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Fortress of Owls

4.5 out of 5 stars (205)
3.9 on Goodreads
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Book details

  1. Book 3 of 5
    Fortress
  2. Print length
    550 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    HarperPrism
  5. Publication date
    March 1, 2000
  6. Dimensions
    4.19 x 1.12 x 6.75 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0061020087
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0061020087
  9. See all details
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Book overview

"I Dreamed of Owl. That Means Wizardry is Near."

Tristen is a weapon in an ancient war between wizardry and sorcery. He is a summoning and a shaping, brought to life by a wizard. And his sword is a weapon as well. Its keen blade, marked Illusion on one side and Truth on the other, once helped Tristen win the throne of Ylesuin for the young king Cefwyn, gaining Tristen the stewardship of the brave country of Amefel.

Tristen's rule in Amefel is blessed with two extraordinary friends: one a stalwart and simple warrior, the other a young rebel with royal blood. But the scarlet banners of war are unfolding again, and far more than a kingdom is at stake. Now Tristen must take up the sword--as well as the Sihhë magic he has forsworn. He is destiny's own, created a combatant in a far older and more fearsome conflict than any ever imagined by mere mortal man. And he is about to do battle once more. . . .

Rich with magic, intrigue, and adventure, this high fantasy series from the acclaimed C. J. Cherryh brings to life an enchanting world as real as, yet far more wondrous, than our own.

Review

"Cherryh writes with great power, conviction, and clarity." -- --Kirkus

"Elegant and moody writing builds a taut atmosphere of omens and prophecies fulfilled and ably evokes a magic of will and wishes and light." -- -- Locus

From the Back Cover

"I Dreamed of Owl. That Means Wizardry is Near."

Tristen is a weapon in an ancient war between wizardry and sorcery. He is a summoning and a shaping, brought to life by a wizard. And his sword is a weapon as well. Its keen blade, marked Illusion on one side and Truth on the other, once helped Tristen win the throne of Ylesuin for the young king Cefwyn, gaining Tristen the stewardship of the brave country of Amefel.

Tristen's rule in Amefel is blessed with two extraordinary friends: one a stalwart and simple warrior, the other a young rebel with royal blood. But the scarlet banners of war are unfolding again, and far more than a kingdom is at stake. Now Tristen must take up the sword--as well as the Sihhë magic he has forsworn. He is destiny's own, created a combatant in a far older and more fearsome conflict than any ever imagined by mere mortal man. And he is about to do battle once more. . . .

Rich with magic, intrigue, and adventure, this high fantasy series from the acclaimed C. J. Cherryh brings to life an enchanting world as real as, yet far more wondrous, than our own.

About the Author

C. J. Cherryh—three-time winner of the coveted Hugo Award—is one of today's best-selling and most critically acclaimed writers of science fiction and fantasy. The author of more than fifty novels, she makes her home in Spokane, Washington.

About the author

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C. J. Cherryh
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I've written sf and fantasy for publication since 1975...but I've written a lot longer than that. I have a background in Mediterranean archaeology, Latin, Greek, that sort of thing; my hobbies are travel, photography, planetary geology, physics, pond-building for koi...I run a marine tank, can plumb most anything, and I figure-skate.

I believe in the future: I'm an optimist for good reason---I've studied a lot of history, in which, yes, there is climate change, and our species has been through it. We've never faced it fully armed with what we now know, and if we play our cards right, we'll use it as a technological springboard and carry on in very interesting ways.

I also believe a writer owes a reader a book that has more than general despair to spread about: I write about clever, determined people who don't put up with situations, not for long, anyway: people who find solutions inspire me.

My personal websites and blog: http://www.cherryh.com

http://www.cherryh.com/WaveWithoutAShore

http://www.closed-circle.net

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
205 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book well worth the money and say it's a must-read. They also appreciate the intrigue and incredible amount of detail in the plot. However, some find the pacing unbearably slow.

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Value for moneyIntriguePacing
Value for moneyIntriguePacing
8Customers mention
8Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book great and well worth reading. They say it's one of the best series they have ever read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"I love the way C.J. Cherryh writes.Excellent series" Read more

"This is one of the best series I have ever read, there is an incredible amount of detail in the plot an it's a slow read for me but it's well worth..." Read more

"...However, it is a must read and sets the stage for intrigue to come." Read more

"...It was a great book...." Read more

5Customers mention
5Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book intrigue-filled with an incredible amount of detail. They also describe it as a great story and one of the best fantasy series.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...Then, with book three, it suddenly got very interesting. Things begin to fall into place for Tristen...." Read more

"...one of the best series I have ever read, there is an incredible amount of detail in the plot an it's a slow read for me but it's well worth the..." Read more

"...However, it is a must read and sets the stage for intrigue to come." Read more

"A VERY great story. The 2d time read,better than the 1st. Some of her best work!" Read more

3Customers mention
0Positive
3Negative

Customers find the pacing of the book unbearably slow. They also mention that very little happens.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"Books one and two were really slow and boring.Then, with book three, it suddenly got very interesting...." Read more

"...Overall I do recommend this book, but at times it is slow and tedious. However, it is a must read and sets the stage for intrigue to come." Read more

"...The pacing is unbearably slow, very little happens at all, characters are introduced who will never be fully developed, and the climax of the war..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Laura
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Now this series has gotten awesome!
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2011
Books one and two were really slow and boring. Then, with book three, it suddenly got very interesting. Things begin to fall into place for Tristen. He strikes out on his own, and his learning and understanding of people and war and kingdoms is refreshing and... See more
Books one and two were really slow and boring.

Then, with book three, it suddenly got very interesting. Things begin to fall into place for Tristen. He strikes out on his own, and his learning and understanding of people and war and kingdoms is refreshing and stimulating while his continuing confusion regarding secret motivations, suspicions of betrayal and hidden enemies makes for some very exciting actions and reactions. He still makes mistakes, but he also makes some right choices. Some fear him and others love him, some support him and others are trying to unseat him. There are underhanded, selfish betrayals and political maneuvering, and its hard to tell who is friend and who is foe. There's religious prejudice, war, intrigue, betrayal and love. And, the rendering of the kingdoms feel very authentic to me, down to the armor and the horses. Tristen has gone from being a boring, ignorant, half wit character to being a grounded, insightful leader.

I'm so glad I pushed through the first two, because now this series is awesome! Just as I've come to expect from C.J. Cherryh!
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Barry Melius
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Good people in trying times doing their best
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2017
I split my books into two folders. One for day reads-higher energy, that perk me up. The second and less numerous is night reads-mellow to unwind from a hectic day. Fortress of Owls is definitely in the night reads camp. As I grow older I appreciate an intelligentily... See more
I split my books into two folders. One for day reads-higher energy, that perk me up. The second and less numerous is night reads-mellow to unwind from a hectic day. Fortress of Owls is definitely in the night reads camp. As I grow older I appreciate an intelligentily written book with a low body count and a good heart. I find I sleep better. Recommended.
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srae
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
One of the best Fantasy series
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2014
I love C J Cherry. She knows how to build characters that come alive to you. She never uses foul language in her books, she doesn't need too. There is enough magic, battles, action, and multiple characters that you will not be bored. You won't have to wait until chapter... See more
I love C J Cherry. She knows how to build characters that come alive to you. She never uses foul language in her books, she doesn't need too. There is enough magic, battles, action, and multiple characters that you will not be bored. You won't have to wait until chapter 5 to get into the book, and you will want to buy the rest of this series as soon as you finish the first one. Highly recommend
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Jay Higley
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Nice quality
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020
Book came in earlier than expected and was in great shape! I like being able to find some of these more difficult titles that we want to read!
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Gayzee
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Can't wait for the next book.
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2020
I love the way C.J. Cherryh writes.
Excellent series
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Edith wiley
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Fortress of Owls (Tristan)
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2012
This book smoothly followed the strory line and progressed with enough surprises to keep up the interest.and wanting to read the next episode.
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Henry A. Barrett
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
One of the best
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2014
This is one of the best series I have ever read, there is an incredible amount of detail in the plot an it's a slow read for me but it's well worth the effort.
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Robert Hamilton IV
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A Continuing Saga
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2000
This book is definitely one in a series. The whole book is a building of tension and hints at an uncertain climax (which may come in the next book (?)). While there is not much "action" per se, the book gives great insight into Tristen's rapidly-developing... See more
This book is definitely one in a series. The whole book is a building of tension and hints at an uncertain climax (which may come in the next book (?)). While there is not much "action" per se, the book gives great insight into Tristen's rapidly-developing character, kingdom politics, and the state of the world in general. Overall I do recommend this book, but at times it is slow and tedious. However, it is a must read and sets the stage for intrigue to come.
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Top reviews from other countries

Seafire
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A Tristram book - worthy of the series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2013
I discovered the Tristram books by accident, browsing in a charity shop, and loved the first one so much I couldn't get it out of my mind. I ordered the rest of them and went through them in about 10 days (a really good dense journey, as I read fast and didn't do much else...See more
I discovered the Tristram books by accident, browsing in a charity shop, and loved the first one so much I couldn't get it out of my mind. I ordered the rest of them and went through them in about 10 days (a really good dense journey, as I read fast and didn't do much else in those 10 days). So if you enjoy sci-fi and good fantasty - get these. They're not the lightest of fantasy but that's to my taste (fluffy bunny fantasy makes me ill), and Tristram is one of the most satisfying light-to-dark heroes I've come across.

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welshwitch
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Middle of the series.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2012
Part 3 of 5 books. Definitely worth reading although as the other 4 parts are on kindle, I fail to see why the published doesn't kindleise this!

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ChiShi
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
slow and almost a burden to reach the end
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2017
slow and almost a burden to reach the end

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Ralph von Vignau
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Lots of talking and background info not matched with enough action.
Reviewed in Germany on September 28, 2013
This was not as good a read as the previous 2 books mainly due to the long discourses that could be kept shorter. The action was tame and of almost inconsequential manner. Alone the lovely way Cherryh can write keeps it worth while. I hope the next books in the series are...See more
This was not as good a read as the previous 2 books mainly due to the long discourses that could be kept shorter. The action was tame and of almost inconsequential manner. Alone the lovely way Cherryh can write keeps it worth while. I hope the next books in the series are better.

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Axon
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2015
great book

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