A Magic of Nightfall (Nessantico Cycle Series #2)

Second 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), deception and betrayal, Machiavellian politics, star-crossed lovers, and a realm facing war on every front.

VOYA

The capital city of Nessantico, evocative of Paris, sits like a jewel in the middle of the Holdings. The Holdings, an alliance of several countries and their leaders, are united under the Kralji (emperor/empress) in the capital. The official state religion, Concenzia, is overseen by the Archigos; priests are known as Teni who control the Ilmodo (magical power). In the first book of the Nessantico Cycle, A Magic of Twilight (DAW, 2009/VOYA, April 2009), the Holdings have enjoyed several years of peace and prosperity under Kraljica Marguerite, but when she dies and her son, Justi, takes charge, things change radically. The Magic of Nightfall, book two in this series, begins twenty-five years after the end of book one. Justi has died, and his teenage son, Audric, is Kraljiki, with Sergei ca'Rudka as regent. Sergei, former soldier, lives to serve Nessantico and employs any means necessary for the city to survive. Firenzcia has rebelled and pulled away from the Holdings, its precarious young ruler, Fynn, prey for power-hungry relatives. On the brink of civil war, Nessantico is weakened by a war with The Westlands. Added to this political maelstrom is the tension between Concenzia and the Numetodo. Complicated political maneuvering, fascinating three-dimensional characters, and unpredictable plot twists combine to make Farrell's superb fantasy hard to put down. Richly imagined and finely written, this novel will appeal to fans of George R. R. Martin, Robert Jordan, and Terry Brooks. Due to the complex plot and many characters, it is essential to read the books in this series sequentially. Reviewer: Rachelle Bilz

S.L. Farrell is the pseudonym for a veteran author of numerous science fiction and fantasy novels, including DAW's Cloudmages trilogy. He has published a number of short stories, and has contributed to the Wild Cards series, edited by George R. R. Martin.