long-colonised planet whose history, ecology and communities are full of puzzling contradictions. Tantalising answers emerge but lead to greater mysteries. One society is Islamic, not the Islam we know but a splinter cult changed by the teachings of the Second and Third Prophets, softened by 800 years of adaptation to this world. Believers are sympathetically treated but their ruler the Great Khan is wrecking the economy with greed and bloodthirsty paranoia. So regime change is indicated--there are secret plans to lure a forgotten Khan heir out of exile. This means long travel over grasslands dominated by horse-riding tribes whose female shamans practise magic--a magic which, underpinned by ancient technology and bioengineering, really works. One tribe is infiltrated by a member of the Khan's dread secret police the Chosen, who have strange, shameful talents of their own. Hazards en route include the ChaMeech, feared lizard-folk who are this world's original natives, with ecological and political crises of their own. Above circle light-points in the sky known as the Riders--certain forms of magical location and communication function only after the Riders have risen and before they set. One fanatical "sorcerer" wants to get back up there again, into orbit. Who is the voice in the shaman's crystal, calling herself Water Woman? How is it that the sorcerer is remembered by some as greyly middle-aged, seen by others as young? What's the significance of countless tribal taboos or Banes, such as the rule against disturbing the glistening "spirit pearls" found in rivers? Are the splendid legends of the human First Settlers all lies, invented for excellent reasons which may no longer apply? Kerr's characters are believable and likeable--they clash, change and grow as layers of mystery are peeled away. All ends satisfyingly. --David Langford
Advantages: A New Series that you really want to continue. Disadvantages: I dont think there was any
...I have enjoyed katharinekerr books for a long time. I have bought all her books she has ever written. The deverry series i have always loved but some of the individual books just havent quite captured my imagination.
But this one was different, it did take a little bit of effort to get into, but it really was worth the effort.
I was wary of paying the price as i thought it was a little steep to be honest, but it was well worth it, i loved the book and i really hope there is another one in the same series. You might dislike it at first but please persist, it is honestly worth it.
Theres no point in me going into details about the book as people never get the same impression about characters etc, but it is worth saying that i believe in the future it will rival her deverry series, which im sure her fans will be pleased to know...
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Advantages: This will truly spellbind you into reading the whole series Disadvantages: I was hooked from the first page and I couldn't put it down
...Need a new fantasy series to get your teeth into? Reread the same old trilogies over and over again? Getting bored of the genre? Stop! Back-up and read this book, it's the first in a four book set, and I guarantee you'll be spellbound within the first 5 chapters. Kerr has an amazing ability to bring her celtic world to life in an entrancing first novel that sets the scene for an epic love triangle that spans centuries, defeating even death itself. It touches on the themes of love. magic, honour,betrayal, sin, wyrd and luck in a worriors world, noble and common born alike. As they interact, these characters give the text a depth and vividness I had never encountered before. Astounding. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!...
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Advantages: Not the normal kind of alternate reality fantasy Disadvantages: The time changes can be alittle confusing.
...This book is a very good read, not in the standard cant put it down but in the utterly absorbing way. The story is strong and involving, the characters strong and utterly unique, although it is carefully written to allow alittle of the characters other 'incarnations' to seep through. Unlike many fantasy novels set in a world completely different from our own, Katherine Kerr manages to use celtic mythology to create an utterly involving and believable. Her description makes it seem like you are really there, her work makes it seem like to can taste, sense and see the world and the magic contained within it. Also her skillful attempt at playing with reincarnatioin of souls and high magic works seemlessly evoking a believable sense of the soul being reborn to repay its faults in his or her previous life. Overall a brilliant, compelling...
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12.10.2005
25.10.2005
10.05.2006
