Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Tor Books (1991), Edition: 1st, 512 pages
Description
A science fiction story written by the author of White Mare, Red Stallion, The White Raven and The Paradise Tree. This is the first book of the chronicles of Westria, a fantasy of a young King's quest for love and magic.
User reviews
LibraryThing member quantumbutterfly
Several hundred years into the future, the western half of the United States is a very different place. An event has passed called the Cataclysm, in which the spirits/powers of the Earth finally became fed up with the way humankind treated them. The two groups which were able to come through were
The story centers around a young woman named Faris, discovered by king Jehan, who he wants to be his wife and queen. She is reluctant, due to a poor self-image and less than ideal family life. While he is trying to woo her and handle the kingdom, his seneschal Caolin is taking some of the reigns behind his back and trying to rule the kingdom as he sees fits. As Jehan and Faris grow closer and are eventually married, Caolin grows more jealous and resentful, turning toward ceremonial style magic to grasp as power which he feels he has been denied throughout his life. Plots unfold, alliances sway, betrayal abounds.
Paxson weaves her tale with a great deal of skill. Before this, I read the most recent book in the series, The Golden Hills of Westria, so I had some idea of what happened in the earlier books. In a way it feels like I am learning some history through fantasy.
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the Pagans, who knew how to communicate with the Earth spirits, and the SCAdians (Society for Creative Anacrhonicms) types who knew how to live without technology. North America has divided into various kingdoms reigned under different powers. Westria covers most of the Western United States, with a spiritual structure a mix of neopaganism and Qabalah.The story centers around a young woman named Faris, discovered by king Jehan, who he wants to be his wife and queen. She is reluctant, due to a poor self-image and less than ideal family life. While he is trying to woo her and handle the kingdom, his seneschal Caolin is taking some of the reigns behind his back and trying to rule the kingdom as he sees fits. As Jehan and Faris grow closer and are eventually married, Caolin grows more jealous and resentful, turning toward ceremonial style magic to grasp as power which he feels he has been denied throughout his life. Plots unfold, alliances sway, betrayal abounds.
Paxson weaves her tale with a great deal of skill. Before this, I read the most recent book in the series, The Golden Hills of Westria, so I had some idea of what happened in the earlier books. In a way it feels like I am learning some history through fantasy.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
512 p.; 3.8 inches
ISBN
0812548663 / 9780812548662
Local notes
FB