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The Ways of Magic #1
Nameless Magery
Thrust into a strange land, Lisane possessed extraordinary magic. But could she carve out a place for herself in the beautiful barbaric realm that was her new home--a place where dark secrets held the promise of life--and death . . . ?
In her homeland, mages conversed with the magical forces of ller, reverently seeking permission for the spells they cast. Then came a terrible scourge, draining the world of ller, killing the mages, and enslaving the survivors. But this clever young girl fled the onslaught.
Raised to be Queen of her people, to wield the magic born from ller, Lisane found precarious refuge in a distant land where only men wielded power. Still able to call up the mystic currents of ller, she was saved from summary execution by the maddeningly handsome Kaihan, King and Wizard. Thus Lisane was placed with the other young adepts--the only female among them--and the only true mage that could save them.
If they didn't kill her first . . .
In her homeland, mages conversed with the magical forces of ller, reverently seeking permission for the spells they cast. Then came a terrible scourge, draining the world of ller, killing the mages, and enslaving the survivors. But this clever young girl fled the onslaught.
Raised to be Queen of her people, to wield the magic born from ller, Lisane found precarious refuge in a distant land where only men wielded power. Still able to call up the mystic currents of ller, she was saved from summary execution by the maddeningly handsome Kaihan, King and Wizard. Thus Lisane was placed with the other young adepts--the only female among them--and the only true mage that could save them.
If they didn't kill her first . . .
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
3 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Delia Marshall Turner
7 books24 followersDelia Marshall Turner's first two books (Nameless Magery and Of Swords and Spells) were published in the late 90s, with a two-book deal from Del Rey (Random House). The books were nominated for awards and made into a Science Fiction Book of the Month offering. The third book in the series is The Stick Princess.
Also, the first book in the Ms. Whitaker series, Dog of the Dead is available.
Also, the first book in the Ms. Whitaker series, Dog of the Dead is available.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 28, 2013
I got this as part of my recent quest to find all the "Del Rey Discovery" books that I haven't read, since whoever was doing the picking for that line was really doing an excellent job finding talented new sci-fi authors - I've liked all the ones I've read. Unfortunately, I don't think Del Rey is doing it anymore, and I haven't been able to just find a list...
"Nameless Magery" did not disappoint! This was a thoroughly fun, enjoyable book, with an unusual mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and a good sense of humor.
Lisane was raised to be queen of her people, a powerful user of magic, worshipped as a near-deity. However, violent aliens have destroyed her society and taken her people prisoner. As the book opens, only she has managed to escape the invaders, and now she is wandering a wasteland on an alien world, ragged and starving...
But, as luck would have it, she is discovered by a handsome wizard, Simon, and brought to his home, a school for mages, where she meets the intriguing Master Kaihan, and a fellow student who immediately becomes her nemesis, Detter.
Elements of school story, quest tale, romance and space opera combine here in a surprisingly successful way, brought together by Lisane's spunky, lusty, self-deprecating character (and Turner's funny chapter titles, which are priceless!).
Although this is a stand-alone novel, apparently, Turner also published a companion volume, "Of Swords and Spells."
"Nameless Magery" did not disappoint! This was a thoroughly fun, enjoyable book, with an unusual mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and a good sense of humor.
Lisane was raised to be queen of her people, a powerful user of magic, worshipped as a near-deity. However, violent aliens have destroyed her society and taken her people prisoner. As the book opens, only she has managed to escape the invaders, and now she is wandering a wasteland on an alien world, ragged and starving...
But, as luck would have it, she is discovered by a handsome wizard, Simon, and brought to his home, a school for mages, where she meets the intriguing Master Kaihan, and a fellow student who immediately becomes her nemesis, Detter.
Elements of school story, quest tale, romance and space opera combine here in a surprisingly successful way, brought together by Lisane's spunky, lusty, self-deprecating character (and Turner's funny chapter titles, which are priceless!).
Although this is a stand-alone novel, apparently, Turner also published a companion volume, "Of Swords and Spells."
April 5, 2024
I picked this up for $3 at a used book store in New Orleans knowing absolutely nothing about it, so I had no expectations at all. It was actually really good - I appreciated the way magic was represented and really like the protagonist, Lisane. Now I need to track down the sequel because the Seattle library doesn't have any of Ms. Turner's books.
December 19, 2020
I just love this book
I have read it so many times I can’t even count. Love love love this book. It was ahead of its time and had aged beautifully.
I have read it so many times I can’t even count. Love love love this book. It was ahead of its time and had aged beautifully.
January 15, 2021
it was okay, didn't really hold my interest.
August 23, 2008
This book is the first of two books by Delia Marshall Turner, who sadly hasn't written anything other than these two. The second book is "Of Swords and Spells". This book is about a strong-headed girl, Lisane, who is a magic user and queen of her people. Lisane escapes persection against magic users on her planet by the "enforcers", and arrives on a new planet where only men are believed to have magic powers. There she is enrolled in a school for adepts and clashes with King Kaihan. This book combines fantasy and magic use with science fiction and spaceships very well. There is also a little romance. Very unique story and I thought the ending came together very well. It also ties in with the next book but both can be stand alone.
February 9, 2010
An engaging fantasy coming-of-age tale. But it's not the female protagonist who grows up, but the patriarchial society she's dropped into. A rude awakening for those wizards who all believe that women cannot do magic, our main character also has to riposte with the jealous/envious/mysogynistic male students in training with her. A bit of a quest in there with the final 'test' to becoming a 'wizard' and a bit of otherworldly-ness thrown in to the mix to really stir things up.
Quite enjoyable, I've reread it several times, it isn't literature but it is fun!
Quite enjoyable, I've reread it several times, it isn't literature but it is fun!
November 18, 2021
It was such a delight to find this in Kindle, and for such a great price! I have the original paperback edition, and had been looking for an electronic version as well.
I think this is my favourite of the three book series (and also, there's book #3 now!), mainly due to the the main character, the Lisane.
I think this is my favourite of the three book series (and also, there's book #3 now!), mainly due to the the main character, the Lisane.
September 12, 2009
Oh, I've had this one for years & just decided to re-read it. It's a funny fantasy that makes me laugh out loud every time I read it. Ok, maybe it's more like a sort of snort of amusement, but it's all good.
February 13, 2014
I picked this up from a stockpile of fantasy novels I had stored at home, and it held up pretty well. It's cool that it features a strong, proactive female character who might have romances but isn't defined by them.
August 5, 2015
A longtime favorite. It's feminist, it's sexy, it's intelligent, it's packed with adventure. I don't tend to enjoy fantasy that much generally, but this book is so smart and fun, and full of surprises.
January 16, 2011
Oh joyous day; it has a sequel: Of Swords and Spells.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews