The Ruins of Ambrai (Exiles, Vol. 1) Hardcover – November 1, 1994 by Melanie Rawn 
Book 1 of 2: Exiles
 
Torn apart in childhood by the intrigues and machinations of their elders, three Mageborn sisters take their stands against one another on opposing sides of a conflict between two powerful schools of magic
 
Amazon.com Review
A thousand years ago, Mageborns fled prejudice and persecution to colonize the planet Lenfell--a perfect refuge for those whose powers were perceived as a threat by people not gifted with magic. But the greater the magic, the greater the peril. Lenfell was soon devastated by a war between rival Mageborn factions that polluted the land with Wild Magic and unleashed hideous specters called Wraithenbeasts. Now, generations later, someone is planning another war on the still crippled planet that will tear three Mageborn sisters apart.
"I am mad (petulant, in fact!) that I can't immediately read book number two in the Exiles trilogy.... Melanie Rawn has established beyond doubt that she is a great writer of fantasy and The Ruins of Ambrai will join the Dragon series in my library of favorites for years to come." --Realms of Fantasy
From Library Journal
Once ravaged by wars between rival factions of mages, the land of Lenfell now strives to maintain peace through the careful restriction of magic. A conspiracy, however, born of the political aspirations of the now-exiled mage-born Lords of Malerris, threatens to plunge the world into chaos once again. Against this background, the author of the popular "Dragon Prince" and "Dragon Star" trilogies begins a new epic adventure that focuses on the destinies of three sisters of unlimited power. Rawn's talent for lush descriptions and complex characterizations provides a broad range of drama, intrigue, romance, and adventure. Her depiction of Lenfell's unique matriarchal society adds further texture to this densely woven fantasy tapestry. Most libraries should consider multiples of this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
 
5.4