The Cursed Towers: Peace Rests in the Hands of Two Women-One a Warrior, One a Witch...

by Kate Forsyth

Book Overview

A new age dawns in the kingdom of Eileanan, but not without resistance. Now the Righ, Lachlan the Winged, overturns his dead brother's decrees against witchcraft. But sixteen years of hatred and superstition have cloaked Eileanan in darkness. And though he has won the power of the Lodestar, Lachlan's rule is challenged by a mere babe--and a civil war erupts. The flame-haired twins--Iseult the Scarred Warrior and Isabeau the apprentice-witch--must...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451456912
• ISBN13: 9780451456915
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 560 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Recommend for Tad Williams fans, David Eddings/other

As a self proclaimed book connisseur (or bibliophile)I'm ever hopeful when cutting my teeth on the first pages of a new book. With this novel from Ms Forsyth, I was at first repelled by the inclusion of all the o's this and 'o that, but found myself quite innured to it by the last chapters of the book.In fact I would like to point out that this book can be read on it's own, without first reading bk.1 or bk.2. I had not read either the first or second and came fresh to this book, and did not find it in the slightest bit confusing as long as you suspend picking over the small details which are not particularly important, and wait they will be, lo and behold, revealed to you all in the goodness of time. --SO basically I'm saying, I really enjoyed this book--It will now be my pleasure to go back and read the first two books in the series, and look forward to the 4th ( & final?)novel.The book doesn't stall and dwelling on boring things such as views and just how perfect the day was and dally on discriptions of exactly what people were wearing, and digress into exactly how people were feeling. I like to be accorded the intelligence to discern from intelligent prose the mood and humor of the charcters. Kate Forsyth should be commended on her portrayl of Maya the Ensorcellor because she has made her a truly compelling character. One more point to add - what is with trying to make the fairies all look different and so particularly describing when they have only one breast or two? I did find that perculiar but oh well, I guess she was a bit strapped for making them non-humanoid.Breasts and accents, my only complaints, rather piddling really, so get the book!!

The Cursed Towers -- Definitely a keeper

This entire series is absolutely priceless. Wonderful characters, great setting, outstanding plotlines... this entire series is really something you have to read. Even the way that the dialogue is written (which is actually easy to get used to) adds flavor and definition to the book. "The Cursed Towers" does an effective job at picking up some of the loose ends from "The Pool of Two Moons" and at the same time starting some new sideplots. This book doesn't disappoint when delivering this story. Should you read it? Absolutely. It's superb fantasy writing at it's best.

A Book For The Keeping

When I Began reading fantasy books which was a long time ago I stopped reading any other kind of book. I haven't read a non-fantasy book in over 4 years. I have read many thrilling fantasy novels that I love, but aside from all fantasy books that i've read 'The Cursed Towers' was the only one that ever made me cry so much. This book is full of emotions. After her sister is named Banrigh and Lachlan Righ, Isabeau takes Bronwen and flees to the Towers of Thorns and Roses, the tower of which she is an heir to. She lives with her mother, Ishbel the wind witch, Feld the sorceror, and discovers her father,though she's known him for quite some time. Isabeau, i think, is put through a lot of pain emotionally. Although her sister is banrigh she is still seen as a mere maid to most, she feels as though her sisters husband dislikes her greatly, and her taking in Maya's child does not help any. She goes to be with the Khan' cohbans and learn their ways, while she is there her great grand mother the firemaker treats her rather coldly, she feels as though her sister is loved more than she and feels a bit of jealously at Iseult and longing for her. She is not accepted in the pride at first and the people she loves are far away and she feels longing for them as well. With the war against the Bright Soilders many lose thier lives, many whom you grow to love throughout the story. I cried much throughout this story at the deaths of so many characters that I had grow to love. I cried at the isolation and depression that Isabeau had to endure. Although she felt lost and alone she never grew weak, knowing she had Bronwen, her mother, feld, and her father to take care of. I though this was a amazing story with a great plot. Kate Forsyth definately has a talent of her own. I can not wait until the fourth book is released as this book has left me hanging. I definately recommend this and the other books of this series.

Another enthralling addition to a fun, entertaining series

I stumbled upon the first book in the series a couple of years ago and have egarly awaited each new addition. I was not disappointed at all by the Cursed Towers. The good news for those new to the series is that all the previous books are available and to those waiting for this book its already in paperback so no long wait for it to go from hardback to paperback.The author has a real talent for writing characters that have depth and meaning for the reader and the world the story is set in is very well thought out. Although the plot has many standard elements, it is nonetheless fresh in many ways and the elements of an apprentenice coming of age, standard faire in fantasy novels, is extremely well done here.I, personally, was pleased Iseabeau was the main character of book 3 and indeed has emerged as the main character of the series. She has ties to all the other main characters and is privleged to learn and live among different races that exsist on the world. There is also spiritual philosophy in the book but it is neither overdone nor preachy but very well presented.Any fan of fantasy books from Tolkien on will be very happy to pick up these books up and go to Elithiean, they are very well thought out and a pleasure to read.

All smiles over book 3!

The Crused Towers, which is the third book in Kate Forsyth's Witches of Eileanan series, is yet another marvel and a great read. If you are new to this series, don't start with this book, or you will more than likley be lost, but for those who are avid fans of the series so far, this book fills in a few gaps, while creating some more gaps. In this book, Isabeau and Iseult sort of change environments, which was extreamly fun to read on Isabeau's behalf. At the same time the Bright soilders presue thier war, as Lachlan still stuggles with those who want to put Bronwen back on the throne. Lots of war in this book, but still greatly ammusing. I couldn't wait to see the cover for the American version of this book, and its actually pretty awesome! Looks like the same illustrator as 'The Pool of Two Moons' (also a great cover illustration). Can't wait for the 4th. (yes, there is one more, this isn't that last) I love talking about these books so please e-mail me mir_goddess@hotmail.com