Spirit Gate - (Crossroads) by Kate Elliott (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

World Fantasy and Nebula Award finalist Kate Elliott breaks new ground in a brilliantly original new fantasy set in a unique world of fabled cities, mysterious gods, and terrible dangers. From the first page readers will be swept up in the story of Mai and Captain Anji, as they become unwitting players in a conflict that began many years earlier, and which will shake the foundations of their land.

For hundreds of years the Guardians have ruled the world of the Hundred, but these powerful gods no longer exert their will on the world. Only the reeves, who patrol on enormous eagles, still represent the Guardians' power. And the reeves are losing their authority; for there is a dark shadow across the land that not even the reeves can stop.

A group of fanatics has risen to devour villages, towns, and cities in their drive to annihilate all who oppose them. No one knows who leads them; they seem inhumanly cruel and powerful. Mai and Anji, riding with a company of dedicated warriors and a single reeve who may hold a key to stopping the deadly advance of the devouring horde, must try, or the world will be lost to the carnage. But a young woman sworn to the Goddess may prove more important than them all . . . if they are not too late.

A haunting tale of people swept up by the chaos of war, this is superlative fantasy adventure, rich in texture, filled with color and excitement, masterfully crafted by a brilliantly gifted storyteller.

Review Quotes

"Every once in a while, you run across a book which is wonderful in every respect, and one you can't put down. Jaran has everything a reader could want: adventure, space travel, history, romance, and intrigue." --Voya

"Elliott's writing keeps getting better. She handles a cast roughly the size of The Iliad's and still makes each personality distinct, and she excels at depicting quiet character moments." --Starlog on The Burning Stone

"A broad, adventurous novel that draws successfully from historical fiction, SF, and even romance writing in creating its background and interpersonal tensions." --Science Fiction Chronicle on Sword of Heaven

"A rich, enthralling adventure that left me wanting more." --Locus on Sword of Heaven

"Just when you think you know where this epic is going, Ms. Elliott impressively pulls the carpet right out from under your feet and opens up dazzling new vistas for your imagination to savor." --Rave Reviews on Law of Becoming

"This engrossing saga should appeal to fantasy lovers and fans of historical epics alike." --Library Journal on Prince of Dogs

About the Author

Kate Elliott is the author of more than a dozen novels, including the Novels of the Jaran and the Crown of Stars fantasy series. King's Dragon, the first novel in that series, was a Nebula Award finalist; The Golden Key (with Melanie Rawn and Jennifer Roberson) was a World Fantasy Award finalist. Born in Oregon, she lives in Hawaii.