The complex fantasy tapestry of Irene Radford's acclaimed Dragon Nimbus series comes to a thrilling climax-as journeyman magicians Marcus and Robb, on a quest to find the missing dragons of Coronnan, are trapped in the workings of an ancient spell.
Praise for the Dragon Nimbus series:
"Plenty of popular elements: an intelligent cat, an en-chanted wolf, a redheaded witch, a missing prince, the apprentice mage with misunderstood powers, and, of course, dragons."-Locus
"An incredible story of courage and belief...will soon take its place among the greatest of fantasy epics."-Affaire de Coeur
"A first-rate fantasy adventure...Radford continues to grow in stature as a storyteller, weaving an intricate tale of magic, politics and romance to keep us spellbound."-Romantic Times
4th and final novel in Radford's acclaimed and popular Dragon Nimbus series
Irene has been writing stories ever since she figured out what a pencil was for. Combining a love for Medieval history and a fascination with paranormal, Irene concentrated on fantasy writing.
In her spare time, Irene enjoys lacemaking and is a long time member of an international guild. Check out THE LONELIEST MAGICIAN, The Dragon Nimbus #3 for an exploration of her favorite obsession. A piece of magic lace is the obvious patch for a dragon wing. She has published numerous magazine articles about the history and technique of lacemaking as well as self publishing two lacemaker's fairy tales with lace patterns that can be made up to illustrate the stories. When she isn't writing or making lace she enjoys exploring the back roads and many museums of the Pacific Northwest.
For many years Irene was active in Ballet du Lac, a semi-pro ballet company. She taught ballet to youngsters in her local community school program. At the same time she led a Cub Scout pack and frequently found her home the preferred playground in the neighborhood for many more children than she thought possible.
Irene has held many full and part time jobs from Insurance underwriter to assistant curator of a museum to clerk in a fabric store. Writing is now her “day job.”
Two years ago, Irene took up fencing as research for GUARDIAN OF THE FREEDOM, Merlin’s Descendants #5. She figured one quarter would give her some vocabulary and a feel for a weapon in her hand. But that wasn’t enough to write realistic battles on the Ottoman frontier or convincing duels. So she signed up for another quarter. And another. Now she’s addicted and needs to add fencing to more of her books and let her subjects range further afield.
A native Oregonian living in Oregon, Irene is a member of an endangered species. As a service brat, she lived in a number of cities throughout the country until returning to Oregon in time to graduate from Tigard High School. She earned a B.A. in history from Lewis and Clark College, where she met her husband, Tim. Historical research has remained a lifelong passion and finally became a part of her job with the historical fantasy series Merlin’s Descendants.
Irene and her husband currently make their home in Welches, Oregon where they share their back yard with deer, coyotes, bear (check the pictures), raccoons and too many bird species to mention.
I read this book mid series. Actually had no clue it was a series back in 2000. I just remember reading it and getting caught up in the storyline. It didn't have to full romance like I enjoy reading, but it was captivating. It also gave me a name of a fantasy creature I will never forget: flywacket.
After three books showing such steady improvement in this series, this fourth installment in the Dragon Nimbus series was a particular disappointment. It definitely was the lowest point of the series. I had a difficult time even forcing myself to finish it. The plot dragged on and on, the characters completely ceased displaying any individual traits, and the dialogue became totally cliched and interchangeable between characters as they each lost their own voice.
The book also ends quite abruptly - particularly since this is the last book in the series. Radford has left her created kingdom in a complete disarray with nothing resolved whatsoever. Although, to be honest, after this travesty of a novel, I don’t know that I would have any interest whatsoever in picking up a fifth volume.