A Magic of Twilight: Book One of the Nessantico Cycle

by S.L. Farrell

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 075640536X
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: DAW
• Length: 624 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.9" x 1.3" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

INTERESTING

I have read all Farrell's books and this one did not disappoint but it was different, not quite as good as his other books- each main character had a chapter within a chapter which was interesting in its own way and had a few twists that kept interest going forward...the second book is out but this series does not rate hardback prices- I will wait for the paperback- look forward to it.

Riveting Read

I ordered this book and was not sure what to expect. I had read S.L. Farrell's Cloudmages series and loved them- they're one of my top five fantasy series, so I expected good things from Farrell. I was not disappointed at all. Some of you may have been expecting a much different story because of the Cloudmages series. There were no big battles but instead political machinations as different factions strove for power. It is a story of religion vs politics vs science, not of swords vs magic vs demonic beings, so perhaps for some this book is not what they are looking for, but for those of us who enjoy the political, behind-the-scenes intrigue, this book is for you. As for the nomenclature, the back of the book contains an index where everything is explained. Use it as a reference for the first few chapters and then it shouldn't confuse or bother you. Once you get it down, it adds to the story and helps you better understand the culture. I would highly recommend this book to any fantasy fan.

A gem for the serious reader

Let me first address some of the above reviews whose writers have apparently been deeply offended by this book. It is true that, for most people, this book is not a "leisure" book. That is, it's not one of the quarterly, mass-produced formula books that we now expect from such writers as Mercedes Lackey, Robert Jordan, et al. Most of the reviewers above appear to have gotten halfway through 'Magic of Twilight' before realizing that this book was not what they wanted. However, if any potential reader bothers to peruse the book before purchasing or reading, they will notice a foreword describing the various cultures and languages that influenced the setting, as well as an appendix with a glossary explaining all the names and places that are supposedly unpronounceable (unless, of course, you know anything about any European languages (and why do so many people seem to be bothered about the pronounceable-ness of a word that they don't actually have to say out-loud?)). Anyhow, my point here is that if you look before you leap into a book, you're much less likely to be overwhelmed or caught off-guard. If you do find yourself in the position of the above reviewers, it's more helpful if you say "I was expecting X, but discovered Y" instead "God this sucked and it was boring and I can't be bothered with nomenclature!" Now, on to the actual review: Simply put, I loved this book. As has been said before, it is not a Tolkeinesque fantasy world of elves and dwarves, but instead one populated entirely by humans. What I really loved about it (and other people seemed to hate, I suppose) is that the world was well thought out and detailed. While I was reading this book, it felt like I was traveling to another country. The various European influences, in nomenclature as well as cultural affections, theology, architecture and more, are easily seen and masterfully woven to give the reader a real sense of what it means to be a part of this society. The author facilitates this by presenting each chapter through the viewpoint of a different character. Of course, the main characters receive several chapters while more minor characters receive only one or two chapters. This mechanism does wonders for the "tourist" effect of the book, ensuring that you get a chance to compose your own viewpoint of the world from various elements of each character's view. This technique also facilitates the twisting of the plot. It's exhilarating to turn the page to the next chapter and find that it's "told" by a character who has so far appeared to be antagonistic, inscrutable, evasive, or otherwise intriguing. Farrell also uses this to good effect by establishing the motives or allegiances of characters that would otherwise be questionable, and therefore harm the integrity of the story. One of the things I liked best about the book was the main locale, the city of Nessantico. Reading the book, you can tell that Farrell has put a lot of effort into making the cit

An Enthrawling Multiperspective Epic.

A Magic of Twilight is a masterpiece of world-building, political intrigue, and multi-perspective nuance that captivates the reader from start to finish. If you like a mature tale of a bustling world teetering on the razor thin line between faith and reason, a fall of which will have drastic consequences for all humanity, this is the book for you.

strong insightful political fantasy

The city-state Nessantico has annexed all of the nearby territory. However although still the sole superpower in the region; for the first time since the conquering began centuries ago the Holdings of Nessantico teeter, but not from without. Within the empire, there are groups who radically differ especially on the issue of religion; while others just want more power regardless of how they achieve it. The time for a schism seems rapidly to be coming as the current ruler Marguerite ca'Ludovici is nearing her fiftieth year as the Kraljica. Besides religious fundamentalists plotting her assassination, her son A'Kralj Justi ca'Mazzak wants to rule now; and the subjected monarch who controls much of the city-state's army H'rzg Jan ca'Vrl considers a coup. Others also scheme. However, Marguerite has some loyal followers too in the military, in the religious circles, amongst her court members, and amidst the people. Civil war seems imminent. The rotating perspective from numerous individuals highlights the differing opinions and motivations re the future of the Holdings of Nessantico. This technique enhances the complexity level of the sixteen episodic storyline as the events are seen from multiple changing views; this also adds depth to the prime players who show up in most of the chapters. Although the use of native vernacular makes the novel real seem real, this reviewer has always found it a distraction when overused (except in A Clockwork Orange) as is the case here. Still fans who appreciate a strong insightful political fantasy will enjoy this superb opening tale. Harriet Klausner