A Magic of Nightfall: A Novel of the Nessantico Cycle [Hardcover]

S. L. Farrell (Author)

Book Description

Series: Nessantico cycle | Publication Date: March 3, 2009

The second novel in the Nessantico Cycle continues the epic tale of an empire at its height, yet poised on the brink of what could be a devastating descent into ruin. It is a story of murder and magic, of deception and betrayal, of Machiavellian politics, star-crossed lovers, and a realm facing war on every front.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“S.L. Farrell weaves his storylines into a compelling tale.”
—Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist

About the Author

S.L. Farrell is the pseudonym for a veteran author of numerous science fiction and fantasy novels, including DAW’s Cloudmages trilogy. He has published a number of short stories, and has contributed to the Wild Cards series, edited by George R. R. Martin.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 624 pages
• Publisher: DAW Hardcover; First Edition. 1 in numberline edition (March 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756405394
• ISBN-13: 978-0756405397
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,717,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I write fantasy as S.L. Farrell and science fiction as Stephen Leigh. I also wrote one science fiction novel as "Matthew Farrell."

If you're really interested in learning a bit about me, then I'd suggest going to my website: http://www.farrellworlds.com -- that's where you'll find more than you ever really wanted to know, including some of my favorite books, my music, and all the rest including my online journal, where I talk about, well, nearly anything...

I'll see you there!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Had no heart..., April 13, 2009

By 

Michael J. Barnes (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Magic of Nightfall: A Novel of the Nessantico Cycle (Hardcover)

The story was disjointed and lacked a center. There was no rise and fall in its progression, no build up. I already knew what's going to happen at 100 pages in and the author did very little to make me wonder.

The main characters lacked focus and often their motives were hard to follow. None of the characters were fleshed out. I was always waiting for one of them to jump out and take charge of the book, never happened. To be honest at the end of the book I really didn't care about ANY of the characters.

Unlike the first novel, A Magic of Twilight, the magical aspect of the novel had no wonder. It often felt like the use of magic was forced and applied to "make" the story magical.

The story was flat and lacked substance. I plowed through it to the end always praying it would get better.

The concept of Nessantico was great and I was hopeful.

2 stars for a good idea.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars superb fantasy, March 8, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Magic of Nightfall: A Novel of the Nessantico Cycle (Hardcover)

Nessantico is the capital of the Holdings, but it is not as large as it once was. Firenzcia has broken away and other states followed forming the Coalition. Audric the ruler is two years away from his majority so continues to rule under the guidance of the Regent Serge Ca'Rudka. However, Audric is also falling into madness, as he imprisons the Regent while heeding the advice of an ancestor who the lad believes is giving him good counsel even though she is in a painting which he believes talks to him.

Sergei escapes heading to Firenzcia where Allesandra Ca'Vorl is manipulating events to enable her to achieve her goals. Allessandra was once a hostage is Nessantico because her father rejected her as his heir choosing her younger brother Fyyn. The lady has the assassin The White Stone carry out her plan for having the counsel place her son on the throne. The Westlanders in the Hellins were invaded by Nessantican forces; they push the outsiders from their country and invade the city. Alexandra wants her son to use his army to help Nessantico, but he has learned about her lies and murders so needs time to decide what to do.

The second Nessantico Cycle doesn't suffer from the middle book syndrome as A MAGIC OF NIGHTFALL takes place twenty five years after the events of A MAGIC OF TWILIGHT. This gives the saga a feeling of freshness yet retains the innovative political intrigue. Each main character maintains their part of the story so that the audience sees a changing POV that makes for a fascinating read; for instance how different mother and son look at Nessantico. Based on a blending of medieval France, Florence, and Venice, this superb fantasy captures the betrayals even within families as Machiavelli would claim S. L. Farrell is more than just a great world-builder; he understand the essence of power is manipulating your opponents and allies to do your bidding.

Harriet Klausner

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic, April 27, 2010

By 

Noir (Golden State) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Magic of Nightfall: A Novel of the Nessantico Cycle (Kindle Edition)

The second in this author's series, things are as one person put it 'predictable'. I would also agree that there is really no subtle sense of rising and falling action, it's just abruptness all around till the end.

5 stars though because of the character's emotions. If you enjoy politics, backstabbing, and deal making I'd read this. However don't expect a very happy ending, because this is a dark book.