Red Moon and Black Mountain

Rating:
Summary: Role Models in Fantasy
Review: I came across this book in a used book store, and when I finished, I was astounded that I had never run across this author before. As the mother of three sons, I found the lessons of this story about honor, responsibility and commitment to be very valuable. Perhaps it is old-fashioned to want those virtues for your child in today's world, but I intend to try and impart them. This book was as exciting and action filled as any Lloyd Alexander ever wrote, with a bitter-sweet ending highlighting the theme of sacrifice of self for a greater ideal.

Rating:
Summary: Underrated classic fantasy
Review: I have been reading science fiction for many years. Most of the time, I do not enjoy pure "fantasy" novels, Tolkien being a major exception. This novel is the other major exception. While not as "deep" in some ways as Tolkien's work, the mythic and archetypal qualities of the characters are just as moving. The writing is superb, as well. This is more than a book for children! Even if you don't usually like fantasy novels, try this one!

Rating:
Summary: Underrated classic fantasy
Review: I have been reading science fiction for many years. Most of the time, I do not enjoy pure "fantasy" novels, Tolkien being a major exception. This novel is the other major exception. While not as "deep" in some ways as Tolkien's work, the mythic and archetypal qualities of the characters are just as moving. The writing is superb, as well. This is more than a book for children! Even if you don't usually like fantasy novels, try this one!

Rating:
Summary: An Old Favorite
Review: My father owned this book in hardcover, and it was one of the first fantasy books I ever read, and still one of my favorites. No one I know has heard of it, and I always recommend it to them. It is thrillingly well-crafted, the characters have real depth and the mythology of the world Joy Chant created is rich, fulfilling, and believable. This book is a definite must-read for anyone who considers themself to be a fantasy fan. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: An Old Favorite
Review: My father owned this book in hardcover, and it was one of the first fantasy books I ever read, and still one of my favorites. No one I know has heard of it, and I always recommend it to them. It is thrillingly well-crafted, the characters have real depth and the mythology of the world Joy Chant created is rich, fulfilling, and believable. This book is a definite must-read for anyone who considers themself to be a fantasy fan. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: One of the greats
Review: This is a jewel. When I first read it thirty years ago, more than a decade after I'd discovered Tolkien and fantasy fiction, it did not particularly touch me. While it remained in my bookcase, I never revisited it as I have so many other books of that era. How fortunate, then, this rereading.
What Red Moon/Black Mountain gives up to Tolkien in, say, scope and history, it recoups in anthropological richness. Ms Chant thoroughly understands the culture of her peoples and their day-to-day lives in the way that Tolkien knows their languages. At the same time, she gives up nothing at all to C. S. Lewis in the realm of religion and allegory. And she surpasses all fantasy writers I have read in character development. Oliver's journey from child to warrior to something beyond, though stilted at first, takes on the heartbreaking beauty of the best of Cormac McCarthy.
I was puzzled when the great confrontation with the evil one came with 60 pages remaining. But it is those last 60 pages that takes this book from fine fantasy into the realm of fine literature.
Not to be missed!