Description:

This lavish hardback edition of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen is published to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Alan Garner's seminal fantasy masterpiece. Featuring a beautiful new design, and a foreword by Alan himself, it is a must-have collector's item for any lover of great children's fiction. When Colin and Susan are pursued by eerie creatures across Alderley Edge, they are saved by the Wizard. He takes them into the caves of Fundindelve, where he watches over the enchanted sleep of one hundred and forty knights. But the heart of the magic that binds them -- Firefrost, also known as the Weirdstone of Brisingamen -- has been lost. The Wizard has been searching for the stone for more than 100 years, but the forces of evil are closing in, determined to possess and destroy its special power. Colin and Susan realise at last that they are the key to the Weirdstone's return. But how can two children defeat the Morrigan and her deadly brood?

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7–Alan Garners 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 mothers 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
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Review

"Madoc exhibits his classical training at the RSC in his use of dialects, guttural pronouncements, and screams as the children and their protectors fight for their very lives. Selections of music composed by Arnold Bax lend an aura of creepy menace and gloom to selected sections throughout." -- Lolly Gepson "Booklist - July 2006"