A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A TROUBLED MAN

The world of Chimeras is very like our own. But for one difference. In Christopher Evans' evocatively portrayed land, some people have an incredible gift. They can create dazzling works of art from the nothingness of the space before them. Moving statues of incandescent gold shimmer into life, literally out of the air. The very best artists conjure wonderful pageants of soldiers glorious in battle or rich Lords helping the common man. They bring a little magic into the drudgery of the peasants' lives - and re-write history into the bargain.

Chimeras tells the story of Vendavo, the greatest artist of them all. He's the man sought after by Jormalu, the new leader of the ruthless Hierarchy, to produce images, statues and public performances in his honour. Vendavo agrees - it is prestigious work.

But there are rumblings of discontent in the land and rumours of revolution. If it succeeds, Vendavo might be compromised.