Synopsis
The first volume in a new fantasy series, The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, this fresh, exciting novel follows the adventures of young Carnelian as he discovers his own powers and learns the harsh ways of the world. A first novel. Reprint.
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Review
Ricardo Pinto's first novel opens a fantasy sequence titled "The Stone Dance of the Chameleon", exploring a complex and hierarchical empire with a vaguely Oriental flavour. Young hero Carnelian journeys from his aristocratic father's remote, wintry house of exile to the heart of power--moving stage by stage from carefree family life to an imperial court dominated by unchangeable rituals that make the regimentation of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast seem like an anarchic free-for-all. This obsessiveness is reflected in ornate masks and formal clothing, growing more bizarrely exotic as travellers approach the centre of the Guarded Land and culminating in massive "robes" of woven precious metals built up on scaffolding, plus shoes that are virtually stilts. Masks are socially necessary because any commoner who sees the face of a Master (the immensely tall ruling class) must be blinded--as Carnelian learns to his horror after briefly forgetting to cover up. Far worse mutilations are commonplace. But even amid the poisoned splendours, suffocating protocols and treachery of court life, there are tiny opportunities to break loose: our hero discovers illicit knowledge and a forbidden lover. Then, after the new God Emperor's election, there's disaster leading to a sudden cliffhanger ending. Full of rich imagery, haunting horror and the slow-motion quality of dreams, this is a series to watch. --David Langford
Review
"'Outstanding...Pinto is blazing a trail where others, no doubt, will follow'" (Amanda Foreman)
"'Pinto writes with an almost Donaldsonian/Feistian grip'" (Anne McCaffrey)
"'Boldly conceived and intelligently written...lingers in the memory like a strange and disturbing dream'" (Interzone)
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Search results for The Chosen (Stone Dance of the Chameleon Trilogy)
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1)
Published by
Tor Fantasy, 2001
ISBN 10: 081258435X
ISBN 13: 9780812584356
Used
Mass Market Paperback
Seller: Half Price Books Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_460906785
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1)
Seller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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mass_market. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_413905476
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1)
Published by
Tor Fantasy, 2001
ISBN 10: 081258435X
ISBN 13: 9780812584356
Used
Mass Market Paperback
Seller: HPB-Emerald, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_446150650
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon #1)
Published by
Tor Fantasy, 2001
ISBN 10: 081258435X
ISBN 13: 9780812584356
Used
Mass Market Paperback
Seller: Kayleighbug Books, IOBA, Cedar Grove, WV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Good. No Stock Photos! We photograph every item. 624 pages; light spine creasing; Young Carnelian has spent his entire life alone with his father, who years ago rejected the savage cruelty of the Masters of Osrakum and was sent into exile. But now a ship has come flying through the winter gales to shatter his quiet world. Three Masters disembark, and as they remove their masks of gold, Carnelian is awed by the light that seems to radiate from their skin. In formal conclave they beg Carnelian's father to return with them to Osrakum to oversee the election of a new God Emperor. And so Carnelian begins to fulfill his destiny. Along his perilous journey to the Osrakum, he is forced to learn bitter lessons in bloodshed, power, intrigue, love, and treachery--and sets in motion the concluding events in a story four thousand years old. Seller Inventory # 020631
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The Chosen
Published by
Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom, 2001
ISBN 10: 081258435X
ISBN 13: 9780812584356
Used
Softcover
First Edition
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. 1st. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 2048348-6
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The Chosen
Published by
Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom, 2001
ISBN 10: 081258435X
ISBN 13: 9780812584356
Used
Softcover
First Edition
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. 1st. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 12321597-6
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1)
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Unknown. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G081258435XI5N00
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1)
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Unknown. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G081258435XI3N00
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1)
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Unknown. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G081258435XI5N00
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The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1)
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Unknown. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G081258435XI3N00