Alan Garner Reviews

Added December 9, 2007

The Moon of Gomrath

A Tale of Alderley

Author: Alan Garner
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc.
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: October 2006 - Reissue
Genre: Young Adult: Fantasy
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $6.95
ISBN-10: 0-15-205630-0
ISBN-13: 9780152056308
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

The Moon of Gomrath is fantasy adventure at its best. This novel is the sequel to The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and to understand the key points and character relationships, it should be read first. The author's deep interest in British folklore and mythology is evident in both of these books, and allows him to bring a sense of wonder and fear to the world he has created.

The Moon of Gomrath begins when the elves borrow the enchanted bracelet that Susan received in the previous story. This removes the magical protection she had, making her vulnerable to the powers of the Brollachan. After this ancient creature of evil possesses her, Colin secures the help of the wizard, Cadellin Silverbrow to restore her. Yet, in the process, a remnant of the Old Magic is released, which no longer has a place in this world. A shattering clash of sorcery ensues, as the powers struggle to reclaim their supremacy, heedless of the ultimate destruction that litters their paths.

Opening this book is like walking through a portal into a magical realm. There is an exhilarating sense of restrained power in these pages, as the characters walk among the mythical forces. The story steadily moves forward, increasing its rhythm, and the heartbeats of readers, as the climax approaches. This world was created with attention to minute details, yet the author writes with simplicity, sketching the outlines of this realm while hinting at the marvelous energy it encompasses. The children, Susan and Colin, along with the wizard Cadellin, play their parts to perfection, offering readers a stirring combination of hero qualities: ones that are alternately innocent and wise, weak and mighty.

Alan Garner's imaginative writing style seems to encourage his audience to come alongside him and experience the story with their own senses. He doesn't explain every facet of his fantasy world, rather, he causes these truths to be introduced through actions and dialogues. This makes the book appealing on several levels. As young readers revel in the very real element of danger, taking the story line at face value, an older audience senses the subtle power plays and mystical dynamism that tremble beneath the already powerful plot line.

Consider The Moon of Gomrath an orb of numinous luminosity.

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