Shakespeare Quartet: The Obsidian Mirror
On sale
4th October 2012
Price: £8.99
Jake’s father disappears while working on mysterious experiments with the obsessive, reclusive Oberon Venn. Jake is convinced Venn has murdered him. But the truth he finds at the snow-bound Wintercombe Abbey is far stranger …
The experiments concerned a black mirror, which is a portal to both the past and the future. Venn is not alone in wanting to use its powers. Strangers begin gathering in and around Venn’s estate: Sarah – a runaway, who appears out of nowhere and is clearly not what she says, Maskelyne – who claims the mirror was stolen from him in some past century. There are others, a product of the mirror’s power to twist time. And a tribe of elemental beings surround this isolated estate, fey, cold, untrustworthy, and filled with hate for humans. But of them all, Jake is hell-bent on using the mirror to get to the truth. Whatever the cost, he must learn what really happened to his father.
The experiments concerned a black mirror, which is a portal to both the past and the future. Venn is not alone in wanting to use its powers. Strangers begin gathering in and around Venn’s estate: Sarah – a runaway, who appears out of nowhere and is clearly not what she says, Maskelyne – who claims the mirror was stolen from him in some past century. There are others, a product of the mirror’s power to twist time. And a tribe of elemental beings surround this isolated estate, fey, cold, untrustworthy, and filled with hate for humans. But of them all, Jake is hell-bent on using the mirror to get to the truth. Whatever the cost, he must learn what really happened to his father.
Reviews
One of the most engrossing fantasy thrillers of last year
Clever, complex and sophisticated...Fisher not only interweaves strands of dystopian Science fiction with fairy tale, but expertly crafts a story of loss with the bittersweet and tantalising prospect of time travel fixing everything...The book is a tangled web and Fisher jumps from scene to scene with cliff hanger moments urging the reader to unlock her puzzle...With a movie of her acclaimed novel Incarceron soon to be released, Fisher is definitely an author to watch
A genre buster... a great set up for what promises to be a fantastic series.
Clever, complex and sophisticated. Fisher not only interweaves strands of dystopian Science Fiction with fairy tale fantasy but expertly crafts a story of loss with bittersweet and tantalising prospect of time travel fixing everything. The book is a tangled web and Fisher jumps from scene to scene with cliff hanger moments urging the reader to unlock her puzzle.
'Beautifully imagined and realised, this novel of future regression is rich with strong characters, big issues and a compelling plot. It is a barnstorming piece of serious fantasy that doesn't put a foot wrong.'
A crisp, quick-moving narrative and fully fleshed out characters will keep readers hooked
Time travel and the faery world collide in the first book in a stunning new sequence from the best-selling author
'... one of the most skilled and original writers currently working in young adult fantasy'
Time-travelling, historical, supernatural sci-fi thriller, with its replicants, fairies, crazed scientists, changelings, wolves, genies and Dickensian waifs. Don't ask, just enjoy.
Dark and scary with a fast moving narrative and imaginative characters. An intricate plot... a real page turner for teenagers.
'Vivid, complicated, and thoroughly engrossing, this fast paced adventure keeps readers avidly turning pages until the majestic conclusion.'
'the most cleverly comples and fascinating novel for teenagers I have read since His Dark Materials.'
PRAISE FOR INCARCERON AND SAPPHIQUE:
'... displays all of her usual strenth of imagination ... she is simply too good to miss.'
A new novel by Catherine Fisher, poet and prize-winning novelist, is always a treat. The Obsidian Mirror is both thriller and science fiction and - being written in Fisher's acid prose - is equally satisfying to fans of both genres.
One of the most engrossing fantasy thrillers of last year.
'... wholly engaging and rushes along as a breathless and nail-biting pace ... a gripping read that should enthral both young and old fans'
Another fascinating hero can be found in Catherine Fisher's The Obsidian Mirror. Fisher's universe is wholly envisaged. This is bleak, brittle and brilliant.
A powerful and very exciting adventure story.
[A] time travelling, historical, supernatural thriller, with replicants, fairies, crazed scientists, changelings, wolves, genies and Dickensian waifs...Don't ask, just enjoy.
'Catherine Fisher is an artist with words ... An engrossing, intricate story of an extraordinary journey undertaken by ricjly imaginative characters'
suspense is constantly built ... rattles along at a dizzying pace ... next volume please.
A tale that effortlessly combines a number of narratives, voices, and modes of storytelling...moves at breakneck pace and constantly springs surprises
Fisher's universe is wholly envisaged...bleak, brittle and brilliant
This book is beautifully written and keeps you wanting more. It's fantasy with a thrill of adventure, and is one of those books that you just can't put down
Extremely exciting and interesting, and it keeps you on your toes throughout the book
'... imaginative, rich in texture and vividly realised. Catherine Fisher writes with consummate skill and depth of feeling.'
A riveting read that will leave you impatient for the next installment.
PRAISE FOR THE ORACLE SEQUENCE:
'... a rich, resonant conclusion to the series.'
A new novel by catherine Fisher, poet and prize-winning novelist, is always a treat...The Obsidian
Mirror is both thriller and Science fiction and -- being written in Fisher's acid prose -- is equally satisfying to fans of both genres
... an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended.
'a deliciously dark and scary ride.'
Dark and scary with a fast moving narrative and imaginative characters...an intricate plot...a real page turner for teenagers
'one of today's best fantasy writers ... a deliciously dark and scary ride.'
A well-plotted, gripping fantasy adventure with a touch of wild magic.
A riveting read that will leave you impatient for the next instalment
Extremely exciting and interesting, and it keeps you on your toes throughout the book.
Author of the brilliant Incarceron and Sapphique books embarks on an ambitious new series with The Obsidian Mirror.
A sophisticated and beautifully written novel with a brilliant climax.
'One of this year's most striking fantasy novels'
This book is beautifully written and keeps you wanting more. It's fantasy with a thrill of adventure, and is one of those books that you just can't put down.
'a deep and sophisticated adventure story'
A genre buster...a great set-up for what promises to be a fantastic fantasy series
'... stands out above all others. Its imaginative scale and gobsmacking finale make it one of the best fantasy novels written for a long time.'
Time travel and the faery world collide in the first book in a stunning new sequence from the best-selling author.
Catherine Fisher, author of the brilliant Incarceron and Sapphique books, embarks on an ambitious new series...a riveting read where nothing is quite what it seems
A well-plotted, gripping fantasy adventure with a touch of wild magic
