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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing adventures in Alanton Earth,
By
This review is from: Across the Far Mountain (The Wilderness of Four, Book 1) (Paperback)
Across the Far Mountains is book 1 in the four book series Wilderness of the Four.This is a story set in Alanton Earth - a fantasy world location akin to Middle Earth or Narnia.
We are introduced to Borim Bruinthor a cub Bear that has been chosen by unknown powers to be the "Guardian of the Light". Apparently the title refers to an event that happened in the past or will occur in the future that is not the subject of this book - yes, things do get complicated. These Bears are very intelligent, consult lore books and histories and inhabit a semi-feudal, pre-industrial land. The Bear's share the land with other intelligent species; some of which are allies and some enemies.Borim is mysteriously transported to a Bear enclave where he meets for the first time his father Darlin. Darlin is referred to a Lord Darlin and "The Elder". In very short order Borim is informed that he will assuming the titles and leadership responsibilities of Darlin, is assigned tutors who will teach him past and future history, assume sole ownership of the mystical Horn of Bruinthor and told that an attack by very power enemies is immanent and he has to gather and move all his new followers to the Sea. Just to complicated matters Bruinthor has an evil stepbrother, Bern, fathered by his evil uncle Kahn. There are many other plot threads winding throughout this story. Overriding everything is the odd references alluding to knowledge of events already having taken place in either the past or the future. To say the least this is an interesting and challenging book to read. It has been over twenty-five years since any of the four titles in the "Wilderness of the Four" series were last published. Since none of Niel Hancock's titles have been issued in hardbound you won't find a copy in the library. Fortunately for the collector and more importantly for the dedicated reader there are many copies available at reasonable prices on the secondary market. Nonetheless this means that, like myself, you will have to search to find copies of these delightful books. Naturally, you will have to determine if purchasing these books are worth the effort. For new readers I would suggest start at the beginning with this title, "Across the Far Mountains". You will become acquainted with some of the terminology, history, geography and characters that populate Hancock's fantasy world Alanton Earth. During the period 1977 -1991 thirteen Alton Earth books written by Niel Hancock have been published. In these books he has created a rich fantasy landscape with a convoluted history; populated with a multitude of likable characters and detestable enemies. Artifacts with supernatural powers and mystical beings play vital roles at critical junctures in these stories. Many obscure references are made to events that happened in the past or will happen in the future. Some readers may be frankly annoyed when characters say things like: " we have seen these events unfold long ages ago and are certain the outcome will be favorable" or "I know that in the future we will be successful in theses endeavors" and without any further explanation the story resumes. It is evident to this reader that Mr. Hancock has envisioned an overall concept for a grand fantasy epic with a host of characters over a long period of time. His method of bringing this "world" to life is revealed layer through layer in the books. This concept will not work for everyone. It can be confusing and frustrating but also very rewarding if you have decided to go along for the ride. For all these reasons one could only wish for some author's notes, a glossary or a concordance. I am not aware of one, so I have resorted to making notes for my own use in attempting to fathom the world of Alton Earth.
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