Customer Reviews (9)

It has left an impression on me for a decade and more
I recently stumbled across Damiano's Lute and it all came flooding back...being taken to another world from that of my teenage years...so beautifully written.I was immersed completely and wonderfully.Now I will revisit MacAvoy and read anew.Theres just one thing knawing at me - I am not sure where I read about transformations into a tree, eagle and other life-forms..I read other, similar books in the 80's, including The Prince of Hed whose author I can't quite recall??

A great trilogy by a writer who does not get enough credit
A string buzzed against his fingernail; the finger itself slipped, and the beat was lost. Damiano muttered something that was a bit profane. "The problem isn't in your hand at all. It's here," said Damiano's teacher, and he laid his ivory hand on the young man's right shoulder. Damiano turned his head in surprise, his coarse black ringlets trailing over the fair skin of that hand. He shifted within his winter robe, which was colored like a tarnished brass coin and heavy as coins. The color suited Damiano, whose complexion was rather more warm than fair. "My shoulder is tight?" Damiano asked, knowing the answer already. He sighed and let his arm relax. His fingers slid limply across the yew-wood face of the liuto that lay propped on his right thigh. The sleeve of the robe, much longer than his arm and banded in scarlet, toppled over his wrist. He flipped the cloth up with a practiced, unconsdous movement that also managed to toss his tangle of hair back from his face. Damiano's hand, arm, and shoulder were slim and loosely jointed, as was the rest of him. 'Again?" he continued. "I thought I had overcome that tightness months ago." His eyes and eyelashes were as soft and black as the woolen mourning cloth that half the women of the town wore, and his eyes grew even blacker in his discouragement. He sighed once more. Raphael's grip on the youth tightened. He shook him gently, laughing, and drew Damiano against him. "You did. And you will overcome it again and again.

Unique and Memorable Fantasy Trilogy
I think the reason Roberta MacAvoy's fantasies are not better known isthat they are so hard to classify.Is the Damiano trilogy an alternatehistory of a time when the pope was exiled in Avignon, and the Black Deathand the condottiere made life miserable, brutish, and short for almosteveryone else?Is it the story of a witch who wanted to be a musician, andhis little talking dog?Is it the tale of a struggle between two brothers,who happen to be the Seraph, Raphael and Lucifer, Prince ofDarkness?

MacAvoy has a way of bringing me into every scene, usingprecise language and memorable detail:

"His mind was flooded withthe memory of this very pasture in the green of summer, when his fatherwould treat the sheep with tar poultices and incantation.Grass up to hishalf-grown knees, except where the flocks had cropped it.It had been coolthen, in the mountains, but pleasant.Sheep's milk.Napping at midday,surrounded by curious, odorous, half-grown lambs."

I wish MacAvoyhadn't killed off my favorite characters, one by one, but it is a tributeto the power of her writing that I kept reading, anyway.I was hooked.Ihad to know how her trilogy ended.

If history is fair to fantasy authors,Damanio and his lute and his little, talking dog will outlast all of theoverblown 'ologies' of Brooks, Goodkind, and Stephen King.

And not only that but you'll need a hankie
I'm happy there are so many wonderful reviews, but surprised that one aspect of these 3 books (published together in this omnibus edition) has not been mentioned yet:Besides enjoying a superior (gently humorous anddelightfully vivid) fantasy, you will also be rendered teary at the sadscenes.Until I read these books I didn't think it was possible, outsideof a Victorian novel (or William Maxwell's short story, "Thistles inSweden"), to find oneself wiping away beautifully sad tears.Anotherbit of clarification:If you can't stand "Wardour Street"medieval fantasies, this isn't one.It's altogether wonderful.Read it,read it, read it!

And not only that but you'll need a hankie
I'm happy there are so many wonderful reviews, but surprised that one aspect of these 3 books (published together in this omnibus edition) has not been mentioned yet:Besides enjoying a superior (gently humorous anddelightfully vivid) fantasy, you will also be rendered teary at the sadscenes.Until I read these books I didn't think it was possible, outsideof a Victorian novel (or William Maxwell's short story, "Thistles inSweden"), to find oneself wiping away beautifully sad tears.Anotherbit of clarification:If you can't stand "Wardour Street"medieval fantasies, this isn't one.It's altogether wonderful.Read it,read it, read it! ... Read more

Book Description
I watch a lot of Jet Li movies. I think they were the first germ of this story. It changed a lot, though, during the writing, and because my hero was a painter (originally a plot device) it became more about vision than Kung Fu chops. Ewen is no longer Jet Li. Not quite. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not a step lost
I am a longtime fan of R.A. MacAvoy, especially her novels concerning the Dragon and his sensei, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to read this new work.

If Amazon Shorts are about value for money, then The Go-Between is, or should be, the Amazon Shorts poster child.For less than a half dollar you get a splendid novella with MacAvoy's trademark elegance, humor, and and kindness.

It's been a long time since Tea With The Black Dragon--but in case you were wondering, R.A. MacAvoy has not lost a step. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

She is an amazing writer
Plot, characters, setting -- she is a superb story-teller. I don't understand why RA MacAvoy isn't on more must-read lists. There's magic but it's good substantive stuff, not just showy nonsense and the characters (human and otherwise) come first.

My All-Time Favorite Novels, NOT Just My Favorite Fantasy
The three novels by R.A. MacAvoy that were issued in _Trio for Lute_ as an omnibus edition are _Daminao_, _Damiano's Lute_, and _Raphael_. I read each of these when they were first published in the early '80's, and they have remained my favorite books for two decades now. Ms. MacAvoy's writing is, well, _luminous_. Her descriptions of settings and landscape have that spare but beautiful quality that you see in the backgrounds of Gothic and Renaissance paintings. Her characters are real people (even the nonhuman ones,) and you become involved and engaged in what happens to them. I won't spoil one of the oddest and most unexpected twists of plot I've ever read by telling you what happens at the end of _Damiano's Lute_, but let's just say that few writers could pull it off. As you'll discover in _Raphael_, "Bertie" MacAvoy did it with astonishing grace. I read a lot of fantasy, and I can't say much of it could move me to tears. These books do. If you like he-man swashbuckling fantasy heroes, these aren't the books for you. But, if you like thoughtful, well-written books where the characters are more important than the magic and derring-do, try to find either the omnibus or the individual books. I believe all but three of her books are out-of-print, although those 3 (not the Damiano books, alas) are available now as both print and ebooks. I've seen Ms. MacAvoy's name on many fantasy fans' lists of favorite authors, yet many readers have never heard of her. She's a "lost" master who deserves to be better known.

Rich and engrossing
This volume is an omnibus of R A Macavoy's gorgeous trilogy: Damiano, Damiano's Lute and Raphael.

Damiano is a renaissance witch (although a Christian - magic use is hereditary in his family, and he fears that he is automatically damned). He uses his powers to grant speech to his Dog Macchiato (Spot)and to call an angel, Raphael, who gives him music lessons on the lute. At least, that is how the story begins. War comes to his sleepy Italian town, and drives him out into the world, which is rather ill prepared for.

The story is written freshly and the characters are all real and well rounded out.

The Black Dragon (from "tea with the...") also makes a nice cameo appearance in the third part in his dragon form.

Mystical, Spiritual,heartwarming! A truly soul stirring read
Initially I read Damiano while traveling to Okinawa Japan. My minds eye envision the mountians where he lived, the Angel, Raphael's mastery of the Lute, and the triumph of Damiano desire to be more than just his father heir. This story stirred my soul and spirit. Saving more than just his home, Damiano resurrected my interet in reading ... Read more

Book Description
Lens of the World is the story of a prodigious life.It recounts the coming of age of Nazhuret, an outcast and orphan who rises from his lowly estate as a ward of the Sordaling military school to become a mighty warrior, philosopher, and confidant of the King of Vestinglon.As he grows, the young man receives outlandish knowledge and is prepared for an entirely exceptional destiny far beyond the narrow confines of his kingdom.In Lens Of The World, master storyteller R.A. Macavoy spins a narrative web packed with nuances and mysteries, feverish dreams and unlikely rewards."LENS OF THE WORLD IS A WORK OF SOARING IMAGINATION." - Bestselling author Morgan Llywelyn"THIS BOOK IS WORTH OWNING IN HARDCOVER AND PULLING OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS." - Locus Magazine"IT'S STYLE RIVETS ATTENTION, AND THE STORY IS ONE WHICH REMAINS IN THE MIND."- Andre NortonDownload Description
This is the story of Nazhuret, an outcast, a dwarfish offspring of unknown parents. Yet his story is a great one, filled with surprising rewards and amazing adventures. By the hands of Powl, mentor, madman, and lens grinder, Nazhuret is put to extreme mental and physical test and is blessed with knowledge. He embarks upon a journey to his destiny throughwar, darkness, and death. He is determined to emerge above the tiny status he was given at birth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Marvelous
I read this book so many years ago, yet the memory of it is still with me.It could easily be dismissed as a somewhat unusual fantasy novel, yet it exceeds the genre.This is a deeply intriguing story of mind and morality, with an undercurrent of Zen that seems to run through several of MacAvoys novels.As a coming-of-age story, it is superb.Nazhuret, small, ugly, outcast,could be compared to Miles Vorkosigan. His gentle nature and strength of heart are an inspiration.

Lens of the World... much better than I expected!
A great read!

This book, the first in a trilogy, turned out to be a well written fantasy that increasingly held my interest and by the end of it, left me eager to get to the next installment.

The story revolves around the main character, Nazhuret (an interesting gnome like figure who is a lot more that he appears), his travels and his interaction with people and things he meets on his journey. There are several other important people in this tale and Macavoy does a stellar job in developing and introducing them into the plot.

My only niggling complaint is a lack of a map of the area that would have let us to track the adventures of our hero.

All in all, a good fantasy adventure and I'm looking forward to more.

Highly original work from a master of the genre!
In this series, MacAvoy has created a highly complexfantasy world with very little sorcery but plenty of sword play, science, philosophy, and mysticism. It is the story of Nazhuret, a strange looking orphan ofmysterious origins who finds himself the pupil of an equally mysterious man known to him only as Powl.
Once his time with Powl is done, he sets off on his own and quickly finds himself embroiled in the affairs of others; something Powl has cautioned him to avoid if he wants to be truly free. Nazhuret tries his best to heed this advise after his first encounter with the outside word leaves a bad taste in his mouth. But what kind of fantasy hero would he be were he not somehow the catalyst of major events and circumstances? In his wandering he finds romance with an ambiguous stranger of questionabe morals. He also earns the love and respect of the young king and the contempt of the king's highest ranking noblemen. By the end, the secret of Nazhuret's origins is revealed and the enigma of Powl unraveled in arefreshingly unpredictabe manner.

Powerful start to a beautiful trilogy
Lens is the first book of a trilogy entirely set in a "non-Earth" pre-industrial world, and arguably R.A.MacAvoy's best work to date. She creates a powerful story with realistic characters and situations and wastes no words in her elegant storytelling.

The story is about the coming of age of Nazhuret, a natural scientist who is dogged by mysterious happenings that he doesn't particularly want to believe in, as he is converted by his (rather bizarre) mentor into the Lens of the World (a concept that's rather hard to explain). He is let loose on society and becomes a nexus, altering what he come in contact with.

It's hard to spell out why this book is so good, but it's a real original in the Fantasy genre and definitely my favourite series (I read an awful lot of F/SF).

absolutely brilliant
Macavoy creates a fantasy story filled with real characters and a wonderfully believable plot.Beautifully written and gorgeously crafted.Nothing like it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Doesn't disappoint but could have been developed more.
I've been a fan of MacAvoy's since reading Tea With the Black Dragon in highschool 20 years ago. I fell in love with the Damiano trilogy shortly thereafter and have read it many times since. I even managed to get my then-future husband, a very reluctant reader, to read all three. I've just finished re-reading the Lens of the Word trilogy which I had actually checked out of the library for my daughter who had asked me to pick her out something interesting.

In the final installment of this series, MacAvoy does the unusual (and some would say unthinkabe) by killing off two of her main characters before the story even begins. Nazhuret is living a peaceful scholarly existence with his grown daughter Nahvah in Canton, far from Velonya.Stillmourning his soul mate Arlin, four year's dead (presumably from illness which the author chose not to elaborate on), he learns of the death of his friend, King Rudof. This same day Nazhuret and Nahvah escape an assassination attempt (Nahvah's skill is medicine and hand guns) and flee Canton on a Felonk vessel. Here they meet up with a nobleman of Lowercanton, famous as a brilliant artist and deadly duelist. I don't think I'm spoiling anything for the astute reader who will quickly see what Nazhuret does not---that the Duke has romantic designs on him. Contrary to what an earlier reviewer stated, this kind of thing isn't uncommon at all in fantasy, although it is unusual for MacAvoy who generally only hints at homosexual tendencies in minor characters.

A homoerotic attraction is not out of character for Nazhuret since he was never certain of his own inclinations. If homoeroticism is something you enjoy, you will not encounter much in this novel. There are some blushes, elusions, a few catty comments but nothing steamy or overt. That Nazhuret and the Duke become companions is only hinted at at the end of the book athough in a way that leaves no doubt in the reader's mind.

I was a bit unsatisfied with the ending which seemed a bit hasty and pat. I noticed that this installment was quite a bit thinner than the first two books in the series. I would have liked if she had developed the burgeoning relationship between Nazhuret and the Duke a bit more. Also, MacAvoy introduces some potentially interesting characters without really fleshing them out. One of these is Timet , a young initiate of the sect which has grown around Nazhuret's writings in his absence. There are encounters between him and Nazhuret which ultimately lead nowhere and he winds up merely as a love interest for Nahvah in the penultimate page of the novel. As I said, just a little too pat.

Considering the depth that went into the first two installments, this one seemed a bit sketchy. That said, a sketchy novel from MacAvoy is still excellent reading!Had I been reading the work of a less talented writer it is doubtful I would have been engaged enough by secondary characters to care to know more about them.

Another beauty byMacAvoy
Those who have read the reviews I posted for the first two books in this series know that I have not been overwhelmed, citing reasons such as bland characterization and lack of plot for my opinion.This third volumechanges all that.MacAvoy gives us a good plot and finally developsNazhuret into a rich character.

MacAvoy gives us a treat, letting thereader watch Nazhuret age from a child to a man of 55 years throughout theseries.Here, Nazhuret tries to save Velonya from itself while strugglingwith personal demons.He looks for other options besides seizingleadership.He comes to terms with the loss of his late wife.A treat forthe reader.

MacAvoy explores Nazhuret's sexuality.First, he paired offwith a woman who always dressed like a man.Now we see a potential romanceblooming with Dinaos (which is hinted on the last page that it did happen). It doesn't fit with my political leanings, and I'm not convinced itbelongs in books (if I wanted sex I'd pick up one of those Harlequins), butit's a perspective rarely seen in fantasy.

MacAvoy grasps the delicate wonder dwelling somewhere in all
Pick up any work of MacAvoy's and you enter a strange realm where you get to share her appreciation of the somewhat mystical nature of our existance.She allows you to easily slip into the universe she creates and her characters come alive with their strengths and weaknesses ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very well written, but vaugely unsatisfying
This book is an excellent continuation of Damiano's story. However, I was very unimpressed with the way Damiano was portrayed in the beginning of the book.At the end of the first novel, we find Damiano striding happily away with Raphael near him.All in all, I believe that the autor has not given us a good explanation of Dami's sudden change of mood.I found the first part of the book rather boring, and found Saara the much more interesting charachter.As I got farther in to the book, I found the next part far more interesting.

Even so, this trilogy is still a very good read, although the second book let me down a little.It wasn't at all like what I had envisioned, but it was still an interesting read.I still think, however, her first and third books are much better.

A very satisfying book, great trilogy
Saara turned, and her green eyes widened. "You" she whispered, half to herself. "Dark boy. Damiano!" One hand, small, pink and slender, made a circling gesture. And the lute player knew her as well: Saara of the Saami, barefoot girl who was the greatest witch in all the Italies. Damiano knew her powers as well, having hoth suffered them and stolen them. But now all the strength was hers and he had none at all. Damiano felt himself step closer to the witch, though he did not know how he did it, not having a body with which to step. "I knew you would come at last, Dami" said Saara softly. "Part of your soul is waiting here." He reached out one doomed, immaterial hand. "Saara," he whispered. "Pikku Saara. You should not be so beautiful.

"I found Damiano's Lute very absorbing. The author's ability to bring to vivid life the general background of this period of history, and yet interweave it with the type of fantasy which was actually accepted in that day of positive faith is truly amazing. I really found this book to be more compelling than the first. The scenes of the Black Death dreadful as they were, come through as if taken from eyewitness accounts." -Andre Norton

Lyrically written fantasy
It is difficult to categorize this book, and its companion volumes "Damiano" and "Raphael."Each is a "period piece," focused on Europe during the years of the Black Death, andwritten as an inside look at alternate history. The author's gift forbringing one into the story makes this trilogy suitable for any and allreaders. Damiano is a paradox, an apprentice magician who believes in Godand speaks with the archangel Raphael.This juxtaposition is made possibleby his avocation, playing the lute-- which apparently pays the bulls betterthan sorcery.He meets a variety of medevial characters throughout thestory, some fanciful and some mundane, some historical and some used ashistorical samples of everyday life, and all richly portrayed.Damiano'shumanity is his best weapon in the fight to survive the fourteenth century,a chaotic period brought to life in non-fiction by Barbara Tuchman's"A Distant Mirror."His guardian angel provides a superbcounterpoint to his earthly concerns, and reminds the reader of the purityof spirituality.

This trilogy is an unconventional, utterly captivatinglook at the conflict between good and evil, told in a style that makes allof the characters easily accessible to any reader.

Enjoy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sci-Fi...
When the warrior Wanbli came of age, he cast his lot among the stars and left the world where he'd been born. Left it, he thought, forever. His odyssey led him to one ship, then another, and to another still. It brought him face to face with the far-flung members of the universe's Seven Sentient peoples.

And finally, it brought him to the colony ship Commitment. There, Wanbil learned the true purpose of his life...a mission so vital that it required risking the lives of everyone on the ship and the future of his home world. His mission meant returning to that world...but only if he could survive the deadly machinations of those who sought to stop him.

Not worth it.
This is one of the few SF novels I quit reading before reaching the end... when I reached page 200 or so and still nothing interesting or significant had happened, I said, "That's it." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Exquisite and Painful
Reminescent of The Man Who Fell to Earth and Tale of the Body Thief, Archangel Raphael is rendered human by Lucifer.Guided by Damiano and a feisty fellow slave, he struggles to find his place, stranded in a mortal body.He discovers his physical senses and love, in an enlightening journey of wonder and sorrow.

A fine conclusion to this fantastic trilogy
Two young people sat quite comfortably on the grassy bank of a stream, leaning against a willow whose ancient body seemed designed for leaning. Plangent water reflected the little green leaves of the willow, including even the tiny round crystals of dew which hung from the leaves, with only artistic distortion, while below the line of the water cool fish brooded, wearing coats of bright enamelwork. On either side of the stream a lawn spread out, tended by cloudy sheep. Other beasts, too, roamed at their graceful will across the landscape: the ox and the wide-horned aurochs, the slouching camelopard, the corkindrill-each animal as fat as a burgher and similarly complacent. None were ragged, none scarred. None raised its elegant head except in wonder at the sweetuess of the air. Of course there were birds, and even in the lacv mass of the willow they sang, regardless of the presence of two or three sleek and platter-faced cats who meditated while resting upon the largest branches, their white, gray, or manystriped tails curled below them like fishhooks trolling the air. Although there were aurochs and a camelopard, and it has been said that these are wary beasts and unsocial, this park which contained them had not the appearance of wilderness. Beyond the copse of fruiting trees on the far side of the river rose a white palace of intricate shape and exquisite proportion, though through distance and the balmy air its exact lineaments were confused. Another more homey sort of house tose closer to hand, on the bank of the stream itself This edifice was square, three stories tall, and also white-sparkling white-except for a roof of red tile and certain tasteful borders of red and gold about the windows. ... Read more

Book Description
R.A. MacAvoy is a truly gifted author who has no need to rely on the conventions of the science fictioni genre in order to hold the reader's attention. Her highly original debut novel, Tea With the Black Dragon, combined elements of mystery and fantasy along with a fascination with computer technology, and was highly praised by critics, while her Lens of the World trilogy appeared on many "best of the year" lists in the national news media. In this sequel to Tea With the Black Dragon, Mayland Long is once again thrust into a maelstrom of mysterious happenings. The peaceful relationship he has established with Martha Macnamara is being threatened. A wild psychic force is loose in the world, while Martha's granddaughter has been kidnapped and one of her Celtic musician friends has been found dead, hangingby a rope of twisted grass. Now the Black Dragon must use his wits to hunt for the killer...even if it brings him to a horrifying realization.Download Description
When Martha agrees to watch her young granddaughter during her musical tour, she is not prepared for the strange events that surround the girl. Once again, Martha and Maylong join forces to follow the twists of a deadly adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Disappointing sequel
Tea with the Black Dragon was a wonderfully subtle book. This sequel gets lost in it's own meanderings.A disappointing work from one of my favorite authors.(Actually the only book of her's that I have ever been disappointed with!)

nice read - poorly proofed
This book is a nice follow-up to Tea With The Black Dragon. I didn't expect it to match the first one - and it didn't - but it didsatisfy my curiosity about Martha's life with Long.

That being said, and this is no fault of the story or the author,this book is one of the worst edited and proofed I've ever read -full of disconcerting typos. It should be discounted as a damaged product.

I Liked It, but Preferred the Precursor Book
Tea with a Black Dragon.Much better in my opinion.I read both of these books about 20 years ago, and was not disappointed with my re-read of the Dragon.However I remembered too late I was disappointed in the sequel.For me, personally, it was too much about the music mileau.

One thing I regret is that Ruth doesn't explain the reality behind the mysterious happenings either logically or mystically.I'd like to know why and how, not just who and when in the 'mystic' of it all.

I Liked It, but Preferred the Precursor Book
Tea with a Black Dragon.Much better in my opinion.I read both of these books about 20 years ago, and was not disappointed with my re-read of the Dragon.However I remembered too late I was disappointed in the sequel.For me, personally, it was too much about the music mileau.

One thing I regret is that Ruth doesn't explain the reality behind the mysterious happenings either logically or mystically.I'd like to know why and how, not just who and when in the 'mystic' of it all.

What's a Dragon to Do?
Mayland Long and Martha Macnamara are as unlikely a couple as you could hope to meet.Martha is a fiftyish musician, Mayland is-- well, Mayland is unusual, as people who have read the first book in this set, Tea With the Black Dragon, know.When the book opens Mayland, Martha, Martha's young granddaughter Marty, and an ill assorted group of egotistical musicians have been on tour for eight weeks, playing traditional (and not so traditional) Irish folk songs.At this point tempers are frayed while insults (and the occasional fist) are flying.

Then Marty disappears, a member of the band is found hanged by a twisted grass rope off a Pacific pier, and it up to Martha and Mayland to solve the mystery of where Marty is and who the murderer is.

Written in the mid 80's this book is a great favorite of mine, an urban fantasy mystery that mixes Celtic and Eastern lore with some solid detection.The scenes with the band seem very true to life and the fantasy elements are delightfully underplayed. The chapter titles, by the way, as well as the title Twisting the Rope are all titles of trad. Irish tunes. ... Read more