The Stoneholding: First Book of the Talamadh (Paperback)

by Mark James (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Great Harmony of Ardiel lies rent asunder. Darkness looms over the ancient world of Ahn Norvys, a world steeped in legend. Kalaquinn Wright, green in years and understanding, is torn from his pastoral life in a remote highland clanholding and thrust out onto a broader stage in a journey of escape and discovery. As night covers Ahn Norvys, he must save what remains of truth and beauty and discover his destiny beyond the Stoneholding.

From the Publisher
First book in a beautifully wrought new fantasy series, with original cover art by Ted Nasmith, renowned Tolkien illustrator, who says of the book: "When I read it, I enjoyed it thoroughly, marveling at Mark James' talent for creating memorable characters, a very compelling plot, and a consistently sustained faery world rich in lore, names and mystery. While it's comparable (naturally) to Tolkien, the author is clearly drawing from the wider Celtic tradtions, and in ways Tolkien never explored. The concept of the harmony which protects Good is marvelous and deep. I cannot imagine what more a discerning reader could ask for in a work of fantasy."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: Stoneharp Press (October 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897130007
• ISBN-13: 978-1897130001
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,473,065 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Whole New World, February 28, 2005

By	Gonzalo Morán (Havana City, Cuba) - See all my reviews

When you are a Tolkien fan (as I am) you can't expect to find anything more descriptive than Middle Earth. The way Tolkien told his creation to the human world is awesome.... Now I can't say any longer that Middle Earth is the only place that you can close your eyes and you're there due to the way that is described.... Now we have Arvon too to feel that amazing landscape all around us. No wonder after reading the book why Ted Nasmith painted such an incredible cover. From the very beginning I was captured by the way in which Mark James shows me all the characters, all the actions, but most of all the landscape of "The Stoneholding". I consider myself a privileged person for having this book and I can't wait to read the other two. For those who are asking themselves who I am....Well I'm a Cuban Tolkien Fan who'd never imagined to feel, with another book, the same sensation I feel when I read something related to Middle Earth. I'm glad to see I was wrong. Thanks Mark & James for "The Stoneholding"

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, April 25, 2007

By	M. A. Switzler (Garden Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book deserves to have a fan base the size of another series, not written half as well as this one; you know, the one that concerns a blue dragon and her rider. This book is wonderful in all areas: world building, character development, adventure and excitment. Would that the writers had the free time to complete the second and third books fast enough to satisfy this reader's anxious waiting.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Stoneholding is an exceptional tale, March 21, 2005

By	Wendy Shepherd "(WendyShepherd.com / StudioMa... (Emmitsburg, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I thought "The Stoneholding" was exceptional! It quenched my thirst for good literature. It is a creative new wondrous tale that I found hard to put down. I am happy to add it to my treasured collection of books that include JRR Tolkien's writings. I look forward to reading the next two books that continue the quest. In the meantime, I will be re-reading "The Stoneholding" I am definitely a fan!