"A magical tale of intrigue, love and hope"

"Not until a liar chooses truth and an honest man lies..." For the price of the truth, a lonely boy with a passion for music may know his destiny. But to protect the woman he loves, he must lie and forfeit his destiny. Mordigan Bryre (Digan) is a consummate liar who faces the greatest challenge of his young life--to tell the truth or lose his voice. Sworn to secrecy and set on a course laced with danger, Digan must find Talthos the great wizard and prove his worth to gain a magic lute. Digan finds more than he bargains for along the way and all that he holds dear lies in the balance.

Princess Allysian will not give up on her beloved bard. She sees beyond his flagrant mistruths and knows the fine and pure heart that beats within Digan's chest. When he is cast from the castle, she sets out to find him and protect him just as he protected her many times during their childhood. Armed with only the promise of the witch Freitanya that all will turn out as it should, Allysian braves much to find Digan and show him he is loved. But can she save him from the King's gallows when he determines to bring her home safely to her father?

Rie Sheridan has written a magical tale of intrigue, love and hope. Digan and Allysian were brought to life in this book, allowing me to feel a part of her story and experience the hopes, dreams and conflicts of these wonderful characters as my own. I felt as if I could hear their souls speak through the pages. The descriptions of Marineaux, Nausa and Azure City were so well done, I wanted to walk and talk with the occupants. I hope I'll get to visit them again in future books by Ms. Sheridan. I hope she's already at work penning her next novel.

Reviewed by Kathy Early
Posted July 6, 2002

This book is also available in Electronic Format

Summary

Apprentice bard, Mortigan Bryre stands on the brink of everything he ever wanted. In two weeks, he will come of age, and receive his coveted Journeyman's papers. He is gifted with the voice of an angel--and cursed with the tongue of a liar. A mysterious witch makes him a bargain, if he sets out on a quest to the wizard Talthos, he will receive a magical lute that will make him a legend. There is only one catch--if he lies along the way, he will risk losing his golden song.

Dismissed in disgrace from the Guild Hall, penniless, and alone, what does he have to lose?

Princess Allysian has been in love with Mordigan Bryre for most of her life. How can she let him set off alone? But how can she follow?

True love will find a way, and some things are worth any sacrifice.