World without End (Moontide Magic Rise) - Softcover

Russell, Sean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0886776244 ISBN 13: 9780886776244

Publisher: DAW, 1995

Synopsis

Chronicling the epic fantasy adventures of naturalist Tristram Flattery as he voyages to discover the lost history of magic in a world where reason and science reign

The Age of the Mages is over, and all the secrets of their magical arts are thought to be lost to the world.

There are even those who suspect that the last of the great Mages spent their final years scrupulously eradicating all traces of their craft from the pages of history—insuring that their art will never be practiced again.

It is the dawn of a new era: an age of reason, science, and exploration, and Tristam Flattery is one of its most promising young naturalists.

But when Tristam is summoned to the royal court of Farrland to try to revitalize a failing species of plant which seems to have mysterious, almost magical, medicinal properties—a plant without which, he is told, the aging king will surely die—he soon realizes that he has been drawn into the heart of a political struggle which spans generations, a conflict which threatens the very foundations of his civilization. And before long, Tristam is caught in the grip of a destiny which will lead him to the ends of the known world—on a voyage of discovery that has more to do with magic than with science….

About this title

About the Author

Sean Russell was born in Toronto, Ontario. His first novel, The Initiate Brother, was the first in a duology of its name and featured a dynastic fantasy adventure set in the world of Wa, similar to ancient China. His influence writing fantasy comes from J. R. R. Tolkien, and he knew he wanted to be a writer since the age of ten.

Reviews

The compelling first volume in a series titled Moontide and Magic Rise bodes well for the ones to follow. Russell (The Initiate Brother) introduces Farrland, a world similar to our own but caught in a struggle between magic and science. The story follows the adventures of Tristam Flattery, who epitomizes this conflict and holds the key to Farrland's destiny. A young man well known as a botanist and naturalist, Tristam constantly endeavors to free himself from any affiliation with magic. This is fruitless, considering that he was raised by his great uncle Erasmus, the last of the great mages. Summoned by Roderick Palle to help the king, Tristam discovers Kingsfoil, a plant that can cure disease and prolong life; unfortunately, the plant itself is ailing. Roderick, the king, and the Duchess of Morland believe that Tristam's physic powers will revitalize the plant. When this fails, Tristam, the duchess and a band of wily sailors start out for Varua, the home of Kingsfoil. What follows is an incredible adventure at sea during which Tristam's special powers become increasingly evident, saving the wayfarers' lives and leading them to archeological treasures. A spectacular beginning of what is sure to be a successful fantasy series.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: DAW
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0886776244
• ISBN 13: 9780886776244
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 608