Ashling

Reminiscent of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover novels,Obernewtynintroduced Isobelle Carmody as a writer to watch and began a series of novels to entice and enthrall readers of all ages.The Farseekerscontinued the saga of Obernewtyn and its band of Misfits, children outcast from society because of their psychic abilities--and the story of their heroic leaders, Elspeth Gordie, who alone carried the fate of the world on her shoulders. Elspeth's adventures continue as she tries to seal an alliance between the secret Misfit community at Obernewtyn and the rebel forces rumored to be hiding in the capital, right under the noses of the dreaded totalitarian Council. Elspeth travels from the mountains reluctantly, for at any moment the long-awaited summons may come to find and destroy the dormant weaponmachines left by the Beforetimers. Her journey takes her far beyond the borders of the Land, across the sea and into the heart of the mysterious desert region of Sador. Here she discovers that she cannot destroy the weaponmachines alone--she needs the help of the Sadorians. But before her dark quest can begin, Elspeth must learn the truth of her dreams: she must understand why the Beforetimers destroyed their world . . . .

Isobelle Carmody is the eldest of eight children and grew up telling stories to her brothers and sisters to control them while her mother worked. She began the first book in the award winning Obernewtyn Chronicles when she was 14, and still at high school. The series has gone on to win or be shortlisted for many awards and she won both the prestigious Book of the Year and the coveted Peace Prize for her novel The Gathering. She has also won numerous awards for her short stories, including the Marcus Clarke award for The Monster Game and the Aurealis award for the title story to her collection Green Monkey Dreams. In recent years she has ventured into picture book territory with her graphic novel Dreamwalker. She lives on the dramatic Great Oean Road in Australia with her daughter and partner, and spends every alternate year in Prague in Central Europe. She is currently working on the final book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles.

Praise for the Obernewtyn Chronicles

“Through the breadth of her vision, the depth of her characters, and the strength of her language, Isobelle Carmody has created a world completely realized in all its details and completely persuasive. Multi-leveled, multi-dimensional, the Obernewtyn Chronicles promise to be a major work of fantastic imagination.”—Lloyd Alexander

“Carmody’s postapocalyptic tale of heroism and courage in the face of persecution blends graceful storytelling with appealing characters. Recommended.”—Library Journal on The Farseekers

“The non-stop encounters, escapes, deaths, and disasters keep things exciting as Carmody paints a clearer picture of this devastated world.”—Locus on The Farseekers

“This offering from down under is a very forceful and carefully constructed tale which keeps the reader engrossed. One will indeed look forward to the following volumes promised.”—Andre Norton on Obernewtyn

“With its plucky heroine, post-holocaust setting, and the fascinating puzzle of mental abilities enhanced by genetic mutation, Obernewtyn reminds me of the best of Andre Norton’s work. Carmody offers us a similar sense of mystery and wonder to Norton’s classic novels, but with an original voice and great heart—enough so that while I’m not particularly fond of series books, this is one I definitely look forward to following.”—Charles de Lint on Obernewtyn