A Magic of Twilight : Book One of the Nessantico Cycle

The breathtaking first novel in a brilliant new fantasy series A masterwork of fantasy, The Nessantico Cycle is the epic tale of an empire at its height, yet poised on the brink of what could be a devastating descent into ruin. Told from the viewpoints of numerous characters, it is a sweeping saga of murder and magic (portrayed both as a powerful religion and a forbidden art), of deception and betrayal, of Machiavellian politics, star-crossed lovers, and a realm facing war on every front. Publishers Weekly 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. (Feb.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information First in a new fantasy series from the author of the Cloudmages trilogy.An intricate tale of murder and magic, deception and betrayal, Machiavellian politics, star-crossed lovers, and a world on the brink of devastating war....Over the decades and slow centuries, the city of Nessantico spread its influence in all directions, subsuming and converting the majority of other religions and lesser gods within the Holdings. Always strong even as the borders of the Holdings ebbed and flowed under the effects of war and commerce, always magnificent even as tastes and styles changed, always seductive and desirable no matter what other exotic lands and places might briefly come into fashion, Nessantico gathered to itself all that was intellectual, all that was rich, all that was powerful. There was no city in the known world that could rival it. But there were many who envied it... Over the decades and slow centuries, the city of Nessantico spread its influence in all directions, subsuming and converting the majority of other religions and lesser gods within the Holdings. Always strong even as the borders of the Holdings ebbed and flowed under the effects of war and commerce, always magnificent even as tastes and styles changed, always seductive and desirable no matter what other exotic lands and places might briefly come into fashion, Nessantico gathered to itself all that was intellectual, all that was rich, all that was powerful. There was no city in the known world that could rival it, but there were many that envied it On the fiftieth anniversary of the reign of Marguerite ca'Ludovici, the city of Nessantico is threatened from dissension by religious extremists and others who wish to overthrow the peaceful rule of Marguerite It is the fiftieth anniversary of the empress's reign so a huge celebration is planned, which makes it the perfect time for chaos and conquest