Synopses & Reviews
Epic in scope and thrilling in detail,
Mortal Suns is set in the corridors of power in the mythical kingdom of Akhemony, which calls up the world of Ancient Greece. Acclaimed author Tanith Lee transports her readers to an ominous yet seductive alternate universe, as fully realized as Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon, where fate organizes the forces of nature to bring ruin to those who dare to control it.
Horrible screams pierce the night air as the Daystar, Queen Hesta of Akhemony, wrestles with the delivery of the King's child, beautifully formed except for one heartbreaking deformity she is born without feet. Consigned immediately to the world of death, the lame infant is dispatched to Thon, the underworld temple, and baptized Cemira, "snake," the name she will bear throughout a lifetime of darkness. It is only at the behest of Urdombis, the Sun Consort, that the child is restored to her rightful place as heir to the throne of Oceaxis.
Recounting a deadly battle for power, pitting the forces of man against the supernatural, her story is one that will captivate, shock, and terrify.
Review
"After a slow start, the story gathers momentum to reach an enthralling conclusion that holds the promise of further adventures for Sirai." Publishers Weekly
Review
"[T]raffics in over-the-top emotions, but Lee remains true to her narrative premises....I found [the fantastic blend of ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome]...a welcome change from the medieval trappings of so many modern fantasies." Gerald Jonas, The New York Times Book Review
Review
"Lee embellishes this reasonably simple plot with great richness of detail, and she makes Akhemony...a unique place. As is her wont, Lee weaves style, subject, and characters into a seamless whole." Frieda Murray, Booklist
Review
"Manufactured mythology....The gods are cruel and capricious, and Lee spares no detail through 336 pages of soporific, tormented, occasionally unintelligible prose." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Some of [Lee's] creative spark infuses this latest novel, but unfortunately it is not strong enough to sustain a mediocre story....The plot itself is not particularly involving, but the book still contains strong elements of Lee's mesmerizing prose." Library Journal
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 445-459) and index.
Synopsis
Epic in scope and thrilling in detail, Mortal Suns is set in the corridors of power in the mythical kingdom of Akhemony, which calls up the world of Ancient Greece.
About the Author
Tanith Lee is one of the leading fantasy authors writing today. She has written over fifty novels and short story collections, among them the Overlook fantasy series The Secret Books of Paradys and The Secret Books of Venus. She has won the World Fantasy Award numerous times as well as the August Derleth Award.