The Weirdstone of Brisingamen: A Tale of Alderley

by Alan Garner, Philip Madoc (Read by)

Overview

Two children battle Evil itself in this fantasy classic. "Marvelously exciting . . . the story is ferocious and deeply felt."—New Statesman "A piece of marvelously sustained invention. . . . A fine, new-mint book with echoes in it from the best of the old."—(London) Times Literary Supplement

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789626343968
Publisher:	Naxos Audiobooks Ltd.
Publication date:	03/28/2006
Series:	Junior Classics Series
Edition description:	Unabridged, 6 CDs, 7 hours
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 5.00(h) x 0.98(d)
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

About the Author

ALAN GARNER is the award-winning author of Elidor, The Owl Service, and The Stone Book Quartet. He lives in Cheshire, England.

Editorial Reviews

Garner spins a good yarn, with wizards, good and evil, dwarves, dragons, an amulet, and a quest. But this one was originally written in 1968, and the style is somewhat dated. The children are too naive for their ages, the action is a little slow, and the solutions to various problems are predictable. Mid-grade kids might enjoy it. 1960 (orig.

Children's Literature - Judy Silverman

Gr 4-7-Alan Garner's novel (CollinsVoyager, pap. 2002), first published in 1960, is a classic multilayered British fantasy with dwarves, elves, wizards, goblins, and a shape-shifter. Listeners may be challenged by the many complex names, places, and creatures that make up the story, which has its basis in Celtic and Norse mythology. The protagonists, Susan and Collin, go to Alderley Edge in Cheshire to stay with their mother's former nurse while their parents are abroad. They immediately set out to explore the countryside and set magical events in motion. In the forest, they stumble upon the great wizard who watches over 140 sleeping knights and their horses who are awaiting the time when it will be necessary for them to save the world from evil. Susan realizes that a stone in her bracelet is the famous Firefrost, whose powerful magic safeguards the knights. When her moonstone is stolen, an adventure-laden quest ensues to recapture the stone from the forces of evil. The story is continued in a sequel, The Moon of Gomrath. Philip Madoc reads with a strong, deep voice, effecting the right mood for the menacing events that unfold. The haunting musical interludes between chapters add to the suspense. A good purchase for libraries with comprehensive fantasy audiobook collections. Fans of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis will enjoy this title.-Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

"Marvelously exciting . . . the story is ferocious and deeply felt."—New Statesman

 

From the Publisher