Chestnut Soldier (The Magician Trilogy) (Hardcover)

by Jenny Nimmo (Author)
Key Phrases: broken horse, Evan Llÿr, Gwydion Gwyn, Betty Lloyd (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-7-- This suspenseful fantasy concludes the trilogy begun in Snow Spider (1987) and continued in Orchard of the Crescent Moon (1989, both Dutton). Like the others, it is set in a village in the hills of Wales, with their aura of mystery and danger. Much the strongest of the three books, Soldier draws heavily on the second part of the Mabinogion tales. In the first book, young Gwyn Griffiths was given responsibility for guarding a tiny chestnut-wood horse that contained the restless, angry spirit of Efnisien, the mad dark prince of the old tale. Gwyn is careless with the horse, and the prince's negative energy is inadvertently released. Immediately, it finds its way into the soul of a troubled Welsh soldier visiting in the village. Disturbing events ensue, and Gwyn knows who is responsible. He also knows that he must use his inherited magic powers to recapture it before greater harm is done. He tries several spells but the maleficence proves too strong for him. He calls on his grandmother, and on his friend Nia, the heroine of the second book, and on his ancient uncle Gwydion, the magician of Mabinogion fame. With their help, the spirit is recaptured and peace is restored. Nimmo has skillfully woven the ancient story into the modern one, making it accessible to those who do not know the legend. This satisfying fantasy introduces young readers to the genre, and to other works that draw on the ancient Welsh legends, such as those by Lloyd Alexander, Susan Cooper, and Alan Garner. --Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VT
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Each book in the Magician Trilogy takes place two years after the last and grows in length and complexity. Here, in the final volume, Gwyn, the young Welsh magician who first discovered his powers in The Snow Spider (2006), grows uneasy about his friend Nia and her family after their cousin, a soldier with a mysterious past, comes to live with them. As in Alan Garner's classic The Owl Service (1967), a Welsh legend seems to be working its dramatic power through the lives of contemporary characters. Although this has its confusing moments, ultimately, it's a rewarding fantasy, especially for fans. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Orchard Books (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439846773
• ISBN-13: 978-0439846776
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,576 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #11 in

  Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( N ) > Nimmo, Jenny

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, July 29, 1998

By	jennie42 (AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chestnut Soldier (Hardcover)

My mom brought the whole series back from England for me when I was about 11 years old, I'm 19 now and I wish I hadn't given away my copies! It's a wonderful book, especially for kids (and adults!) who are fascinated by myths and magic. I loved it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the three book series, May 18, 2000

By	James Bow "Writer, The Unwritten Girl" (Kitchener, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Chestnut Soldier (Hardcover)

Jenny Nimmo's trilogy started by The Snow Spider, continued with Emlyn's Moon and finished with The Chestnut Soldier is all eminently readible children's fantasy literature for all ages. The series, however, has an interesting trait in that it appears to mature from one book to the next. The Snow Spider has the youngest feel of the series, with our hero just turned nine. The Chestnut Soldier deals with more mature themes as the hero turns thirteen. Coincidence?

The Chestnut Soldier is the best of the series, with a strong writing style, complex characters and a good storyline. This series is rare, but well worth getting your hands on. I highly recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is best of the Magician Trilogy!, August 24, 2007

A Kid's Review

I rated this book a 4 because sometimes it exciting but i didn't get a big thrill like "oh my gosh that was so awesome!" I just kept reading and and usually the ending in the rest of the Magician Trilogy books, it just ends with a BAM!If you haven't read the rest of the Magician Trilogy read it!The Magician Trilogy are just like Jenny Nimmo's other series of books Charlie Bone!There big just a bit, but very exciting!If you would compare these books to Harry Potter books Harry Potter books would be better (no offense to Jenny Nimmo!).