Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing, unsettling and a really good read
Review: Although not the first Phil Rickman book I read I would rank this as one of my favourites. Set in West Wales and dealing with the themes of Welsh nationalism and incomers this book has a lot of tongue in cheek truth in it. If you like a good story, a little goriness, a lot of suspense and enjoy folklore I would recommend this book and, indeed, all of his books. One or two of his books have taken a while to grab me but by the end of every one I have been sad to reach the end of a really good read.Rickman should not be regarded simply as a horror writer - he crosses genre - crime/suspense/etc - and has a wonderful knack of creating characters full of wry humour and human failings. He is a writer who is often sadly missing from book shop shelves whilst lesser writers are easily found!
Rating: 
Summary: Candlenight
Review: I bought this book because the story line was intriguing. It ended up being far from anything that I had expected. I enjoyed being introduce to Wales, but the book was a catastrophe. I kept having to go back and re-read to see if I had missed something, because I couldn't figure out how the author had gotten where he was. The only way you will enjoy this book is if you are looking for something to pass the time (time seemed to drag the entire time I was reading it). I can't believe I forced myself to finish it, but I kept hoping that something would happen that would justify the time and money spent. The book ended, but the story seemed like it was laying ground for a sequel. I hope that the author has the sense to leave it where it died.
Rating:
Summary: Candlenight
Review: I bought this book because the story line was intriguing. It ended up being far from anything that I had expected. I enjoyed being introduce to Wales, but the book was a catastrophe. I kept having to go back and re-read to see if I had missed something, because I couldn't figure out how the author had gotten where he was. The only way you will enjoy this book is if you are looking for something to pass the time (time seemed to drag the entire time I was reading it). I can't believe I forced myself to finish it, but I kept hoping that something would happen that would justify the time and money spent. The book ended, but the story seemed like it was laying ground for a sequel. I hope that the author has the sense to leave it where it died.
Rating:
Summary: Impressive debut.
Review: I discovered Phil Rickman by accident about 10 years ago when I came across "Curfew" also known as "Crybbe", and it's been a very satisfying and reliable relationship.
Candlenight has it's rough spots in comparison with his later works but compared with the drivil that is so shamelessly flogged on the best seller lists, this effort is stellar! The story is cohesive and teases on the paranormal rather than completely turning itself over to the horror genre.
WARNING! Phil Rickman is a REAL writer. To enjoy his books you must be capable of paying attention and processing information. Since this book is a mystery you will be invited to figure things out for yourself and there will be no spoonfeeding of easy give-aways, and clues. If this isn't you then go find something more digestable on the New York Times best seller list.
Rating: 
Summary: Gripping but not that scary
Review: I enjoyed Candlenight much more for its descriptions of modern Wales than for its plot. The synopsis makes it sound like a fast paced horror novel, but it isn't. I'm not sure if it was the constant switching between Wales and England, or just the fact that there are so many characters, but I felt lost. The horror part of the story is subtle and well-done, but it builds very slowly. The resolution was gripping, but the evil in Y Groes wasn't explained very well. If you're used to gore piled on top of terror, Candlenight won't suit you. If you're interested in Wales, however, you can learn some fascinating things.
Rating:
Summary: Candlenight .....was the first....and just the beginning!!!
Review: I found CANDLENIGHT,first... not having ever heard of or read anything by Phil Rickman.....seeing it was endorsed by S. King was a bit of a plug to get my hand tugging at this book on the shelf....and it led to my hungered search for anything else I could find by this extraordinary, original (in a class of his own), and stunningly gifted writer. I was so happy to find a book of quality length and even more so quality of content of story. I opened it up and the journey began. I found unique blending of a fiction story, enterwoven with Wales own history and beliefs, I found clarification of wording, places, and understanding of this culture of people, and I found myself looking over my shoulder a lot! It is that smouldering awareness of perhaps there is some truth to tales, and it frames ones allure of 'all is right with the world uh huh' in giving ones mind that edge of wonder, and doubting that "all is right...." . Making sure the doors are locked, and feeling that it really won't matter...and still not being able to explain this to anyone who has not read Mr. Rickmans outstanding works. I finally felt that I had found a 'genre' of the type of books that dug inside and grabbed at many different feelings, that truly I could not put down...to the point of having on hand at least two copies...one for home, the other to go with me in my backpack. I am left feeling that bit of unsettledness that causes me to be ever in search of another book by him...and another...and I finally found an author who pulls me right into his creation-hesitating or not.......fearfull or not....ready or not.....and I would not miss it for anything. READ the works by this man...you won't regreat a single hour, a single page....CANDLENIGHT was my introduction to him, then followed with CURFEW (CRYBBE), third DECEMBER....I am find that this, in retrospect, was a good way to begin this journey...I just want to be able to access in the U.S. the rest of his works..and thank goodness that is coming true.
Rating: 
Summary: Engrossing, but...
Review: I have to agree with several reviewers who were disappointed with the ending. Leaves one a bit unsatisfied. However, Rickman's an interesting enough writer to send me looking for his other books.
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing, but...
Review: I have to agree with several reviewers who were disappointed with the ending. Leaves one a bit unsatisfied. However, Rickman's an interesting enough writer to send me looking for his other books.
Rating:
Summary: Atmospheric, but slow.
Review: If you're interested in either Welsh folklore or politics, you might want to read this book. As a story, though, it failed to really grab me. Though the characters are very likable and Rickman gives us a good "feel" for the setting, the plot meandered far too much. Cut out the by-election subplot (which didn't seem to have any relevance in the end anyway) and the book would have been half as long. After building up the mystery of Y Groes with hints here and there, we never really learn anything. Kind of disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: awful waste of time
Review: It was a jumbled mess that starts with a promise for good supernatural action and falls on its face. Terrible. Save your time and money.
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