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This title in other editionsOther titles in the War with the Mein series:Acacia, Book One: The War with the Meinby David Anthony Durham
Staff Pick
Acacia is a promising fantasy debut by an established historical novelist. It combines the moral ambiguity and brutality of George R. R. Martin with elements of Guy Gavriel Kay and Ursula K. Le Guin. Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:An assassin sent from the frozen North on a mortal mission. A mighty empire under siege by its oldest enemy. Four royal children in exile or captivity, bent on avenging their father's death. Prepare yourself to be astonished and transported by Acacia... Leodan Akaran, ruler of the Known World, has inherited generations of apparent peace and prosperity, won ages ago by his ancestors. A widower of high intelligence, he presides over an empire called Acacia, after the idyllic island from which he rules. He dotes on his four children and hides from them the dark realities of traffic in drugs and human lives on which their prosperity depends. He hopes that he might change this, but powerful forces stand in his way. And then a deadly assassin sent from a race called the Mein, exiled long ago to an ice-locked stronghold in the frozen north, strikes at Leodan in the heart of Acacia while the Mein unleash surprise attacks across the empire. On his deathbed, Leodan puts into play a plan to allow his children to escape, each to his or her separate destiny. And so his children begin a quest to avenge their father's death and restore the Acacian empire — this time on the basis of universal freedom. Acacia is a thrilling work of the imagination that creates an all-enveloping and mythic world that will carry readers away. It is a timeless tale of heroism and betrayal, of treachery and revenge, of primal wrongs and ultimate redemption. David Anthony Durham has reimagined the epic narrative for our time in a book that will surely mark his break-through to a wide audience. Review:"'In this sprawling and vividly imagined fantasy, historical novelist Durham (Pride of Carthage) chronicles the downfall and reinvention of the Akaran Dynasty, whose empire, called Acacia, was built on conquest, slaving and drug trade. The Acacian empire, encompassing 'The Known World,' is hated by its subjugated peoples, especially the Mein, who 22 generations earlier were exiled to the icy northland. Having sent an assassin to kill the Acacian king, Leodan, the rebel chieftain, Hanish Mein, declares war on the empire. As Acacia falls, Leodan's treasonous but conflicted chancellor, Thaddeus Clegg, spirits the king's four children to safety. When the Mein's rule proves even more tyrannical than the old, the former chancellor seeks to reunite the now adult Akaran heirs — the oldest son Aliver (once heir to the throne), the beautiful elder daughter Corinn, their younger sister, Mena, and youngest brother, Dariel — to lead a war to regain the empire. Durham has created a richly detailed alternate reality leavened with a dollop of magic and populated by complicated personalities grappling with issues of freedom and oppression. (June)' Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)" Review:"[T]hrilling.... Review:"[A] big, fat, rich piece of history-flavored fantasy...imagined with remarkable thoroughness. One never knows whether a new fantasy series is worth investing the time it takes to acquaint oneself with a new world and its sprawling cast of characters, but Acacia shows every sign of repaying the investment." Time Magazine Review:"[A] series opener that combines the moral ambiguity and brutality of George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire with Guy Gavriel Kay's emotional sweep and Ursula K. Le Guin's ethnic diversity....Recommended." Library Journal Review:"From the first pages of Acacia, Durham, a respected historical novelist, demonstrates that he is a master of the fantasy epic....Durham sacrifices nothing...as he drives the plot of this gripping book forward." The Washington Post Book World Review:"David Anthony Durham has created a fantastic world presented in exquisite fashion." Bookreporter.com Review:"Durham's writing is more serviceable than sparkling. But there are enough ably woven plot threads and social cross-currents here to stimulate readers' interest and anticipation for the sequels." USA Today Review:"David Anthony Durham...envisions a fascinating, fully developed world in Acacia....Packed with suspense, intrigue, and adventure, most readers will devour this first Acacia installment and impatiently await the next." Bookmarks Magazine Synopsis:From an acclaimed novelist comes a thrilling new work that creates a timeless tale of heroism and betrayal, of treachery and revenge, of primal wrongs and ultimate redemption. Synopsis:“David Anthony Durham has serious chops. I can’t wait to read whatever he writes next." —George R. R. Martin Welcome to Acacia . . .
Born into generations of prosperity, the four royal children of the Akaran dynasty know little of the world outside their opulent island paradise. But when an assassin strikes at the heart of their power, their lives are changed forever.
Forced to flee to distant corners and separated against their will, the children must navigate a web of hidden allegiances, ancient magic, foreign invaders, and illicit trade that will challenge their very notion of who they are. As they come to understand their true purpose in life, the fate of the world lies in their hands. About the AuthorDavid Anthony Durham is the award-winning author of the novels Gabriel's Story, Walk Through Darkness, and Pride of Carthage, which has been translated into six languages. Durham currently lives with his wife and children in California, and he teaches in the MFA program at Cal State University, Fresno. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!Average customer rating based on 1 comment: 
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