- Paperback: 480 pages
- Publisher: Tor; New edition edition (4 Jun 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330412485
- ISBN-13: 978-0330412483
- Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 11.2 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 806,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
From an outstanding new British writer, a dazzlingly colourful novel of Gothic SF
Book Description
On the planet of Latent Emanation, humans form the lowest class, at the mercy of strange and decadent alien rulers: the Lords of Night. The young alchemist Alivet has chafed under the Lords' domination ever since her twin sister was abducted to serve in their palace. But, having saved every penny to rescue her, Alivet's plans are wrecked when she finds herself on the run for murder. Her only hope now seems to be a mysterious stranger named Ari Ghairen, the Poison Master from the planet Hathes. Ghairen needs an alchemist of Alivet's expertise to compound the one drug that can free her human kin by destroying the Lords. Sequestered in Ghairen's fortress laboratory on Hathes, lied to by both her new ally and the enigmatic governess he employs, Alivet doesn't know whom to trust or where to turn. But if she doesn't find some answers soon, she will lose everything.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
P>Reading this book amazed me; the concept is quite new, Liz Williams has done a great job. Every word I say about the story would just have spoilers associated with it, but I would say this, the story contains elements itself like altogether a mathematical theorem. Story roams medieval age scientist and far distant land filled with alchemists, the story never leaves its touch, it never looses momentum. Highly recommend read.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Just a brief comment on the review above: I'm a great Mary Gentle fan so the alchemy/science fiction blend this book is based on didn't come as such an innovation. (John Crowley as well, come to think of it.) That said I liked the central concept here and there were some very original touches, especially the idea of different drugs having a spiritual as well as physical effect. Liz Williams' writing here flows well (less hard work than MG's can be at times) and I liked the love interest. I'll be looking out for other books by this writer.
Format:Paperback
The combination of fantasy with more traditionally science-fiction elements in this story is unusual and completely absorbing. The world-building is skilfully done; Latent Emanation and Hathes come across as fascinating places, very different from the worlds we're used to, and expertly portrayed without a tiresome excess of detail. The character of Ari Ghairen is fascinating: he is a portrait of a man whose vices are formed by a society alien to ours, and whose personality has room for finer qualities alongside the skill at assassination and murder required by his profession.
I often feel that fantasy series can be drawn out over far too many books, but this is one where I feel there is ample room for more exploration of these worlds. I'd like to visit again, and discover more about the intriguing Ghairen and the development of Latent Emanation. This book definitely ends too soon!
I often feel that fantasy series can be drawn out over far too many books, but this is one where I feel there is ample room for more exploration of these worlds. I'd like to visit again, and discover more about the intriguing Ghairen and the development of Latent Emanation. This book definitely ends too soon!
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