Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
From Manchester, England, the four Watson children are transported to the land of Elidor in this fantasy that brims with classic components of the genre. Ages 10-up. (Mar.)
Children's Literature - Children's Literature
Shrouded in fantasy, this fiction book quickly draws the reader into the magical yet vanishing world of Elidor. The main characters, the Watson children, stumble upon the dying world of Elidor through a chance adventure that leads them to meet Malebron. The tale becomes more complex as readers learn that the Watson children hold the key to restoration of the once enchanting world of Elidor. Malebron sets the children on their path with little more than his words of encouragement as well as the Four Treasures, which they are commanded to cherish as the future of Elidor depends on these items. The children return home with these treasures and slowly learn the connection between Elidor and these treasures. The author paints a detailed story while the suspense mounts. Courage, faith and justice in helping restore Elidor keep the Watson children committed. This story will be a thrilling, exciting read for any child who enjoys fantasy-fiction literature. 1999 (orig. 1965), Magic Carpet Books/Harcourt Brace & Company, Ages 12 up, $23.98, $13.40 and $6.00. Reviewer: Melinda Tierney
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8Alan Garner's book (Philomel, 1965) comes alive in this production. The four Watson children explore an abandoned street in post-World War II England. When they go inside a ruined church, they are transported to another land--Elidor. Roland, the youngest boy, meets Malebron, a once powerful man, who begs the children for help. An ancient prophecy tells of their coming and saving Elidor and its treasures. Malebron sends the children back to their world to safeguard the treasures. Roland leads the children on their fateful and often dangerous quest. Full of requisite fantasy elements, this story regales listeners with tales of singing unicorns, dark and evil forces, far-off castles, and the heroic adventures of a young boy. Reader Garard Green (of BBC fame) has a clear, strong voice suitable for this tale. Since the story is heavy on dialogue, he only changes voices slightly. His British accent is easy to understand. The story moves along at a fast pace, with elements of adventure and fantasy at every corner. This fantasy could make new fans of the genre, and should entertain those already familiar with this type of tale.Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Washington Co., OR
Victoria Strauss
Elidor is steeped in legend and folklore...Gorgeously written and thematically fascinating...Garner's vision of faery is wondrous and even beautiful, but always strange and often fearful.
— SF Site
From the Publisher
Funny and wise” Cressida Cowell, author of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’Praise for The Phantom Tollbooth:‘An altogether remarkable book, one that should delight any bright child, and that will be no burden for a parent to read aloud. Related with unflagging wit and a marvellous sense of the fun to be had with words, this book will be enjoyed by children for years to come.’ SpectatorPraise for Elidor:‘Each detail, ordinary or sinister, establishes atmosphere, background or character exactly. Elidor is a remarkable book: intelligent, rich and terrifying.’TLSPraise for The Sword in the Stone:‘One of the most significant books in my life…One of the greatest and most influential fantasy novels of the last hundred years.”Garth Nix
