Shadow Magic [Paperback]

Patricia Wrede (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1982

In the magic woods of Lyra, a noblewoman struggles to escape from a faceless man Trouble is brewing in Alkyra. While the kingdom's noblemen squabble, on their borders an ancient enemy, the Lithmern, raises an army. As the head of the Noble House of Brenn attempts to organize an alliance, the princess Alethia celebrates her twentieth birthday. She is a remarkable woman: quick-witted, beautiful, and handy with a throwing knife. But on the next night, she passes through a dark corridor on her way to the banquet hall, and never emerges from the shadows. The Lithmern have kidnapped the princess. When Alethia regains consciousness, an evil Lithmern with a face made of shadows is carrying her through the forest. These are magic woods, home to fabled creatures whose existence she has always doubted. To find her way home, Alethia will have to learn to trust in the old tales, whose legends of magic and daring hold the only hope of saving her kingdom. "Wrede's delightful voice is all her own." -School Library Journal "No doubt the charm, humor, and intelligence of Wrede's writing will continue to enthrall." -Publishers Weekly "High-style fantasy and adventure." -The New York Times For over twenty years, Patricia C. Wrede (b. 1953) has expanded the boundaries of young-adult fantasy writing. Her first novel, Shadow Magic (1982), introduced Lyra, a magical world in which she set four more novels. Her other series include the Enchanted Forest Chronicles; the Cecelia and Kate novels, co-written with Caroline Stevermer; the Mairelon books, which take place in Regency England; and the Old-West Frontier Magic series. Wrede lives and works in Minnesota.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

 “Wrede’s delightful voice is all her own.” —School Library Journal

 

“No doubt the charm, humor, and intelligence of Wrede’s writing will continue to enthrall.” —Publishers Weekly

 

“High-style fantasy and adventure.” —The New York Times

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Ace; First Edition edition (September 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441760120
• ISBN-13: 978-0441760121
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,239,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

PATRICIA C. WREDE has written many novels, including Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot and The Grand Tour coauthored with Caroline Stevermer, as well as the four books in her own series, the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. She lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book!, June 26, 2003

By 

Amy (Durham, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shadow Magic (Paperback)

This is the first book in Patricia C. Wrede's series about the world of Lyra, a magical place that is shared by four races. It took me forever to find a copy of this book, but the wait was worth it. Like all of Wrede's books, one of the main characters is a capable heroine. In Shadow Magic, the Princess Aletheia, who reminded me of Cimorene, is kidnapped by mysterious men, one of whom only has a shadow where his face should be. They take her deep into the Wyrwood, a forest where the legendary Wyrds (cat-like creatures) are rumored to live. With the help of the Wyrds and a bard she meets in the forest, she manages to escape. The Wyrds agree to escort her back to her home city, but first they want her to stop by a Shee outpost, to describe the appearance of the shadow man. The Shee are one of the four races of Lyra, mystical and proud beings, not unlike elves. On the way to the outpost, Aletheia's brother and his friend Mar catch up to the group. When they reach the outpost, the Shee guard thinks it is necessary to go the main city of the Shee, deep in the protected mountains. The Shadow-Born are rising once again, creatures straight out of nightmares. They were bound countless years ago, in a place no one can find, but they have found a way to come back to power by possessing the bodies of men. If they gain any more power, they will be able to return completely, in their own form, and it is up to Alethia and her friends to stop them. This was a great series, and even if you read the books out of order, all of them make sense. If you like this one, I would recommend my favorite in the Lyra series, The Raven Ring.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wrede does it again!, October 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Shadow Magic (Paperback)

The first in her incredible series about Lyra, Patricia C. Wrede's "Shadow Magic" has once again blended the trials and tribulations of royalty with the day-to-day life of the peasantry with that light touch that so endeared us in her "Enchanted Forest Chronicles." Beginning with the Journeyman Trader's infatuation with the Princess through the discovery of some family secrets, and leading up to the dramatic conclusion ending the war, the tone is mainly charming and witty. Admittedly not a literary classic, this book is still one of those rare gems that you just love to read again and again! I heartily recommend this book to any and all readers who have enjoyed Mercedes Lackey, Tanya Huff, or Anne McCaffrey. One of the only problems I had with this novel is that it is too short to truly get to know some of the side characters who may or may not have important revelations.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, June 10, 2001

By 

Stefanie Short (CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shadow Magic (Paperback)

I absolutley loved this book. It was humorous and adventureous, with just the right ammount of romance in it. Like all Wrede books, the characters were fully thought out and believable. The book is an easy read, but it's not just for children either. Anyone with any love for capeable princesses, fantastic beings, magical cataclysms, political intrigue, and true love must read this book! (note: this novel can also be found in the compiliation Shadows over Lyra)