The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1) - Hardcover

Pinto, Ricardo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312872089 ISBN 13: 9780312872083

Publisher: Tor Books, 2000

Synopsis

First in a new fantasy series, The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, this fresh, exciting novel follows the adventures of young Carnelian as he discovers his own powers and learns the harsh ways of the world. A first novel. 40,000 first printing.

About this title

Review:

Ricardo Pinto's first novel opens a fantasy sequence titled "The Stone Dance of the Chameleon," exploring a complex and hierarchical empire with a vaguely Asian flavor. Young hero Carnelian journeys from his aristocratic father's remote, wintry house of exile to the heart of power--moving stage by stage from carefree family life to an imperial court dominated by unchangeable rituals that make the regimentation of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast seem like an anarchic free-for-all. This obsessiveness is reflected in ornate masks and formal clothing, growing more bizarrely exotic as travelers approach the center of the Guarded Land, and culminating in massive "robes" of precious woven metals built up on scaffolding, plus shoes that are virtually stilts. Masks are socially necessary because any commoner who sees the face of a Master (the immensely tall ruling class) must be blinded--as Carnelian learns to his horror after briefly forgetting to cover up. Far worse mutilations are commonplace. But even amid the poisoned splendors, suffocating protocols, and treachery of court life, there are tiny opportunities to break loose: our hero discovers illicit knowledge and a forbidden lover. Then, after the new God Emperor's election, there's disaster leading to a sudden cliffhanger ending. Full of rich imagery, haunting horror, and the slow-motion quality of dreams, this is a series to watch. --David Langford, Amazon.co.uk

About the Author:

Ricardo Pinto is Portuguese, but has lived and studied in Scotland since he was a child. Previously he designed and programmed computer games. This is his second novel. He lives in Edinburgh and is currently working on the final volume in this trilogy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Tor Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0312872089
• ISBN 13: 9780312872083
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 512