Beyond Sanctuary
By: by Janet Morris.
Series: Thieves' world; Beyond series; Sacred Band of Stepsons series
Publisher: Distributed by Simon and Schuster
Published: 1985
Place of publication: New York, USA
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 312
First sentence: In the archmage's sumptuous purple bedroom, the woman astride him took two pins from her silver-shot hair.
Description: A Science Fiction Book Selection and first of the "Beyond" series about Tempus and the Sacred Band of Stepsons.

This first "authorized" 'Thieves World Novel begins with "Wizard Weather," the story that introduced to Thieves' World many of the Sacred Band of Stepsons, and takes the Sacred Band far 'beyond' Thieves' World, to ancient Nisibis and the mountains of Wizardwall, where the Stepsons and Tempus fight mages and the expanding empire of Mygdonia.  Mixing ancient history and epic fantasy, Morris begins her trilogy of 'Beyond' novels, among the most fascinating in fiction, with a book that transcends mere fantasy and enters the realm of myth.  As always, Morris mixes sexuality, philosophy, religion, mythology and military history with fantasy.  Her ancient cavalry fighters, paired lovers and friends, fight for the freedom of Nisibis against foes both human and supernatural.  Unforgettable characters in a heart-stopping adventure.
Notes: "A Baen hardcover.  A Science fiction book club selection.  An Ace paperback.  An Homeric series-opener that stands alone.  "Beyond the Veil" comes next in this series.  Based on the Sacred Band of Thebes, Tempus'  Sacred Band of Stepsons include male couples, lovers and friends among the heroes of this elite war-band.  Gods, witches, necromants and sorcerers enliven the mix.  This book mixes pre-Socratic philosophy, violence, warfare, and sexual situations, tastefully handled, and often follows the ancient Greek model.  Sophisticated horsemanship and ancient military action for the horse and ancient military fans.