William Horwood’s debut novel is not only a powerful evocation of the English countryside, which is the backdrop to the heroes’ quest, but the beginning of the Duncton Chronicles, a remarkable six-book series which is now widely regarded as a classic of modern fantasy fiction. It is a panoramic quest into the nature of love and greed, oppression and freedom, courage and corruption, and finally into the nature of grace and the power of the spirit…
Despite their differences the moles of Duncton Wood are members of the same once-proud system. But all are now under the cruel tyranny of Mandrake, a mole corrupted by absolute power. Only in the shadow of the Stone, the inspiring half-forgotten symbol of a better past, can the strength to resist oppression be found and led by Bracken. When he has the misfortune to fall in love with Rebecca, Mandrake’s daughter, life and death choices must be made and an extraordinary search for freedom and truth begins…
‘An epic in the tradition of Lord of the Rings’ Sunday Times
Country Life 1980 ISBN 0600367940
Hamlyn 1981 ISBN 0600204340
