The Circle Cast

  • Pages:304
  • Publisher:Tradewind Books
  • Themes:King Arthur, witches, Morgan Le Fey, hidden history, Ireland
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  • Available:08/01/2011
  • Age Groups:Fiction Ages 12+
Paperback
9781896580630
$12.95
Morgan le Fay was a sorceress, seducer of King Arthur and destroyer of Britain. As Morgan comes of age, she discovers her own magical powers. One day she falls in love with a young Irish chieftain. But will her drive for revenge destroy her chance for love and happiness?
"This blend of the ancient and the modern works seamlessly in Mr. Epstein's retelling, all of it linked by the deep connection we feel to the character of Morgan...Those with a longstanding love of Arthuriana are sure to take pleasure in this new vision of Morgan, and those who are new to it will no doubt be drawn into the pleasures of this multivoiced literature after reading The Circle Cast."
– The East Hampton Star
"A sophisticated, stylishly written novel for the mature reader...This is a most impressive book...The book's descriptive passages are a joy to read, often more akin to poetry than prose and teachers might well wish to focus on the writer's techniques from the title itself to the use of repetition and of the simple, very short, very effective sentences."
– The School Librarian
"An excellent work of Arthurian fantasy, highly recommended."
– Midwest Book Review
"This has the darkness of Celtic magic—not fanciful, period romance—and a poetic terseness that suits its stern, passionate hero."
– The Toronto Star
"Epstein skillfully blends the coming-of-age, the fairy, the revenge, and the legend. Through the poetry of Epstein's writing, I could feel the power of the old magic that Morgan evokes when she goes 'between the worlds,' and I could taste the salt sea air as she sails between her two lands... Fans of Arthurian legend will love this book, and so will everyone else. Great characters, great writing, great story."
– Historical Novels Society
"Epstein's writing is hypnotic."
– CM Magazine
"Rife with adventure and drama and magic."
– Resource Links
"[Epstein] skilfully weav[es] together a blend of magic, legend and history to give a very convincing picture of Britain in the Dark Ages...There is plenty of dramatic action and unexpected twists. The ending in particular gives the impression that there will be more to follow and I would certainly want to read on."
– The British Fantasy Society
“A tasty nosh, indeed!”
– Kirkus Reviews
UK Historical Novels Society Editor's Choice   | 2011  |  Commended
Quebec Writer's Federation Prize nominee   | 2011  |  Short-listed
British Fantasy Association Best Fantasy Novel   | 2011  |  Commended
CCBC Best Books of 2012   | 2012  |  Commended