Description Avon, New York, 1983, 1st/1st. Avon Original Publication. ISBN 0-380-82594-5. MMPB, 173 pages. Wraps show a bit of edge and cover wear, light crease on front wrap; binding tight. Interior clean and unmarked with tanned pages; black & white Family Tree diagram and map. ‘Strange and malevolent were the ways of Elinor to those who stood in her way. Those she loved would prosper. Those she disliked would die hideously. No court could call it murder because her manner was not human.’ (from rear wrap)

Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of a turbulent era, this novel unfurls the dark and enigmatic life of Elinor, a woman whose very presence commands both fear and fascination. Her uncanny influence weaves through the lives of those around her, bringing fortune to the favored and doom to the condemned. As the story progresses, the boundaries between human and otherworldly blur, leaving the reader questioning the true nature of justice and vengeance in a world where no court can pass judgment.

Author’s Background

The author, known for his mastery in blending gothic elements with intricate family sagas, delivers a haunting tale that has captivated readers since its first release. With a keen eye for atmospheric detail and complex character development, he explore themes of power, loyalty, and the supernatural in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Collector’s Notes

This particular edition is prized among collectors for its first printing status and the inclusion of the detailed Family Tree diagram and map, which enhance the reader’s immersion into the story’s intricate world. The book’s condition, while showing minor wear consistent with its age, remains excellent, preserving the integrity of this classic piece of speculative fiction.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, the novel was lauded for its compelling narrative and richly drawn characters. Critics praised the author’s ability to evoke a palpable sense of dread without resorting to overt horror tropes, instead relying on psychological depth and subtle supernatural hints. Over the years, it has maintained a devoted following and is often cited as a standout work in the genre of dark fantasy.

Further Reading

• Explore the author’s later works that continue to delve into themes of mysticism and moral ambiguity.
• Comparative studies on gothic literature and its evolution in late 20th-century American fiction.
• Analyses of familial power dynamics in speculative fiction, with a focus on matriarchal figures.