Roses of Roazon [Paperback]

Cherith Baldry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 21, 2005

The land of Arvorig is ruled by the Duke of Roazon, under the guiding authority of the Church. Peace has lasted here for so many generations that its inhabitants have consigned to legend all memory of Autrys, the dark shadow of Roazon, which was banished from the world when its first duke assumed office. But when the new Duke, Joscelin, is accused of heresy, a gate is subtly opened for Autrys to return. Meanwhile, other princes see their opportunity to seize power, and Arvorig itself is in deadly peril. As all those touched by war must make up their minds where their loyalties lie, in the end it is not the noblemen and warriors whose influence will be greatest. Lesser folk and small decisions can produce greater consequences, but most of all the fate of the duchy now rests in the nature of Joscelin himself. "Vivid and atmospheric ...a rip-roaring good read." - "Starburst". "A beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable tale ...captivating all the way through to its stunning conclusion, it will leave you wanting more." - "Dreamwatch".

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Cherith Baldry was born in Lancashire and studied at Manchester University and St Anne's College, Oxford. She subsequently worked as a teacher, including a spell as a lecturer at the University of Sierra Leone. Cherith is now a full-time writer of fiction for both children and adults.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan (January 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330492470
• ISBN-13: 978-0330492478
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,073,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected Delight, June 6, 2011

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Sharman Horwood "sharmanh" (Seoul Korea (South)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Roses of Roazon (Paperback)

I had no illusions when I began this book, except that a good friend said, "read it." I'm glad she did.

Arvorig is a land that has dukes rather than princes or kings, yet still has the same political problems: what one duke has, another wants. The story begins, however, with the newly appointed Duke of Roazon wearing a pendant that shows him as a god-like healer, a facet of the national religion that has never before been shown. Since he is the church's representative, this image isn't just a surprise; it's definitely not what the church has authorized. The other dukes and knights immediately use this to claim he is a heretic, and if the church denounces him, then he will be removed from office. He is the Duke of Roazon, a city that is wealthy and one where great craftsmen and women live, making it a prize to many, particularly the other dukes and knights. Unfortunately, while the point of whether or not his icon is heretical, whether or not the duke himself is heretical, this conflict opens the door for evil to enter the world in the form of Autrys, a legendary land with demons and other foul creatures who quickly attack the people of Arvorig.

This is an adult novel, as is clear from the beginning of the story, not like the YA novels that Cherith Baldry usually writes. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, and the subsequent story kept me turning the pages well into the night. Although the story line does rely a bit too much, in my opinion, on modern religious beliefs, in the end this didn't damage my overall liking of the book. I look forward to reading the sequel.