Awards
Winner of the World Fantasy Award
Synopses & Reviews
Myth and Terror in the Forest DeepsThe mystery of Ryhope Wood, Britain's last fragment of primeval forest, consumed George Huxley's entire long life. Now, after his death, his sons have taken up his work. But what they discover is numinous and perilous beyond all expectation.
For the Wood, larger inside than out, is a labyrinth full of myths come to life, "mythagos" that can change you forever. A labyrinth where love and beauty haunt your dreams. . .and may drive you insane.
"Utterly enthralling."
--Times Literary Supplement
"Robert Holdstock's is one of the voices at the very heart of modern fantasy."
-Guy Gavriel Kay
"One of the strangest, most beautiful and most compelling fantasies I have ever read. A marvel of a book." --Keith Roberts
Review
"Although it takes its time getting started, and occasionally reminds us that it was expanded from a short story, this is a winning novel with a fine feeling for the interface between airy dreams and sweaty reality." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Beautifully written and conceived....Some books are hard to put down. I found Mythago Wood hard to shake off." The New York Times
Review
"Indescribably enchanting...a fantasy which celebrates immensity of love...should be read several times." Spectator
Review
"Utterly enthralling." Times Literary Supplement
Review
"Classic yet original setting....A haunting book...Holdstock's best." The Guardian
Review
"Robert Holdstock's is one of the voices at the very heart of modern fantasy."
Guy Gavriel Kay
Review
"One of the strangest, most beautiful and most compelling fantasies I have ever read. A marvel of a book." Keith Roberts
Synopsis
Myth and Terror in the Forest DeepsThe mystery of Ryhope Wood, Britain's last fragment of primeval forest, consumed George Huxley's entire long life. Now, after his death, his sons have taken up his work. But what they discover is numinous and perilous beyond all expectation.
For the Wood, larger inside than out, is a labyrinth full of myths come to life, "mythagos" that can change you forever. A labyrinth where love and beauty haunt your dreams. . .and may drive you insane.
About the Author
Robert Holdstock is a "Man of Kent" (from east of the Medway) and shared his childhood years between the bleak Romney Marsh and the dense woods of the Kentish heartlands, which inspired the Mythago Cycle of stories. After nine years as a full-time student, specializing in medical zoology, he became a full-time writer in 1975. He lives in London, but escapes to the forest whenever possible.
With each new novel he publishes, Robert Holdstock receives further awards and praise. Mythago Wood won the World Fantasy Award and was heralded by Alan Garner as "A new expression of the British genius for true fantasy." Lavondyss won the BSFA Award and was described by The Independent as "Magical...it is rare to find a sequel which measures up to its original; but Lavondyss surpasses it." His collection of novellas and short stories, The Bone Forest, was hailed by The Times as "Time-stopping stuff from one of Britain's best fantasists...a myth maker of originality." Merlin's Wood was published to wide acclaim and was described by Interzone as "sinuous, powerful and wise."