It is the time of the Allfair. Rival clans put aside their differences and come together, in Elda, to trade and party. Various clans come to the Allfair for different reasons. Katla and her family have some to trade their goods. The Vingo clan have come seeking a bride for their unpleasant eldest son, Tanto. King Ravn is looking for a wife and Tycho Issian is looking to sell his daughter to the highest bidder. When Katla inadvertently contravenes local religious doctrine her father cuts off her hair in order to prevent her being recognised and tried for her "crimes".

However this is the least of their problems. It soon becomes obvious that this year something is different. Magic, previously eliminated from Elda, seems to be returning. Simple gypsy spells take an alarming twist and a triumvirate of strangers seems to be at the centre of things.

Will Katla escape the attentions of the religious guard and survive her first Allfair? Who is the mysterious beauty who enchants all who see her and who will Ravn chose for his bride?

Sorcery Rising is the first novel in the Fools Gold series. It sets the scene for the future volumes beautifully. The characters are well written and convincing. Jude Fisher manages something that is rare in writing. She makes you care about the people in her story. When Katla is almost burned alive for her apparent blasphemous act I actually felt concerned that no-one would save her. As for Tanto Vingo, I have never wanted to give a character a good slapping more than I did with him!!!

Another nice touch was the use of humour. In particular, when various of the female characters visit a mysterious gypsy to buy spells to try and entice King Ravn into choosing them for his bride they soon learn the necessity of being specific in their requests. A couple of girls purchase charms and spells with a rather vague description of the desired effect and the outcome is superb!

I loved this book. I am a big fan of classic fantasy and this is a superb example of the genre. The storyline is well paced and maintains its momentum right to the last word. I am definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next.

Synopsis
The Allfair. A place for old enemies to put aside their differences for a time and come together for trade and revelry. The hardy, seafaring Eyrans come from the North; from the South, their old enemies, the Istrians, slave-owners who drove the Eyrans from their lands; and the nomadic peoples - the Footloose - purveyors of charms and harmless potions.

Katla Aransen and her family have sailed to the fair to trade their goods. The Vingo clan have travelled from Istria to purchase a bride for their appalling eldest son. Tycho Issian has come to sell his daughter to the highest bidder. King Ravn Asharson, Stallion of the North, seeks a political alliance; while others seek his downfall.

But there is a disquiet in the air. For centuries, Elda has been bereft of magic; but this year something has changed. A mysterious force is abroad once more, and at its centre a triumvirate of strangers to the Allfair: a mysterious, coldly dispassionate man, his oddly intelligent cat, and a woman of such surpassing beauty that all who see her fall under her thrall. Magic is returning to the world, and no one will remain unchanged.