The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
50th Anniversary Special Edition
A powerful wizard protects her right to self-determination in Patricia A. McKillip’s fantasy classic The Forgotten Beasts of Eld.
“Every time I read The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, I am filled with love,” writes Marjorie Liu in her introduction to this fiftieth anniversary edition. “I am reminded of love, and I come away feeling loved.” It’s a feeling at first foreign to the book’s heroine, Sybel—the granddaughter and daughter of women called against their will to a wizards’ compound where mythical beasts gather.
Indeed, love is not often spoken of on Eld Mountain—even as orphaned Sybel learns it by being a neighbor to kind, magic-filled Maelga and a caretaker to a lion, a dragon, a swan, a riddle-answering boar, and a slinking black cat. When an intriguing warrior arrives on her doorstep, begging her to care for motherless baby Tam, she learns it in two new ways. But Sybel’s power is a threat to some, and her beauty a jewel that kings and fellow wizards prize. She has to risk much to protect her home and heart.
With delicate line drawings to match the sleek, silver majesty of its prose, this fresh edition of the inaugural World Fantasy Award winner stands to be treasured by generations to come.
Reviewed by
Michelle Anne Schingler
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
