Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Patricia A McKillip - The Forgotten Beasts of Eld

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a classic fantasy that is a must-read for anyone who enjoys the genre.

A young woman raised alone as a wizard can call and control the greatest and most wondrous beasts of the world. She has great power but has little knowledge of the 'real' world.

She learns what it means to be human among people through raising a baby and falling in love and marrying. Through self-knowledge she finds the most sought-after magical creature, and also happiness with her son and husband.

A well-written story. There is not a wasted word in the crafting of this fable/fantasy. The characters are well-defined and well-placed within the story. Even minor characters and once-off names and events fit the story's smooth-flowing pace towards its satisfying conclusion.

After reading so many Forgotten Realms books one after another it was refreshing to read a book in the same genre that is not a cookie-cutter swords-and-sorcery adventure.

I'd place this book in the top ten greatest fantasy classics.

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