Lens of the World - Softcover

MacAvoy, R. A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0380710161 ISBN 13: 9780380710164

Publisher: Avon Books, 1991

Synopsis

After Nazhuret completes his training in swordcraft and optics under the tutelage of an astronomer, he applies his new talents to adventures beyond his kingdom

About this title

About the Author

R.A. Macavoy lives in Northern California

From School Library Journal

YA-- In this, the first volume of a fantasy series, MacAvoy does not merely set the stage, hint at a plot to be unveiled later, or tease readers with suggested themes. Instead, she presents a fully developed novel that preserves interesting territory to be explored in the future. The plot crosses the classic quest fantasy with the bildungsroman, and the novel is composed in the epistolary style. Nazhuret, a child seemingly without family, is the ward of a military school for the sons of nobility. As an adolescent, he finds himself propelled into a weird relationship with the mysterious Powl. Their meeting is a memorable set-piece worthy of Poe. Nazhuret's re-education under Powl involves trials to make the most hardworking student shudder. At the end of it, Powl sends Nazhuret into the world, a kind of beggar/philosopher, a lens-grinder on tour. It is here that MacAvoy's intent becomes clear, because Nazhuret is indeed, for readers, the lens of the world, the optic through which they see the mysterious, shifting ambiguities that create a reality. This is a plot and a theme and a character so rich that revelations would be unforgivable. Add to these one of the most surprising supporting characters and plots in years and a fantasy setting that is always intriguing but never intrusive and you have a book that readers won't want to end. --Cathy Chauvette, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Avon Books
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0380710161
• ISBN 13: 9780380710164
• Binding: Paperback