The Stranger (The Labyrinths of Echo, Book 1) [Hardcover]

Max Frei (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2009

The millions-selling fantasy epic of the new Russian literary icon-a freeloading freebooter who finds a new home in a magical world

Max Frei's novels have been a literary sensation in Russia since their debut in 1996, and have swept the fantasy world over. Presented here in English for the first time, The Stranger will strike a chord with readers of all stripes. Part fantasy, part horror, part philosophy, part dark comedy, the writing is united by a sharp wit and a web of clues that will open up the imagination of every reader.

Max Frei was a twenty-something loser-a big sleeper (that is, during the day; at night he can't sleep a wink), a hardened smoker, and an uncomplicated glutton and loafer. But then he got lucky. He contacts a parallel world in his dreams, where magic is a daily practice. Once a social outcast, he's now known in his new world as the "unequalled Sir Max." He's a member of the Department of Absolute Order, formed by a species of enchanted secret agents; his job is to solve cases more extravagant and unreal than one could imagine-a journey that will take Max down the winding paths of this strange and unhinged universe.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

First published to wide acclaim in Russia in 1996, the intriguing first Labyrinths of Echo novel introduces readers to protagonist, narrator and pseudonymous author Max Frei. Max, a self-described classic loser, stays up all night and sleeps during the day. His erratic sleeping habits turn out to be a blessing when a dream brings him to Echo, an otherworldly city inhabited by magicians, where he is named the Nocturnal Representative of the Most Venerable Head of the Minor Secret Investigative Force. After training to shed his terrestrial habits, Max's investigative intuition quickly makes him one of the city's most revered—and feared—men, and soon he's taking on midget murderers and rescuing bewitched sea captains. Gannon's translation preserves the book's quintessentially Russian wit and makes it easily accessible to English-speaking fantasy mystery fans. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

³The Stranger has to be one of the most imaginative and quirky stories released in a long time... The Stranger is consistent throughout and stands head and shoulders above most books that have even come out in the last decade.²‹Fandomonia.com, #1 Book of 2009

³If Harry Potter smoked cigarettes and took a certain matter-of-fact pleasure in administering tough justice, he might like Max Frei, the protagonist of this fantasy novel...Well-written, well-paced grown-up fantasy with a strong dose of reality.² Kirkus

³The whole effect is like a collaboration between Raymond Chandler and Gilbert and Sullivan‹cheerfully noirish and disturbingly satirical...the story is quite charming and unusual.² - Library Journal

³The Stranger will strike a chord with readers of all stripes... incredibly imaginative bolstered by an undeniable charm‹think Harry Potter meets Dr. Seuss. In fact, I believe the book¹s most striking attribute is its creativeness‹a creativeness that extends throughout the entire city of Echo and the world beyond... Plus so many other wonderful ideas that it would require me writing a book just to cover them allŠ Once I got used to the book¹s particular sense of humor, I had quite a few laughs and was reminded a bit of Mike Resnick¹s amusing John Justin Mallory tales...I can easily see why The Labyrinths of Echo has enjoyed so much praise and success, and I strongly urge anyone who is a fan of imaginative fiction to give Max Frei¹s The Stranger a try.² -FantasyBookCritic

"The spiky, smart prose and the often exceedingly cool surrealism that shoot through this book will certainly satisfy those looking for something rather different."- bookotron.com

³Gannon¹s translation preserves the book¹s quintessentially Russian wit and makes it easily accessible to English speaking fantasy mystery fans.² Publishers Weekly --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Overlook Hardcover; First Edition edition (April 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590200659
• ISBN-13: 978-1590200650
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)