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Lionwolf Trilogy #1
Cast a Bright Shadow
The setting is a world of eternal winter, where once thrived hot climates and exotic luxury. Saphay, daughter of a subking in the more civilised west, is sent off to marry a leader of the barbaric Jafn, not realising that her own father has arranged for her to be betrayed and abducted on her icy journey. But, escaping her pursuers on the back of a giant whale, Saphay is discovered alive - entombed in an ice-pyramid - by her intended husband, and the marriage proceeds. But, all too soon, she carries a child, causing dark suspicions regarding the infant's true origins ...And as her son grows up in wintery exile, it is soon evident that in him is emerging a hero with a very special destiny. Populated by outlandish creatures and exotic landscapes, this is a luscious, luxurious, colourful epic adventure full of the twists and turns and spellbinding imagination that only Tanith Lee can magically conjure.
510 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
22 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Tanith Lee
617 books1,984 followersTanith Lee was a British writer of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. She was the author of 77 novels, 14 collections, and almost 300 short stories. She also wrote four radio plays broadcast by the BBC and two scripts for the UK, science fiction, cult television series "Blake's 7."
Before becoming a full time writer, Lee worked as a file clerk, an assistant librarian, a shop assistant, and a waitress.
Her first short story, "Eustace," was published in 1968, and her first novel (for children) The Dragon Hoard was published in 1971.
Her career took off in 1975 with the acceptance by Daw Books USA of her adult fantasy epic The Birthgrave for publication as a mass-market paperback, and Lee has since maintained a prolific output in popular genre writing.
Lee twice won the World Fantasy Award: once in 1983 for best short fiction for “The Gorgon” and again in 1984 for best short fiction for “Elle Est Trois (La Mort).” She has been a Guest of Honour at numerous science fiction and fantasy conventions including the Boskone XVIII in Boston, USA in 1981, the 1984 World Fantasy Convention in Ottawa, Canada, and Orbital 2008 the British National Science Fiction convention (Eastercon) held in London, England in March 2008. In 2009 she was awarded the prestigious title of Grand Master of Horror.
Lee was the daughter of two ballroom dancers, Bernard and Hylda Lee. Despite a persistent rumour, she was not the daughter of the actor Bernard Lee who played "M" in the James Bond series of films of the 1960s.
Tanith Lee married author and artist John Kaiine in 1992.
Before becoming a full time writer, Lee worked as a file clerk, an assistant librarian, a shop assistant, and a waitress.
Her first short story, "Eustace," was published in 1968, and her first novel (for children) The Dragon Hoard was published in 1971.
Her career took off in 1975 with the acceptance by Daw Books USA of her adult fantasy epic The Birthgrave for publication as a mass-market paperback, and Lee has since maintained a prolific output in popular genre writing.
Lee twice won the World Fantasy Award: once in 1983 for best short fiction for “The Gorgon” and again in 1984 for best short fiction for “Elle Est Trois (La Mort).” She has been a Guest of Honour at numerous science fiction and fantasy conventions including the Boskone XVIII in Boston, USA in 1981, the 1984 World Fantasy Convention in Ottawa, Canada, and Orbital 2008 the British National Science Fiction convention (Eastercon) held in London, England in March 2008. In 2009 she was awarded the prestigious title of Grand Master of Horror.
Lee was the daughter of two ballroom dancers, Bernard and Hylda Lee. Despite a persistent rumour, she was not the daughter of the actor Bernard Lee who played "M" in the James Bond series of films of the 1960s.
Tanith Lee married author and artist John Kaiine in 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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October 13, 2022This is pretty hard to find (physically) and despite the low ratings I will still read it if and when I get my hands on it.
May 19, 2011
The first book of Tanith Lee's that didn't grab me. The beginning hooked me with the description of a world encased in ice and its dramatic action scene, but soon the story meandered into confusion and, with a few exceptions (like the introduction of Chillel, which evoked memories of the Flat Earth series), the writing was not at the level I am used to from Lee.
Even in other books where the plot loses steam, I am so enthralled by her writing that I don't mind just going with the narrative. This book didn't do that. I will complete reading the trilogy, because I am still a huge fan of Lee's writing, but it will be with some reservation. I am glad that this book, so far, is an anomaly for Lee, who is still, despite this book, in my mind, among the best prose writers alive today.
Even in other books where the plot loses steam, I am so enthralled by her writing that I don't mind just going with the narrative. This book didn't do that. I will complete reading the trilogy, because I am still a huge fan of Lee's writing, but it will be with some reservation. I am glad that this book, so far, is an anomaly for Lee, who is still, despite this book, in my mind, among the best prose writers alive today.
November 14, 2018
DNF at about 50%
Wasted a morning on this book and decided to cut my losses. I have been since informed that Tanith Lee's books are kinda hit or miss - and this one is definitely a miss for me.
The writing is so sleazy (kind of a reminder of Anne Rice's Lasher works) - raping women left and right - and I can't for my life of me form any kind of attachment to any of the characters. The archaic English are annoying and the names are ridiculous. Nothing appealing or intricate about the world building. I don't even care anymore and I've read the blurbs for the next books in the series - still as sleazy as the first one.
I'll be a hell of a lot more reluctant to read other books from the author from now on.
Wasted a morning on this book and decided to cut my losses. I have been since informed that Tanith Lee's books are kinda hit or miss - and this one is definitely a miss for me.
The writing is so sleazy (kind of a reminder of Anne Rice's Lasher works) - raping women left and right - and I can't for my life of me form any kind of attachment to any of the characters. The archaic English are annoying and the names are ridiculous. Nothing appealing or intricate about the world building. I don't even care anymore and I've read the blurbs for the next books in the series - still as sleazy as the first one.
I'll be a hell of a lot more reluctant to read other books from the author from now on.
April 23, 2009
The world Lionwolf is born into is a harsh world of winter where there are many gods. The gods of his royal mother are three - all with dual natures - and when one decides to interfere in her life, they all do.
Lionwolf himself, produced from the union of his mother and the most terrifying of her gods, has unwittingly taken some of his father’s god-substance at birth, making his father his implacable enemy. He grows up as a god-child, invulnerable and unsympathetic to human frailties, including his mother’s, until his father takes the stolen god-substance back and sends his half-brother, a giant whale, to kill him.
Well written, but the characters are mostly god-like or not very likeable, which keeps the reader at a distance. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the next instalment.
Lionwolf himself, produced from the union of his mother and the most terrifying of her gods, has unwittingly taken some of his father’s god-substance at birth, making his father his implacable enemy. He grows up as a god-child, invulnerable and unsympathetic to human frailties, including his mother’s, until his father takes the stolen god-substance back and sends his half-brother, a giant whale, to kill him.
Well written, but the characters are mostly god-like or not very likeable, which keeps the reader at a distance. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the next instalment.
October 6, 2019
Wonderful
What great book, I love when someone manages something fresh with fantasy. Her use of language is beautiful. And her imagination is amazing. I look forward to the next two in the series.
What great book, I love when someone manages something fresh with fantasy. Her use of language is beautiful. And her imagination is amazing. I look forward to the next two in the series.
April 2, 2020
Very disappointed with this book, I will not continue with the series. It kept me interested enough to finish but only just. A little too much off the wall with its concepts for me.
July 7, 2021
Tanith Lee has written an extraordinary tale with myths nested in myths, in a world of astounding originality. This gripping fantasy story surpasses most that I have read. I look forward to the second book.
July 26, 2014
Добре дошли отново в приказния свят на Танит Ли, където законите на природата са всичко друго, освен познати, но звучат логично, твърде логично, интимно близки и единствено верни, звънтящи с правота, каквато не чуваме в дневния си живот. Красивият език се разстила пред подготвения за магия читател, и го отнася в свят на мъртво слънце и много диви луни, на един бог създател и хиляди богове на хората , на една заспала цивилизация и народи, живеещи за бой, лов и убийства. Една нищонезначеща принцеса бива нападната от диви хуноподобни разбойници, но бива спасена от гневен бог на живота, който я предлага в стъклена пирамида на отредения и жених – крал на северно племе в заспал в петвековна зима континент. Само че, я дава вече заплодена със семето на огъня, израстващо в свръхразвит разум на млад полу-бог, опитващ се да намери своето правилно място в шахматната дъска на съдбата. И започва трудния път на фентъзийната голгота на един псевдо-спасител, готов да унищожи земята в опита си да я спаси от самата нея. А ние сме само невинните наблюдатели, които четат умислено и усещат непрестанното чувство за дежа ву, но не за нещо подобно прочетено, а за нещо такова сънувано, преживяно, мечтано. Или спомнено.
Фентъзи от най-висша форма, съчетаващо епика с философия, метафизика и етнология на митовете, генетична невъзможност и надчовешки процес на смърт и прераждане в свръх същества. Най-тъмните религиозни тайни и митове на стотици вери и надежди човешки шестват пред очите ни, в битка за сърцата на хората – горящи въглени в кладата на истинноста на етера – материя на божествата. Зимата открадва пролетта, девицата зачева бъдещ бог , син на троица двулични неясноти – богът създател, богът любовник на зимата, и богът – създател на звезди. Душите след смъртта пътуват в своя личен ад, от който могат да се преродят в момента , в който простят на себе си. Различните черни богове от сняг и лунна светлина се появяват от семето на богиня-нощ и утробите на шепа смели мъже и поне една не искаща да бъде такава – жена. Всичко, което считате за нереално е напълно възможно, реалността е толкова въпрос на избор, колкото и дишането. Идеите летят и експлоадират във величествени водопади от фантазии, които обаче звучат по-истински от всичко, което наричаме реалност. Някой е бил отвъд или навътре в някой сън, и е донесъл цялата мъдрост на едно сътворение. А ние имаме шанса да го разберем, и може би последваме.
Фентъзи от най-висша форма, съчетаващо епика с философия, метафизика и етнология на митовете, генетична невъзможност и надчовешки процес на смърт и прераждане в свръх същества. Най-тъмните религиозни тайни и митове на стотици вери и надежди човешки шестват пред очите ни, в битка за сърцата на хората – горящи въглени в кладата на истинноста на етера – материя на божествата. Зимата открадва пролетта, девицата зачева бъдещ бог , син на троица двулични неясноти – богът създател, богът любовник на зимата, и богът – създател на звезди. Душите след смъртта пътуват в своя личен ад, от който могат да се преродят в момента , в който простят на себе си. Различните черни богове от сняг и лунна светлина се появяват от семето на богиня-нощ и утробите на шепа смели мъже и поне една не искаща да бъде такава – жена. Всичко, което считате за нереално е напълно възможно, реалността е толкова въпрос на избор, колкото и дишането. Идеите летят и експлоадират във величествени водопади от фантазии, които обаче звучат по-истински от всичко, което наричаме реалност. Някой е бил отвъд или навътре в някой сън, и е донесъл цялата мъдрост на едно сътворение. А ние имаме шанса да го разберем, и може би последваме.
April 21, 2008
So this was strange. I really liked it at first. The ice barbarians thing was great. I hadn't seen that done much and only Tanith Lee would take it to the next step and talk about Ice Jungles. I'm still trying to figure out how that would work because she never really described them. Guri was my favorite character but most of the other characters I didn't care about at all.
Still it kept me interested enough to read for 500 pages. So it's definitely not the Flat Earth series (one of my all time favorites) but still pretty good. Some of the stuff got a little surreal and I still don't understand it. But I am curious about the 2nd book (since I already own it). So I'll probably read some reviews on it before I make a final decision to read it or not.
One final comment. Every once in a while she would slip into this kind of 2nd person writing and it was really jarring.
(made up example)
"We walked along the parapet. You could see for miles in every direction."
Now I know that it can't just be a mistake, Tanith has been doing this for way too long. So all I can think is that it was some kind of experiment.
Still it kept me interested enough to read for 500 pages. So it's definitely not the Flat Earth series (one of my all time favorites) but still pretty good. Some of the stuff got a little surreal and I still don't understand it. But I am curious about the 2nd book (since I already own it). So I'll probably read some reviews on it before I make a final decision to read it or not.
One final comment. Every once in a while she would slip into this kind of 2nd person writing and it was really jarring.
(made up example)
"We walked along the parapet. You could see for miles in every direction."
Now I know that it can't just be a mistake, Tanith has been doing this for way too long. So all I can think is that it was some kind of experiment.
Read
November 11, 2012niet goed genoeg om snel uit te lezen. maar te goed om weg te leggen.
April 28, 2014
The made up language gets a little tedious after a while. Not sure I will read the other two books any time soon.
Read
June 3, 2015 Just Can't Finish It
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews