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480750,981 (3.39)15
Carnelian is of the Masters, cruel beings who rule their kingdom from an earthly paradise hidden in a crater that is the navel of the world. Soon after he is born, Carnelian's father takes him across the sea to an island in the colourless north. Far from the Crater's rituals and pomp, their household is allowed to become a family to the boy.… (more)
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The Chosen by Ricardo Pinto (1999)

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» See also 15 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 7 (next | show all)
3.5 estrelas
Final surpreendente! ( )
  _Marcia_94_ | Sep 21, 2021 |
My question is what has happened? The characters were great but nothing happened until at least the last hundred pages. It was chock full of unnecessary description. It had lots of potential was goodness. And the ending. I'm not even sure what I should be thinking. This may be the worst cliffhanger I've experienced with books. It was like I was watching the season finale of Endeavour all over again. ( )
  Isana | Jul 7, 2020 |
Briefly: Carnelian and his father, a Ruling Lord, live in exile on a remote island with their household of slaves and lower caste relations. The story follows their summons to return home as the elections for new God Emperor are about to take place.

That may not sound very remarkable, yet this is fantasy with a difference. Pinto has created an imaginary and complex world dominated by a strict hierarchy and caste system, from the Chosen and Ruling Lords down through various levels to the lowest sub-human creatures who are nothing more than mere expendable labourers. But what differentiates The Chosen from the norm is that here there is no magic, no supernatural powers, no evil spells. Pinto’s fantasy depends entirely on the creation of an incredible imaginative world, the intrigues of the Lords, and the viciously cruel inhuman treatment of the lower castes, along with a carefully thought out complex history. It is also a world in which marriage is a matter of purity of blood line, and physical love between men raises no eyebrows.

It is in such a cruel world that Carnelian stands out as an individual. Raised in exile away from the Ruling Lords Machiavellian dealings amongst themselves and the ruthless and merciless treatment of their subordinates, Carnelian is untainted by such attitudes and is caring even when dealing with the slaves of his household. As such he is immediately appealing, and one is happy to follow him through this 700 page epic. That the book is intelligently and well written, the description so vivid, the characters so well developed, simply makes it all the more compelling. It does at times require effort on the part of the reader, but it is effort rewarded. ( )
1 vote presto | Apr 24, 2012 |
I attempted to read this book. It looked somewhat promising. I was not able to finish it. Too much brutality without artistry, beginning to become sick indulgence. If I want to spend two days immersed in human cruelty, I'll watch TV. Maybe it is an outstanding book, but I couldn't read it. ( )
  lafincoff | Oct 16, 2009 |
If you enjoy long and engrossing descriptions of people, cultures, and architecture, and are not bothered by brutality in your reading, then this book is for you. ( )
  Erinys | Jan 18, 2009 |
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» Add other authors (3 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Ricardo Pintoprimary authorall editionscalculated
Burns, JimCover artistsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Harrison, MarkCover artistsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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FOR MY MOTHER AND FATHER
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All that day the wind had rattled the shutters and slanted the sky with snow, but in the warm heart of the Hold Carnelian sat with some of his people around a fire, listening to their talk.
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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Information from the Dutch Common Knowledge. Edit to localize it to your language.
Voor het Nederlands taalgebied is het boek The Chosen gesplitst in twee boeken.

1A - De terugkeer
1B - De keizerskeuze
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Carnelian is of the Masters, cruel beings who rule their kingdom from an earthly paradise hidden in a crater that is the navel of the world. Soon after he is born, Carnelian's father takes him across the sea to an island in the colourless north. Far from the Crater's rituals and pomp, their household is allowed to become a family to the boy.

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