Yvgenie - Softcover

C.J. Cherryh

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0749309954 ISBN 13: 9780749309954

Publisher: Mandarin, 1992

Synopsis

A final part to the trilogy of pre-Christian Russia, that began with "Rusalka" and "Chernevog". Written in the tradition of folklore or fairytale, it is a magical tale full of ghosts, spirits and weird happenings. The author is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy writer.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

Third of Cherryh's medieval fantasies (Rusalka, Chernevog) describing the tangled relationships and doings of a wizard family living in the primeval forests of Russian Kiev. Rebellious teenage wizard Ilyana, suffocated by her overprotective mother, the wizard Eveshka, seeks instead the pleasant company of a mysterious, ghostly boy who appears in the woods. Ilyana's father, Pyetr, an ordinary mortal, and her wizard uncle, Sasha, try fruitlessly to persuade Eveshka to give Ilyana a little leeway. So when handsome noble Yvgenie appears half drowned during a storm, just as an inexplicable fire burns down Sasha's house, the wizards suspect the presence of Chernevog (another wizard, a former adversary, dead but still able to wreak harm, and the power behind the ghostly boy). Indeed, Chernevog takes Yvgenie over and proceeds to seduce Ilyana. Eveshka, returning hurriedly to the scene, warns against still other meddling dead wizards, and perhaps even the ancient elemental powers of the forest. Pyetr and Sasha, meanwhile, strive to protect Ilyana and restrain Eveshka's rage. The most bothersome aspect of all this is the sourceless, effortless magic--you're born with it, and to make it work you just wish. The multiple points of view don't help, and overall this won't win many new converts--though teenage readers will sympathize with Ilyana's plight. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From Publishers Weekly:

Cherryh continues the tale of magic and wizardry gone awry in ancient Russia that began in Rusalka and Chernevog . The protected childhood of young wizard Ilyana, the 15-year-old daughter of adventurer Pyetr Kochevikov and former rusalka (devouring ghost) Eveshka, is brought to an abrupt end when Eveshka discovers that her daughter's erstwhile playmate is none other than the rusalka of Kavi Chernevog, the evil wizard who had loved Eveshka and destroyed her earlier life. When Chernevog takes over the nearly lifeless body of Yvgenie Pavlovitch, a young man fleeing Kiev and his powerful father's wrath, Ilyana loves both--the childhood playmate and the newcomer in her life. After her parents threaten Chernevog/ Yvengie, Ilyana flees with him, pursued by her father and wizard uncle. It soon becomes evident that other, older powers are taking a hand, making the little family a pawn in a game of revenge and magic. Cherryh weaves a complex psychological tale of magic, with wishes that lead to unexpected results and wizards who go into hiding because they fear the consequences of their actions.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Mandarin
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0749309954
• ISBN 13: 9780749309954
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320