The final story in the Oracle sequence.

We are again in the distand land of deserts and islands ruled by one god whose wishes are conveyed through the Oracle. The Archon, child god-on-earth, returns from his journey across the desert to the Well of Songs, to find the tyrannical General Argelin has siezed control and his reign of madness is oppressing the Two Lands. He has publicly denounced the gods, and established a reign of terror. Mirany is in hiding, and the Nine are scattered.

Will Argelin's obsession bring the Rain Queen's wrath down on them all? And whose is the sinister new power hidden in the sign of the Scarab? In the descent into anarchy, Mirany and the Archon must attempt the final, impossible journey of the soul. Through the Nine Gateways into death. And back.

The final story in the Oracle sequence, drawing on ancient Greek and Egyptian ritual. In a tale rich with action, betrayals and mystery. Mirany and the Archon struggle to bring peace to their people.

About the Author
CATHERINE FISHER is an award-winning fantasy writer. The Oracle was shortlisted for the Whitbread Award 2003, The Conjuror's Game for the Smarties Award, The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Mind Boggling Award, The Candle Man won the Tir-Na-n'Og Award, and Corbenic was shortlisted. Author of 16 books for children and two volumes of award-winning poetry, she is particularly well-known in Wales.

Reviews
An amazing adventure -- Zannia Kidd, aged 10 * Aquila *
Fisher employs one stunning image after another... a riveting story * New Welsh Review *
A triumphant finale to a complex and multilayered adventure * Kirkus *
The headlong rush of Fisher's writing is perfectly suited to teens ... full of dialogue and action * School Library Journal *
A compelling story within a strongly realized fantasy world * Booklist *
Vivid, complicated, and thoroughly engrossing, this fast-paced adventure keeps readers avidly turning pages until the majestic conclusion * Horn Book Review *
Remarkable ... uses Greek and Egyptian myth with forceful intelligence * The Times *
'... readers absorbed by the dramatic scenes and intrigued by each new revelation will find the book a rich, resonant conclusion to the series.' * Booklist - May 06 *
Fisher creates a world as compelling and vivid as any since Tolkien and her characters ... are far deeper and more involving * Writeaway.org *
'Vivid, complicated, and thoroughly engrossing, this fast paced adventure keeps readers avidly turning pages until the majestic conclusion.' * Horn Book Review May/June 06 *
Praise for The Oracle and The Archon:
Catherine Fisher has conjured up an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended. * The Bookseller *
'suspense is constantly built ... rattles along at a dizzying pace ... next volume please. * School Librarian *
The tension endures until the last page ... we want the sequel, soon! * Books for Keeps *
Vivid and convincing ... a very satisfying read for young people who want some depth to their fiction, and the depiction of an unusual and interesting world. * Vector *
A crisp, quick-moving narrative and fully fleshed out characters will keep readers hooked to the remaining instalments in this trilogy. * Publisher's Weekly *
A powerful and very exciting adventure story. * School Library Journal *
... the Oracle trilogy is a highly superior fantasy series. * writeaway.org.uk *
'... one of the most skilled and original writers currently working in young adult fantasy ... a riveting story, one which will keep children of all ages reading well past their bedtimes.' * New Welsh Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780340878941
Author Catherine Fisher
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint Hodder Children's Books
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Weight(grams) 290g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 64mm