The Stoneholding “First Book of the Talamadh”

Authors:  Mark Sebanc & James G Anderson

Publisher:  Stone Harp Press

ISBN:  1-897130-00-7

The following review was contributed by: Theresa Derwin: Click here to read more of Theresa’s reviews.

CLICK HERE TO READ THERESA' INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHORS

A joint collaboration between two writers (Mark Sebanc & James G Anderson), the Stoneholding really does prove the theory that two heads are better than one.  From the first page, this novel delivers; supplying thrills and spills at the drop of a hat, whilst retaining a veneer of authenticity with its Celtic backdrop.  The writing is so seamless it is certainly not apparent that two minds are at work here. 

Brewing with atmosphere, and featuring engaging and charismatic characters, The Stoneholding follows Kallaquin Wright’s journey from Wheelwright’s son to revered Hordanu (a semi-religious figure and adviser and guide to all the of the land of Ahn Norvys.  Among the many new responsibilities unwittingly thrust upon him, he must guard and retrieve the Talamadh (a magical, gilded harp, whose music leads him on his journey) from the Wild Boar, would-be-conqueror of Ahn Norvys.  He must also find the Crown Price Starigan, lost since childhood and the murder of his royal parents, the only one who can relight the Sacred Fire, an element destined to return magic and peace to the kingdom.

As with most fantasy, some of the character and place names sound like someone is choking on a chicken bone, but at least Anderson and Sebane aren’t so pretentious as to offer us a glossary of meanings and pronunciations!  What is notable however is that they have created a real fantasy world, a rich, verdant landscape which lives and breathes.  There is a tendency at times to over focus on this landscape, almost as though the writers are indulging in the creation of their world, but what we are left with is a vibrant, lush setting for Kallaquin’s adventures.

The only concern, and it is a small one, is the fact that The Stoneholding is “Book One of the Talamadh”.  There is a tendency with Fantasy authors of late, to approach any novel with the view that it has to be part of some sequence or other, a mere portion of a Tolkien-esque Tome rather than a novel in its’ own right.  The reader is subsequently forced to invest a substantial amount of time and money in completing, what often becomes, an overlong and overwrought saga, which attempts to emulate (sometimes very badly), Tolkien’s original works.  If there is only “One ring”, we ask, why can’t there be only one book?!!  Don’t let this put you off though.  Anderson and Sebane have not fallen into this trap.  Granted, the novel is “Book One . . .”, but it is also one hell of a yarn.  I look forward, with anticipation, to Book Two.