Elizabeth Haydon
| Paperback - Gollancz (2005) |
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Elegy for a Lost Star
The Sequel to the Rhapsody Trilogy
Elegy for a Lost Star sets the stage for a major turning-point in the Symphony of Ages series.
The dragon Anwvn has been freed and, disoriented and confused, remembers only two things: Rhapsody - the woman who trapped her in a dragon’s body and locked her in the grave and an all encompassing desire to wreak vengeance. Meanwhile Achmed, the Firbolg King, rebuilds his shattered home as a guild of assassins plot to revenge themselves upon him for killing their leader. And a horribly deformed, hugely powerful, magical being is travelling through a carnival of freaks towards an evil despot who will take advantage of any opportunity. Disaster looms for the continent...
With the rise of new leaders and the long-awaited birth of the Child of Time, dark plans and confrontations looming, and a battle to the death between two dragons of vast elemental power on the horizon, the seeds of war and chaos which could consume half the world have been sown.
Praise for the Symphony Of Ages
‘One of the finest high fantasy debuts in years’ Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Rhapsody
‘Complex and extremely satisfying’ Booklist on Destiny
‘Certain to be devoured by Havdon’s growing legion of fans’ Publishers Weekly on Requiem for the Sun
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First British Edition Gollancz (2002) |
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Requiem for the Sun
The sequel to the Rhapsody Trilogy
It all began with the best-selling Rhapsody Trilogy. A fellowship of three had been forged, companions brought together by fate, driven by prophecy: Rhapsody, a Singer of great talent and beauty; Achmed, an assassin with unearthly talents; and Grunthor, an amiable but lethal giant. The three overcame great adversity in defeating the F’dor - an ancient evil being intent on destroying the world - their battle culminating in Destiny, a thundering crescendo of tragedy, love, and triumph of the human spirit over world-shattering cataclysm. Now comes
Requiem For The Sun
It has been three years since their devastating battle, and peace has settled across the land. But to the south an empire lies ready to crumble. When the Dowager Empress dies, along with her successor, the instability of this mountainous, forbidding land allows for the rise of a new evil, igniting the spark of war that will threaten to overwhelm the known world.
And an old nemesis of Rhapsody’s, presumed dead for centuries, resurfaces, forcing her to choose between facing his depravity or sacrificing her own life - and that of her unborn child.
Reviews for the Rhapsody Trilogy
‘One of the finest high-fantasy debuts in years:’ Publishers Weekly on Rhapsody
‘Though obviously inspired by such authors as Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Patricia A. McKillip, Anne McCaffrey, and Palmer Brown the author uses a fluid writing style to build a world uniquely and compellingly her own. In this shimmering symphony of exhaustive detail, epic myths, music, and magic intertwine in a resounding fugal crescendo. The Rhapsody Saga’s vast historical timeline contains plenty of unexplored epochs and eras ripe for future book treatment:’ Publishers Weekly on Destiny
‘The debut of a great new fantasy talent. With Rhapsody, Elizabeth Haydon begins an epic saga worthy of Eddings, Goodkind and Jordan . . :’ Romantic Times
‘The second book of Haydon’s epic high-fantasy trilogy is as strong and compelling as its predecessor, Rhapsody. Enthusiastic readers will be left eagerly awaiting the trilogy’s conclusion:’ Booklist on Prophecy
| Paperback - Gollancz (2002) |
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First British Edition Gollancz (2002) |
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Destiny
Destiny is the triumphant conclusion to the Rhapsody trilogy.
In Rhapsody a fellowship was forged, three companions who triumphed over great adversity: Rhapsody, a singer of great talent and beauty; Achmed, the enigmatic assassin; and Grunthor, the gruff, warm hearted, deadly Firbolg. Together they faced an ancient evil; the demon F’dor.
In Prophecy they learned they might be their world’s only hope, heroes spoken of in the Prophecy of the Three, but after centuries of torment time was running short. They had to find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumed them all.
Destiny concludes this masterful trilogy. Rhapsody and Achmed seek out the offspring of the F’dor, hoping to use them to hunt it down, while Grunthor prepares the Bolg for war.
But the world is crossing the threshold of disaster and faces utter oblivion. With Destiny, Haydon achieves a crescendo of tragedy, love, and triumph.
Praise For The Rhapsody Trilogy
`Once again, the action is exhilarating; and sometimes broad, sometimes wry humour leavens the story’s horror. The addition of an affecting love story enhances the characterisations and helps explain events left hanging in Rhapsody. As in high fantasy at its best, the sense of foreboding - in this case, primarily arising from Rhapsody’s horrific nightmares - is palpable, the world building is convincing and consistent, the evildoers are truly wicked, and the battles are ferocious.’ Booklist
`In terms of scope, there is no doubt that Haydon can deliver. Prophecy is a lavish, romantic tale set in a landscape of luxurious beauty and mystery. Her characters are at once compelling and vulnerable, making this easily one of the most engaging fantasy novels currently available.’ Dreamwatch
‘Prophecy’s a pacey, well-written, poignant, and well-observed adult fairytale, continuing the soap-opera compulsion of the first book . . . there’s a nice hard edge to Haydon’s characters.’ SFX
`(Haydon) handles her huge plot, richly imagined setting, and huge cast of engaging and complex characters well.’ Starburst
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First British Edition Gollancz (2001) |
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| Paperback - Gollancz Millenium (2001) |
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Prophecy
Rhapsody was a publishing sensation
A Top Ten Best Fiction Title 1999 – Borders.com
A Top Ten Editor’s Pick, Best Fantasy Title 1999 – Amazon.com
A Reader’s Choice Top Ten Fantasy Title 1999 – SFSite.com
The Best Fantasy Novel of 1999 – BarnesandNoble.com
Follow three companions as they seek to save a world of timeless beauty and power.
Fleeing the demonic F’dor, Rhapsody, a Singer of talent and beauty, Achmed, the enigmatic assassin and Grunthor, the deadly Firbolg Warrior escaped through the roots of Sagia,the World Tree. During their epic journey centuries have passed, their homeland has been destroyed and their people scattered across the world. Everyone they ever knew has long since passed away, except perhaps the F’dor...
Now the three companions must split up . . .
Driven by a prophetic vision, Rhapsody races to rescue the religious leader of their new homeland. Meanwhile, Achmed and Grunthor must scour the depths of Ylorc, the mysterious mountain realm of the Firbolg, for clues to the F’dor’s identity. Otherwise the Prophecy of the Three will count for nothing and the F’dor’s darkness will consume them all for ever.
Elizabeth Haydon has written a fantasy of immense power, rich detail and compelling vision. She has also created three of the most memorable characters ever to grace the genre. This is a landmark fantasy epic.
`Once again, the action is exhilarating; and sometimes broad, sometimes wry humour leavens the story’s horror. The addition of an affecting love story enhances the characterisations and helps explain events left hanging in Rhapsody. As in high fantasy at its best, the sense of foreboding - in this case, primarily arising from Rhapsody’s horrific nightmares - is palpable, the world building is convincing and consistent, the evildoers are truly wicked, and the battles are ferocious.’ Booklist
`In terms of scope, there is no doubt that Haydon can deliver. Prophecy is a lavish, romantic tale set in a landscape of luxurious beauty and mystery. Her characters are at once compelling and vulnerable, making this easily one of the most engaging fantasy novels currently available.’ Dreamwatch
‘Prophecy’s a pacey, well-written, poignant, and well-observed adult fairytale, continuing the soap-opera compulsion of the first book . . . there’s a nice hard edge to Haydon’s characters.’ SFX
`(Haydon) handles her huge plot, richly imagined setting, and huge cast of engaging and complex characters well.’ Starburst
Praise for Rhapsody
‘Huge and complex… a narrative that grips throughout. Distinguished by superior with and intelligence, this opens what looks to be an outstanding saga. This is one of the finest high fantasy debuts in years’ Publishers Weekly
‘A sweeping atmospheric story… an action packed quest. Ends on just the right note to leave rapt readers craving a sequel’ Booklist
| British Pbk Original - Gollancz (2001) |
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Rhapsody
Take a journey into Rhapsody. A journey into a book full of wonders. A journey that spans a whole world and fourteen centuries of time. A journey into magic and fear. A journey with three companions who will stay with you forever:
Rhapsody. A Singer of great talent and even greater beauty. Quick and fluid with a blade.
Achmed. The Brother: swathed in black and silence. An enigmatic assassin of unearthly talents.
And ...
Grunthor.The hugely powerful Firbolg Warrior: gruff but warm-hearted. And deadly.
Thrown together by chance with the warrior and the assassin, it is Rhapsody who names The Brother `Achmed’, breaking the bounds that hold him in thrall to the fire-born demon Tsoltan. But the demon wants The Brother back .. . The three new companions escape into the roots of the World Tree on a quest to save their world.
'Distinguished by superior wit and intelligence, this opens what looks to be an outstanding saga. This is one of the finest high fantasy debuts in years.' Publishers Weekly
‘A sweeping, atmospheric story ... an action-packed quest. Ends on just the right note to leave rapt readers craving a sequel.' Booklist
'A stunningly told tale by a new fantasy author who is sure to go far.' Anne McCaffrey
'In a genre choking with predictable worlds and characters, Haydon blows in on the fresh air of new insights and talents. She makes the old in fantasy new again.' Jennifer Roberson
'Lucid, interesting, well paced, Well organised, adventurous, magical, and with characters who are original yet consistent to themselves. I see a larger story framework developing, as it were, the foundation of a pyramid we have as yet glimpsed only in part. This author will surely go far.' Piers Anthony
About The Author
Elizabeth Haydon lives and works in America. Rhapsody was her first novel and brought her unprecedented success; sweeping into all the reader’s favourites lists in the US and being sold to Hollywood on the basis of a proposal.
Bibliography
N.B. dates and publishers in dark red indicate British First Editions. Dates and publishers in black indicate recent reprints.
Elegy for a Lost Star
(Gollancz,
2004)
Gollancz Pbk Nov 05
Requiem for the Sun
(Gollancz,
2002)
Destiny
(Gollancz,
2002)
Gollancz Pbk Sep 02
Prophecy
(Gollancz,
2001)
Gollancz Millenium Pbk Nov 01
Rhapsody
(Gollancz Pbk,
1999)
Elegy for a Lost Star
by Elizabeth Haydon
