The Relic Master

Catherine Fisher has created in The Relic Master a fantastical world where the characters embark on a glorious adventure which leads them deep into the labyrinth, taking a firm grip on the imagination as the journey to the centre of the derelict city of Tasceron begins.

Once the home of great temples, magical relics and, most importantly, the House of Trees, the Wounded City has been taken over by the Watch and their evil masters, making it almost impassable to ordinary folk. As Galen, Raffi and their enigmatic companion Carys--each with very different reasons for travelling to the heart of the maze--begin their journey to the centre of Tasceron, their bond strengthens and their friendships are pushed to the limit.

The Relic Master, Volume One of The Book Of The Crow, is a roller coaster of a fantasy adventure story that truly fuels the fire of mind. --Susan Harrison

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brilliant and imaginative - Rated
I'd been trying to get hold of another book by Catherine Fisher when I found this series. Although I still haven't found it, I'm glad I looked here - I found 'The Relic Master'. I was hooked because it is clearly written, and so imaginative. Also, it incorporates many intreaguing questions - who are the Makers? Do the hints really point to a sci-fi story and not plain fantasy? (You'll understand that when you read the book.) What does the Watch want? What is the purpose of the Great Hoard? The diary entries reveal the cold hearted spy to be - well, an unsure cold hearted spy. Although Galen himself isn't very appealing, with all his hardness and bleakness, you do find yourself warming to Raffi and Carys very quickly. I read a great deal, and I must say that I have rarely come across an author who writes such a detailed plot combined with excellent language. Read it. You'll see what I mean.

An excellent magical adventure - Rated
Clealry influenced by Ursula le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea, (and also to a degree her science fiction) this is a thrilling quest for two wizards, one old and failing, the other young and untried, and the morally ambivalent spy who accompanies them. The clever part is the idea of a planet which worships interplanetary travellers as gods. Lots of good ideas here, especially about the behaviour of a people under tyrranny.

An exellent book, with very powerful writing. - Rated
King Alberic, orders for Galen and Raffi (whom he has just captured) to find a certain Sekoi (a half man, half cat). To make them go, he takes away their relic, a small but incredibly powerful box. So Galen and Raffi go on their way, through many dangerous zones until they find the city of Tasceron (which is not your everyday fairytale Kingdom!) They search for the Sekoi with their mysterious companion, Carys Annin, but Galen also has his own reasons. A wonderfully exiting book, where you never really know what will happen next!

Mystical powers against cold steel! - Rated
'The Relic Master' is all about two members of 'The Order' who have to go to Tasceron - City of the Makers. Unfortunately they are pursued by 'The Watch' who want to dispose of all 'The Order'. 'The Order' have magical powers where as 'The Watch' have only their weapons. This is an interesting read filled with magic, strange creatures and double-crossing.