The Isle of Battle (Swans' War Trilogy) [Paperback]

Sean Russell adds interesting ideas to the Medievalising fantasy. The Isle of Battle, second volume of his Swan's War trilogy, has a handy amount of night-time treachery, feats of archery, sorcery and pitched cavalry battles. It has interesting thoughts about the nature of identity--to save her life, noblewoman Elise has allowed herself to be possessed by the long-dead sorceress Sianon and it is not clear, in either direction, who got the better of the deal. Similarly, Russell plays games with honour--is Dease, who has changed his loyalties, more, or less, honourable than his cousin Samul, who pursues them into dishonour and treachery?

These books take place in debatable land--centuries earlier a sorcerer twisted the relationship in time and space between locations along a river valley and its tributaries--and the moral landscape in which the characters get bogged down is equally perverse and disjointed. He brings a compassion to relationships--that between the blind minstrel King Carral, for example, and the hideously scarred Llyn--that never becomes quite saccharine. As its predecessor, The One Kingdom,The Isle of Battlekeeps us caring about the destinies of a large cast of characters and weighs courage against wisdom, loyalty against righteousness in an intelligent and morally complex narrative. --Roz Kaveney --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

** 'One of the best fantasies of recent years . Sean Russell has all the gifts that a master storyteller needs' ENIGMA on ISLE OF BATTLE ** 'A master of intelligent fantasy - subtle, well-crafted and gripping' STEPHEN DONALDSON ** 'Magic and mystery blend in abundance with an intricate cast of characters. An engrossing read.' ROBIN HOBB

In THE ONE KINGDOM, a group of young traders embarked on a quest to make their fortune. Journeying along the River Wynnd with a cargo of ancient artefacts, they soon discovered the world to be a far more complex place than they could ever have imagined. Alaan is trapped in the Stillwater - an eerie, fog-bound place hidden from the sun and shrouded in mystery. Tam and his friends must find him before it is too late. For Alaan is wounded and close to death, and his enemies, if they reach him first, will show no mercy. Set in a world in which magic and political intrigue collide, with unforgettable characters and brilliant storytelling, THE SWANS' WAR is a series destined to become a classic. Find out more about this title and others at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Sean Russell was born in Toronto, Canada in 1952, and now lives in Vancouver. He has written a number of acclaimed fantasy novels.