The Artefacts of Power
A tetralogy of fantasy novels by British author Maggie Furey.
The Artefacts of Power is a tetralogy of fantasy novels by British author Maggie Furey. The series centers on Aurian, the daughter of renegade Mages Eilin and Geraint, who possesses the powers of both Earth and Fire. It follows her flight from the city of Nexis to the Southern Lands in search of the Artefacts of Power to defeat the evil Archmage Miathan.
- Author
- Maggie Furey
- Nationality
- British
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Number of books
- 4
- First book
- Aurian (1994)
- Last book
- Dhiammara (1997)
- Publishers
- Legend Books (UK), Spectra/Bantam/BDD Books (US), later Orbit Books
Lore & Background
The series revolves around Aurian, the daughter of renegade Mages Eilin (an Earth Mage) and Geraint (a Fire Mage). Aurian has inherited the full use of both their powers. She is sent to the Mages’ Academy in the city of Nexis at a young age to learn to control her abilities. The story follows her as she flees Nexis to the Southern Lands in search of the Artefacts of Power—the Cauldron of Rebirth, the Staff of Earth, the Harp of Winds, and the Sword of Flame—to aid her quest to defeat Miathan, the evil Archmage who was once her beloved mentor.
Reader's Guide
The Artefacts of Power series was identified by Terri Windling as one of the best fantasy debuts of 1994, with the first book Aurian described as 'distinctive by the fact that it is quite well written'. The tetralogy comprises Aurian (1994), Harp of Winds (1995), Sword of Flame (1996), and Dhiammara (1997). Originally published by Legend Books in the UK and by Spectra/Bantam/BDD Books in the US as paperback originals, the series was later re-released by Orbit Books. The four Artefacts of Power—the Cauldron of Rebirth, the Staff of Earth, the Harp of Winds, and the Sword of Flame—are central to the plot. The series remains a notable entry in 1990s fantasy literature, particularly for its debut recognition.
Did You Know?
- The series is a tetralogy of four books.
- The first book is named after the protagonist Aurian.
- Aurian is the daughter of an Earth Mage and a Fire Mage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Artefacts of Power?
It is a four-part fantasy novel series written by British author Maggie Furey, published between 1994 and 1997. The books follow a young woman's quest to gather powerful relics and stop a tyrannical sorcerer.
Who is the main character in The Artefacts of Power?
The series centers on Aurian, the daughter of two outlawed Mages named Eilin and Geraint. She is distinctive in that she commands both Earth and Fire magic simultaneously.
What is the central plot of The Artefacts of Power?
Aurian escapes the city of Nexis and travels to the Southern Lands to locate the Artefacts of Power. Her ultimate goal is to use these relics to defeat the villainous Archmage Miathan.
How many books are in The Artefacts of Power and what are they?
The series is a tetralogy consisting of four novels. It opens with Aurian (1994) and concludes with Dhiammara (1997).
Why is The Artefacts of Power notable in fantasy literature?
It stands as a complete British fantasy tetralogy from the mid-1990s that blends elemental magic with a classic quest narrative. The series was published during a period when British fantasy was gaining wider readership.
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