Oracle, The (Book 29 Of Oracle Sequence)

Description:
In the distant land of deserts and islands, the servants of the god rule the land, his wishes conveyed through the Oracle and interpreted by the High Priestess. Mirany is the new Bearer, afraid of her perilous duties for the god in the rituals of the Oracle, and fearful of her secret questioning ...Does the god truly exist? The priestess is corrupt and in secret partnership with the General, ruler, since the God-on-Earth, the Archon, has no real power - chosen as a child, his face always masked, never seen by outsiders. Should any national tragedy occur, he is also the sacrifice. When the old Archon dies, his spirit migrates into a child, and there are several candidates for succession. But Mirany begins to experience the real visions of the god, discovers which child is the rightful heir, and that the General and High Priestess intend to choose another child and seize power. With only a tomb-robbing scribe and a mad musician for allies, Mirany begins her quest - knowing that, if she is betrayed, her fate will be to be walled up alive in the Archon's tomb ...

Review:
'suspense is constantly built ... rattles along at a dizzying pace ... next volume please. -- School Librarian 'an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended' -- The Bookseller 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 The tension endures until the last page ... we want the sequel, soon! -- BfK 20030501 'will linger long in readers' memories' -- Kirkus Reviews 20030501 'the reader will fall under the spell of this fantasy story' -- Grafschafter Nachrichten 20030501 A crisp, quick-moving narrative ... will keep readers hooked. -- Publisher's Weekly 20040101 A powerful and very exciting adventure story -- School Library Journal 20030801 DARKWATER HALL: 'a seriously good author ... makes for some nail-biting reading.' -- The Independent 20030801 '... a thrilling, chilling world of magic and menace' -- The Mail on Sunday 20030801 'A gripping story that'll keep you guessing!' -- SHOUT 20010209 'an extraordinary imagination, always coming up with some new twist that is both weird yet utterly convincing.' -- Nicholas Tucker, Rough Guide to Children's Books 20010209 'Breathlessly paced ... almost painfully heightened tension right to the end ... will have readers queuing for the concluding volume.' -- Harper Collins Publishers 20050201 'gripped by the deeper truths of the story and the compelling, vivid intensity of the writing.' -- Armadillo - Douglas Hill 20050201

Prizes:
Shortlisted for Whitbread Prize (Children's Book) 2003.

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.