The Cipher - A Novel of Crosspointe - Fantasy by Diana Pharaoh Francis

"The Cipher: A Novel of Crosspointe" is the first of a new series by Diana Pharaoh Francis. The setting in this new fantasy is so well described readers will believe they're in the midst of the storm that opens the book. The heroine, whose magical talents get her into a world of trouble, is both tough and vulnerable. The characters are real people, deeply flawed, with human frailties and weaknesses that lead them to unwise choices. The numerous conflicts throughout the book give them a chance to grow and maturity comes with its own price.The Rampling family rules the powerful harbor city of Crosspointe, a fascinating world, surrounded by dangerous seas with magical elements called sylveth. Sylveth changes whatever it touches, objects, animals and people, in mysterious ways, even turning them into monsters.The fortune of the royal Ramplings is tied up in a lawsuit and as a result all members of the family must work. Lucy Trenton, a minor royal, works for the customs service. U
nlike others in the community she can detect magic and she hides this fact fearing she'd become a pawn if anyone learned her secret. She also hides an illegal collection of ciphers, magical objects created centuries ago by a magician named Errol Cipher.Working at the docks in the middle of a storm she comes across a hidden cipher. It attaches itself to her arm and she can't get it loose. Someone discovers her secret and blackmails her. Exposure is out of the question; her entire family would be discredited. Only one man can help her. But Captain Marten Thorpe is a scoundrel with a well known weakness for gambling. And unfortunately he's made a bet that can ruin Lucy's career and her life.Diana Pharaoh Francis has created a unique and exciting back drop for a magical story filled with danger and betrayal. The dialogue is believable and the world building is solid. Intrigue, action and a bit of romance make for a highly satisfying read with hopefully many more tales to be reve
aled.Publisher: Roc (November 6, 2007)ISBN: 978-0-451-46179-7Pages: 432Price: $7.99

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