Lord of Lies (E a Cycle 2) [Paperback]

David Zindell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003 | Series: E a Cycle 2

The Red Dragon is the story of the Dark Angel's swift and terrible revenge against Valashu Elahad. Death and destruction surround the Lightstone in the second book of this magnificent and deeply moving fantasy epic. Valashu Elahad only regained the Lightstone in Argattha when he realized that his purpose was to guard the treasure of his ancestors so that he could pass it to the enlightened one, the Maitreya, who would lead them back to the stars. At the time he understood that the mysterious powers of the Lightstone were not his to use. But perhaps it would have been wise to seek the enlightened one before undertaking his quest for the Lightstone. Now he has it, Morjin knows where it is, and he will use all his talents to get it back. Val's victory in Argattha was only the beginning of a war with Morjin. His brothers and his father King Shamesh march out to do battle with the armies of the Dark Angel. Val alone must protect the sacred vessel won by his courage and purity of vision. But his bright sword Alakaladur cannot prevail against the treasonous plots and betrayal by those closest to him, evidence of Morjin's power to destroy him and take the Lightstone.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This intense third installment of Zindell's Lightstone epic (after 2007's The Silver Sword) finds seventh son Prince Valashu, descendant of the Star People, fighting both self-doubts and skeptical monarchs in his attempt to unite the free peoples of Ea against the magical assassins and mercenary armies following Morjin the Liar, the fallen angel known as the Great Red Dragon. In addition to the conventional fantasy hero challenges of tourneys, battles, quests and romance, Valashu struggles to determine his true place among the legendary figures looming large over the Grail-like Lightstone, which he stole from Morjin and must now reunite with its destined wielder. Zindell packs in frequent and substantial references to mythology and excerpts of prophetic poetry, sometimes mingling created theology with real-world mythical terms and sly pop culture references such as Valashu's lightning bolt–shaped forehead scar. This gives Ea an unusual depth and richness at the expense of slowing down and sometimes confusing the plot. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Reviews of The Lightstone: 'Remarkable for scale, ambition and a capacity to evoke sinister beauty ... with the inherent strengths of mythic structure, bringing to the tale a sense of urgency and spiritual depth ... heroism is not just heroic acts but an emotional space that goes with the acquisition of doomed love and mortal enemies. This is an impressive start to an interesting cycle.' Roz Kaveney AMAZON 'Every so often a novel comes along that threatens to redefine its genre. The Lightstone is such a novel ... Zindell re-imagines the epic on a grand scale ... The Lightstone shines brightly ' DREAMWATCH 'David Zindell's words are like magic, which manage to capture the tiniest nuances of his landscapes and characters and bring them to life ... If you want something that will make you think, that touches on elements of spirituality and philosophy and the fine lines between good and evil then The Lightstone is a winner' WHSMITH.CO.UK

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Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Voyager (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0002247585
• ISBN-13: 978-0002247580
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,814,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lord of Lies, June 13, 2006

By 

D Griego "Griego" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lord of Lies (Ea Cycle 2) (Paperback)

Another great book in the Lightstone series! Wonderful characters and a unique story made this a most enjoyable book and as in all great books I was distressed to have it end. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series having ordered it shortly after finishing the Lightstone. I cannot say enough about this author and am still puzzled that I could have missed his work for so long. This series goes to the top of my favorites.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lord of Lies, September 18, 2005

By 

David Nelson "Tool" (Newborough,Vic Aust) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lord of Lies (Ea Cycle 2) (Paperback)

The Lord of Lies is the second book in Zindell's ambitious epic fantasy. It leads straight on from the Lightstone and though it's a much shorter book than LS, it doesn't lack any of the imagery and story.

The plot of the series seems one that's been done before, obviously Lord of the Rings has an influence and so do many other books in the genre seem to ring a tune throughout, but, Zindell still brings a richness of original story and imagination not to mention brilliant characterization that he weaves into one of the most ripping epics I've ever read. I could tell you more, but am afraid to spoil the plot.

As I write this, I'm just getting into the 3rd book Black Jade, and it is blowing me away. This series is NOT becoming bland or stale like some other epics floating around at the moment and it appears that it may finish in 4 installments. That would be enough I'd think.

So get into it, I insist, you'll not be disappointed.

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing trilogy, just the beginning, May 4, 2008

By 

Tim Lasiuta "Comic Fan 42" (Red Deer, Alberta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lord of Lies (Hardcover)

Lord of Lies

The world of Ea is a fascinating place.

The quest for the mythical Lightstone had brought more trouble to the kindgom. Valashu Elahad, the 7th prince of the house of Mesh, forsook his quest for knowledge for the sword and leadership of his companions. The Dark Angel Morijin has battled against Val, only to lose the object he sought. The sacred cup of Light is desired by Morijin, and yet guarded by Val. As the forces build against him, he begins to understand the magnitude of the battle he must face. His strength of character and judgement must be sound to survive what must come, the final conflict over the cup of Light. Power is nothing without temptation!

David Zindell weaves a magical tale bursting with narrative energy. His deeply hypnotic style turns the literary into imaginary, `live' images dancing on the tapestry of our imagination. I was drawn into the battle as the family of Mesh, led by Val (and the sword of sight) finally overcomes Morijin, but losing the stone. Remembering Morijin as a `man with golden eyes and a smile like the sun, beautiful in form and face.', he learns that the contrast between deception and the truth is strong Lessons can sometimes only be taught through loss. Such are those that Valashu learns. Compassion and Revenge are two sides of the same wolf. Feed one, and that side will thrive, feed the other, and the other suffers.

The 3rd book of the world of Ea sets up the next series. The quest for the Lord of Light and the Lightstone (again) will be a marvelous search, and three more delightful novels.

Look for these at your local book store or online at www.tor-forge.com.

Tim Lasiuta