The Stoneholding (Legacy of the Stone Harp: Book One) - Softcover

Anderson, James G.; Sebanc, Mark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1439132992 ISBN 13: 9781439132999

Publisher: Baen, 2009

Synopsis

Darkness looms over the ancient world of Ahn Norvys, and the Great Harmony of Ardiel lies rent asunder. Prince Starigan, heir to the throne, has been abducted and power has been usurped by a traitorous cabal

     In the mountainous highlands of Arvon is the small but ancient community the Stoneholding, which has held out against the gathering forces of the evil Ferabek. Here by tradition, from earliest times, the High Bard has resided as guardian of the Sacred Fire, as well as the golden harp called the Talamadh. But in his search for the lost prince, Ferabek has attacked the Stoneholding with his Black Scorpion Dragoons and razed it to the ground. Wilum, the aged High Bard was forced to flee for his life with a ragged band of survivors, including Kalaquinn Wright, the wheelwrights’s son.

     Kal, green in years and understanding, was torn from his pastoral life in a remote highland clanholding, and thrust out onto a broader stage in a journey of danger and escape, discovery and enlightenment. Now, as night covers Ahn Norvys, he must save what remains of the hallowed order of things and seek his destiny, a destiny that lies far beyond the Stoneholding.

     He must somehow find Prince Starigan and rekindle the Sacred Fire.  

About this title

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."

From the Inside Flap:

"The tale is a splendid one, no surprise there. But what I was especially taken with was the precision of expression, and that's fitting, since, as everyone knows, each step in any journey is as important as the last. You will enjoy The Stoneholding in the large as well as in the small- fitting for a story written in the great and necessary wake of that master of the sacramental imagination. J.R.R. Tolkien!" David Craig, Professor of English and Creative Writing, Franciscan University of Steubenville

About this edition

• Publisher: Baen
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1439132992
• ISBN 13: 9781439132999
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 419