Product Description

A powerful new fantasy adventure filled with dark magic and deadly intrigue, from the worldwide bestselling author of the Saga of the Pliocene Exile. Conrig Wincantor, Prince Heritor of Cathra, has a vision: to unite the whole island of High Blenholme under Cathran sovereignty. He has so far been thwarted in this ambition by his cautious, aging father, King Olmigon, who, though weak with illness, still clings firmly to the reigns of the government. Now Conrig has hit upon a scheme that will convince the Lords that his plan can suceed. He has formed an alliance with Ullanoth, princess of the remote northern province of Moss and a fearsome sorceress. With her help his army will have the advantage it needs to subdue the only domain refusing to sign his Edict of Sovereignty. But before Olmigon will give his consent he insists on making a pilgrimage to the Oracle of Emperor Bazekoy, there to ask the one question permitted to a dying monarch, which the Emperor must answer truthfully. Meanwhile, Ullanoth tends her own schemes. Posessing the talent to call on the unearthly powers of the Beaconfolk, mysterious otherworldy beings who appear as lights in the sky, her power is undeniable. But the Lights are fickle, and their interference in human affairs unpredictable. If Ullanoth calls on them to help Conrig, they are likely to extract an unforeseeable price.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #186136 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

About the Author
Julian May is the author of the Saga of the Pliocine Exile (The Many-Coloured Land, The Golden Torc, The Nonborn King), The Galactic Millieu Trilogy, Black Trillium (with Marion Zimmer Bradley and Andre Norton), Blood Trillium and Sky Trillium, and most recently The Rampart Worlds. The author lives in the state of Washington.

Customer Reviews

Just what is going in with Julian May!!?
I got into Julian May's work when 'The Many Coloured Land' was first released in paperback - that's way back in the 1980s, guys. I loved the Saga of the Exiles and the associated Galactic Mileau series, I re-read them all frequently and still rate them amongst my favourite novels, full of fresh ideas, fascinating characters, rich narrative and clever plotting.

That said, you can imagine that I've always responded to new Julian May publications with eager anticipation. And I've always been left disappointed... Conqueror's Moon is no exception. This is substandard generic fantasy fare at best, with cliched plotting, two dimensional characters and an almost pulp fiction feel. It really pains me to say this; I take no pleasure in denigrating someone's work, and especially one of my one-time favourite authors, but I've been let down too often by Julian May.

Has the real Julian May been kidnapped and replaced by a pale imitator? Or has she just become cynical and complacent enough to churn out occasional by-the-numbers potboilers to keep the coffers from emptying?

Just ok
This book feels like all the elements of a decent story are present, but they never quite come together. The characters are interesting, especially Conrig who walks a fine line between good and evil, and Ullanoth, the ambitious princess. Unfortunately, the book never delivers on its promise, and I found it difficult to warm to any of them. I think this may be because there is so little of the characters interacting with each other - just having a conversation or telling a joke. Every sentence seems contrived to move the plot forward, and this leads to some very stilted dialogue, especially when it comes to cramming in back story.

Also, I found that while I was interested in the story, I certainly wasn't gripped by it. Somehow, it never takes off and moves from being an ok book into a good one. I have read the other two in the series (I bought them as a set!) and the same problems continue throughout. Not a bad read, but don't expect anything too special.

Pure fantasy
Julian May the dyed in the wool sci-fi fan does a sword & sorcery epic!
A slow burner but hooked me quickly.
A great new system of magic which I eagerly await to learn more about.
If you like Saga of the Exiles you should love this.
All in all a great start to a new series. I can't wait to read more.