The Sleep of Stone (Dragonflight Series)

Grade 7-12-- Ghysla is the last of her race of winged shape-shifters who were common before human beings proliferated. She is content with her solitary existence until the day she sees and falls in love with Anyr, a prince. Understanding that her clawed, sharp-toothed appearance could shock or frighten him, Ghysla uses her abilities to become various animals--most successfully, a seal that Anyr looks forward to greeting--and accompanies him through field, forest, and coast. Ghysla is happy with this strange relationship until the day that she learns Anyr is to marry. Blinded by unrequited love, she casts the ``sleep of stone'' on his betrothed, Sivorne, and takes her place at the wedding, unaware of the tragedy she has set in motion. This unusual and compelling fantasy is of the same high quality as the earlier books in the ``Dragonflight'' series (Silverberg's Letters from Atlantis 1990, De Lint's The Dreaming Place 1990, and Lee's Black Unicorn 1991, all Atheneum). While Anyr and Sivorne could be any beautiful folkloric couple, their feelings and desires make them realistic and believable; Ghysla is a truly unique creation, almost human but not quite, with a combination of morals and desires that suit her origins. Mornan, the sorcerer that Anyr consults to save his true bride, is another fascinating character with secrets that change the course of events. Impossible to put down, this will captivate and surprise readers. --Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Shape-changer Ghysla--last of the ancient ones, born Ghryszmyxychtys but now known as Ghysla--is sure that Prince Anyr loves her as deeply as she loves him, even though she has shown herself to him only in the guise of animals like a playful seal or a loving deer; she can't believe he loves his beautiful bride- to-be, Sivorne. Ghysla plans to steal Sivorne away, substitute herself, then reveal all, imagining that the result will be great joy. Even Anyr's loving concern when Sivorne awakens screaming about an ugly dark gremlin (actually Ghysla in her true shape) fails to shake Ghysla's obsession. On the wedding day, after Ghysla has turned Sivorne to stone and taken her form, she is discovered. Anyr is devastated, Ghysla both sullen and manic. The recluse wizard Mornan (Myrrzynohoenhaxn, half-human, half of Ghysla's race) tells Ghysla that only she can release Sivorne: she must take Sivorne's place in the rock in order to bring peace to the frantic Anyr. Ghysla does so; and long after, moved by her plight, Mornan in turn releases her by taking her place. Cooper brings to this entry in the ``Dragonflight'' series the strong sense of mystery and the vivid imaginary world that make her adult fantasy so effective. A beautifully wrought, deceptively simple tale that has the texture of legend; special appeal for the thoughtful reader. (Fiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.