Archon, The (Book 53 Of Oracle Sequence)

Description: Breathtaking sequel to The Oracle, the Archon must face a journey of treachery and adventure across the pitiless desert in a bid to save his people ...The Archon vows to lead a pilgrimage to the Well of Songs to seek peace with the Rain Queen and save the land from the terrible drought. The Well is hidden in the mountains across the desert. But he is not the only one with his sight set on the mountains: Argelin, the tyrannical and power-hungry General, follows behind, an ever-present threat, with his heart set on the riches to be found. With only Oblek, Seth and two tomb-thieves known as the Jackal and the Fox for company, the Archon's journey is treacherous and dangerous. They must face the Great Desolation and the monstrous animals outlined on the desert floor, animals with mythical powers, and they must survive without Mirany, bearer-of-the-god and true friend of the Archon, who has had to remain behind to face a threat much closer to home ... Review: 'Assassination attempts, double-crosses and plots within plots enliven this breathlessly paced follow-up ... will have readers queuing up for the concluding volume.' -- Kirkus Reviews 20050201 rattles along at a dizzying pace ... closes on a scene of high suspense and drama ... next volume please. -- The School Librarian 20050201 THE ORACLE: In the first part of a two-book fantasy, Catherine Fisher has conjured up an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended -- The Bookseller 20050201 The tension endures until the last page ... we want the sequel, soon! -- BfK 20030501 Vivid and convincing ... a very satisfying read for young people who want some depth to their fiction, and the depiction of an unusual and interesting world. -- Vector 20030601 DARKWATER HALL: 'Another novel from a seriously good author who always writes convincing fantasy without any of the accompanying overblown rhetoric ... makes for some nail-biting reading.' -- The Independent 20030601 'A gripping story that'll keep you guessing!' -- SHOUT 20030601 '... sophisticated yet unobtrusive prose, creating a world and a tale that invite total reader immersion.' -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 20050503 Fisher has created an incredible, detailed, and believable setting, and the characterizations are vivid and complex. -- Tasha Saecker, School Library Journal 20050503 Author Biography: CATHERINE FISHER is an award-winning fantasy writer. The Oracle was shortlisted for the Whitbread Award 2003, The Conjuror's Game for the Smarties Award, The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Mind Boggling Award, The Candle Man won the Tir-Na-n'Og Award, and Corbenic was shortlisted. Author of 16 books for children and two volumes of award-winning poetry, she is particularly well-known in Wales.