Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the best-selling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, artist Larry Dixon, and their flock of parrots. She can be found at mercedeslackey.com or on Twitter at @mercedeslackey.
Praise for the Elemental Masters series:
“The Paris of Degas, turn-of-the-century Blackpool, and the
desperation of young girls without family or other protection come
to life in a story that should interest a broad readership.”
—Booklist
“All in fine fairy-tale tradition…. It’s grim fun, with some
nice historical detail, and just a hint of romance to help lighten
things.” —Locus
“The action and dialogue flow freely, mingling with beautiful
descriptions of European countryside and just a hint of romance….
A well-developed heroine and engaging story.” —Publishers
Weekly
“The fifth in the series involving the mysterious Elemental
Masters, this story of a resourceful young dancer also delivers a
new version of a classic fairy tale. Richly detailed historic
backgrounds add flavor and richness to an already strong
series that belongs in most fantasy collections. Highly
recommended.” —Library Journal
“Lackey’s fantastical world of Elementals, plus her delightful Nan
and Sarah, create an amusing contrast for Arthur Conan Doyle’s
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson…. The mix of humor, history,
fantasy, and mystery is balanced in a way that any reader
could pick up the book and thoroughly enjoy it from beginning to
end.” —RT Reviews
“The Elementals novels are beautiful, romantic adult fairy
tales. Master magician Mercedes Lackey writes a charming fantasy.”
—Worlds of Wonder
“Ms. Lackey is a master in fantasy, and this visit to an
alternate historical England is no exception. Vivid
characterization and believable surroundings are flawlessly joined
in a well-detailed world.” —Darque Reviews
Putting a fresh face to a well-loved fairytale is not an easy task, but it is one that seems effortless to the prolific Lackey, best known for her Valdemar series (Arrows of the Queen, etc.). In a brilliant twist, the author sets the classic story of Sleeping Beauty in Edwardian England, imbuing her characters with the power of elemental magic, including the cursed child herself, Marina Roeswood. In an uninvited visit to her christening, Marina's evil aunt, Arachne, arrives in a puff of smoke and delivers a deadly curse, which is mitigated by the blessing of a family friend who imparts one last gift on the baby. Marina's guardians spirit her away to the Devon countryside to grow up. When we next see her, Marina is galloping through her 17th year, pursuing her magical training, though her guardians have tragically kept her ignorant of the curse. The inevitable triggering of said curse, when she turns 18, pits Marina's intelligence, cunning and magic skills against the full force of satanic evil. Beautiful phrasing and a thorough grounding in the dress, mannerisms and history of the period help move the story along gracefully. Marina's character, along with those of her guardians, her friends and Arachne, are fully fleshed out and credible. The fact that a teenage half-trained water mage would even dare to take on a 40ish satanist may be a bit implausible, but only on second thought. This is a wonderful example of a new look at an old theme. (Apr. 2) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Praise for the Elemental Masters series:
"The Paris of Degas, turn-of-the-century Blackpool, and the
desperation of young girls without family or other protection come
to life in a story that should interest a broad readership."
-Booklist
"All in fine fairy-tale tradition.... It's grim fun, with
some nice historical detail, and just a hint of romance to help
lighten things." -Locus
"The action and dialogue flow freely, mingling with beautiful
descriptions of European countryside and just a hint of romance....
A well-developed heroine and engaging story." -Publishers
Weekly
"The fifth in the series involving the mysterious Elemental
Masters, this story of a resourceful young dancer also delivers a
new version of a classic fairy tale. Richly detailed historic
backgrounds add flavor and richness to an already strong series
that belongs in most fantasy collections. Highly recommended."
-Library Journal
"Lackey's fantastical world of Elementals, plus her delightful Nan
and Sarah, create an amusing contrast for Arthur Conan Doyle's
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.... The mix of humor, history,
fantasy, and mystery is balanced in a way that any reader could
pick up the book and thoroughly enjoy it from beginning to end."
-RT Reviews
"The Elementals novels are beautiful, romantic adult fairy
tales. Master magician Mercedes Lackey writes a charming
fantasy." -Worlds of Wonder
"Ms. Lackey is a master in fantasy, and this visit to an
alternate historical England is no exception. Vivid
characterization and believable surroundings are flawlessly joined
in a well-detailed world." -Darque Reviews
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