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Lord of Snow and Shadows

ebook
2 of 2 copies available
2 of 2 copies available
Combining the best of fantasy traditions with her own unique vision, Sarah Ash brings us a new saga filled with epic adventure and unforgettable characters—set in a world teeming with political intrigue, astonishing magic, and passions both dark and light. . . .
“Unusual . . . exotic . . . Well worth the read!”—Katherine Kurtz, author of Crusade of Fire
Raised by his protective mother in the sunny climes of the south, Gavril Andar knows nothing of his father—or of the ominous legacy that awaits him. But now the man who ruled the wintry kingdom of Azhkendir, a man infused with the burning blood of the dragon-warrior known as Drakhaoul—has been murdered by his enemies. 
Expected to avenge his father’s death—and still his unquiet ghost—Gavril soon learns that becoming Drakhaon means not only ascending to the throne of Azhkendir but slowly changing into a being of extraordinary power and might. A being that must be replenished with the blood of innocents in order to survive…
“Unusually complex [with] a smooth style, breathtaking atmosphere, and a fickle, impetuous plot.”—Dave Duncan, author of Paragon Lost
“A splendid tale . . . Sarah Ash is destined to be one of the bright luminaries of fantasy.”—Dennis L. McKiernan, author of the Mithgar series
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from June 23, 2003
      In this excellent start to a new fantasy series from British author Ash (Moths to a Flame), Gavril Andar, an idealistic young artist, falls for the nobly born Astasia Orlova, whose portrait he's been hired to paint. Luckily, he's attractive enough for Astasia to return the favor. He doesn't know he's also Gavril Nagarian, son of the recently assassinated ruler of the wintry kingdom of Azhkendir, and that fate is about to deal him a dreadful blow. Like his father before him, Gavril becomes soul-bound to the Drakhaoul, a creature that grants awesome power at a terrible price. Kidnapped, Gavril finds himself trapped in Kastel Drakhaon, reluctant to draw on his new magical abilities, as their use only makes him more beast-like and less human. But with Prince Eugene of Tielin threatening to reconquer all of the Rossiyan Empire, he may have no choice. Fascinating and unpredictable, Gavril's tale gains richness from the grand scope of Ash's narrative, with its echoes of Russian history under the czars. Enhanced by supporting characters who are living, breathing individuals, this book will leave readers drooling to get their hands on the sequel from the moment they turn its final page. Agent, John Richard Parker of MBA. (Aug. 5)Forecast:Stephen Youll's striking jacket art—of a snowy owl perched on a rock with castle and snowy mountains in the background—and good notices for the novel in the U.K. augur well for strong sales in the U.S.

    • Library Journal

      June 15, 2003
      When his father, the dragon warrior ruler of Azhkendir, is killed by his rivals, young Gavril assumes his rightful title of "Drakhaoul" and learns of the powers kindled by the dragon blood in his veins. As he changes gradually into a creature who draws energy and sustenance from the blood of innocents, Gavril embarks on a course of vengeance against his father's killers while seeking a way to end his blood-curse. Set in a world that draws heavily on the lore of ancient Russia, this series opener features an unusual hero who battles his inner demons in order to remain true to himself. A good choice for most fantasy collections.

      Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Booklist

      July 1, 2003
      The fifth novel in the Last Rune saga continues the tale of a complex conflict between hidden users of magic on our Earth and open users of magic on an alternate Earth called Eldh. The action jumps between worlds and times, not to mention among the viewpoints of a cast of characters grown so large that it is beginning to demand a few lists. Nevertheless, those who have stayed with the story since "Beyond the Pale "(1998) kicked it off are going to enjoy themselves. "The Gates of Winter "picks up right where "Blood of Mystery" [BKL Ap 1 02] left off, and there is plenty of action in both worlds as heroes and villains alike try to win the race to find Travis, the Runemaster. Besides its plentitude, the action is brisk throughout, building to a climactic battle at the gate between the worlds at the very end of the book--an ending, be it noted, that not merely promises but guarantees at least one further volume. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)

    • Booklist

      August 1, 2003
      When his father is murdered, young Gavril is forced to come of age and to step unprepared into his role as the new Lord Drakhaon of Azhkendir. Complicating matters is that, raised in the sunny south, Gavril knows nothing of his father or his dark lineage. When he was a child, his mother, Elysia, fled with him from the Drakhaons' castle in fear for her life. Now, as Gavril endures a period of initiation by the people of his kingdom, he slowly comes to realize the depth and horror of the darkness associated with his kingship--a darkness that, by the power of fire and blood, possesses and rules every Drakhaon, a darkness that requires the blood of innocents in order to survive. Ash's interesting, quickly paced dark fantasy emphasizes the power of love to conquer evil and the making of responsible choices.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)

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