22 Oct 2010

THE POISON MASTER.


On the planet Latent Emanation, human beings are the humblest class - at the mercy of their mysterious alien rulers, the Lords of Night. Alivet Dee is a professional alchemist - and, unknowingly, a descendant of famous Elizabethan mage Dr John Dee - who cannot help but question the Lord's rule ever since her twin sister was taken away to serve in their grim and enormous palace. She has saved every spare penny to pay her sister's un-bonding fee, but this plan is wrecked after one of her intricate potions goes wrong for a wealthy client. Subsequently, Alivet finds herself on the run for murder.

Her only ally then seems to be a Poison Master from the planet Hathes. Arieth Ghairen is seeking an alchemist of Alivet's expertise to find the one drug that can harm the Lords and topple their hierarchy. Sequestered in Ghairen's fortress laboratory, lied to by both her new employer and his daughter's enigmatic governess, Alivet doesn't know whom to trust or where to turn for answers. But, ever striving to rescue her sister, Alivet is driven relentlessly to hone her skills in time.

Even though time is running out .....

..... From the inner front cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (chapter one): "Are you certain this unnatural device will not fail us?" Sir John Cheke's face was a study in apprehension.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: The woman wore a long shift shift, of what Alivet initially thought to be velvet. Then she saw the dress was made of lichen: held together by a web of vines and starred with flowers. Elaniel's beautiful face was dusted with flowers.

Intrigued by the interesting cover (I wish I could include the back view) which seemed to tell a story in it's own right, I had to have a copy of this book. Set in two different worlds, many different planets many, many years apart this could have been a difficult novel to follow but wasn't. Not usually the type of genre I read, I must say that I really enjoyed The Poison Master with it's intricate twists and turns and fascinating characters including my favourites - the anubes who, like the Egyptian god, Anubis, were part human/part jackal.

Primarily about Alivet, a young alchemist, distinguished by the tattoo on the palm of her hand and the bands in her hair, the book also tells the story of her descendant John Dee both of whom are on a quest, Alivet to free her sister and John to, well you will have to read the book to find that out, I wouldn't want to give away any of the plot.

I loved Alivet who was both intelligent, resilient and yet, at the same time, vulnerable whilst I longed to know more of John Dee's story which I found to be a bit sketchy -  in fact so much so that I don't know if the book would have been any the less a read if this had not been included.

Easy enough to read and yet complex in detail, rather like a jigsaw I found myself having to fit together the various parts, I was unable to put this down wanting to know what happened next at the turn of every page.

The Poison Master was bought in Scarborough.

15 comments:

serendipity_viv said...

Glad to hear it is good as that cover would have got me too.

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Another for my tbr pile.

XX

SG said...

Thanks for the nice review.

Oddyoddyo13 said...

Huh. You're a much braver person than I-as soon as it said aliens I wasn't too sure...Not much of a sci-fi person...But, other than that, it sounds pretty interesting.

Thanks for the review!

Gina said...

Hmm...the cover intrigues, but I'm not certain this story is for me. Thanks for sharing though...and happy reading!

P.S. ...I see someone has a new background! Nice. ^_^

Kristina Barnes♥ said...

I was sold at the book cover and the first sentence of the synopsis. This sounds absolutely fascinating. I'm sure I would have loved Alivet as you did (and how awesome is the name Alivet?).

Definitely placing this in my tbr. Thanks for the review <3

Jenners said...

Wow ... you changed your look! I'm flying!!!!!!!

This sounds like a different book indeed. Gotta love that opening sentence.

Kelly said...

I love the description in the "memorable moment"! I think this might have to go on my wish list.

Love the new look!

The Bookworm said...

This one sounds so interesting!
And great new blog look :)
Enjoy your weekend.

http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Hi, Petty Witter! Thanks so much for the warm birthday wishes! I am always happy to make a new friend! I'm now following your blog, too!

Hugs~
Crazy Cat Lady

Melissa Gill said...

Thanks for the review. I'll have to check this out, I always enjoy the books you recommend.

Betty Manousos said...

Thanks for this review, Tracy... another excellent one of yours.
Definitely a must-read.
I liked the cover of the book, too.

And thanks SO much for your sweet comments on my blog. I highly appreciate it and it means the absolute world!!
I shall come back...in order to comment on your previous post. Loved the topic.

Hope your weekend is good!
Warmest hugs,

Betty xx
X

dr.antony said...

Have they finished writing on ordinary human beings?

Misha said...

Thanks for the review! I love discovering new books to read and this one does sound great!

Nat said...

I like the sound of this one. Thanks for the review!