- Paperback: 704 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st Trade Pbk. Ed edition (April 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0061073555
- ISBN-13: 978-0061073557
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.6 x 4.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,247,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Review
"The world Janny Wurts writes about is wonderfully vivid."-- Stephen R. Donaldson"One of those do-not-put-down-until-finished books, of which there are all too few!"-- Andre Norton"Action-packed...Wurts continues to be excellent at world-building and characterization."-- "Booklist""This stout and epic tale mixing fantasy and SF was originally published in the 1980's in mass market in three volumes, Strormwarden, Keeper of the Keys, and Shadowfane. Whether those novels have been edited for this edition or not, the joint publication brings out the essential unity of the story... full of action, splendid scenes of magic (including some terrifying dreams) and engaging secondary characters."-- Publishers Weekly
Product Description
Her magnificent high fantasy trilogy--"Stormwarden, Keeper of the Keys" and "Shadowfane" complete in one volume.
Sorcerery and Destiny
For centuries, the elusive Vaere have trained sorcerers to stand against Shadowfane' s demons, who seek nothing less than mankind' s destruction and the world' s total conquest. Now, the demons have won corrupt human allies, and the last, great defenders have fallen--the Firelord died mad, and the Stormwarden languishes, imprisoned and disgraced.
New champions will arise from unlikely beginnings--an orphan and an apprentice, a fisher girl and her disaffected brother--each with a power, a secret, and a flaw that will shape their destinies.
The demons awaken. The champions choose sides. And it begins again: "The Cycle of Fire," Janny Wurts' s magnificent high fantasy trilogy, complete in one volume for the first time.
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First Sentence
Written in the records of the Vaere is the tale of the binding of the Mharg-demons at Elrinfaer by the wizard of wind and wave, Anskiere. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Written in the records of the Vaere is the tale of the binding of the Mharg-demons at Elrinfaer by the wizard of wind and wave, Anskiere. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Janny Wurts' work is incredible. It speaks to me on so many levels. I am always fascinated by Janny's descriptions of magic; she weaves together scientific descriptions and wonder with remarkable skill. The magic in these novels is all at once logical, original and wondrous.
Janny obviously knows what she's talking about - her descriptions of sailing are particularly vivid. Also, her vision of honour and pride and the things that bind people together is remarkably appealing. See Anskiere's relationship with Ivain, his geas upon Jaric and the relationship between the king of the pirates and his right hand man for examples of how strongly things matter to her characters.
I think that Keeper of the Keys (I joined the trilogy in the middle) captured my imagination more than any other novel since A Wizard of Earthsea. At first, I was slightly disappointed at the final book, I resented the prevalence of scientific explanation. But upon rereading I realized that it all fit in perfectly with the world.
I regret that I don't yet own these books. It may be much less complex than The Wars of Light and Shadow, but the Cycle of Fire stands on its own against that work. It avoids becoming bogged down in detail, and it is different enough that of the two, I think I prefer this series.
I weep bitterly that there is not more of this, but then more would surely shatter the flawlessly perfect gem of a fantasy that Janny Wurts has fashioned.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This has been probably the most fascinating fantasy trilogy I have read in this year. After reading all of David Eddings, Tolkien, Arthur C, Clarke and Bradley, I have been yearning for something original. This book finally gave me what I had long go hoped for. Allthough It does start a bit confusing and you have to concentrate very carefully the first couple of chapters, things start getting clearer and clearer for the reader. Also the original story isn't that new anymore. Its the good against evil sort of thing with young heroes trying to cope with magic. But then the character development is interesting to observe and the hint of Science fiction in this fantasy trilogy makes it worth while. A good read for anyone, who is looking for something different.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If I hadn't read the Wars of Light and Shadow first, I would have given the Cycle of Fire at least 4 stars, and probably 5. However, after having read them both, it becomes obvious that this is just a test run. Wurts plays in both series with the estrangement of siblings, at first through delusion and then through willful ignorance. Marlson Emien, though, is merely a pale shadow of Lysaer S'Illessid, and can't carry the reader through sympathy and into disgust the way that the Prince of Light can. Similarly, Ivainson Jaric's unwillingness to complete his destiny is set on far less sound a base than Arithon S'Ffalenn's. Largely, however, everything is just too easy for Jaric and Taen, and that, when compared to the struggling of Arithon, and the despair at his fate, is the death of the Cycle of Fire. The problem is simply that there are too many common plot devices and themes between the two, all of which are developed to a far greater degree in the Wars of Light and Shadow.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Her best yet!
This trilogy was the first time I encountered Janny Wurts, and it hooked me from the start. Many different elements are drawn together, and the shift in perspective between fantasy... Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2000 by Mr Mark Brimicombe
This book is awe inspiring and exceptional!
This book/trillogy is one of the best books I have ever read. Janny Wurts has a talent for writing that far exceeds all I have ever read. I could not put this book down! Read more
Published on 27 Jun 1999
An Excellent Fantasy/Sci Fi Epic
The Cycle of Fire held me captivated with its blend of Fantasy and Science Fiction elements. This series also combines many diverse plot elements extreamly well. Read more
Published on 11 Jun 1999
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