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Synopsis
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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Review
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.
From Kirkus Reviews
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.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherVGSF (Victor Gollancz Ltd)
- Publication date1992
- ISBN 10 0575052961
- ISBN 13 9780575052963
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages700
- Rating
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Illusion
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Illusion This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780575052963
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Illusion
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780575052963
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Illusion
Seller: Manyhills Books, Traralgon, VIC, Australia
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Paperback. Condition: Good. Paperback. 700 pages. *** PUBLISHING DETAILS: Victor Gollancz, UK, 1992. *** CONDITION: This book is in good condition. More specifically: Covers have moderate creasing. Edges of covers have moderate wear. Spine has moderate reading creases and mild fading. . Pages are lightly tanned. *** 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: 0575052961. ISBN/EAN: 9780575052963. Inventory No: 16070071. Seller Inventory # 16070071
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