The Tales of Tanglewood: The Lon Dubh Whistle
by Scott Michael Kessman
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Book Summary Information
Author: Scott Michael KessmanEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-12-01
ISBN: 0980178010
Number of pages: 180
Publisher: Helm Publishing
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780980178012
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Tales of Tanglewood: The Lon Dubh Whistle
Book Review: Great for the kids.
Summary: 5 Stars
Colin thought he was just an ordinary kid, until he discovered Tanglewood, a mysterious, magical world visible only to those with the blood of the fey coursing through their veins. Tanglewood is a wood within a wood, hidden away from the world of man by magic. But Colin has stumbled into it, unaware that his very presence will have adverse effects on the world of elves, sprites, brownies, and other fey creatures. Some of the fey aren't as welcoming as others and Colin will soon find out the dangers of being amongst the magic wielding residents of Tanglewood.
Kessman's novel is written for a much younger audience than I am used to. It fits within that range for kids who might just be reading on their own, or maybe still have their parents reading to them. Basically, this is a novel you could read to your children at whatever age it is that you're reading works like Stuart Little and the like. If that makes sense, then good. As a novel for a much younger audience, the language and the story is a bit more simplistic than what you might be used to. But if you've got younger children, this might be a good book for them. The up side is that the story is easy to follow, the characters are pretty likable and fun, and there is plenty of magical intrigue.
Much of Tanglewood revolves around Irish mythology and folklore. There are sprites and pixies, brownies and elves (not the really tall Tolkien variety, but the traditional folklore type), and, of course, magic. I think one of the interesting things about the magic is that the story doesn't revolve around it. The climax of the story involves magic, but much of what Colin has to do in order to succeed at his "quest" doesn't involve magic at all. This is sort of one of those stories where the main character has to overcome overwhelming odds by his or her own personal integrity, rather than by any sort of special powers he or she may possess.
There are two problems with the novel, in my opinion. One is that it is a little too short. I think it could do with another thirty pages to expand the plot. I know it is meant for a younger audience, but I think that perhaps Kessman is thinking a little too young and could probably benefit from opening up a bit. Since this is the first book in a proposed series there is plenty of time to expand and show a little more of Colin's age.
Overall I think that Kessman's novel is a good book for younger readers. You could have a blast reading it to your kids or even having them read it on their own. The descriptions paint a beautiful picture of Tanglewood and its creatures and there is plenty of the magical beauty that tends to enchant younger readers in the first place (you know, that same sort of magical beauty that drew us all into Harry Potter, except here it is the intrigue that grabs those younger readers). Probably one of the strongest elements beyond being enchanting are the characters. Colin is a strong lead, with Ailfrid and Deidre as good seconds who offer two counter personalities. Together they intermingle well, with Colin acting out the character that doesn't really know much and is a bit unsure of himself, and the other two filling in for his lack of knowledge and offering a bit of additional tension to the already tense plot.
So, if you're interested in something magical and entertaining to read to your kids or for your kids to read, then this is worth giving a shot. Why not search for Tanglewood yourself?
Summary of The Tales of Tanglewood: The Lon Dubh Whistle
Tales of Tanglewood: The Lon Dubh Whistle melds together influences of Celtic and Irish mythology with modern-day folklore, and is a fantasy novel to be enjoyed and cherished by all ages. Within the pages of this tome you will find the adventures of Colin, a child who is fully aware of the hidden world of myth and wonder hiding within the woods just beyond his home, long kept secret by old magic. Only the fey magic which runs through his veins has enabled him to find what others cannot; the Tanglewood, the wood within the woods. Full of odd characters and fey beings, the Tanglewood is a world of magnificent folklore come to life.Mythology Books
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