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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Ingeniously, in The Usurper's Crown, Sarah Zettel shows us the tragic past events which led up to the plot of her first fantasy novel A Sorcerer's Treason, leaving her heroine Bridget a child of two worlds and an orphan in both. On the shores of late nineteenth- century Lake Michigan, Bridget's mother Ingrid becomes the lover of the exiled magician Avanasy and in the magical realm of Istavalta the partner in his enterprises. The young empress Medeoan, not yet the pathetic dangerous villainess of the earlier book, is in danger from her treacherous husband, and Avanasy, her teacher in magic, has to save her from the consequences of her actions. Part of the dark strength of this second book is that we already know how badly things will work out, and come to understand how they might have been even worse. Zettel has a sense of the nightmare side of magic and the irresponsible games of magical beings; these books draw eclectically on the legends of Russia, China and India and cherry-pick some of the darkest themes of all three. The Usurper's Crown has a sense of the price of everything and the moments of joy and victory that redeem tragedy; it is one of the most adult fantasies of the year. --Roz Kaveney
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
‘A tale that spins wonder with vivid and touching complexity – beautiful as a prism. Sarah Zettel has delivered a dazzling realm of amazement.’ JANNY WURTS
Praise for A Sorcerer’s Treason:
Zettel’s first fantasy novel is a triumph of story-telling…All the characters are powerfully drawn, especially Bridget, a strong and attractive heroine…A Sorcerer’s Treason is a magnificent fantasy novel, showcasing just how good this genre can be. Rich, compelling and exciting, this could be the best fantasy debut in years’ Amazon
‘A fresh and surprisingly exciting fantasy thriller…Zettel’s engaging writing style conjures up a gripping plot and some effective, three-dimensional characterisation. Even the magic system is well-thought out and inventive…this engaging and vivid slice of escapist fantasy will keep fans of Robin Hobb more than happy’ SFX
‘Sarah Zettel’s well-told and absorbing tale is full of original touches’ Starburst
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although this book is a prequel and basically tells a story that was covered in the first, so you know how it ends, it is still a great read. not only does it give you a greater insight in to the Avansy's world, and how each of te different countries works both politically and how they control their magic. It also gives more information on how the magic works and the relationship to the creatures that inhabit the land of the Death and Spirit. This fleshes out the trilogy and makes the third and final book all the more anticipated
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The second book in Sara Zettles Isvaltan trilogy is unusual in that it pre-dates the first book. Although that seems strange at first, it actually works really well.
This time the story revolves around Bridgit Lederles parents, again the story moves between Earth and Isvalta, a land of magic and intrigue. To get there Ingrid Loftfield must follow the sorcerer Avanasy across the land of Death and Spirit.
This is a highly enjoyable read that is skillfully written. Sara Zettle is proving as competent a writer of fantasy as she is of sci-fi.
This time the story revolves around Bridgit Lederles parents, again the story moves between Earth and Isvalta, a land of magic and intrigue. To get there Ingrid Loftfield must follow the sorcerer Avanasy across the land of Death and Spirit.
This is a highly enjoyable read that is skillfully written. Sara Zettle is proving as competent a writer of fantasy as she is of sci-fi.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I bought this book I was a little disappointed to find it was a prequel of sorts. This storyline covers the storyline that led to the start of the first book. However, I soon became enthralled in the story of how the parents met and found the start of the story really good and easy to follow. It did get complexed and indepth during the middle of the book and I did find my attention drifting slightly. But overall it is an enjoyable story and look forward to the next instalment.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Bit of a grind
First book was excellent, struggling to get into this one although it does have its exciting moments. Worth a read though!!
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by Kiatora
A waste of time, be reasonably written
I gave The Usurper's Crown only three stars because (I admit it) I was really annoyed with Zettel. The first book called A Sorcerer's Treason was really good and I was looking... Read more
Published on 4 Dec 2002 by Mark
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