Arriving in the capital city of Sherreen to take her place at court, Miss Eliste vo Derrivale is suddenly stripped of her rank, home, and family during v'Aleur's reign of terror. By the author of The Sorcerer's Curse.
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Okay, it's a retelling of the French Revolution, but there's magic in this story. You know what's going to happen by page 3, though some of the particulars differ. The familiar-seeming background makes the sorcery-touched story that much more engrossing. Read this for Volsky's wonderful fillips of detail, which make her story live and breathe, and read it for her engaging characters: Eliste's education in the gilded palace of the Beviaire and in the streets of Shereen, Dref Zeenoson's rise, ingenious Uncle Quinz's illusions. But watch out: it's nearly impossible to stop reading this absorbing, densely-plotted novel, and that's the real magic.
Give the Russian Revolution a French ambiance, add a dollop of American spirit and a dash of magic--and you have some idea of the setting for this bulky but entertaining historical fantasy. Young, purblind country Exalted (aristocrat) Eliste refuses to recognize her feelings for the handsome, educated, mannerly, admirable Dref--the latter, you see, is a serf, virtually a slave; and soon, when he defies Eliste's vicious father, Dref is forced to flee. So Eliste journeys to the city Sherreen to meet the King and Queen, where, preoccupied by the lustfully prolonged and unwelcome attentions of the King's brother, she fails to notice that the underclasses are threatening rebellion--until a mob bursts in to sack the palace. Whereupon the triumphant rabble-rouser Whiss Valeur institutes, with magical help, a reign of terror whose victims include not only the King and hapless Exalteds but anyone who dares oppose him. Only after a terrified Eliste endures dreadful privations and near-death will she throw off her aristocratic ways, meet up with Dref (a steadfast democrat, leading the resistance), and summon up some potent magical aid of her own to defeat the unspeakable Whiss. Surprisingly absorbing and agreeable, given the stereotyped characters and general air of predictability, with unobtrusive yet well thought-out magical notions and a backdrop of genuine depth and consistency. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003253342
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Seller: Goldstone Books, Llandybie, United Kingdom
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Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: UNSPECIFIED. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 2381895
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Seller: Fantastic Literature Limited, Rayleigh, ESSEX, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: UNSPECIFIED. near fine trade paperback, David Farren cover 1st printing. Arriving in the capital city of Sherreen to take her place at court, Miss Eliste vo Derrivale is suddenly stripped of her rank, home, and family during v'Aleur's reign of terror. By the author of The Sorcerer's Curse. Seller Inventory # FC24.067
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Darkwood Online T/A BooksinBulgaria, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Paperback. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. First Edition; First Printing. Minor foxing to endpapers and edges of reading block. ; Nice tight copy, no names or marks inside, appears unread. Wrap around cover artwork by David Farren. ; 700 pages; In Sherreen, capital of Vonahr, the old order has been violently and brutally swept away. Ancient machines of magic have been awakened to detect, spy upon and devour the hated Exalted aristocracy of magicians. Young Eliste vo Derrivalle is one of the Exalted, alone and destetute the streets for her are now a dangerous place with escape or survival seemingly equally unlikely. Trade PB. Seller Inventory # 22595
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Seller: bbs, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
Paperback: 8½" x 5¼". Condition: USED_GOOD. Cover Art: David Farren (illustrator). 1991 Edition. © 1991: A stand-alone novel by Paula Volsky. 1st printing of 1991 edition:- Synopsis: In Sherreen, glittering capital of Vonahr, the old order has been swept away, violently and brutally. Ancient machines of magic have been awakened, to detect, spy on and devour the hated Exalted aristocracy. And a young girl, Eliste vo Derrivalle, is alone, destitute and hunted in the seething streets. As terror blooms over the city, from palace to teeming slum, escape or survival both seem impossible:- Review(s): "'Illusion': an astonishing fantasy set in a brilliantly created world of glamour, magic, romance and terror":- (original cost £8.99). Seller Inventory # 20.029.00004
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Manyhills Books, Traralgon, VIC, Australia
Trade Paperback. Condition: USED_GOOD. Trade Paperback. 700 pages. *** PUBLISHING DETAILS: Victor Gollancz, UK, 1991. *** CONDITION: This book is in good condition. More specifically: Covers have no creasing. Edges of covers have superficial wear. Spine has minimal reading creases. . Edges of pages are slightly soiled. Pages are reasonably tanned. Gift inscription in ink. *** ABOUT THIS BOOK: Eliste vo Derrivalle is one of the Exalted, the aristocracy whose ancient magical powers have diminished gradually. However, revolution is afoot, and, while the old magic is being revived, Eliste is cast adrift on the streets of a city enveloped in terror. *** Quantity Available: 1. Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy; ISBN: 0575051388. ISBN/EAN: 9780575051386. Inventory No: 21050513. Seller Inventory # 21050513
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Seller: Marlowes Books and Music, Ferny Grove, QLD, Australia
Paperback. Condition: USED_GOOD. First Edition. 700 pages. Book is in general good condition. There is some light reading wear present, but still a presentable copy. In Sherreen, Glittering Capital Of Vonahr, The Old Order Has Been Swept Away, Violently And Brutally. Seller Inventory # 133885
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Rokewood Books, Rokewood, VIC, Australia
Soft cover. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. London: Victor Gollancz, 1991. 1st paperback ed. 700 p. Very Good: spine creased, bottom corners of covers rounded; edges and margins of pages lightly yellowed; a sound, neat copy. "An astonishing fantasy set in a brilliantly world of glamour, magic, romance and terror' - especially the terror. A young aristocratic girl, Eliste, is rich and privileged but her world is overturned by savage revolution (very like the French Revolution); a vivid, dramatic and fascinating book. Seller Inventory # 000356
Quantity: 1 available