Reviewing this book is quite hard because, on one hand, it is a thing of beauty. It is like the fairytales of the past, and the writing is almost poetry. It is magical and vivid and lush and rich. On the other hand, since it is like the fairytales of old, this is not really something I usually enjoy, I don't really know what doesn't work for me, I can pinpoint a specific thing but it is true all the same.
And so I theoretically appreciated this book, because it is fascinating, and it is magical and it would take you there, in this magical world full of creatures and magic. It is beautiful. But practically I didn't enjoy it a lot. On a personal level is not something that made me happy or satisfied, or that moved me in any significant way.
But, again, it is beautiful, and if fairytales are your thing, you have to read this one.

Sybel's self-appointed world is almost all she needs, but when her tranquil existence is disrupted--nay, threatened--by a soldier and a child, her carefully ordered life is thrown all out of whack. This is a magical fantasy novel about a woman and her chosen beast-family, told with McKillip's considerable skill. Lovely, suspenseful, lush, brooding, romantic and occasionally funny, this is classic fantasy written by an adept.

Patricia McKillip is one of those authors that I’ve always intended to read. I bought a used omnibus of her Riddle-Master of Hed trilogy during my first year of college, which was more than a decade ago. Yet for some reason, I’ve never quite gotten around to reading it, anything else by her. After having now read The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, my interest in her work has been rekindled. This little standalone was a lovely reading experience. And as it referenced her Riddle-Master series multiple times, that series has climbed closer to the top of my TBR list.

As I’ve aged, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for quiet novels. Peter S. Beagle, Juliet Marrillier, and Robin McKinley all write fantasy stories that are subtle in just about every way, which could result in reader detachment when not properly handled. The action, the character development, the world building, the philosophy, and even the prose are all almost ethereal in a way when done well. These types of books remind me of pastel watercolors in a world of neons and jewel tones; not as showy, perhaps, but a moment of calm in the midst of a tempest. And that’s exactly how McKillip’s writing felt to me. There is something fairy-talesque about writing of this caliber paired with quiet storytelling, and it was really lovely to experience.

Sybel is from a line of wizards who can draw mythical beasts to themselves by discovering their true names. She is happy in her solitude with only these beasts for company until a man shows up on her doorstep with a baby in his arms. After agreeing to raise the child, her life finds a new normalcy until the boy’s father comes looking for him. From there, Sybel’s life is turned upside down as she finds herself caught between powerful men who have grown to hate one another.

There is something really romantic about this story, even before any romantic involvement occurs. The lyrical writing mixed with the lovely setting definitely had something to do with it, as did the beasts themselves. I loved learning about the beasts in Sybel’s life, and how they had become just as attached to her as she had to them. But when the actual romance began to take root, the slow burn of it was enchanting. I also tend to love unexplained magic systems. These magic systems often involve the magic of true names, which I think is a really interesting similarity. From a Judeo-Christian perspective, the giving of true names has been one of our callings since the creation of Adam, and I find the portrayal of that naming in fantasy novels fascinating.

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is as lovely as it is brief. As I said above, I’ve developed quite a deep appreciation for and fondness of fantasy authors who choose to tell bright, quiet stories instead of embracing the breakneck action and grim-darkness that so populate the genre. If you need a book that will help you take a deep breath in the midst of your feverishly-paced life, I heartily recommend a visit to Sybel’s world.

Lyrical and wbimisical! I thoroughly enjoyed this unique book! It was absolutely magical! Read it!.!

Its just a wonderful as when I read it many years ago. This was a all-time favorite growing up and I was happy to revisit it. The re-release retains all of the magic and beauty of the original publication.

Patricia McKillip is one of my favourite authors I first read in my teens and 20s, along with the likes of Robin Hobb, Angela Carter and Tanith Lee. The sort of enchanting stories that stay with you, full of beautiful writing and emotional depth you just don't see that often nowadays in fantasy literature. It was lovely and nostalgic to read this one again, I'll have to dig out some other favourites soon for a re-read!

(ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley)

I had high expectations for this book and was disappointed. Not because it was bad, persay, but because the plot itself moved too slowly. I was looking for a romance fantasy with interesting creatures, but it all fell kind of flat in my opinion. The main character is a bit of a recluse and, I just don't have a good explanation for why I didn't like it. The cover is gorgeous. McKillip's writing is lovely, and and the plot isn't by any means boring. It may have been, a great book that just hit me at the wrong time. I'd give this a read, if you're a fan of the author's work. It is slow, but if you don't mind that, I'd say jump on it.

I first read this title many years ago for a University assignment, my thanks go to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to revisit the lyrical prose and high fantasy that makes the book such an enchanted read.
Sybel, orphaned at 16 and alone with her menagerie of 'fantastic beasts' studies to become a powerful Sorceress, where in her home on a mountain she is far away from the passions and wars of men. Until one day a man, Coren, appears with a babe in arms and begs that she will keep baby Tamlorn safe and raise him. Sybel agrees and thus discovers what it is to love; to lose; to be entrapped; and the anguished cost of revenge.

High fantasy but very entertaining at that. Would recommend.

This is a beautiful story full of emotional magic. My rating 4.75.

Sybel inherited her wizardly gifts that include calling and controlling magical beasts. Her mother died in childbirth and her father raised her until he died when she was only 12. She has lived in her mountain mansion alone except for her beautiful animals who are the stuff of myths and legend.

One day a soldier brings an infant to her gates and asks Sybel to protect him and raise him. She knows nothing of human infants but agrees and seeks help from the witch who lives down the hill. Sybel learns that her Tamlorn is the greatest of her treasures as the boy grows but she doesn’t know what will happen as he approaches adulthood.

The soldier, Coren, returns seeking to take a growing Tam to the world of men. Sybel is drawn to the soldier who has so much information regarding her animals but she will not release Tam. A few years later Tam is seeking his father and King Drede comes up the mountain in search of a rumored son.

Sybel learns the heartaches of the world of men as Tam’s curiosity seeks his own history… and the truth of his parentage. COREN is enchanted by Sybel but she does not know the world of emotions involved with men and she cannot understand the deep bitterness that COREN has that drives him to seek revenge against his enemy. The King also is enthralled by Sybel but he makes a terrible mistake in trying to capture her as his own.

This story is enchanting with the wonderful beasts who speak, often in riddles. They don’t seem to mind terribly being caged by their gentle mistress although some of them do chaff and want things beyond her territory. Their reactions as the tensions escalate between the opposing tribes of men are an interesting element added to the tale. The story speaks to the human heartaches of love and hate, and the poison and losses that spread from bitterness and obsessive revenge. The story evoked emotions, high and low, in me as I feared what might happen and wondered at events that did happen.

The writing is beautiful with a lovely fairy tale quality. I was not familiar with most of the named beasts and, as far as I know, this is an original fairy tale. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy fairy tale fantasy.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.

2.5 stars

Thoughts and Plot

This book was...odd.

I suppose it could be chalked up to a difference in the generic writing styles of two different time periods. I'm more used to the action driven plot of most popular books nowadays than something written in 1974. That said, it was very well written and had some beautiful prose in there, it just made me feel more like I was an outside observer who wasn't entirely invested in the story above a mild feeling of interest. Like looking in on a science project that's going to take weeks to wrap up.

I didn't feel there was any connection really between Coren and Sybel. I mean, Coren only met her twice when he declares his love for her. Kinda felt like he fell in love with her looks rather than her as a person. Sybel, well, I wondered if she ever truly loved him, but I guess it's supposed to be hard to tell with her. She's never loved before, has had no one to explain it to her, so how would she know?

Maybe it's just because I didn't feel like their relationship was fleshed out as much as I would like and therefore I had problems believing it? That sounds very likely. I think the was the problem with all the relationships in this book. Why do these people like each other? Why do the animals love her? Simply because she knows their names? No...I don't think that's likely. Someone explain!!!

I also feel like this was written to try and teach a lesson...or two...or three. There's a lesson about letting go. A lesson about how feelings like hate and anger, and the need for revenge, can destroy you. A lesson about what happens when you let fear and distrust run your life...a lesson about how a need for power corrupts. Lesson on greed...many lessons.


Conclusion

The writing in this book is beautiful, truly. My personal problem with it is that I couldn't connect with the book because I didn't feel like the relationships were real due to the lack of fleshing out they were given. I think this beautiful story was wrapped up a little too much in delivery warnings/messages about the power of Fear, Hate and Greed if you let them control you.

4.5 Stars.

Goodness, this was a great story!

Sybel has grown up mostly in isolation. The daughter of a wizard, she is immensely powerful. Her mountain home is surrounded by a beautiful garden in which reside legendary magical beasts whom she controls with her powers. Her situation makes her emotionally isolated and selfish, but change soon comes in the form of an orphaned infant boy, brought to her by Coren, a soldier. Coren asks her to love and protect the child, Tam, and she agrees. With the help of her beasts and the local hedge witch, Maelga, Sybel raises little Tam and in the process, learns to love. When trouble comes to the mountain and threatens the safety of Tam and the beasts, Sybel must fight to protect herself and those she loves.

The many painful lessons of growing up include facing ourselves, correcting our faults, and most importantly, learning to forgive others, even when those who harm us don't ask for our forgiveness. There is an enormous amount of truth in this story and it's told in the most enchanting and lyrical manner possible. A modern classic, this belongs on everyone's shelf.

[I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.]

Truth be told, I’ve been struggling with a review for this book. I know I’m not the only one that can simultaneously gush about a book they love to anyone within earshot, but also have no idea at all how to explain, really explain just why they love it. It’s because so much of that love is just that, a feeling, a personal experience. Something of the magic is lost when you try to explain a story. It’s something that needs to be experienced. This is one of the reasons my heart goes out to those whose job it is to write the synopsis on the back or inside flap of a book. It’s impossible to quite capture the essence of a story in a short, attention grabbing blurb. That’s the point of reading a story though isn’t it? Exploring it in all its glory. And The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is glorious. I want to take copies of the book and give them to the people I know would love it too.

It feels timeless. It is timeless. In her introduction to the edition that I read, the recent edition published by Tachyon, Gail Carriger chooses this as her ‘desert island’ book. I understand why. This is a story about so many things; love, revenge, compassion, patience, fear, dread, companionship, and joy. It is poignant, charming, wistful and frankly just beautiful. It explores the inextricable connection between love and fear, compassion and wisdom, joy and sorrow and so much more. Sybel is one of the most nuanced and honest characters I've come across. Honest in the sense that she feels real, a person, not a character at all. She's flawed without seeming contrived, direct and willful, proud without arrogance. Coren, Tamlorn, Maelga, the wizard Mythran, and the rest of the characters are intriguing, beguiling and wonderful in their own ways. Masterfully woven, lyrical and enchanting, it’s the sort of story that I expect I will connect with differently each time I read it. And I have every intention of re-reading it.

The beasts of Eld is a little charm of a book. It left me with many questions and I wanted more story. The book follows Sybil, whom can "call" to beasts and they come to her. But she can also call men. Sybil lives a solitary life until one day a man shows up unexpectedly. The man, Coren, has a message and a delivery that will change the course of her life. This book follows Sybil on her life of love and revenge. She is embattled between 2 cities, 2 men and a boy she thinks as her son. This book is written a little strangely but it's easy to follow. I would like to read more of the authors books to see if they follow the pattern.

If I am honest, although lured by this gorgeous cover, my main interest in reading this book is that Max Gladstone has often spoken about how much he loves Patricia McKillip's writing, and this book in particular, with its magnificent and evolving protagonist. (We should all listen to Max...) Published in 1974 and recently re-released by Tachyon Press, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld teaches us about the power of love, about betrayal, insight, and trust. It's a beautiful work of fantasy written in lush prose. This book has made me determined to read more of McKillip's work.

<http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=64356>

A young sorceress on a mountain with magical
beasts has to face the world

I both liked and disliked this book... Took me ages to get invested in it (about half the book...), but then it got interesting. I feel like it's because midway, the book changes quite drastically. It starts involving FEELINGS. Love, revenge. Before that? I knew as much as you do what was going on.

There are reasons why I dislike high fantasy (or at least high-ish) fantasy, but I still keep trying... I should stop. I am not comfortable with a crucial thing most high fantasies do, and that's dropping 50 inconsequential names of legendary kings and beasts on me in the first page, none of which pretty much relate to the story at all, are described or are even to do with mythology - so basically, I end up with a jumble of interesting sounding syllables that mean nothing to me. Am I weird? This was a big problem for me with this book, and a reason I found to get it hard to get into at first.

But that isn't the only reason this book didn't hook first. The storytelling is basically like a fairytale. In one sentence they talk about a thing, in the next sentence, it's suddenly twelve years later and the thing has been done. A baby basically left at the doorstep suddenly becomes dearer than anyone the characters known before. People love each other although they've talked three times and disliked each other during those dialogues. They meet kings and talk with them as of they've always known them... Granted, it does give a fairytale vibe, but I do not enjoy this kind of storytelling because it's incredibly jumpy, and it also feels quite terribly unnatural. I had trouble paying attention.

But when it gets past that point, I must admit it does get interesting, and quite dark. And meaningful. If this book was like this in its entirety, I would have surely given it 4 stars! But I almost dropped it at 38%. So 3 stars it is. But if you like high fantasy, I'm sure you'll like this!

This is a new edition of the 1974 original classic written by Patricia A. McKillip, released by Tachyon Publications. So much has been written about this book and much of it is absolutely true. The prose is luminous and beautiful. The story is deep and profound and entertaining at the same time. When I was reading, I was completely immersed in the narrative itself, for me one of the benchmarks of a really well written fantasy. I found myself thinking over phrases and bits of the book when I wasn't reading though; it changed me. For me, that's a hallmark of great literature.

Patricia McKillip is a fantastically gifted author. She's really really really good at writing. The book is beautifully simple to read and wonderfully nuanced and complex at the same time. It's a story about love and revenge and wanting, and how those things change us and the risks (and rewards) involved in making ourselves vulnerable.

The story itself is appealing, and well discussed in other reviews, but it's the writing, the language, that keeps me revisiting this book. Every single time, I think it can't be as good as my nostalgic memory of my 40/30/20/10 year younger self remembers, and every single time, I'm blown away and notice things I didn't appreciate on earlier readings.

What a beautiful book. Throughout a lifetime of almost literal nonstop reading, this is one of the few that I keep coming back to and one that I still own my original physical copy of.

Five stars, one of my favorite books ever.

Patricia McKillip’s novel <em>The Forgotten Beasts of Eld</em> was republished by Tachyon Publications. This World Fantasy Award winning novel is a true treasure, a book that is most definitely worth reading.

<em>The Forgotten Beasts of Eld</em> is a standalone fantasy novel by Patricia McKillip. Sybel is a wizard, the latest in a long line of powerful wizards. She lives atop Eld Mountain, constantly calling the powerful and mystical creatures of long lost stories to her doorstep. Sybel is completely disinterested in the world of men, but that world comes knocking on her door in the form of an infant – a cousin whose mother is dead and whose kingly father, if he is truly the father at all, is apt to kill him. Slowly, Sybel is introduced to the world below, to love, to revenge, and more power than even she thought possible.

The world spun in this novel feels much bigger than it actually is. Partially due to its nature as a standalone novel, we don’t follow the characters around on the sort of long, meandering journey that is so often portrayed in high fantasy. The majority of the action takes place in only a few locations, but through the narrative we are introduced to multiple countries and their history. The mythical creatures Sybel cares for have long, historied pasts. It is through these stories that we learn more about Sybel’s world. Yet the prose remains tight, never straying too long on other stories or going into unnecessary detail.

The magic used in this books is different than many other magic systems. Names have power. If a person knows someone or something’s true name and have magical abilities they can call and bind creatures and people to themselves. Sybel uses this magic to great ends, most notably by binding ancient, mystical creatures to her service and expands upon this idea throughout the novel. I really liked the magic in this book, especially how ‘real’ it is. This isn’t a strange, new magic system created solely for this world. Its roots can be found deep within mythology, a The magic is at once very simply and quite complicated. A lot can be and is done with this idea.

Yet the book isn’t only about magic. This is very much a story of people, of relationships, and of learning what love, hate, and revenge truly are. As the story unfolds more characters are introduced. All are locked together in different ways. And all struggle with their own emotions – their love, their hate, their ambitions, their fear.

The relationships between characters were very well crafted. Parental/child relationships are well crafted and heartfelt, especially considering many of the parent/child relationships are between characters not related by blood, but are families made by circumstance and love. The ruler of a neighboring kingdom and his five younger brothers are also portrayed extremely believably. Scenes featuring these characters are a delight to read. The siblings bicker, tease, and point out one another’s flaws, but they also support one another, care for each other, respect and accept their decisions.

These relationships are largely foreign to Sybel, especially at the start of the novel. While more skilled than nearly anyone else in the ways of magic, she is quite unskilled in many others. This is an aspect that I don’t find quite as well portrayed in most books as they are here. When first presented with the baby Tam she asks how anyone would expect her to know how to care for it. Magical animals can tell her what they need; infants don’t have any such ability. Sybel is smart enough not to struggle along alone but to enlist the help of an old witch woman who lives nearby.

I have never read prose quite as lyrical as McKillip’s. The language is incredibly descriptive without being overly dense. It is fairy-tale like, adding to the air of magic within the novel. There isn’t a paragraph, a line, a word, that is unnecessary. Despite all of her works having this to at least some extent, this is probably the tightest prose I have read in one of her novels.

I always admired Patricia McKillip’s book. But this is, by far, the best of her work I have read. <em>The Forgotten Beasts of Eld</em> is a book that will delight any fantasy reader. Take a chance on this book. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

How many times must Patricia McKillip blow my mind with her books? And who decides when a certain kind of storystelling is out of date or not? Because, let me tell you, whoever thinks that McKillip's "voice" is old-fashioned and cannot keep up with modern readers, is terribly wrong!

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a book filled with the classic storytelling of the woman I consider the mother of fantasy. Sybel, a young girl gifted with the magical powers to call powerful beasts to come to her aid, finds her life turned upside down when a young soldier comes knocking on her door, asking her to take care of a baby - the son of a king. Uknowingly, she gets dragged in the middle of a war between kingdoms, and men fighting for her heart - but the woman with the garden full of legendary creatures, is not a woman with a heart easily won...

I seriously loved this story. Even if Sybel was tough to connect with as a main character, her past was such that it explained a lot about her behavior. Not only that, but what Tam's father did to her was, in my eyes, a great allegory for rape - the total lack of control of her body and willpower, the feeling of being stuck in a place where she would never be able to return from, truly amazing how McKillip phrased it all - and it was only natural for her to turn even colder and seek revenge in a way that would make kingdoms tremble. I loved how she struggled with coming to terms with her feelings for Tam's uncle, and how, in the end, she didn't change her flawed way of thinking, only promised to try and ask for forgiveness - stating, even, that she needed her husband's forgiveness mainly because this way, she might one day forgive herself.

McKillip is a queen when it comes to subtly charging plot twists. She just writes along, telling you a nice story that sounds so wonderfully like a fairy tale - thanks to her voice - and then BAM! The plot twist comes up, shaking you to the core, and you're just faced with the fact that she had it coming your way all along, she just made you focus on other things more to bide her time.

I'm in love with her writing, no matter which book I read, and I can't wait to read more of her work!

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***