The Oracle (The Oracle Sequence) [Paperback]

The Oracle Betrayed comes from the pen of the award-winning Welsh author and poet Catherine Fisher, and grabs readers quickly with a convincingly imagined Greco-Egyptian setting and characters that defy quick classification. Our heroine, Mirany, begins the story as a timid teen serving the High Priestess, the masked Speaker who discerns the wishes of a god through a mysterious island oracle. When the current Archon (the sequestered God-on-Earth) passes a secret note to Mirany just before he's sacrificed, the story throws intrigue onto intrigue with a murder plot, a drunken musician, a conflicted scribe, a slick tomb robber, an offended Rain Goddess and no shortage of mystic burial rituals and dusty tombs.

Fisher's biggest accomplishment is that for all the page-turning action, she still manages to raise some pretty heady ideas about death, ambition and the nature of faith. Expect both kids and grown-ups to be reaching for Fisher's follow-up. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes, Amazon.com --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'suspense is constantly built ... rattles along at a dizzying pace ... next volume please. (School Librarian 20030801)

'an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended' (The Bookseller 20010209)

Vivid and convincing ... a very satisfying read for young people who want some depth to their fiction, and the depiction of an unusual and interesting world. (Vector 20010209)

The tension endures until the last page ... we want the sequel, soon! (BfK 20050201)

'will linger long in readers' memories' (Kirkus Reviews 20050201)

'the reader will fall under the spell of this fantasy story'

(Grafschafter Nachrichten )

A crisp, quick-moving narrative ... will keep readers hooked. (Publisher's Weekly )

A powerful and very exciting adventure story (School Library Journal )

DARKWATER HALL: 'a seriously good author ... makes for some nail-biting reading.' (The Independent )

'... a thrilling, chilling world of magic and menace' (The Mail on Sunday )

'A gripping story that'll keep you guessing!' (SHOUT )

'an extraordinary imagination, always coming up with some new twist that is both weird yet utterly convincing.' (Nicholas Tucker, Rough Guide to Children's Books )

'Breathlessly paced . . . almost painfully heightened tension right to the end . . . will have readers queuing for the concluding volume.' (Harper Collins Publishers )

'gripped by the deeper truths of the story and the compelling, vivid intensity of the writing.'

(Armadillo - Douglas Hill )

The tension endures until the last page ... we want the sequel, soon!

... creates a thrilling, chilling world of magic and menace'

'Catherine Fisher has an extraordinary imagination, always coming up with some new twist that is both weird yet utterly convincing.'

A crisp, quick-moving narrative and fully fleshed out characters will keep readers hooked to the remaining installments in this trilogy.

A tale that will linger long in readers' memories

'A gripping story that'll keep you guessing!'

'... creates a thrilling, chilling world of magic and menace'

A powerful and very exciting adventure story

'Breathlessly paced . . . almost painfully heightened tension right to the end . . . will have readers queuing for the concluding volume.'

In the distant land of deserts and islands, the servants of the god rule the land, his wishes conveyed through the Oracle and interpreted by the High Priestess. Mirany is the new Bearer, afraid of her perilous duties for the god in the rituals of the Oracle, and fearful of her secret questioning ... Does the god truly exist?

The priestess is corrupt and in secret partnership with the General, ruler, since the God-on-Earth, the Archon, has no real power - chosen as a child, his face always masked, never seen by outsiders. Should any national tragedy occur, he is also the sacrifice. When the old Archon dies, his spirit migrates into a child, and there are several candidates for succession. But Mirany begins to experience the real visions of the god, discovers which child is the rightful heir, and that the General and High Priestess intend to choose another child and seize power. With only a tomb-robbing scribe and a mad musician for allies, Mirany begins her quest - knowing that, if she is betrayed, her fate will be to be walled up alive in the Archon's tomb ... (20030501)

Compelling reading - ideal for attaining the reading skills crucial for Key Stages 2 and 3 literacy. Perfect for sparking interest in different cultures and ancient civilisations.

Superb writing from an award-winning author who continues to go from strength to strength.

CATHERINE FISHER is an award-winning fantasy writer. The Oracle was shortlisted for the Whitbread Award 2003, The Conjuror's Game for the Smarties Award, The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Mind Boggling Award, The Candle Man won the Tir-Na-n'Og Award, and Corbenic was shortlisted. Author of 16 books for children and two volumes of award-winning poetry, she is particularly well-known in Wales. (20030501)