A Magic of Twilight (Nessantico Cycle Series #1)

by S. L. Farrell

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440629426
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	02/05/2008
Series:	Nessantico Cycle , #1
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	624
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

S. L. Farrell boasts (but generally resists sending out) a resume that includes the obligatory long list of occupations, including a stint as half of a juggling act where a few scars and a grudging appreciation for gravity were acquired. Other interests include music, fine art, history, and the fascinating details of cultures both present and past. S. L. is the author of The Cloudmages trilogy: Holder of Lightning, Mage of Clouds, and Heir of Stone; and The Nessantico Cycle: A Magic of Twilight, A Magic of Nightfall, and A Magic of Dawn. S. L. Farrell currently lives in Ohio and teaches Creative Writing at a local university. He can be found at farrellworlds.com.

What People are Saying About This

George R.R. Martin

"S.L. Farrell is a relative newcomer on the fantasy scene, but he writes like a seasoned pro. A Magic of Twilight is his best yet, a delicious melange of politics, war, sorcery, and religion in a richly imagined world peopled with a varied cast of haughty lords, scheming courtiers, beggars, priests, heretics, zealots, spies, assassins, torturers, tarts, and seductresses. They're vivid and memorable characters, and most are painted in shades of grey, my favorite color. Farrell's Nessantico evokes the Italian city-states of the Rennaissance, especially Venice, but this is a Venice where magic works. It's a fascinating place, and one that I look forward to visiting again."--(New York Times bestselling author George R.R. Martin)

Pat the Blogger

"Farrell weaves his storylines into a compelling tale. . . . A Magic of Twilight is a solid effort which should appeal to most fans of epic fantasy."

John R. Alden

"Farrell's melodrama ultimately swept me away on a thoroughly enjoyable ride."--(John R. Alden, The Plain Dealer)

George R. R. Martin

[Farrell's] best yet, a delicious melange of politics, war, sorcery, and religion in a richly imagined world. (George R. R. Martin, New York Times bestselling author)

Editorial Reviews

A thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Praise for the Nessantico Cycle novels:

"A delicious mélange of politics, war, sorcery, and religion in a richly imagined world peopled with a varied cast.... They're vivid and memorable characters, and most are painted in shades of grey, my favorite color." —George R. R. Martin

"Farrell's work compares favorably to Martin's Song of Fire and Ice epic, with equivalent complexity, sophistication and luxurious detail. Fans of one will absolutely want to read the other." —SFRevu

"Readers who appreciate intricate world building, intrigue, and action will immerse themselves effortlessly into this rich and complex story." —Publishers Weekly

"Moving gracefully between the intrigues of palaces and slums, A Magic of Twilight is fast-paced yet intricate, a delight for readers of both military and political fiction." —New York Times bestselling author Jane Lindskold

"It's always refreshing to read a fantasy where neither side in a conflict has much of a moral edge on the other, and the cast of characters are an enjoyable mix of the sympathetic, the villainous and the ambiguous." —Kirkus Reviews

"A very ambitious tale of intrigue, politics, love, assassinations and war, A Magic of Nightfall is just a superior epic.... Highly, highly recommended." —Fantasy Book Critic

From the Publisher