![]() ![]() ![]() McKillip’s word picture of Hed, of Morgon, Eliard, and Tristan, and of their comfortable, familial world is so vivid and enchanting that although events quickly move us away from it, its function as Morgon’s anchor throughout the story works very well for me. I love the opening of this book, in memory and in fact. I have fond associations with it, but hadn’t re-read any of the books in at least four years. In terms of my personal reading history, I read the trilogy for the first time in 2008, and have re-read it several times since then. ![]() I suspect that she was writing largely in response to Tolkien, though I see some similarities to Alexander’s Prydain books as well. ![]() ( Lord of the Rings had become popular in the late 1960s, The Chronicles of Prydain were published from 1964-1968, and The Sword of Shannara would be published in 1977.) The Riddle-Master of Hed is certainly McKillip’s entry in the subgenre, and her response to it. It was first published in 1976, as the epic fantasy genre was exploding and beginning to define itself. The Riddle-Master of Hed is the first volume in a trilogy commonly known as the Riddle-Master books or Riddle of Stars. While I don’t think there are any huge spoilers below, I can’t swear that there are none, so tread with caution if that’s something you’re concerned about. Note: Throughout July, I’ll be re-reading and reviewing books by Patricia McKillip. ![]()
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