A story filled with wonder and wonderment. 

In the Region of the Summer Stars
The Eirlandia Series Book One
Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Publisher:TOR
Pages: 333

I have a confession to make right at the start of this review. For the past 36 years Stephen R. Lawhead has been my favorite living author. I consider his books in the same realm as J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord Dunsany, Bram Stoker and others. For me at least, I become aware that I am reading a great book when the world around me dissolves and I find myself becoming a part of the world in the book itself. In reading works by Mr. Lawhead I find this happening more often than not.

His latest endeavor comes on the heels of his five part "Skin Map" series and is a welcome addition to any avid readers' library. Set in the ancient past of the island that today we call Ireland, "In The Region Of The Summer Stars" is a tale of high adventure, love, betrayal and magic. It is a story filled not only with wonder but also wonderment. 

This tale revolves around a young warrior/prince by the name of Conor Mac Ardan, the firstborn son of a Celtic king and his stalwart companions. Through a bizarre twist of fate it comes upon them to save their homeland from vicious invaders who seek to destroy everything that they hold dear. Without giving away any plot lines that would ruin your reading experience let me just say that they are joined in their quest by members of the fair folk. All I would say to this is think not of tiny fairies but more like Professor Tolkien's elves.

Usually Mr. Lawhead's works come at intervals of one year in between books, I would hope beyond hope that the interval's between books two and three are shorter than that.


Chris MacIntosh aka Grandfather Rock