From Publishers Weekly
Based on the troubadour culture that rose in Provence during the High Middle Ages, this panoramic, absorbing novel beautifully creates an alternate version of the medieval world. As in Tigana , it is a world with two moons. The matriarchal, cultured land of Arbonne is rent by a feud between its two most powerful dukes, the noble troubador Bertran de Talair and Urte de Miraval, over long-dead Aelis, lover of one, wife of the other and once heir to the country's throne. To the north lies militaristic Gorhaut, whose inhabitants worship the militant god Corannos and are ruled by corrupt, womanizing King Ademar. His chief advisor, the high priest of Corannos, is bent on wiping out the worship of a female deity, whose followers live to the south. Into this cauldron of brewing disaster comes the mysterious Gorhaut mercenary Blaise, who takes service with Bertran and averts an attempt on his life. The revelation of Blaise's lineage and a claim for sanctuary by his sister-in-law set the stage for a brutal clash between the two cultures. Intertwined is the tale of a young woman troubadour whose role suggests the sweep of the drama to come. Kay creates a vivid world of love and music, magic and death in a realm that resembles ours but is just different enough to enrich the fantasy genre. 25,000 first printing; major ad/promo.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Book Description
"Elegant, sweeping, and colorful...one of those books you wish would never end." (
San Francisco Chronicle)
This is the acclaimed novel about forbidden love, bitter rivalries, and power struggles, set in a world based on Eleanor of Aquitaine's France-from Guy Gavriel Kay, who "stands among the world's finest fantasy authors" (
Montreal Gazette).
"This panoramic, absorbing novel beautifully creates an alternate version of the medieval world....Kay creates a vivid world of love and music, magic, and death." (
Publishers Weekly)
"A richly ornamented and tightly woven tapestry, a panoramic and compelling tale....War, love, assassination, deception, kindness, heroism, loyalty, friendship, and magic mix...in startling, unexpected, and satisfying ways." (
Locus)
"A cracking good fantasy novel." (
Interzone)
"Kay has another hit on his hands." (
Toronto Star)
"Rarely has a book come along that fulfills on so many levels without succumbing to stereotype or unbelievable characters ....Kay skillfully and lyrically paints a portrait of a land and the human hearts that inhabit it, complete with their failures and epiphanies." (
Palm Beach Post)
"A novel of epic sweep and panoramic romance provides a sensual and stirring feast for readers." (
South Bend Tribune)
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
