- Hardcover: 496 pages
- Publisher: Tor Books (M/M) (Dec 18 2001)
- ISBN-10: 031287328X
- ASIN: B0006H0HCI
- Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 14 x 4.1 cm
- Shipping Weight: 499 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Full of vivid and complex storytelling, this richly imagined, humane novel concludes the saga of the Magravandian Empire that began with Sea Dragon Heir and The Crown of Silence. The old emperor's death gives shadowy religious and political cabals a chance to maneuver for power. At the same time, personal cravings and sexual desires agitate members of the empire's powerful families, while the rival dragon-gods who represent elements of nature contend through their human avatars. Valraven (aka Lord Palindrake), head of the family once allied with the sea dragons, must first decide whether he wants to become the True King; then he must prove that he is worthy. Valraven's wife, Varencienne, also finds her role changing in unpredictable ways. Readers uneasy about entering such an intricate tale so late, however, shouldn't hesitate. For one thing, the author has a gift for creating compelling characters, whose motives are far from straightforward. Situations that seem initially to be sword-and-sorcery cliches turn out to be anything but, as Valraven and company discover more layers of meaning in events and have to reinterpret their own actions. Magic here is neither simple nor safe but an effort to tinker with powers too big for human control. As Constantine makes abundantly clear, even people who wish to walk the path of light must wade through darkness, especially as they try to escape narrow preconceptions. For all its strife, this is an affirmative book. Agent, Robert Kirby.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.From Library Journal
With the unexpected death of the Emperor Leonid, the Magravandian Empire descends into chaos and mayhem as warring factions seek control. Against this backdrop, the conquered heirs of Caradore struggle to survive and to wrest their ancient heritage from those who would lay claim to the power of the sea dragons. Constantine's conclusion to her trilogy (Sea Dragon Heir, The Crown of Silence) provides a satisfying wrap-up to a story of forbidden love, broken loyalties, and magic. Her sensual prose should appeal to fans of Tanith Lee and Terry Goodkind. A good addition, along with its series predecessors, to most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
RAIN WHIPPED DOWN LIKE furious tears upon a landscape of bleak curving moors, where spines of rock humped out of the earth, resembling through the deluge enormous petrified reptiles. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
RAIN WHIPPED DOWN LIKE furious tears upon a landscape of bleak curving moors, where spines of rock humped out of the earth, resembling through the deluge enormous petrified reptiles. Read the first page
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Most helpful customer reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing >_<,
By Kurot (Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Way of Light (Hardcover)
The Dragon Sea Heir was average. The Crown of Silence was very interesting (I love the Khaster and Tayven flashback... that's what got me hooked). I've been waiting to get my hands on the conclusion... and when I got my hands on it... I was disappointed. Very disappointed. I thought the story had taken a turn for the worst. One part of the ending was very very unneccessary. I mean, seriously. The way Ms. Constantine made everyone sleep with everyone else... made me lose interest in the character development department because they are all just too darn unfaithful. After I finished the book I really wanted to cry. I had a lot of questions in my head, wanting answers (plot holes). I wish to believe The Crown of Silence was just one book and had no sequel.... I really love the (past) Khaster and Tayven relationship ;_;Only read it if you're a really really big fan of Ms. Constantine's works... I love her books. But the sex... the unfaithfulness (of everyone!).. and the ending... of The Way of Light...was too much for me.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful Chronicles of Magravandias fantasy tale,
By
This review is from: The Way of Light (Paperback)
The Emperor Leonid's death causes a succession crisis that sends the Magravandias Empire on the verge of civil war as conflicting elements squabble over the throne. The Firemages have their own puppet they want to succeed Leonid. Others believe opening the WAY OF LIGHT will point to the truth. Desperate to avoid genocide, Dragon Lord Valraven Palindrake reluctantly supports Prince Gastern to ascend to the crown. His decision delays a war, but the rivalry remains hot and any stumble will turn the empire into a sea of red. Valraven's sea-wife Varencienne, worrying about the future of her adopted people, begins an odyssey to confer with her mother, Empress Tatrini, but fails to reach her destination. Instead dark magus, enemies of her husband, take her prisoner. These malevolent beings' plans do not care about body counts only the success of their endeavor. Valraven must find a way to save his spouse and his world even if he must go through the dark to obtain THE WAY OF THE LIGHT.
The final novel in Storm Constantine's powerful Chronicles of Magravandias fantasy trilogy, THE WAY OF THE LIGHT, is a thrilling tale. The story line stays true to its predecessors (SEA DRAGON HEIR and THE CROWN OF SILENCE) while allowing the key cast to grow as major events have impacted them. The vividly described story line is loaded with action that enables the reader to feel the empire is genuine, but it is the strong personality-driven cast that makes this tale and the other two books worth reading by epic fantasy fans. Harriet Klausner
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enthralling book...,
By
This review is from: The Way of Light (Hardcover)
...and series. "The Way of Light" is an excellent conclusion to a brilliant series. Constantine specializes in beautiful and lyrical language and gorgeously lush descriptions that the bigger-named authors can only dream of; and this book (and series) is no exception. Plot-wise, however, I find the ending a little...anti-climatic, but the rest of the book is so good that it's worth the small disappointment. Anyone familiar with and appreciates Constantine's novels will find this book an absolute delight (...).
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