Odalisque: Percheron Book One

Description

Fifteen-year-old Boaz is the new Zar, freshly ascended to his throne. In the turmoil following the old Zar's death, courtiers jostle and conspire to secure their positions - not least his scheming mother, the new Valide. It seems his only genuine friends are his late father's mad jester; Spur Lazar, head of Percheron's security; and a golden beauty - a new odalisque purchased in the foothills as a slave for the harem. But can a madman, a soldier and a concubine be trusted to keep him safe from the Byzantine manoeuvres of his father's ambitious entourage?Pleasure and politics collide in Fiona McIntosh's exotic new fantasy trilogy, set in the harem of the great Stone Palace of Percheron.

Fiona McIntosh was born in Brighton, and has lived in England, Ghana and France. She currently resides in Adelaide, South Australia, with her husband and two sons.

'McIntosh's narrative has measured pace, subtle modulations and inexorable rhythm. As it unfolds we gradually discover Percheron's nooks, crannies, customs and beliefs. And we discover its temporal power struggles are entangled in an eternal battle of the gods. Odalisque is a beautifully structured novel, full of cruelty, wonder, mystery and terror. It has a splendid momentum that holds its audience through thick and thin. And it needs to: no-one could accuse Fiona McIntosh of dodging the consequences of the violence that pervades the book. There is an unflinching, unsettling and brilliant description of the slaughter of innocents, together with eye-watering portrayals of acts of torture and mutilation. Fiona McIntosh goes from strength to strength. This is a dazzling start to her Percheron series.' INTERZONE 'Two words on the cover ('Fiona McIntosh') always let me know that I'm in for a good read' ROBIN HOBB