A Shadow on the Glass

Book 1 of the internationally bestselling Three Worlds epic fantasy sequence.
Shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel, 1998.
US edition listed in Sciencefiction.com's Best of 2001.

ONCE THERE WERE THREE WORLDS, each with their own human species. Then, fleeing out of the void came a fourth species, the Charon. Desperate, on the edge of extinction, they changed the balance between the worlds forever.

Karan, a sensitive with a troubled heritage, is forced to steal an ancient relic in repayment of a debt. It turns out to be the Mirror of Aachan, a twisted, deceitful thing that remembers everything it has ever seen.

At the same time, Llian, a brilliant chronicler, is expelled from his college for uncovering a perilous mystery. Thrown together by fate, Karan and Llian are hunted across a world at war, for the Mirror contains a secret that offers each species survival, or extinction!

REVIEWS

"An intense story that starts slowly but becomes increasingly compelling. In a world full of epic fantasy clones, this stands out as a world-building labour of love with some truly original touches." - Locus.

"Those who like quests will enjoy A Shadow on the Glass ... A recurring theme of betrayal - of people, places, and ideas - heightens the tension and increases the plot's emotional grip. Ian Irvine writes fluently, and evokes a tangible atmosphere. His protagonists are engaging and all his characters' motivations convincing.' Starburst, UK.

"Irvine's series opener promises a grand-scale epic fantasy that features a pair of unusual heroes and a complex world rich in history and variety. For most fantasy collections.' Library Journal (US).

'Ian Irvine is a great find! He writes beautifully about a vast and intricate world that seems utterly real. His characters are as well drawn as any I've come across in fantasy. Best of all, none of them are quite what they seem when first introduced: no white hats, no black hats. I found them refreshing, complicated, and compelling.' Kate Elliott, author of King's Dragon.

'As good as anything I have read in the fantasy genre.' Adelaide Advertiser.

'Irvine has built a history and wonderful culture for his vivid world. His first novel vibrates with originality.' The West Australian.