Promotional Information

Elizabeth Haydon is a publishing sensation in the USA Her first two books have been voted onto numerous readers' favourites lists SFSite top ten books of the year Locus recommends titles Major marketing support A genuine competitor for all the post-Tolkien masterpieces of fantasy

About the Author

Elizabeth Haydon works in educational publishing in the USA. She is married with two children. The daughter of a service family, she has travelled extensively.

Reviews

Three years after she has helped bring peace and prosperity to the land of Navarne, Rhapsody, Lady Cymrian treasures her family and her people. When the death of the Dowager Empress at Sorbold leaves empty the line of succession, war threatens the fragile Cymrian Alliance-and an old and deadly foe of Rhapsody's rises up to threaten her and all she holds dear. This sequel to the "Rhapsody" trilogy (Rhapsody: Child of Blood; Prophecy: Child of Earth; Destiny: Child of the Sky) continues a tale of love and treachery that spans centuries and worlds. Vivid characters and a richly defined world borrowed from Norse and Celtic legends make this continuing fantasy saga a good choice for most libraries. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

There's something utterly refreshing about a fantasy hero and heroine, half-human masters of the elements and rulers of a continent, whose private names for each other are Sam and Emily. With bright and tender touches like these, Haydon breathes new life into fantasy cliches in this sequel to her bestselling Rhapsody trilogy. The fierce, compassionate and exquisitely gorgeous Rhapsody and her draconian husband, Ashe along with their longtime companions, Achmed, King of the Firbolg, and the ferocious but kindhearted Sergeant-Major Grunthor once more take on an evil F'dor demon and its human host, a man Rhapsody believed long dead. The author has smoothed out many of the rough edges evident in Rhapsody (1999), Prophecy (2000) and Destiny (2001), toning down the most overt references to the series' roots in Welsh mythology and Regency bodice-rippers. At the same time, the stated history and dropped hints, as well as style and tone, remain consistent with earlier volumes. Unfortunately, the characters change little or not at all throughout the course of the story, but the rich complexities of historical subtext, unsubtle scheming of religious and political leaders and classical romantic elements are enough to keep the pages turning. Although quite readable as a stand-alone work, the many loose threads left untied promise numerous future volumes, which are certain to be devoured by Haydon's growing legions of fans. (Sept. 18) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.