y separately published work icon The Quentaris Chronicles series - publisher   children's fiction   children's   fantasy  
Issue Details: First known date: 2003... 2003 The Quentaris Chronicles
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

The Quentaris Chronicles is a fantasy series set in the magical city of Quentaris. A thriving, bustling city at the mouth of the Great River where it runs into the Lonely Sea, Quentaris is nestled against the Rift Cliffs, the source of the city's wealth and the object of much envy from the neighbouring city states of Hadran, Simesian, Tolrush, and Brunt. The Rift Cliffs contain the rift caves, a network of unknown numbers of caves. Inside these caves are the myterious rifts, shifting gaps in the fabric of the world of Quentaris. These rifts lead to other worlds, and are eagerly explored by adventurers and merchants, eager for riches and trade. Too often, however, they find danger and peril, but to risk all is to win much!

The series comprises individual, stand-alone books by different writers, with the overall concept managed by Michael Pryor and Paul Collins. Each of the stories tells of this city of infinite variety. Full of magic, mystery, and adventure, they explore Quentaris and its people and brings to you stories of peril and triumph, quests and discoveries, heroes and villains.

Includes

y separately published work icon Quentaris in Flames Michael Pryor , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003 Z1023937 2003 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'When a fire is deliberately lit in the city of Quentaris, Nisha Fairsight and her minstrel friend Tal investigate and soon uncover a plot threatening its inhabitants. Adding to the city’s woes is the threat of invasion from the vicious, insect-like Zolka, who are making it even more dangerous than usual to pass through the rift caves.

'Nisha must discover her fire-magic heritage and her place in Quentaris. Will she be able to save the city and her friends?' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003
y separately published work icon The Revognase Lucy Sussex , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003 Z1023960 2003 single work children's fiction children's fantasy The city's two feuding families, the Blues and the Greens, have just held a battle in the market. There has been a duel between wizards and a burglary at the Villains' Guild. And the chief soothsayer has just prophesied another disaster. (Libraries Australia) South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003
y separately published work icon The Perfect Princess Jenny Pausacker , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003 Z1023967 2003 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Tab Vidler is an orphan who works for the Dung Brigade, sweeping the streets of Quentaris. One day she meets a mysterious stranger called Azt Marossa and before long she is helping him escape from the Archon's guards and avoid Duelph and Nibhelline sword fighters. Most importantly of all, she's finding out what really happened to her heroine, the Perfect Princess, who fled Quentaris years ago... ' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003
y separately published work icon Swords of Quentaris Paul Collins , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003 Z1038819 2003 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Rad is a street lad who yearns to belong to the Thieves’ Guild. More than anything he would love to be a guide to heroes journeying to the rift caves—but he knows this is well beyond his capabilities.

'It’s while Rad is watching out for the infamous skycrawlers—raiders from the rift caves—that his chance to become anything he wants is offered to him. He steals aboard a skyship and finds a map pertaining to the rift caves.

'He escapes the craft and shows his ‘hard science’ map to a famous fence, who then dies mysteriously. Rad realises that the map is worth a lot more than he’d anticipated.

'With the stablemaster’s daughter, Tulcia, he sets off to explore the famous scar rift—a rift cave said to be an urban myth. Here he finds all the proof he needs that the ancient race called the Hamil actually existed.

'But before he can claim what is his by birthright, he must escape the Thieves’ Guild and the notorious Vindon Nibhelline.Only then will he be proclaimed the greatest guide since his ancestor, the famous Nathine.' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003
y separately published work icon Beneath Quentaris Michael Pryor , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003 Z1097254 2003 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'When a fire is deliberately lit in the city of Quentaris, Nisha Fairsight and her minstrel friend Tal investigate and soon uncover a plot threatening its inhabitants. Adding to the city’s woes is the threat of invasion from the vicious, insect-like Zolka, who are making it even more dangerous than usual to pass through the rift caves.

'Nisha must discover her fire-magic heritage and her place in Quentaris. Will she be able to save the city and her friends?' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003
y separately published work icon Slaves of Quentaris Paul Collins , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003 Z1108589 2003 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Yukin and his mate, Yulen, flee their campsite when Akcarum slave-traders attack. Unable to escape the Akcarum hunter birds, they are caught and transported to Quentaris. On their journey through the rift caves Yukin discovers a power that taps into the senses of insects and animals. But can it save them in time?' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2003
y separately published work icon Stones of Quentaris Michael Pryor , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004 Z1101290 2004 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Who is stealing the stones of Quentaris? With Quentaris preparing for the annual Carnivale celebration, Jaq Coblin is thrown into an adventure with four mysterious strangers, powerful magic and a horde of barbarians made of sand. What can Jaq do but use his wits and hold on tight?' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004
y separately published work icon The Ancient Hero Sean McMullen , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004 Z1121568 2004 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'An ancient stalker prowls Quentaris. He seeks to destroy a powerful book of spells, and has defeated the Murderer’s Guild, the City Watch, and the City Militia. No one is safe, or so it seems, until a student called Zelder translates a spell that could be the key to his undoing…' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004
y separately published work icon Angel Fever Isobelle Carmody , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004 Z1121573 2004 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

Eely is the lonely, simple-minded younger sister of one of the Quentaris city guards. She dreams of becoming a fearless rift guide, but knows there is no hope of her dream coming true. Then comes a rain-filled day when she rescues an enormous and beautiful winged man in the rift caves. From that moment on, nothing will ever be the same for Eely again…' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004
y separately published work icon Dragonlords of Quentaris Paul Collins , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004 Z1121685 2004 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Rad de La’rel is about to sign a trade agreement with the devious Fendonians when he is captured by sky pirates. Sold into slavery, he becomes a pawn to the all-conquering dragonlords of Udari. When he returns to Quentaris it has been invaded by the very creatures Rad has escaped from. Worse – nearly every citizen is wearing a slave’s neck collar. Can the famous Quentaran rift guide release his people from the grip of the invaders?' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004
y separately published work icon The Mind Master John Heffernan , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004 Z1142262 2004 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Can one boy change the course of Quentaran history?

Torrad, a young peasant, has uncovered an evil plot unfolding in Quentaris. Help comes from many quarters: a young contessa, a crippled town crier, a wolf-hound, the roach people, and Torrad's own hidden talents…' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004
y separately published work icon Treasure Hunters of Quentaris Margo Lanagan , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004 Z1142273 2004 single work children's fiction children's fantasy 'Tikko wants to delay growing up and becoming a rift guide, and Lord Eustachio Doro is reluctant to follow in the footsteps of his family. When they are thrown together to become the latest treasure hunters in the rift caves, they are less concerned with their future and more interested in finding their fortune. Ages 9+'. (Source: Trove) South Melbourne : Lothian , 2004
y separately published work icon Rifts Through Quentaris Karen Brooks , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005 Z1193080 2005 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Adyren Worthing longs to be anything but what she is: an apprentice in the League of Bibliophiles. But master thief does not figure in her daydreams. When she is accused of stealing, no one, not even her own family, believes her claims of innocence. To uncover the truth, she must travel to another world and discover the terrible secret of her birth.' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005
y separately published work icon The Plague of Quentaris Gary Crew , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005 Z1193091 2005 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'But on the last night of the Three-Day Dark, some said they saw a shape in the starry sky, a black void, where no star shone, a void in the shape of a rat…

'Is this a warning of fantastical events to befall Quentaris? What part do the rat children, Anton and Vega, play in this horror? Is this the final calamity that will destroy the mighty city?' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005
y separately published work icon The Murderer's Apprentice Pamela Freeman , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005 Z1194692 2005 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Like her father and mother before her, Merrith is apprenticed to become an assassin with the Murderers' Guild. But Merrith is hopeless with a dagger and sword, inept at mixing poison, and doesn't like the idea of killing people anyway. Then a prophecy from the Soothsayers' Guild says Merrith must join an expedition to the rift caves, or Quentaris will be destroyed. Can Merrith save Quentaris - even if it means she must become a professional murderer?'

Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, http://www.quentaris.com/books_murderers.htm
Sighted: 13/07/2005

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005
y separately published work icon Nightmare in Quentaris Michael Pryor , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005 Z1194695 2005 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Arna Greentower and her Old Tree Guesthouse are experiencing difficult times. Employees mysteriously disappear, deliveries go astray and business is faltering. Arna's foster-daughter Nisha, a fire magician, and her friend Tal are determined to uncover the secrets behind a forbidden room in the guesthouse and the memory-eating powers of its menacing occupant. But he is only one of Arna 's enemies. Former business rival and fugitive Gorv Vildish is back in Quentaris and looking for revenge.'

Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, http://www.quentaris.com/books_nightmare.htm
Sighted: 13/07/2005

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005
y separately published work icon Princess of Shadows Paul Collins , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005 Z1203871 2005 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'When a dreadful curse descends on Quentaris Tamaika uncovers an ancient book that bestows magical powers on the finder. She transforms into the mythical Princess of Shadows, but is she strong enough to control such power? And will Tamaika be able to lift the curse that turns citizens into stone?'

Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, http://www.quentaris.com/books_princess_shadows.htm
Sighted: 13/07/2005

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005
y separately published work icon The Cat Dreamer Isobelle Carmody , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005 Z1203877 2005 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'A strange, mind-numbing fog shrouds Quentaris and a cat that is more than it seems enters the city. It is a dangerous time in Quentaris. Before it is over, the city and its magical rift caves will face destruction. It is up to Igorik and the girl who visits him in his dreams to do all they can to save Quentaris and its inhabitants...'

Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, http://www.quentaris.com/books_cat_dreamer.htm
Sighted:13/07/2005

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2005
y separately published work icon Stars of Quentaris Michael Pryor , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006 Z1241519 2006 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'A missing star? A fabulous reward? Nisha and Tal are ready for adventure!

'With the well-meaning assistance of Tal’s musical mentor Esbandalon, Nisha and Tal are matched against hordes of other treasure seekers in a helter-skelter race to find a missing celestial visitor. But first they must face pursuit by Voiceless Rin and his brigade of ruffians.' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006
y separately published work icon The Skyflower Justin D'Ath , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006 Z1339325 2006 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Joshi is a disappointment to those around him. Born into the powerful Nibhelline family, he prefers growing flowers to living up to the family name. So when Joshi meets Abelha, and learns of the existence of a mysterious green flower beyond an unexplored rift, he finally has a chance to earn his family's respect. But first he and Abelha must journey into an exotic world where trees reach into the sky, unicorns feed in ferny groves and unexpected dangers lie in wait for the unwary ... ' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006
y separately published work icon Prisoner of Quentaris Anna Ciddor , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006 Z1341558 2006 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

' ‘I know of a land of giants, where one man could wipe out all the people in leprechaun land with a single sneez,’ boasts Heaney.

'He soon regrets his words, for when Finnegan, king of the leprechauns, ventures through the rift caves to see this dangerous land for himself. he is taken prisoner by the giants! Heaney and the other leprechauns set out in a valiant attempt to rescue their king. But can these tiny warriors possibly overpower the mighty giants of Quentaris?' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006
y separately published work icon The Forgotten Prince Paul Collins , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006 Z1472069 2006 single work children's fiction children's fantasy 'Thieves' Guild apprentice Crocodile Sal is sitting her prac exam, Deceit and Daring 101. Her goal is to find a job and stay in it for at least three months...' Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, www.quentaris.com (Sighted 19/02/2008) South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006
y separately published work icon Stolen Children of Quentaris Gary Crew , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006 Z1472091 2006 single work children's fiction children's fantasy 'Why did Nordian traders kidnap children from the city of Quentaris? Did they really sell them to the hideous Rodentia, rat king of the Trollantan Mountains? In this spellbinding prequel to The Plague of Quentaris best-selling author Gary Crew reveals all...' Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, www.quentaris.com (Sighted 19/02/2008) South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006
y separately published work icon Pirates of Quentaris Sherryl Clark , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006 Z1474837 2006 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'Kiall and Eena’s father has been thrown in prison for failure to repay merchants for goods lost in a series of disastrous shipwrecks. Desperate to save him, their only option is to go fortune-hunting in the rift caves – but they can’t afford a guide. Kiall decides to sneak onto a pirate ship and travel through the caves. If he can just steal gold from the pirates and bring it back, all will be saved …' (Publication summary)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2006
y separately published work icon Vampires of Quentaris Paul Collins , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2007 Z1471977 2007 single work children's fiction children's fantasy 'Quentaris is at war with Tolrush, draining the city of every able bodied fighter. Famous Quentaran rift guide, Rad de La'rel, is shocked to discover that his beloved city has been left wide open to attack by vampires. Other cities have already fallen to the scourge and Quentaris is next in line...' Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, http://www.quentaris.com (Sighted 19/02/2008) South Melbourne : Lothian , 2007
y separately published work icon Battle for Quentaris Michael Pryor , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2007 Z1471993 2007 single work children's fiction children's fantasy

'[In this last book in] Series One of the Quentaris Chronicles... Nisha and Tal are faced with a challenge that threatens all Quentaris - but one where the response needs to come from the entire city...'

(Source: The Quentaris Chronicles website, http://www.quentaris.com (Sighted 19/02/2008)

South Melbourne : Lothian , 2007

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Place: South Melbourne, South Melbourne - Port Melbourne area, Melbourne - Inner South, Melbourne, Victoria,
First known date: 2003
      2003-2007 .

Works about this Work

The Children's Book Council of Australia Judges' Report 2008 2008 single work column
— Appears in: Reading Time : The Journal of the Children's Book Council of Australia , August vol. 52 no. 3 2008; (p. 3 - 9)
The Ikin Interviews : Paul Collins Van Ikin (interviewer), 2005 single work interview
— Appears in: Aurealis : Australian Fantasy and Science Fiction , no. 36 2005; (p. 108-113)
The Shared-World Scenario Michael Pryor , Paul Collins , 2005 single work column
— Appears in: Australian Bookseller & Publisher , May vol. 84 no. 10 2005; (p. 14)
[Review] The Quentaris Chronicles Kate Forsyth , 2004 single work review
— Appears in: Aurealis : Australian Fantasy and Science Fiction , no. 33/34/35 2004; (p. 265-266)

— Review of The Quentaris Chronicles 2003 series - publisher children's fiction
The Art of Successful Collaboration Michael Pryor , Paul Collins , 2004 single work criticism
— Appears in: Aurealis : Australian Fantasy and Science Fiction , no. 33/34/35 2004; (p. 230-232)
Paul Collins and Michael Pryor describe the creation of the Quentaris Chronicles series.
[Review] The Quentaris Chronicles Kate Forsyth , 2004 single work review
— Appears in: Aurealis : Australian Fantasy and Science Fiction , no. 33/34/35 2004; (p. 265-266)

— Review of The Quentaris Chronicles 2003 series - publisher children's fiction
The Shared World Experience : The Quentaris Chronicles 2003 single work interview
— Appears in: Viewpoint : On Books for Young Adults , Autumn vol. 11 no. 1 2003; (p. 4-5)
The Shared World of Writers and Readers Jane Sullivan , 2003 single work column
— Appears in: The Sunday Age , 9 November 2003; (p. 10)
SF Files Jason Nahrung , 2004 single work column
— Appears in: The Courier-Mail , 10 January 2004; (p. 6)
The Art of Successful Collaboration Michael Pryor , Paul Collins , 2004 single work criticism
— Appears in: Aurealis : Australian Fantasy and Science Fiction , no. 33/34/35 2004; (p. 230-232)
Paul Collins and Michael Pryor describe the creation of the Quentaris Chronicles series.
The Shared-World Scenario Michael Pryor , Paul Collins , 2005 single work column
— Appears in: Australian Bookseller & Publisher , May vol. 84 no. 10 2005; (p. 14)
Last amended 20 Aug 2021 13:27:57
Newspapers:
    Powered by Trove
    X