Product Description

On the planet of Latent Emanation, humans form the lowest class, at the mercy of strange and decadent alien rulers: the Lords of Night. The young alchemist Alivet has chafed under the Lords' domination ever since her twin sister was abducted to serve in their palace. But, having saved every penny to rescue her, Alivet's plans are wrecked when she finds herself on the run for murder.

Her only hope now seems to be a mysterious stranger named Ari Ghairen, the Poison Master from the planet Hathes. Ghairen needs an alchemist of Alivet's expertise to compound the one drug that can free her human kin by destroying the Lords. Sequestered in Ghairen's fortress laboratory on Hathes, lied to by both her new ally and the enigmatic governess he employs, Alivet doesn't know whom to trust or where to turn. But if she doesn't find some answers soon, she will lose everything.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #372504 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

About the Author

Abandoning the world of academic philosophy, Liz Williams now lives and writes in Brighton, West Sussex.

Customer Reviews

Very promising and well thought out
Just a brief comment on the review above: I'm a great Mary Gentle fan so the alchemy/science fiction blend this book is based on didn't come as such an innovation. (John Crowley as well, come to think of it.) That said I liked the central concept here and there were some very original touches, especially the idea of different drugs having a spiritual as well as physical effect. Liz Williams' writing here flows well (less hard work than MG's can be at times) and I liked the love interest. I'll be looking out for other books by this writer.

Refreshingly different.
Liz Williams has managed to produce a novel that is a mix of fantasy and sci-fi and works on both fronts. Set on the world of Latent Enamations, the story revolves around the alchemist Alivet. Her sister has been taken by the Lords of the Night and Alivets mission is to find and help her.
After she is framed for murder, Alivet finds herself on the run, helped by the mysterious 'Poison Master' who seems to have plans of his own for the young alchemist.
Although no heavyweight of literature, this book is certainly worth a look if you fancy something other than the usual sword and scorcery type fantasy. Certainly not just for adolescent goth girls but for anyone who likes something a bit different.

A good read for Alchemy fans...
P>Reading this book amazed me; the concept is quite new, Liz Williams has done a great job. Every word I say about the story would just have spoilers associated with it, but I would say this, the story contains elements itself like altogether a mathematical theorem. Story roams medieval age scientist and far distant land filled with alchemists, the story never leaves its touch, it never looses momentum. Highly recommend read.