The Compass Rose

by Gail Dayton

Book Overview

The Compass Rose by Gail Dayton released on Feb 22, 2005 is available now for purchase. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373802161
• ISBN13: 9780373802166
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Luna Books
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Read!

I loved this book. It was so different form all the other science fiction fantasy novels I've read in the past. I couldn't wait to find out who was going to be the next "marked" person to join thier entourage, how they were going to get past their differences and how they were going to defeat the deamons. True, this is not a book for children, but If people were to pay attention they would notice that Gail Dayton is a romance novelist, and this series is one of few if not the only science fiction novel she's written (what do you expect). I enjoyed this series greatly!

you love it, or hate it

I have looked a few other reviews, and I understand the prolems people have. I think to enjoy this trilogy, you have to enjoy both historical romance and fantasy. The family structure is definitely unusual. Because Kallista is given unusual magic to deal with great evil; she collects others who support her by giving their talents so that she can focus them into a united whole. The plot also has elements of the "forced marriage" or arranged marriage, because those others so "god-marked" have no choice but to combine with the "ilias" or multiple-adult family. I found a nice balance between fantasy/adventure and romance, with an emphasis on love and unity despite difficult beginnings. There is some "warm" sex, but if you are a fan of romance novels, you will know that it is nothing outside the mainstream, and the author does pay attention to the development of relationships. The sexuality does actually contribute to both the character development and the plot, as it is a means of unity. (there are no really bizarre or graphically described group gropes). Still, you have to accept that the minimum grouping for an ilias, or family, is four adults! I'll put these away to be reread in a year or so, as I did very much enjoy them.

A thrilling blend of fantasy and romance. Excellent!

As an avid science fiction and fantasy fan, The Compass Rose does not disappoint. From the very first page the reader is drawn into a well-written and conceived fantasy world. Kallista Varyl is a strong-willed, powerful naitan (mage), who harbors the powers of the north. When a desperate plea to the gods to save her people results in her gaining unexpected powers, she must find her other godmarked companions and battle the demons controlling the monarch of a ruling country. Ms. Dayton's prose pulled me into not only the story and world, but also the hearts and minds of these characters. I instantly identified with our heroine, Kallista, and her bodyguard Torchay. As the companions come together and the full extent of her magic is known, the interesting ways in which their magic manifests makes for intriguing reading. One aspect of this novel that I especially enjoyed was the way it handled the sexual aspect of Kallista's ilian (partners - a polyamorous relationship) without delving into overtly sexual escapades. That's not to say I don't enjoy explicit sex. I do, as a reader, and a published author of such. But this novel reminded me of the expertness of Jaqueline Carey, blending fantasy, intrigue, a calling, and sex. Within this context, I found Torchay and Kallista's relationship touching, almost tear-jerking at times, as these two individuals struggled with their feelings. I am so glad the next book comes out in only a couple of months, because I can't wait to get my hands on it. This is an excellent read, worthy of both romance fans and those who enjoy more straight-laced science fiction and fantasy. Kudos, Ms. Dayton. Kudos!

Satisfying new fantasy

I really enjoyed this book. I won't go into a synopsis of the story here because others have already done a pretty good job of that. I will say, however, that this is a writer who knows what she is doing. Her prose is well-crafted, her point-of-view work excellent, and her worldbuilding very well thought out. At no point in the story did she leave me in any doubt that I was in the hands of an expert. Her take on magic is interesting, and while somewhat similar to other magic systems, has enough little quirks and tweaks that give it its own unique flair. Her portrayal of two opposing cultures with their similarities and differences is intriguing and fun, since we get to view it through the eyes of one or more members of each culture. We also get to watch people from both of the opposing cultures come together in growing harmony, which is refreshing in and of itself as it shows that things are not always as simple as "us" against "them". She has a gift for showing (not merely telling) the subtle nuances of relationships. I love the fact that she was not only willing to explore the polygamy and polyamoury angle, but she did it extremely well. Adara sounds like a very sensible place to live and love. The relationships between Kallista, her husbands and sister-wife are very well done and you see them grow and change over the course of the story even while they're on a dangerous mission to destroy a warmongering demon who has taken over the King of Tibre. Bravo! I look forward to additional books in the series, and may I just say...thank you, Ms. Dayton. It's about time someone wrote a fantasy with this sort of background and did it this well!

superb sword and sorcery fantasy

The city of Ukiny in the kingdom of Adara is besieged by warriors of Tibre who depend on cannons, guns, and gunpowder instead of magic to take over the realm. Kallista Varyl, a captain and a naitan (witch) prays to the One for a victory and when she uses her magic, to her amazement every Tibre soldier on Adara is killed except for Stone who is taken prisoner. Both Stone and Kallista are god-marked and as they sail on the same ship to the capital city, they realize something inside them has intrinsically changed. Aisee, a Tibran slave girl attaches herself to Kallista on the boat ride to the capital and once there another god-marked person, the rich merchant Obed finds them. The ruler orders all the players, including Kallista's bodyguard married in a special ceremony that will make them an instant family. Kallista acquiesces because she needs all the magic that she can command because her new family is going to the capital city of Tibre to kill the demon that pushed them into going to war. THE COMPASS ROSE is a sword and sorcery fantasy that concentrates as much on the characters as it does on the battles. The Adara use magic as another sense believing it is a gift from the One and they are one in harmony with the earth as opposes to the repressive caste society of Tibre. Gail Dayton has created a world that is so colorful and vivid readers will feel they made an adventurous visit to this enchanting realm. Harriet Klausner