ISBN: 0-441-18130-9 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
An atmospheric, overly portentous story of coming of age among the darker aspects of Welsh mythology.
Reviewed by David on June 25, 2000
Genre: Fantasy (Romance, Coming of Age, English Village, Celtic)
Synopsis: In a small Welsh village, three young friends are disturbed by the signs eerily reminiscent of the return of ancient Earth magic cycles. Meanwhile, for one of them, the overly generous Owen, the magical spring comes alive with the arrival of mysterious woman that many locals consider a witch. As the cold Spring is succeeded by the incredibly lush Summer, some remember the price that was paid in centuries past for the nature's bounty.
Full Review: With conscious references to the Mabinogion and "Tam Lin", the modern life in a sleepy Welsh village is disturbed by omens of ancient deities. Intentionally ambiguous, the book obscures the line between true and terrifying magic, and equally terrifying delusions. While the main characters are well and sympathetically drawn, the overly ominous development, and the combination of menace and ambiguity, make this book a less than completely satisfying fantasy. In some respects, despite being gore-free, the novel feels more like Horror than Fantasy.
Overall: 4.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1981, Berkley Publishing Group (Ace), June 1981, Mass market paperback, 184 pages
ISBN: 0-441-18130-9 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com