[The Neustrian Cycle 02] • Joris of the Rock

A Classic of Black Magic and Banditry! A bandit for whom there is no law, church or king, only his own might and sword, Joris of the Rock, kidnaps Red Anne, the witch, from the arms of her lover the Comte Louis de Campscapel, and takes her for his own. Thus begins the second of the three books of the classic Neustrian Cycle, a magical trilogy, too long out of print, that IBookLoons/I describes as "a marvelous fantasy" brimming with "non-stop action, chivalry and romance." Joris is a unique figure, one of the most memorable in all fantasy literature, a charismatic rogue likable rogue of rare fascination. Believing himself "one of those men for whom the world is made," Joris succeeds by relying on born leadership and the medieval saying, "Black and gold/Red shall hold." Opposed to Joris is the magic of an equally arresting figure, the hideous shaman, Yaan, who is determined Joris shall die. What Yann knows and Joris doesn't is that Joris has a son, Juhel, and Juhel, through mistaken identity, is growing up heir to a dukedom, sworn to defend the kingdom against all who would disturb its peace. What happens when the inevitable meeting between outlaw father and knightly son takes place will knot forever the twisted strands of their destinies. Set against the enthralling background of the imaginary kingdom of Neustra, IJoris of the Rock/I is an unforgettable fantasy-adventure IThe New York Times/I hailed as "escape from the world of skyscrapers and motor cars to a world--filled with vividness and imagination--charm and horror--Recommended."