The Poisoned Crown - (Sangreal Trilogy) by Amanda Hemingway (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The concluding part of the captivating Sangreal trilogy from the author of Prospero's Children.

In the azure gloom he saw the island, not floating on the surface but moving through deep water, the rose-stained boulders swelling and shrinking like the bulb of a vast jellyfish. A skein of tentacles trailed behind it, fifty yards long or more. Something pale was tangled in their grasp, something that barely struggled now. He wrenched his thought away in horror, out of the sea, out of the dream, through the veils of sleep to his own world.

Like most young people, when Nathan Ward sleeps, he dreams of adventure; of worlds beyond conscious imagination; of becoming a hero destined to overcome some lurking fear. But unlike most people, Nathan cannot relish such escapism, for his dreams are not fantasies; his journeys are real and the nightmares he faces can keep him from ever waking up.

But Nathan cannot rest until he has found all three components of a great spell, each hidden upon a different alien world. The last piece is still missing, lost upon an oceanic planet infested with aquatic beasts.

If he survives the mysteries of the deep, Nathan will be forced to confront the architect of his fate. For recovering the last item will reveal the true purpose of the great spell and make clear the intent of its creator. Nathan believes it will save all the worlds that he holds dear, but it may also demand a terrible sacrifice; one that Nathan has no choice but to pay.

From the Back Cover

In the azure gloom he saw the island, not floating on the surface but moving through deep water, the rose-stained boulders swelling and shrinking like the bulb of a vast jellyfish. A skein of tentacles trailed behind it, fifty yards long or more. Something pale was tangled in their grasp, something that barely struggled now. He wrenched his thought away in horror, out of the sea, out of the dream, through the veils of sleep to his own world.

Like most young people, when Nathan Ward sleeps, he dreams of adventure; of worlds beyond conscious imagination; of becoming a hero destined to overcome some lurking fear. But unlike most people, Nathan cannot relish such escapism, for his dreams are not fantasies; his journeys are real and the nightmares he faces can keep him from ever waking up.

But Nathan cannot rest until he has found all three components of a great spell, each hidden upon a different alien world. The last piece is still missing, lost upon an oceanic planet infested with aquatic beasts.

If he survives the mysteries of the deep, Nathan will be forced to confront the architect of his fate. For recovering the last item will reveal the true purpose of the great spell and make clear the intent of its creator. Nathan believes it will save all the worlds that he holds dear, but it may also demand a terrible sacrifice; one that Nathan has no choice but to pay.

Praise for Amanda Hemingway:
"A piece of pure magic."
Clive Barker

Review Quotes

Praise for Prospero's Children:

'Prospero's Children is a piece of pure magic - a charming, eccentric, and powerfully imaginative work of fantasy which will enchant readers for years to come'
Clive Barker

'A lyrical, captivating first novel of mermaids, magic, lost worlds, and found souls. I read it with deep appreciation for the author's storytelling skills, her memorable images and language, and her ability to make me feel so strongly about her characters. Once read, this book will not be forgotten'
Terry Brooks

About the Author

Jan Siegel has already lived through one lifetime - during which she travelled the world and supported herself through a variety of professions, including those of actress, barmaid, garage hand, laboratory assistant, journalist and model. Her new life is devoted to her writing, but she also finds time to ride, ski and attend the opera