The Weirdstone Of Brisingamen

While vacationing with their Mother's ancient nurse in Wales, young Colin and Susan come to learn of the Legend of Alderley, a story of mystery and magic. Obviously, at first it's simply an enjoyable story, an integral part of the countryside's peculiar charm. And then an odd woman, who some call a witch, attempts to lure them into her car. This is just the start of the excitement and danger. When bizarre creatures come scuttling from the Devil's Grave, Colin and Susan quickly realize that the stories are real and the only thing that can help them now is an old but precious family heirloom of Susan's.Why it's on the listThis tale is well paced and well written. Lord of the Rings meets Harry Potter in an easy-reading book written for kids but just as great of a story for adults.It's an exciting fantasy tale, the more so because it is woven into the hidden nooks and crannies of our own modern-day world - unlike Tolkien and Alexander. You never know when you might look behind a standing stone, only to find a stromkarl chanting a spell while other passers-by would see nothing but a little man humming to himself. The Weirdstone of Brisingamen is, all in all, full of noble and wicked characters whose endless battle leaks over into the world of men and sweeps up the two children, carrying them along in a tide of calamitous events. Luckily they are aided by their friend Gowther Mossock.....an old and wizened farmer who, even though he is surrounded by the cynicism of his world, is still able to have faith in the old ways.This is a delightful little book and one that is guaranteed to keep readers, young and old alike, absorbed through a rainy afternoon. The author has a gift for story-telling and a lovely, slightly quaint style reminiscent of Tolkien or Lewis, and his sensitive use of language really helps to bring his vision and imagination to life. He also paints his scenery and settings beautifully, so that the reader is transported without much difficulty into a world of dark mines and loathsome goblins, deep mysterious woods and enchanted knights.Read if you likeClassic Fairytales.