A Magic of Twilight

December 24, 2007
Farrell (the Cloudmages trilogy) entices fantasy readers into the lush—and dangerous—land of Nessantico, where aging ruler Marguerite ca’Ludovici prepares to celebrate her Jubilee. Marguerite’s son, Justi, schemes to take her place, while Jan ca’Vörl, a powerful noble at the edge of the empire, plots armed rebellion. Archigos Dhosti ca’Millac, leader of the Concénzia Faith and Marguerite’s staunch ally, struggles to control fundamentalists like Orlandi ca’Cellibrecca as they clamor for action against the Numetodo heretics, who claim the magic talent called Cenzi’s Gift has nothing to do with religious faith. Trapped in the middle of all this is young priestess Ana cu’Seranta, whose impressive magical ability has made her a pawn in the multilayered power struggle. Farrell easily wields an immense cast of characters, many of whom take narrative turns. Readers who appreciate intricate world building, intrigue and action will immerse themselves effortlessly in this rich and complex story.

January 15, 2008
The author of the "Cloudmages" trilogy launches a new fantasy series with a Renaissance-like setting and traces of czarist Russian court life. The 50th anniversary of the reign of Kraljica (empress) Marguerite ca'Ludovici serves as a focal point for the intrigues that make up the life of the city of Nessantico, capital of the empire. The city's fate hangs by a thread as problems mount from dissension within the Concnzia Faith. The head of the church, an aging dwarf with his own religious conflicts, must shield his protge, young Ana cu'Seranta, from those who would question her use of the magic of the god Cnzi in unorthodox ways to assassinate the Kraljica and stage a military coup. Intriguing characters and a complex socio-political background make this a strong addition to most fantasy collections.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.