When the man she loves brings his betrothed to his great house, Ghysla, a creature from another race of beings, exacts a terrible revenge.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 7-12-- Ghysla is the last of her race of winged shape-shifters who were common before human beings proliferated. She is content with her solitary existence until the day she sees and falls in love with Anyr, a prince. Understanding that her clawed, sharp-toothed appearance could shock or frighten him, Ghysla uses her abilities to become various animals--most successfully, a seal that Anyr looks forward to greeting--and accompanies him through field, forest, and coast. Ghysla is happy with this strange relationship until the day that she learns Anyr is to marry. Blinded by unrequited love, she casts the ``sleep of stone'' on his betrothed, Sivorne, and takes her place at the wedding, unaware of the tragedy she has set in motion. This unusual and compelling fantasy is of the same high quality as the earlier books in the ``Dragonflight'' series (Silverberg's Letters from Atlantis 1990, De Lint's The Dreaming Place 1990, and Lee's Black Unicorn 1991, all Atheneum). While Anyr and Sivorne could be any beautiful folkloric couple, their feelings and desires make them realistic and believable; Ghysla is a truly unique creation, almost human but not quite, with a combination of morals and desires that suit her origins. Mornan, the sorcerer that Anyr consults to save his true bride, is another fascinating character with secrets that change the course of events. Impossible to put down, this will captivate and surprise readers. --Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Shape-changer Ghysla--last of the ancient ones, born Ghryszmyxychtys but now known as Ghysla--is sure that Prince Anyr loves her as deeply as she loves him, even though she has shown herself to him only in the guise of animals like a playful seal or a loving deer; she can't believe he loves his beautiful bride- to-be, Sivorne. Ghysla plans to steal Sivorne away, substitute herself, then reveal all, imagining that the result will be great joy. Even Anyr's loving concern when Sivorne awakens screaming about an ugly dark gremlin (actually Ghysla in her true shape) fails to shake Ghysla's obsession. On the wedding day, after Ghysla has turned Sivorne to stone and taken her form, she is discovered. Anyr is devastated, Ghysla both sullen and manic. The recluse wizard Mornan (Myrrzynohoenhaxn, half-human, half of Ghysla's race) tells Ghysla that only she can release Sivorne: she must take Sivorne's place in the rock in order to bring peace to the frantic Anyr. Ghysla does so; and long after, moved by her plight, Mornan in turn releases her by taking her place. Cooper brings to this entry in the ``Dragonflight'' series the strong sense of mystery and the vivid imaginary world that make her adult fantasy so effective. A beautifully wrought, deceptively simple tale that has the texture of legend; special appeal for the thoughtful reader. (Fiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A sweet story,
By
This review is from: The Sleep of Stone (Dragonflight Series) (Library Binding)
I recently stumbled across The Sleep of Stone in my local library and thought it looked interesting. My read of it turned out to be a predictable, but pleasant experience.It is a very short novel about the origens of a local legend. The shortness makes it an enjoyable quick read and the legend, although influenced by various fairy tales, is fresh and captivating. The story is presented in a simple storytelling frame structure. An old man encounters a young couple in a local romantic grotto and ends up telling them the sadly romantic legend associated with it of a young couple from years before and of the creature whose consuming love of the young man tried to destroy them. It is a story sweetly told, but with a close eye to the deep emotions of the characters. I found the actual tale of the Sleep of Stone to be the best part of the book. The frame story was cute, but it was distracting. It actually took me a few tries in starting the book because I couldn't get past that part. While the end part is good, the beginning part (which sets up the real story) is not very captivating. The real strength of the book was the way as a reader I was able to empathize with the characters' emotions. The young love of the couple was evident, but most vivid were the feelings of the creature that tried to destroy that love. The creature's obsessive love of the young man completely consumed her. This burning desire pushes her to trick, murder, and unleash utter chaos at the young couple's wedding. The passion is so real, it is disturbing. The book follows a typical plotline for a fairytale type story, but it still is a touching and enjoyable read. Pick it up for a short cozy evening and have fun.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely beautiful,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Sleep of Stone (Daw science fiction) (Paperback)
The Sleep of Stone is marvelous. It's a simple story, but told with stunning beauty and depth. The atmosphere is dreamy and slightly surrealistic. This wonderful little treasure can be read on so many different levels-- The Sleep of Stone just goes to show that fantasy doesn't have to be of epic proportions to be excellent. This slim little volume touched me more than six or seven hundred pages of complex plots and myriad characters could have.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended fairy tale,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Sleep of Stone (Daw science fiction) (Paperback)
This beautifully told story includes both magic and memorable characters. Although they are set in a far away, unknown time and place, the problems of the characters are believable. Ghysla is a shape shifter who is the last of her kind and alone. She finds hope in love for Prince Anyr, but complications arise with his betrothal to a human girl. Magic spells and some surprising twists follow. This story is highly recommended and should be considered a classic fairy tale
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