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When Askelon of Meridian, lord of dreams, and Jihan, Froth Daughter, come to Sanctuary, a killing mist precedes them and everything changes for Tempus and the Sacred Band of Stepsons and even the local storm god. In the courese of this story, Nikodemos receives from Askelon a dream-forged panoply; Tempus' sister and Askelon of Meridian join forces, and the Froth Daughter lends her inhuman aid to Tempus' Sacred Band. Stepsons die and events are set in motion that reverberate through the entire Sacred Band series as even the gods contest in Sanctuary's heavens.
Wizard Weather, a pivotal story in the Sacred Band of Stepsons series. First published as a first serial in Thieves' World in 1982, and subsequently in “Tempus,” the first Sacred Band of Stepsons anthology in 1987, Wizard Weather introduces characters and concepts which since have become iconic: Stealth called Nikodemos, charismatic Bandaran adept of maat; Jihan, Froth Daughter; Janni, Straton and Critias, members of the Sacred Band of Stepons; Stormbringer, the Unbegotten god, and a fight between good and evil that transcends time and place.
Wizard Weather, a pivotal story in the Sacred Band of Stepsons series. First published as a first serial in Thieves' World in 1982, and subsequently in “Tempus,” the first Sacred Band of Stepsons anthology in 1987, Wizard Weather introduces characters and concepts which since have become iconic: Stealth called Nikodemos, charismatic Bandaran adept of maat; Jihan, Froth Daughter; Janni, Straton and Critias, members of the Sacred Band of Stepons; Stormbringer, the Unbegotten god, and a fight between good and evil that transcends time and place.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2013
About the author
Janet E. Morris
108 books395 followersJanet Ellen Morris (born May 25, 1946) is a United States author. She began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 20 novels, many co-authored with David Drake or her husband Chris Morris. She has contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell. Most of her work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written several works of non-fiction.
Morris was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1980.
In 1995, Morris and her husband and frequent co-writer Christopher Morris founded M2 Tech. Since that time, their writing output has decreased in proportion to the success of the company, which works with U.S. federal and military agencies on non-lethal weapon systems and software.
Morris was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1980.
In 1995, Morris and her husband and frequent co-writer Christopher Morris founded M2 Tech. Since that time, their writing output has decreased in proportion to the success of the company, which works with U.S. federal and military agencies on non-lethal weapon systems and software.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 4, 2014
If you are yet unfamiliar with The Sacred Band, Wizard Weather offers a prefect first glimpse into this complex mythological universe and its heroic characters. And what an unexpected glimpse: The story here starts at the point of arousal, the excitement of which is closely associated with the risk of death: “Now the First Hazard glimpses her movements… Sputtering with sensations that for years he has assumed he has outgrown… The song she sings has cost her much to learn, and the death she staves off will not be so kind as his.”
The story also ends on the same note, which makes this particular book a juicy, yet highly literary read, written by Janet Morris in her exquisite, lyrical style: “Promise or threat, he was not certain, but he was reasonably sure that he could deal with her, either way.”
Indeed, a killing mist swirls through the Sanctuary, which heightens the dangers facing Tempus, his beloved Niko, and the rest of the Sacred Band stepsons. In this heroic story, dangers—as represented by gods and immortal beings, such as Stormbringer or Askelon of Meridian, lord of dreams—are the highest form of a call to duty, a challenge to rise to your better self and find your courage. It is no accident that in the midst of all the excitement, conflicts and battles, Niko is yearning to find his ‘Maat’ (internal balance. I assume that the name is inspired by the goddess of truth, justice, and cosmic order, daughter of Ra.)
Five stars.
The story also ends on the same note, which makes this particular book a juicy, yet highly literary read, written by Janet Morris in her exquisite, lyrical style: “Promise or threat, he was not certain, but he was reasonably sure that he could deal with her, either way.”
Indeed, a killing mist swirls through the Sanctuary, which heightens the dangers facing Tempus, his beloved Niko, and the rest of the Sacred Band stepsons. In this heroic story, dangers—as represented by gods and immortal beings, such as Stormbringer or Askelon of Meridian, lord of dreams—are the highest form of a call to duty, a challenge to rise to your better self and find your courage. It is no accident that in the midst of all the excitement, conflicts and battles, Niko is yearning to find his ‘Maat’ (internal balance. I assume that the name is inspired by the goddess of truth, justice, and cosmic order, daughter of Ra.)
Five stars.
March 16, 2015
A wonderful blend of fantasy and mythology, full of heroic action, and richly-drawn, fascinating characters!
This iconic novella introduces the Sacred Band concept to modern fiction, and the sensual delicacy with which the author handles these male/female pairs of crack fighters is worthy of note. The warriors who come to the fantasy town of Sanctuary are not the Sacred Band of Thebes, whom we see in a later novel of by Janet Morris called The Sacred Band, but a fantasy squadron who takes the name "Sacred Band of Stepsons." Add one very special Stepson called Nikodemos, and magic happens. This young hero is the book boyfriend of many ladies and gents, and for good reason. Even without Niko, this novella is spellbinding, as Tempus the Black puts together a cohort to take north to war. To add even more spice, this canonical piece of heroic fantasy also introduces Askelon, lord of dreams, and Jihan the Froth Daughter, stronger than any man and spoiled rotten. I loved these Sacred Band of Stepsons books and was happy to see Wizard Weather available as a stand-alone tale. What a great entry point for new readers to this incomparable and bestselling series.
This iconic novella introduces the Sacred Band concept to modern fiction, and the sensual delicacy with which the author handles these male/female pairs of crack fighters is worthy of note. The warriors who come to the fantasy town of Sanctuary are not the Sacred Band of Thebes, whom we see in a later novel of by Janet Morris called The Sacred Band, but a fantasy squadron who takes the name "Sacred Band of Stepsons." Add one very special Stepson called Nikodemos, and magic happens. This young hero is the book boyfriend of many ladies and gents, and for good reason. Even without Niko, this novella is spellbinding, as Tempus the Black puts together a cohort to take north to war. To add even more spice, this canonical piece of heroic fantasy also introduces Askelon, lord of dreams, and Jihan the Froth Daughter, stronger than any man and spoiled rotten. I loved these Sacred Band of Stepsons books and was happy to see Wizard Weather available as a stand-alone tale. What a great entry point for new readers to this incomparable and bestselling series.
December 14, 2014
Janet Morris has a love-affair with the histories, cultures and mythologies of the ancient world, and she brings this love to the genre of Heroic Fantasy Fiction. Characters such as Tempus, Niko and Abarsis are richly-drawn, memorable, iconic. All the action, human drama, and pageantry of the ancient world is portrayed in Wizard Weather with the loving hand of a true artist.
April 22, 2015
Morris has a knack for bending fantasy and mythology. She does this while fully developing her characters, allowing the reader to connect with them, and to expect more from them than seems possible. The residents of Sanctuary are definitely not human. The book begins with the First Hazard in the throes of a sexual experience that ultimately cost him his life. It was satirical that in even as he faced his own mortality, his thoughts were of the indignity of dying with his flesh in a state of arousal. These characters were unusual mercenaries in the strengths and battle strategies. It was a thrill to read the writing of this author. Her genius shines through as she plans and strategizes the lives of these characters from court to battle field. A whole new world is revealed to the reader. Brilliant!
April 24, 2015
Can you feel it? The eerie swirl of something coming. The very beginning sets the tone for a tale of emotions gone awry. Love and hate fill the wizard weather that brings change. And in the middle of it all is the man. There are things he can change, manipulate, and others he cannot. And where does the young one fit in? Read it and find out.
October 14, 2014
For Sacred Band fans this is a great introduction, and a great addition, to the collective body of work. It's pretty much what I expected from having read some of the other stories that are part of the collection. The prose is excellent as usual. I recommend getting yourself a copy.
March 30, 2017
I just loved this book!
I fell in love with the characters and the way the author wrote them. So individual and yet so perfectly fitting together. The scenery really came to life too. Breathtaking description and a great story line. Makes many fantasy books feel extremely dull by comparison.
I can't wait to read more in this series.
I fell in love with the characters and the way the author wrote them. So individual and yet so perfectly fitting together. The scenery really came to life too. Breathtaking description and a great story line. Makes many fantasy books feel extremely dull by comparison.
I can't wait to read more in this series.
September 25, 2016
Wizard Weather (Sacred Band of Stepsons: Sacred Band Tales Book 3)
Another fantastic book in the Sacred Band of Stepsons series and even the gods take pace in this impressive and magical story Wizard Weather. Is there no end to this author's talent as fantasy, magical and epic worlds collide!
A brilliant tale from start to finish.
Epic 5***** fantasy
Another fantastic book in the Sacred Band of Stepsons series and even the gods take pace in this impressive and magical story Wizard Weather. Is there no end to this author's talent as fantasy, magical and epic worlds collide!
A brilliant tale from start to finish.
Epic 5***** fantasy
December 25, 2024
well crafted tale of high fantasy
Janet Morris (RIP) knows how to craft these stories, weaving together mortal and immortal characters as if it happened every day. Brilliant.
Janet Morris (RIP) knows how to craft these stories, weaving together mortal and immortal characters as if it happened every day. Brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews