Quicksilver Zenith. Stan Nicholls (Quicksilver Trilogy 2) [Paperback]

Stan Nicholls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2005 | Series: Quicksilver Trilogy 2

From the author of the internationally accalaimed Orcs series comes a powerful new epic fantasy to rival the work of Raymond E. Feist and David Gemmell. Cursed with immortality and episodes of uncontrollable, berserk fury, Reeth Caldason is desperate to find a cure for his magical affliction. His search has brought him to the island state of Bhealfa, ruled by a despot and trapped between two powerful rival empires. Here, after decades of carefully avoiding all personal attachments, he finds himself entangled with a Resistance movement intent on founding a utopia free from tyranny. The paladin clans, a fearsome order of mercenary knights who provide government security, are determined to crush the growing rebellion. Devlor Bastorran, the cruel, and possibly mad, heir apparent to the clan leadership, is plotting a grotesque revenge against Caldason, having been bested by him in a humiliating and very public swordfight. But Caldason has other problems to contend with. The rebels have decided on the location of their new state -- a remote island. Before it can be occupied, a large quantity of gold must be delivered to its legal owner. Caldason is the natural choice to head this sensitive mission -- but he soon discovers that a powerful new enemy covets both the gold and the island, threatening to destroy the whole fragile venture before it's even underway.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Quicksilver Rising: 'Quicksilver Rising is brilliantly conceived and beautifully constructed. From the first gripping action scene it had me hooked. It has all the ingredients to become a classic of the genre' David Gemmell 'Nicholls tells a story into which the reader is dragged as willing victim. He has an eye for action and character, keeps the pace high, plot finely tuned and pages turning; and in Quicksilver Rising has delivered a hugely entertaining read.' James Barclay 'Stan Nicholls puts modern dialogue into the mouths of high fantasy characters and echoes of our politics into the kingdoms he creates. Easily as much fun as you'd expect.' Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Guardian 'Nicholls knows his stuff ! deft characterization ! full of action, magic, romance and politics' Starburst Exhilarating, innovative fantasy writing ! delivered with tremendous panache' Publishing News 'A cracking blend of high fantasy adventure and thought-provoking political thriller -- a real feast for intelligent imaginations.' Louise Cooper 'Fast-paced, high adventure ! a bare-knuckle fight with a magic punch.' Mark Chadbourn

About the Author

Stan Nicholls has been a full-time writer since 1981. He is the author of many novels and short stories but is best-known for the internationally acclaimed Orcs: First Blood series. His journalism has appeared in the Guardian, the Independent, the Daily Mirror, Time Out, Sight and Sound, Rolling Stone, SFX and Locus among many others. Stan has worked for a number of specialist and general bookshops and was the first manager of the London branch of Forbidden Planet. He lives in the West Midlands with his wife, Anne Gay.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Voyager (April 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007141521
• ISBN-13: 978-0007141524
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,122,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quicksilver Zenith - 2nd book in trilogy, March 7, 2006

By 

Jules "Avid Reader" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quicksilver Zenith. Stan Nicholls (Quicksilver Trilogy 2) (Paperback)

This book is a good read; the story line is strong, it has interesting characters which are further developed and some new ones appear. Being the 2nd book in a trilogy the story line continues to become more complex and there is more focus on the different characters and their own side plots.

However by the end Reeth Caldason's, the invincible Qalochian warrior, problems of immortality and unpredictable rages is no where near being addressed, which is a little frustrating, and he tends to fade in amongst the other characters and events; but the introduction of the mystery of the Matrix is a good development.

As with the first book there is plenty of action and fighting and the development of the characters relationships keeps you turning the pages. I'm really looking forward to the 3rd book being released.