World without End (Moontide Magic Rise) [Paperback]

Sean Russell (Author)

Book Description

Series: Moontide Magic Rise | Publication Date: March 1, 1995

When naturalist Tristam Flattery is summoned to save a plant species with magical, medicinal properties, he is drawn into a political struggle that spans generations, threatens civilization, and leads him to the ends of the known world. Original.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The compelling first volume in a series titled Moontide and Magic Rise bodes well for the ones to follow. Russell (The Initiate Brother) introduces Farrland, a world similar to our own but caught in a struggle between magic and science. The story follows the adventures of Tristam Flattery, who epitomizes this conflict and holds the key to Farrland's destiny. A young man well known as a botanist and naturalist, Tristam constantly endeavors to free himself from any affiliation with magic. This is fruitless, considering that he was raised by his great uncle Erasmus, the last of the great mages. Summoned by Roderick Palle to help the king, Tristam discovers Kingsfoil, a plant that can cure disease and prolong life; unfortunately, the plant itself is ailing. Roderick, the king, and the Duchess of Morland believe that Tristam's physic powers will revitalize the plant. When this fails, Tristam, the duchess and a band of wily sailors start out for Varua, the home of Kingsfoil. What follows is an incredible adventure at sea during which Tristam's special powers become increasingly evident, saving the wayfarers' lives and leading them to archeological treasures. A spectacular beginning of what is sure to be a successful fantasy series.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: DAW (March 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886776244
• ISBN-13: 978-0886776244
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #826,054 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich vocabulary, intriguing plot, enjoyable ride., September 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: World without End (Moontide Magic Rise) (Paperback)

I found this a great story. I primarily read fantasy literature, but found this to be more a 16th century mystery with the allure of fantasy to come. We, along with the main character, Tristam Flattery, are following a destiny quite unclear, unfolding as it goes. I found the language quite rich, both by using vocabulary of the 16th century throughout and later by adding nautical terms which were unfamiliar to me and which I couldn't wait to look up and explore. I enjoyed the stretch.

Always one to enjoy the journey of reading rather than reaching the conclusion, I did not find this an unnecessarily lengthy book at all. I felt that I was 'in' the adventure right along with the other characters. My only disappointment was that the book concluded midstream, without any resolution. I'm ordering the next book as I write this so to learn more. I'm encouraged by the reviewers that find the next book even better. "The pleasures of the day to you all." ... Bill

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This Is Fantasy...?, June 27, 2000

By 

Peter A. Greene (Franklin, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: World without End (Moontide Magic Rise) (Paperback)

This work has more in common with the adventures of Horatio Hornblower than Bilbo Baggins. Particularly in this first half of the duology, there's little hint of any fantastic elements whatsoever. The non-fantasy feel is further accented by Russell's creation of a world that is so clear, specific, and well-grounded.

There's politics, travel adventure, and a bit of love(lust?) interest-- this could almost be a costume drama set in 18th century France! If you can relax and let this work take you where it will without waiting for a big furry mgic something to pop up, the work has some rewards-- strong characters, grown-up plot, intrigue, and sailing adventures. Just don't expect full-scale fantastic special effects.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars VERY VERY GOOD!!!, March 24, 2003

By 

"seasonsosummer" (Honolulu, HI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: World without End (Moontide Magic Rise) (Paperback)

this book was definitely a 4 star book. I have heard tell the sequel was better but as I haven't read it I cannot say. The ONE thing that stopped this book from being a five star book was that it was a wee bit boring towards the middle. The romance with the Duchess went on FOREVER, I can't tell you how relieved I was when he finally came to his senses.wewh.
A summary of this book would be: Tristam, a naive but educated man is called from his peaceful life so he could be of service to the King, whose very life depends opona plant's amazing healing powers. But alas, this plant was slowly dying out. Tristam's friend and mentor Professor Dandish died. With his death Tristam discovers that the Duchess, a completly irrisistable woman who is the favorite of the king, had hired Dandish to look into Tristams problem years ago. Dandish left Tristam a message, torn in half, that said Dandish had discovered an answer, and knowing something Tristam couldn't guess at, had destroyed his plants. The Duchess and Tristam embark on a 2 year voyage to get Kingfoil from it's original land. On the way Tristam notices that there is a white hawk following him. The main part of the crew of the ship think him a mage and it doesn't help things that his uncle was himself rumored to be one. Tristam discovers that he does indeed have a spark of something, although of what he is not sure:end of summary.
The political intrigues of this book are astonishing as is the complex plot of this book. There are characters we know nothing about, only that they serve a purpose, but it is that foreplanning that makes me envious of this writers talent.This book is great and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes science-fiction and fantasy.
Note: this book is a cliffhanger so buy the second book along with the first.