published by EOS BOOKS (Harper Collins), March 1999

1999 TIPTREE AWARD LONG LIST

"Leigh's characters bring Mictlan's conflicts alive. Stubborn, loving, angry, conflicted, and most of all frightened, these players reveal a world where both species could lose by winning but where accommodation appears impossible. The resolution of this conflict, featuring both tragedy and hope, is rewarding indeed." -- John R. Alden, reviewing in the Plain Dealer, Cleveland OH

"The richest and most complex novel Leigh has yet written, and one that you will remember long after you have finished reading it." -- Don D'Ammassa in SF Chronicle

"Leigh's Mictlan is a fascinating world and the various human and Miccail cultures are both well-developed and highly believable. His characters, regardless of their species or their sexual apparatus are intensely human, given to making errors and capable of both love and hatred. Even his villains are well rounded... SPEAKING STONES stands on its own as one of the better planetary adventure novels published..." -- Michael Levy in SFRA Review

"The world and the society created here are both fully realized... SPEAKING STONES is an ambitious novel... Leigh makes it work, and work well. I was curious, I was interested, and I was moved." -- Jeri Wright, reviewing for THE SF SITE

"I've been waiting for this one... As usual, Leigh's characterization really shines; it's the characters and setting that drive the show. Take a look at all the nifty supporting material, too... Most highly recommended." -- Elizabeth Barrette, reviewing for Hypatia’s Hoard

"SPEAKING STONES is a mystery and adventure with a dose of science and surprise" -- Sharon Wootton, reviewing in The Herald, Everett, WA

"The complex roots of cultural conflict are explored in this provocative sequel to DARK WATER'S EMBRACE..." -- Locus Magazine

SPEAKING STONES

I enjoyed the fact that I wrote DARK WATER'S EMBRACE in its entirety before I tried to sell it -- no deadlines, no pressure, and I could take all the time I wanted. I was sorely tempted to try that tactic again. What stopped me was the fact that since SPEAKING STONES takes place in the same world, I realistically had only one publisher who would buy it unless DWE happened to be a full-blown, award-winning best seller. I wasn't willing to take nine months to a year to write something that wouldn't have a home if Avon turned it down.

They didn't. Which, by the way, made me extremely happy -- Jennifer Brehl is flat-out the best editor I've ever come across, and I intend to work with her as long as possible. She looked at the outline and sample chapter, and bought it plus a "science fiction book to be named later."

SPEAKING STONES is not a sequel, precisely -- it takes place a century later and thus the main characters are not those of DWE, nor are the issues surrounding their conflict the same. Where DWE explored sexuality and the reproductive imperative, SPEAKING STONES explores cultural shifts, racial prejudice, and the inevitable conflicts that arise.

Overall, I think it's on a par with DARK WATER'S EMBRACE, and I'm pleased. No, I'm very pleased. SPEAKING STONES, for the record, was dedicated to Susan Bennett, whose friendship I treasure.

Order SPEAKING STONES from amazon