The Ill-Made Mute (The Bitterbynde Trilogy) - Softcover
In a world where creatures of legend haunt the lands of men, and to be caught outside after dark means almost certain death, the inhabitants of Isse Tower are amazed when a mute, starving foundling is discovered outside their gates. With no recollection of her name or past, the girl soon realizes that her only hope of happiness lies in distant Caermalor, where a wise woman might be able to restore her memories. To get there, Imrhien must survive a wilderness of endless danger. Lost and pursued by unhuman wights, Imrhien is saved by Thorn, a mysterious, handsome ranger who becomes her protector-and the object of her hopeless love. But unknown to them, a dark force summons the Unseelie, and malignant hordes amass in the night.
'Not since Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring have I been so impressed by a beautifully spun fantasy' Andre Norton
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Review:
This first novel by Australian Cecilia Dart-Thornton launches the Bitterbynde series, a saga of a young woman's search for her past and her destiny. An orphaned refugee taken in as a servant of powerful Isse Tower, a prominent Relay Station in the world's communications network, the main character is a nameless, badly scarred mute with little hope for better. He eventually escapes by stowing away on a magical Windship and is befriended by cheerful Sianadh, a self-professed madman and adventurer. Sianadh gives his companion two precious gifts: a name, Imrhien, and the knowledge that he is really a she, raised as a boy to protect her from even worse treatment. Together the two journey into the deep green heart of a great forest, defeat the tricky magic of various eldritch wights and discover a vast treasure that will change their lives forever. When Imrhien learns of Maeve One-Eye, a healer who may be able to heal her scars and restore her memory, the girl is determined to seek her out. On the dangerous journey, Imrhien meets and falls in love with the Dainnan ranger Thorn, but doubts he could ever return her affections. While this novel doesn't stand well alone, readers who crave long and detailed journeys through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures will enjoy Imrhien's travels. Dart-Thornton's world takes many traditional elements of epic fantasy and manages to stir them into something charming and new. --Charlene Brusso
Review:
Dart-Thornton's Bitterbynde trilogy - each book, and all three together, DESERVE TO WIN EVERY FANTASY AWARD THERE IS. This glorious book gives my back my faith in fantasy fiction... a stunning representative of its field... to Cecilia Dart-Thornton I extend the plea: More! More!
- TANITH LEE, World Fantasy Award Winner
The Ill-Made Mute is THE BEST FANTASY NOVEL I'VE READ. . . at last, a book to get excited about.
- THE MERCURY - Tasmania
A buzzing proliferation of NEW WORLDS, weaving in and out of the psychic profile of our own.
- THE WASHINGTON POST
With deep roots in folklore and myth, tirelessly inventive, fascinating, affecting and profoundly satisfying - and Dart-Thornton has plenty in reserve for sequels. A STUNNING, DAZZLING DEBUT.
- KIRKUS REVIEWS
This is an enjoyable entree to The Bitterbynde. LIKE TOLKIEN and many of the best fantasy writers, Dart-Thornton has created a wonderful fantasy world that is a delight to wander through.
- THE HERALD SUN
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- PublisherTor/Pan
- Publication date2002
- ISBN 10 0330489550
- ISBN 13 9780330489553
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages437
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The Ill-Made Mute (The Bitterbynde Trilogy)
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The Ill-Made Mute: 1st in the 'Bitterbynde' series of books
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Book Description Paperback: 7" x 4½". Condition: Good: Moderate signs of wear. Cover Art: Paul Gregory (illustrator). 2002 Edition. © 2001: 1st in the 'Bitterbynde' series of books. Unknown publication date. 2nd printing of 2002 edition. Fading to spine:- Synopsis: While the lordly Stormriders land their splendid winged stallions on the airy battlements of Isse Tower, far below them, in the fortress's depths, their superstitious servants sit by the hearth to tell each other ghastly tales of evil creatures inhabiting the world outside - a world most of them have only glimpsed. Yet it is the least of these servants - a mute, lowly, utterly despised foundling - who dares to scale the Tower, sneak aboard a Windship, and then dive from the sky. The terrified fugitive is rescued by a kindhearted adventurer, who finally gives the poor creature a name - as well as the gift of communicating by handspeak, and an amazing truth never guessed at previously. Now the newly named 'Imrhien' begins a journey to distant Caermelor, in search of a wise woman whose skills may change everything. Along the way, Imrhien struggles in a wilderness of endless danger - for those hearthside tales are all true. Unhuman wights haunt every pool, every turn in the road, and they perpetually threaten and torment all travellers. Lost, and pursued by these monsters, Imrhien is finally saved by a mysterious Dainnan ranger whose gallantry and courage are matched only by his martial skills. Unknown to them both, however, a deadly plot is unfolding. As a dark force summons the malignant hordes of Unseelie, and foul things amass in the night. As the journey grows longer, the challenges more deadly, Imrhien discovers something more terrifying than all of the evil eldritch wights combined. For this spurned outsider, with an angel's soul and a gargoyle's face, is suddenly falling in love:- Review(s): "In a thrilling debut combining masterful storytelling with a treasure trove of folklore, Cecilia Dart-Thornton creates a lushly romantic epic adventure of stunning scope and magical proportions, set in a world brimming with wonders and terrors" / "Not since Tolkien's 'The Fellowship Of The Ring' have I been so impressed by a beautifully spun fantasy" - Andre Norton:- (original cost £6.99). Seller Inventory # 11.001.00793
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 2171945
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Book Description New Ed. Condition: vg++. Pan 2002 paperback, vg++ In stock shipped from our UK warehouse. Seller Inventory # 23609
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