From Publishers Weekly
Tristen, a young man summoned and "shaped" into the world by the wizard Mauryl in Fortress in the Eye of Time (1995) takes up, in the third book of this high fantasy series, as duke of the Southern stronghold Amefel under his lord and friend, King Cefwyn. Although fully grown, Tristen has lived in the world less than a year and is still more magical creature than flesh and blood man, so he has trouble handling the subtleties of politics. He keeps breaking rules: rebuilding old defensive walls, sheltering starving fugitives from his enemy's lands and summoning the Southern Lords to discuss battle in the middle of a harsh winter. King Cefwyn, meanwhile, is learning that the head beneath the crown always rests uneasily. Though he is comforted by his love for his new wife, other troubles distress him?his priests and courtiers are conspiring against him, his former lover's imminent marriage provokes much gossip and his foreign-born bride still seeks to retake her native lands amid hostility from his own people. None of these quandaries are resolved in this series entry. Cherryh delights in bringing to the fore the small details of courtly life: the political import of petticoat fashions, the disposition of oxcarts and payment of royal carpenters. Her rich characters are sure to please her many fans (she has won three Hugos) and a detailed, if somewhat drawn out, prologue will bring new readers of the saga up to speed. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
As a creature summoned by an ancient spell to answer the need of the land of Ylesuin, the young man called only Tristan has no past. As the newly appointed Duke of Amefel, however, he discovers that his future involves taking part in an intricate and possibly dangerous game of politics and war in order to preserve the friends and people he has come to love. The third installment of Cherryh's Fortress series (Fortress of Eagles, HarperCollins, 1998) continues the tale of an ingenuous hero whose instincts for truth and unfolding knowledge of magic bring him ever closer to his destiny. The author's accomplished storytelling and leisurely pacing lend an allegorical quality to a fantasy epic that explores the dual nature of truth and illusion. Recommended for most fantasy collections.Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
Addition to Cherryh's huge fantasy saga (Fortress in the Eye of Time, 1995; Fortress of Eagles, not seen) where, in a world of constant strife, King Cefwyn and his bride Ninevrise are beset by plotters, traitors, and enemies at every turn. Cefwyn' s ally is the wizard Tristen, a Summoning of the last Sihhe wizard, Mauryl. At first without memory, Tristen finds that knowledge sometimes Unfolds in his head, especially at need; he wields a magical sword inscribed, on one side, Truth, on the other, Ill usion. Having existed for less than a year, and uncertain how much longer he will endureit all depends on Mauryl's original spellTristen settles in to enjoy his first winter. He hopes for the guidance of the wise old wizard Emuin, who unfortunately is dis tracted and evasive. Then, heralding another elaborate political struggle, Tristen is bidden to ride south by an oracular spirit. Cherryh provides a synopsis that even readers familiar with the previous books will find unhelpful, if not unintelligible. C herryh writes with great power, conviction, and clarity, but here she's pursuing intricacy as an end in itself: one for dedicated, determined fans only. -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


-- Locus
"Elegant and moody writing builds a taut atmosphere of omens and prophecies fulfilled and ably evokes a magic of will and wishes and light."



"Cherryh writes with great power, conviction, and clarity."


Book Description
"I Dreamed of Owl. That Means Wizardry is Near."Tristen is a weapon in an ancient war between wizardry and sorcery. He is a summoning and a shaping, brought to life by a wizard. And his sword is a weapon as well. Its keen blade, marked Illusion on one side and Truth on the other, once helped Tristen win the throne of Ylesuin for the young king Cefwyn, gaining Tristen the stewardship of the brave country of Amefel.Tristen's rule in Amefel is blessed with two extraordinary friends: one a stalwart and simple warrior, the other a young rebel with royal blood. But the scarlet banners of war are unfolding again, and far more than a kingdom is at stake. Now Tristen must take up the sword--as well as the SihhË magic he has forsworn. He is destiny's own, created a combatant in a far older and more fearsome conflict than any ever imagined by mere mortal man. And he is about to do battle once more. . . . Rich with magic, intrigue, and adventure, this high fantasy series from the acclaimed C. J. Cherryh brings to life an enchanting world as real as, yet far more wondrous, than our own.


Download Description
"I Dreamed of Owl. That Means Wizardry is Near."Tristen is a weapon in an ancient war between wizardry and sorcery. He is a summoning and a shaping, brought to life by a wizard. And his sword is a weapon as well. Its keen blade, marked Illusion on one side and Truth on the other, once helped Tristen win the throne of Ylesuin for the young king Cefwyn, gaining Tristen the stewardship of the brave country of Amefel.Tristen's rule in Amefel is blessed with two extraordinary friends: one a stalwart and simple warrior, the other a young rebel with royal blood. But the scarlet banners of war are unfolding again, and far more than a kingdom is at stake. Now Tristen must take up the sword--as well as the Sihhë magic he has forsworn. He is destiny's own, created a combatant in a far older and more fearsome conflict than any ever imagined by mere mortal man. And he is about to do battle once more. . . . Rich with magic, intrigue, and adventure, this high fantasy series from the acclaimed C. J. Cherryh brings to life an enchanting world as real as, yet far more wondrous, than our own.


About the Author
C.J. Cherryth is a four-time winner of the coveted Hugo Award and is one of today's best-selling and most critically acclaimed writers of fantasy and science ficion. She is the author of more than forty novels. Author Home: Spokane, Washington.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"I Dreamed of Owl. That Means Wizardry is Near."

Tristen is a weapon in an ancient war between wizardry and sorcery. He is a summoning and a shaping, brought to life by a wizard. And his sword is a weapon as well. Its keen blade, marked Illusion on one side and Truth on the other, once helped Tristen win the throne of Ylesuin for the young king Cefwyn, gaining Tristen the stewardship of the brave country of Amefel.

Tristen's rule in Amefel is blessed with two extraordinary friends: one a stalwart and simple warrior, the other a young rebel with royal blood. But the scarlet banners of war are unfolding again, and far more than a kingdom is at stake. Now Tristen must take up the sword—as well as the Sihhë magic he has forsworn. He is destiny's own, created a combatant in a far older and more fearsome conflict than any ever imagined by mere mortal man. And he is about to do battle once more. . . .

Rich with magic, intrigue, and adventure, this high fantasy series from the acclaimed C. J. Cherryh brings to life an enchanting world as real as, yet far more wondrous, than our own.

Author Biography: C.J. Cherryth is a four-time winner of the coveted Hugo Award and is one of today's best-selling and most critically acclaimed writers of fantasy and science ficion. She is the author of more than forty novels. Author Home: Spokane, Washington.

FROM THE CRITICS

Locus

Elegant and moody writing builds a taut atmosphere of omens and prophecies fulfilled and ably evokes a magic of will and wishes and light.

Library Journal

As a creature summoned by an ancient spell to answer the need of the land of Ylesuin, the young man called only Tristan has no past. As the newly appointed Duke of Amefel, however, he discovers that his future involves taking part in an intricate and possibly dangerous game of politics and war in order to preserve the friends and people he has come to love. The third installment of Cherryh's Fortress series (Fortress of Eagles, HarperCollins, 1998) continues the tale of an ingenuous hero whose instincts for truth and unfolding knowledge of magic bring him ever closer to his destiny. The author's accomplished storytelling and leisurely pacing lend an allegorical quality to a fantasy epic that explores the dual nature of truth and illusion. Recommended for most fantasy collections.

Kirkus Reviews

Addition to Cherryh's huge fantasy saga (Fortress in the Eye of Time, 1995; Fortress of Eagles, not seen) where, in a world of constant strife, King Cefwyn and his bride Ninevrise are beset by plotters, traitors, and enemies at every turn. Cefwyn's ally is the wizard Tristen, a Summoning of the last Sihhe wizard, Mauryl. At first without memory, Tristen finds that knowledge sometimes Unfolds in his head, especially at need; he wields a magical sword inscribed, on one side, Truth, on the other, Illusion. Having existed for less than a year, and uncertain how much longer he will endure-it all depends on Mauryl's original spell-Tristen settles in to enjoy his first winter. He hopes for the guidance of the wise old wizard Emuin, who unfortunately is distracted and evasive. Then, heralding another elaborate political struggle, Tristen is bidden to ride south by an oracular spirit. Cherryh provides a synopsis that even readers familiar with the previous books will find unhelpful, if not unintelligible.