month marathon he completed twice during their formative years. Born in Australia, Allan has lived and worked on three continents, and spent one quarter of his working years abroad. Having worked as an IT professional throughout his career, he was first published as a technical author. Today he lives with his wife in Adelaide, South Australia, near their children and a small but growing band of grandchildren. Allan is currently working on the next installment in his series The Stone Cycle."