An intriguing beginning to a fantasy cycle, “A Magic of Twilight,” is well worth the cover price.

I have not read any of Farrell’s ‘Cloudmage’ series, but this a compelling story about a complacent civilization embroiled in violent change. There is war, religious upheaval and a shift in leadership.

The tale focuses on the growth and maturation of a fascinating religious acolyte named Ana cu’Seranta a follower of the god Cenzi and the faith that surrounds him call Concenzia. Magic is involved, and what’s interesting, instead of being anathema as it so frequently is when religion is in charge, it is the foundation of this faith which is the state religion of the city of Nessantico (sort of a ‘Rome.’). But of course, only if you perform it the right way, according to their religious texts.

Use it the wrong way and you are unclean, a “Numetodo” and depending on who is controlling the religious tenor of the city, you might be worth hanging and quartering.

At the beginning of the book, Farrell lists books and inspirations for this tale such as a history of the Medicis, and the landscape of the Loire Valley in France. The names he has created for this story are real creative but mouth-crunchers, and for me, are a bit of a weakness since not until the end do you get a pronunciation guide. Visually, they are bit of a stumble. The ruler of Nessantico is called the Kraljica or Kraljiki. Other names of prominent characters are Karl ci’Vliomanti, Sergei ca’Rudka and Dhosti ca’Millac. Sort of a combination of French and Italian and maybe some German?

But once past these jawbreakers, the story is riveting. Ana cu’Seranta is a rather naïve acolyte who feels her mastery of magic called the Ilmodo or the Scath Cumhacht or the X’in Ka (depending on where you are from and what form of religion you follow) is unreliable.

But of course, that’s not really the case, and through an injudicious use of the Ilmodo she becomes the focus of the Archigos (like the Pope), Dhosti ca’Millac and she is called to the temple to attend him.

And then things really fall apart as the current Kraljica, who has espoused peace and negotiation throughout her long reign, is celebrating her Jubilee, in the midst of which she is poisoned and eventually dies. Her handsome but pig-headed son becomes the Kraljiki---and the peace dissolves into chaos as the Hirzg of Firenzcia decides to invade Nessantico and his pet A’Teni (sort of an archbishop) decides he wants Dhosti ca’Millac’s position as head of the faith and…well, everyone has an agenda or two. Get the book. Find out what happens to this riveting set of characters and the fate of this extremely well-drawn world.

You won’t be disappointed. And like me, will undoubtedly want more. - Sue Martin