More effusive praise for Patricia A. McKillip’s World Fantasy Award-winner THE FORGOTTEN BEASTS OF ELD. The new edition is now available in paperback and for the first time as an ebook.

For FANTASY LITERATURE, Jana Nyman recommends the novel.

The prose of THE FORGOTTEN BEASTS OF ELD is generally lovely, if occasionally over-laden with descriptive adjectives or similes, and it’s easy to see why this short novel won the 1975 World Fantasy Award and is a perennial favorite for many fantasy readers. For a novel published so early in an author’s life, it’s remarkably well-written, and it’s no wonder McKillip has enjoyed such a long and well-respected career. Recommended for YA and adult fans of Arthurian myths, fine poetry, and high fantasy.

THE EMERALD CITY BOOK REVIEW enjoys their first reading of the classic book.

Though McKillip’s early novel has become a classic of fairy-tale-flavored fiction, a favorite genre of mine, I’ve somehow managed not to read it until now. I’m so glad I finally did, thanks to a new, beautifully designed paperback and e-book edition from Tachyon books. This is a lyrical, thoughtful exploration of love and power, pride and forgiveness and freedom, rich with evocative imagery and resonant language. I’ve already read it twice in a row, and I’m sure I’ll be returning to it again.

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Though it has no external connection to Arthurian legend, there are thematic resonances in this tale of love lost and betrayed, of powerful, magical women, of the double-edged sword of passion and revenge. So I’m very excited that thanks to Tachyon, I’m able to offer a giveaway of this lovely book during Witch Week: Dreams of Arthur, taking place from October 31 to November 6 — plus another one of their new publications.

Photo: Stephen Gold/Wikimedia Commons

Sheila Goicea at SHE’S GOING BOOK CRAZY praises the fantasy.

A book like this is intimidating to pick up. Not because it is mundane, nor because it is necessarily daunting (although it is, in a way). No, my friends. This book entails every aspect that fantasy writing is about, and it is truly breathtaking. Being disappointed with other fantasy reads after this book is why it is intimidating.

Compared to the writing of today’s YA novels, this book automatically takes the lead in its overall quality. Its writing style, detail to plot and meaningfulness are (in my opinion) so much more when compared to what is out there today.

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Random side note: I think that Sybel is the original white-haired, dragon wielding heroine. Not Khaleesi.

4.5 stars.

For more info about THE FORGOTTEN BEASTS OF ELD, visit the Tachyon page.

Cover by Thomas Canty