Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0451458974, Paperback)

"Elegant, sweeping, and colorful...one of those books you wish would never end." (San Francisco Chronicle)

This is the acclaimed novel about forbidden love, bitter rivalries, and power struggles, set in a world based on Eleanor of Aquitaine's France-from Guy Gavriel Kay, who "stands among the world's finest fantasy authors" (Montreal Gazette).

"This panoramic, absorbing novel beautifully creates an alternate version of the medieval world....Kay creates a vivid world of love and music, magic, and death." (Publishers Weekly)

"A richly ornamented and tightly woven tapestry, a panoramic and compelling tale....War, love, assassination, deception, kindness, heroism, loyalty, friendship, and magic mix...in startling, unexpected, and satisfying ways." (Locus)

"A cracking good fantasy novel." (Interzone)

"Kay has another hit on his hands." (Toronto Star)

"Rarely has a book come along that fulfills on so many levels without succumbing to stereotype or unbelievable characters ....Kay skillfully and lyrically paints a portrait of a land and the human hearts that inhabit it, complete with their failures and epiphanies." (Palm Beach Post)

"A novel of epic sweep and panoramic romance provides a sensual and stirring feast for readers." (South Bend Tribune)