From Publishers Weekly
Set in an exotic world evocative of the classic
Arabian Nights stories, this first in a new fantasy series from British author Brenchley (
The Devil in the Dust and other Outremer novels) captures little of the
Arabian Nights' humor or spirit of adventure, despite a long parade of sultans, pashas, docile maidens, harems, concubines and eunuchs. By building a bridge in one night, the nation of Maras has conquered the hapless city of Sund, renamed it Maras-Sund and outlawed magic. Fortunately, Issel the water-seller, who owes much to the charming and resourceful rogue played by Sabu in
The Thief of Baghdad, has a gift for magic that could prove effective against the enemy invaders. Meanwhile, Jendre, the eldest daughter of a general in the occupied city, dreads that she may be forced to become the bride of the Sultan of Maras. The author has set the scene for a showdown that one hopes will lend some much needed excitement in the sequel.
(May) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
In Sund, water was once a magical agent for defense, healing, and beauty. Since conquest by Maras, which wields a different sorcery, the water is polluted, and its sources have been cut back. The magic and the talent to use it remain, however, and remembrance of the city that was keeps the impulse to rebel imminent. The magic of Maras is maintained by daughters of the sultan's officials who are taken from their families and never seen again. A general's eldest daughter, Jendre, expects such to be her fate, but when her little sister is taken instead, she feels rebellious. With Issel, a poor youth with the talent for water magic, Jendre becomes embroiled in the intrigues of court and alley and barely escapes the cutthroats infesting each. Brenchley proves a competent world-builder and a creator of most-convincing characters. If the plot is a bit confusing at first, it is the maze of motives and possible courses of action that readers, like the characters, are highly motivated to navigate.
Frieda MurrayCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
