Product Description
This stunning sequel follows the further adventures of four of the most beloved characters in English literature: loyal Mole, resourceful Water Rat, stern but wise Badger, and of course, capricious, irresistible Toad. In this new tale, the comfortable bachelor world of the River Bank is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a formidable female character who seems to win Toad's heart. Recognizing the familiar danger signals, his long-suffering companions must do all that they can to save the infatuated Toad from himself. Enriched once again by the delightful illustrations of Patrick Benson, Toad Triumphant is another captivating tale for audiences and imaginations everywhere.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Almost as good as the original
I loved reading The Wind in the Willows with my kids and was glad I came upon that piece of literature for my own sake that I wouldn't have otherwise. I was concerned a sequel by another author would ruin it. But The Willows in Winter lives up to the original and is a joy to read, and this one is almost as good.

Not as good as the first two
I thought the original Wind in the Willows and the sequel Willows in Winter were better executed than Toad Triumphant.Toad Triumphant is a little disjointed, the characterization a little unbelievable at times (e.g. mole's depression) and the story sags in parts (although things pick up with Horwood's clever ending).On the other hand, Patrick Benson deserves high marks for his excellent illustrations which accompany the text.I suppose Mr. Horwood wanted to try something a little different by delving into the histories of the river bank animals and bringing romantic love into their world, but I don't believe this approach worked as well.I feel the book is better than average, but as I said, I like Kenneth Grahame's orginal and Horwood's first sequel better. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not Free SF Reader
More moles.


This is pretty much more of the same thing as the first book.

Moles also do not live very long according to the novel (can't say I ever checked the actual biology).

This means given the 700 odd page length adventure of the first book your original mole set gets pretty old, meaning another bunch has to take on the task in the sequel.

Amazingly real
This book is a must-buy for a Horwood fan: rewarding yet disturbing in an epic way. ... Read more

Product Description
The adventure of a lifetime is just beginning ...It has lain lost and forgotten for fifteen hundred years in the ancient heartland of England - a scrap of glass and metal melded by fierce fire. It is the lost core of a flawless Sphere made by the greatest of the Anglo-Saxon CraeftLords in memory of the one he loved. Her name was Spring and contained in the very heart of this work is a spark from the Fires of Creation. But while humans have lost their belief in such things, the Hydden - little people existing on the borders of our world - have not. Breaking the silence of centuries they send one of their own, a young boy, Jack, to live among humans in the hope that he may one day find what has been lost for so long. His journey leads him to Katherine, a girl he rescues from a tragic accident - it's a meeting that will change everything. It is only through their voyage into the dangerous Hyddenworld that they will realize their destiny, find love and complete the great quest that will save both their worlds from destruction. Their journey begins with Spring. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

disappointing,bit of a struggle to finish2.5
Sometimes it's hard to separate our feelings for a book from the setting in which we read it. Somewhere along the way of my first backpacking trip through Great Britain, I managed to obtain a copy of William Horwood's Duncton Wood. A purchase at Waterstone's, a swap with another backpacker, a left-behind-for-anyone copy on a hostel table; I have no idea how or why I picked it up. But I was quickly glad I did and once I'd finished it, immediately found the ensuing books as well, buying them one by one and leaving finished copies behind me like a trail of bread crumbs (first rule of backpacking:never carry what you don't absolutely have to). When I got home I re-collected the series and it still sits on my shelf, my love for it an inseparable combination of its literary quality and its physical associations with two of the best months of my life. So it was with no little excitement that I picked up Horwood's newest work, Hyddenworld, the start to another fantasy series. To be sure, it'd be unfair to expect Hyddenworld to recapture that same sense of magic I had reading Duncton Wood strolling through the English countryside, and I knew going in I'd have to temper that desire, but I have to admit even with lowered expectations I still found Hyddenworld a disappointment.

Hyddenworld is, as the name suggests, a whole other world hidden within our own, populated by "hydden" roughly three feet in size who make use of our world's items but remain unseen due to human's unwillingness to see what "shouldn't" be. And so they ride beneath our trains, live beneath our cities (in this case Birmingham), traverse our sewers and roads. I confess, this opening premise was one of my first and largest problems with the book; I never quite bought it. I can buy Hobbits having a trick of moving stealthily so it's difficult to see them, but there's always the possibility and for them, that fear. And they still get caught. I can buy Borrowers being so small that we wouldn't catch them behind a book, but they still tend to come out only when Big People aren't around for fear of being seen. And they still get caught. But here, not only do the Hydden not hide or come out only when "it's safe," they walk right by us, can even wave and yell and jump up and down. I needed a bit more than human's "willful ignorance" to buy this and it was a constant nagging distraction no matter how often I tried to push it aside.

Every now and then, one is born among the Hydden as a "giant-born," and their births usually foreshadow great upheavals. In this case, the giant-born is Jack, who is sent into the human world (there are gates and portals--sometimes simple gates, other times henges) to protect him from those who wish to do him harm. There he becomes connected to Katherine, a young girl who may or may not become a Shield Maiden, a mythic figure of huge importance in the Hydden world. Along with Jack and Katherine, major characters include the Hydden Bedywn Stort--a scatter-minded genius; Pike--a terse warrior with a soft heart; Brief--the Master Scrivener; Brunte--an ambitious Fyrd (who rule the Hydden world); and the human Arthur Foale, who has long sought the Hydden and has recently disappeared.

Early on we're set up for a major quest tale about retrieving Spring, a missing gem in a legendary magical amulet worn by the Peace-Weaver and whose stones must be recovered if the Earth is to be saved (mostly it seems from the greedy short-sighted environmental depredations of humanity). Other plot questions abound:What happened to Arthur Foale?Who and what is Jack?How is Katherine connected to the Shield Maiden myth?Why are the Fyrd seeking both Jack and Katherine?What do Brief and Stort know that they aren't saying (it's obviously something). What does Brunte plan?And a few others as well.

Outside of the basic premise, the other major problem I had with the story was simply pace; it was far too slow. I have no problem with long books; I recently embarked on a reread of Steven Erikson's Malazan series where each book is between 700-1000 pages. Bleak House at nearly 1000 is one of my favorite novels. So I can do long. And I can do quiet and character-driven (as in Robin Hobb's latest duology). But Hyddenworld, while somewhat long (nearly 500 pages) and mostly character-driven (a few chase scenes) was just too slow for me. Not the leisurely enjoyable, revel in the voice slow but the more maddening this should have been 150 pages shorter slow.

Pace can sometimes be overcome by character. But here again, Hyddenworld fell short, as I just couldn't find myself caring much about most of those involved, including unfortunately the two main characters, Jack and Katherine. Both are relatively passive throughout--done to rather than doing--, both seems to accept way too easily this whole new worldview they're presented with, and both are pretty slimly developed save a few repeated shorthand characterizations:each one's unstated and confusing feelings for the other, Jack's self-consciousness about some burn scars and a few others. The Hydden are not really better developed (many can be summed up in a simple phrase, such as "absent-minded genius" or "gruff fighter") but are more engaging:Pike and Stort are both endearingly likable in their roles, Brunte's ambition and desire for vengeance is darkly compelling. Perhaps the most original and enthralling characters are the figurehead ruler of Brum (the city under Birmingham) and his chef: Festoon and Parlance respectively, whose dialogue and relationship bring a much-needed spark of life to the novel. Unfortunately, though, the two don't show up until the last 50 pages or so.

Finally, despite the 500 pages and despite spending so much time with Hydden or in the Hydden city (much of the last third or so takes place there), I can't really say I have a strong sense of their world or society.

In short, this was a real struggle of a read and to be wholly honest, if I were not reviewing it or had I not so fallen in love with a group of moles a few decades ago on my way to Stonehenge or Avesbury, I almost certainly would have put it down a third of the way in. I know from experience that if it takes me more than two days to finish a sub-500 page book, I'm not really enjoying it. Hyddenworld took me a week to get through. Honestly, it feels a bit of betrayal to say I don't recommend it, but at this point I just can't see how to. But I'll pick up book two and let you know if the story improves and leave you with the recommendation to read Duncton Wood instead. I owe Mr. Horwood at least that much.
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Product Description
An age of heroes is dawning...The time has come for the wolves of Europe to take back their ancient Heartland. For centuries is has been corrupted and poisoned by the Mennen and by the evil Magyar wolf-pack. Only by reclaiming it can the true gods be reborn and the natural order restored.

All over Europe, wolves are beginning the quest in anser to a mystical summons. Together they become the Wolves of Time. Together they will herald a new age... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

simply amazing, detailed book on wolfkind
why didn't i read it sooner !!!
all i can say is it must be read. especially by any animal enthusiast or book reader.

the book tells of how wolfkind returns to their heartland to complete their legecy. along the way way they face the trails of humans and an evil wolf pack called the magyars which has formed a well detailed book on how wolves react to each other and us. this book is already in motion. we just haven't reached this stage.

only after getting to the end did i know theres another so i'll review that when im finished. but it must be amazing because it follows on from this.

it has to be made into a film

hats off to william horwood and all of wolfkind

Wolf Lover?Don`t Read This!
I bought the book with good intentions,it seemed to be a good book but the way it starts out is very misleading. It starts in a first person(or should I say first-wolf)tone despite some added in fictional wolf facts that continue throughout the confused soap opera. Then the book changes and becomes painful to read, borring, too much detail where it doesn`t count and not enough where it should. It could be a book about people, the lack of wolfism and the indroduction of a insane man seems somehow mixed in the plot. The mythology is rich but the story is borring. After i finished it I put it on myshelt where it waits the day to be sold agian or passed along or donated. I doubt the author put any effort into finding wolf facts or if he just put in stuff that sounded right to him. The main idea is original but the lack of action and wolfism makes it a two star book. I would reccomend The Sight by David-Clement-Davies for a good wolf-fiction book or Julie of the Wolves by Jean craighead george. this book isn`t worth the money.

Another Brilliant Work by Horwood
I first saw 'Journeys to the Heartland' in the library, years ago and having read both of the Duncton Trilogies I knew that I had to read this book and its sequel. 10 years later I finally got round to reading both,Absolutley Brilliant.The Duncton Books changed my view on life forever and these have refreshed my memory. Can't believe it took me so long to get round to reading them.Following the story of a group of Wolves, who travel from all the corners of Europe to the Heartland of Wolfdom, in the Tatra Mountains; to fulfill an ancient destiny written in the stars. The struggle of the Wolves of Time to restore the ancient order by practical means, is set against the back drop of civil war in Europe and the end of civilisation as we know it.Some of the atrocities mentioned are frighteningly real and you can't help thinking that we are just steps away from this tale in fact some places are already there. The personification of the evil of Mennen is Huntermann and his vile spirit is mirrored in the Lupine World by Dendrine of the Magyars.While the end of humankind is seen from a distance the tradedies the Wolves face are up close and personal. Plenty for everyone here, fantasy, relgion, war, sex, violence, hope, despair and politics. Beware if you are easily offended pure and spiritual and Twisted and dark. An emotional rollercoster of a read.You will feel that you have been on a journey of a lifetime that took forever and yet no time at all. If you read one book this year for WULF'S SAKEmake it this one if you read another make sure you read the sequel 'Seekers at the WulfRock'

Excellent book
I have read journeys through the heartland and it's sequel.I find that both are in depth and wonderful books about the lives of wolves and their journey to find a new home. The wolves do speak in the books but unlike others they don't wear clothing and take on the roles of people.Instead it is a journey of trials and triumph. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in wolves.

Simply the best
I'm presently writing my PhD thesis on depictions of animals in modern popular texts, and as a result have read rather a lot of books over the last year or two which fall into this approximate sub-genre, which for want of a better term I'd call 'Animal Quest' novels. Put simply, Horwood's Wolves of Time series blow everything else I've read out of the water. It is very difficult for me to be in any way objective about this book. It had me choked with emotion almost from start to finish.

Unlike many other tales of this sort (not that there is anything else quite like WOT), Journeys to the Heartland is intelligent and multi-layered; metaphorical without being conspicuously or pretentiously so. It's about nature and humanity, religion, and human relations to other species at the turn of the millenium. It has more heart and more guts than just about any other animal fiction I've ever read. You can read it as pure escapist fiction, or you can ponder its deeper significances. Either way, don;t be put off by any negative reviews. My only cautionary word would be that you might wish to avoid this book if you have delicate sensibilities. At times it can be pretty harrowing, and this is even more true of the second volume.

Horwood isn't flattering in his depiction of humanity - The Mennen. In fact I'd guess he's already been accused of being a misanthrope. The point is, the atrocities committed by humanity in the past are offset against the redemption offered in the figure of The Mann - the ex-biologist who crosses the borderline and runs with the wolves. A symbol of hope for the future; thoughthe realisation of this hope does seem to require civil war throughout Europe, leading to the total collapse of civilization :)

Look, I just loved it. I'm sad I'm not still involved in the world of Horwood's wonderful characters (don't, BTW, be put off by the accusations that the book has shallow characterisations. That's nonsense. The characters seem like old companions by the time you've finished it.)

It's a bit hard to find in the USA, but if you're a wolf person, or just like animal stories, you wouldn't want to miss this one. It knocked my socks off. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (63)

Duntion wood
I don't have much to say, but this ten times better than Watership down.
It is a good tale.Those that say it is too long I would say it is too short.
Fantasy is fantasy. This is a book about moles. But it is a book about life.

An enduring classic
I read this book as a teenager, and re-read it as an adult. It remains, to this day, one of my very favorite books ever [and I read 50 books a year].Just a beautifully told, wonderfully imagined tale. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Must Read for Fantasy Book Lovers
I read this book probably about 18 years ago when I was in my early teens. I have no idea why but was drawn to this series as well as Watership Down and the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. All brilliant books in their own way. There is something about these books which really draws you in and you develop strong emotions towards each of the characters as they are so well portrayed.

All I can say is don't be put off by the fact these books are based on animal characters, they are extremely complex stories, especially the Duncton series, the Redwall series is a little more light hearted and fun from memory. They all contain the essential elements of a great story and I guarantee you will be engrossed almost immediately.

The sad thing is I can only remember certain parts of the books, but I can certainly remember being completely immersed in them and reading for hours on end. I'm not one for reading books twice, in fact I don't think I ever have as I always like to read something new however if I came across these books again I'd read them again for sure. It's a real shame they are no longer in print.

Better the Watership Down
This is undoubtedly the best animal fantasy there is.It is along the lines of Watership Down, but far greater.Its characters are moles that act much as moles really do, but with language, intelligence, purpose, religion, and above all spiritual depth.To lend authenticity, the author spent a year studying a colony of moles first hand, as well as educating himself with scientific studies of moles.But then comes imagination, and the imagination is great indeed.The moles (unlike, at least for most of us, real moles) move us and touch us deep in our psyches, deep in our spirits.It is both an earthy and a mystical masterpiece.It is also full of action (for instance, in the fights for leadership, territories, and mates) and adventure (especially in Bracken's journeys in the latter part of the book).If this book has a fault it is that it seems constantly to be ending, then continuing, like a sermon where the preacher is always saying "lastly" and lasts.But for its wisdom, beauty, and imagination, this definately gets 5 stars.

Amazing book - coming from someone who has trouble getting into books
I am someone who has a difficult time getting into books and was given this recommendation from one of my English teachers in high school.I will never forget the book and the feelings it evoked in me.It was gripping and powerful and I grew close to the characters.Amazing story. ... Read more

Product Description
THE QUEST FOR THE BOOK OF SILENCE CONTINUES HERE, AND NOW

William Horwood's bestselling Duncton Tales saw Privet, female scholar and scribemole, leave Duncton Wood in search of the fabled Book of Silence.

Now she and her friends must cross Moledom to dread Caradoc in their search for the lost Book, and face the sinister Thripp, leader of the evil Newborns.

Prepare for the greatest pilgrimage of your life as Privet risks sacrificing all to succeed in her quest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A great read
Pick this book up and you will not be able to put it down. After you finish it, do not feel sad. No. Go out and get the others in the story line.Enough to fill the winter nights ahead.

Sigh...
It is sad that a writer as gifted as William Horwood chose to stoop to writing a series that depicts the Bible and Jesus Christ in such a way. In his first Duncton triology he has moles following the faith of "theWord" as his antagonists, in this book a mole is martyred and executedas Jesus Christ was. This book, like the others in the series, makes anexcellent secular fantasy read - the plot is really captivating and theprose is excellently written. However, his plagiatism and blasphemy of theBible is inexcusable - instead of creating a relevant faith for his moleshe had to go and twist the Christian faith around. Other than this majorblodge, this is a good read.

Bloom'in Brilliant!
A very good book! You gotta read 'em all

O finks dat dis bukk beez bluddy brillyint!
O as red dis bukk, even tho O ad diffikulty acoz O beez a mowle.Howevva, O didd manidge et!O thort et woz gurtly gudd!Privet woz my great grandmother.O duz rekomend dis bukk to enny utha mowles.

O kannut fink uv wuds to discribe et!
O luvd dis bukk to pesses.O av askuverd dat O bes part mowle.O wull travull de wuld wursheppung de Stones furr evva an evva! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Magical, inspiring, redemptive
This book is on my top ten lifetime books. It's like a video game in a book: a girl sees clues in a game that ultimately lead to real-life situations and the rescue of a real person in need. The characters are beautifully painted and you can't help but be drawn into the story. This book is for those who enjoy video games, mysteries, the rescue of others (such as the disabled person in the story), and historical information about the "asylums" of older Britain. A compassionate, wonderful book. Especially recommended to anyone who knows or works with persons with disabilities.

One of the greatest books ever written
I first read "Skallagrigg" in 1988 and believe that it is the finest novel by an author I consider to be the greatest english writer of the latter part of the twentieth century.It is the ultimate "quest" novel: not only does it tell the immensely moving story of Esther's inspired search for the abandoned Arthur, but at a deeper psychological and spiritual level it also challenges us to search for the meaning and identity of the Skallgrigg for ourselves. Although it moved me to tears, its celebration of the redemptive power of love was matched by an unflinching recognition of the appalling way we have until very recently in this country (and sadly still elsewhere) treated those who suffer from disabilities like Esther's and Arthur's.A treatment so vividly expressed in the evil and everlooming presence of the character, Dilke. I have given almost 50 copies of this wonderful book to friends and only two have failed to contact me to convey their joy at reading it.The film which was made of it could not sadly begin to penetrate the depths to which Horwood's imagination compels us.

Skallagrigg
I was living in a foreign country when the discovered the book "Skallagrigg", written by William Horwood.On the average I read a book a week, and I am 65 years old.To this day Skallagrigg is the best book I have ever read.Maybe in time Horwood will receive the honor due his writing.The book is difficult/up-setting/sad at time, but worth every tear!Before the internet I had a difficult finding and ordering his books.Thank you internet.

Easily makes my top five
I have always been a prolific reader and sometimes have as many as five books on the go at any one time, picking up the one which most suits my mood.

This book is absolutely brilliant and so beautifully touches the emotions of the reader. It made me laugh and it made me cry. I cried often and long and deep.

It is clear that William Horwood has been close to cerebal palsy and I found out, after I had read Skallagrigg, that his daughter, Rachel, does suffer from this condition.

The central figures are Arthur, a sufferer from the early part of the twentieth century, and Esther, a sufferer from the latter part of the same century. It explores the massive differences between the ways that they were perceived and the ways that they were treated because of those perceptions.

Esther embarks on a quest to find Skallagrigg, without knowing what it is, and you must read the book to find out if she succeeds and what it means.
The reader is drawn into the characters and I found myself living the rollercoaster emotional existance of both of them.

I am constantly recommending this book to friends and family. Many of them find it difficult to get into the story but I encourage them to persevere. Whilst I can understand their difficulty, I had no trouble whatsoever and was captured from the first paragraph.

If you are only ever going to read one more book in your life, it would have to be this one and no other. Trust me! ... Read more

Product Description
Five-year-old Jimmy Rova is the unwanted child of a mother who rejects him, and whose other children bully him. The one thing he can call his own is a pair of shoes, a present from the only person he feels has ever loved him. When they are cruelly taken away, Jimmy spirals down into a state of loneliness and terrible loss from which there seems no recovery. This triumphant story of a boy's struggle with early trauma and his remarkable journey into adulthood is based on William Horwood's own remarkable childhood in south-east England after the Second World War. Using all the skills that went into the creation of his modern classics, Horwood has written an inspiring story of a journey from a past too painful to imagine to the future every child deserves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Brilliantly narrated
Reading my way through this book was like walking through a hall of mirrors at a fairground. Every turn revealed a new reflection of an aspect of my own childhood. Some were distorted more than others, but the story of the life of Jimmy Rova, told in the first person singular, evoked many poignant memories.

Jimmy tells the story of his difficult early life, and the interactions with those around him. When he progresses, against the odds, into grammar school, life gets even tougher for him. The descriptions of the highs and lows in his life cannot fail to stir the readers' emotions. This is a gripping read and it is so obviously wrapped around the personal experiences of the author. Having been previously so deeply moved by "Skallagrigg," I should not have been at all surprised to be just as deeply moved by this book by William Horwood.

I am sure that there are many who, like me, will see reflections of their own lives as they read The Boy With No Shoes. However, there has got to be something here for everyone. I would not hesitate to recommend the read to anyone, and I am confident that my friends will thank me for doing so.

Footnote: If this sweeps you along on an emotional roller-coaster, you should definitely read SKALLAGRIGG by the same author.

Survival and triumph
This memoir of an abusive childhood is raw, and uplifting.Jimmy has his heroes as well as his demons and manages to find a place of safety in an alien and horrific world.

This book is 'fictionalised biography', loosely based on Horwood's own childhood.In this book, I could recognise some of the imaginative writing evident in Horwood's other works.

I recommend this book highly.Not so much because of the recounting of a childhood filled with deprivation and pain, but because of the triumph of spirit and power of imagination that have enabled hope not to be overwhelmed by despair.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith ... Read more

Product Description
William Horwood is the author of the acclaimed Duncton trilogies. Patrick Benson studied at the Chelsea Art School and St. Martin's School of Art. Both live in England.
Amazon.com Review
William Horwood, author of two other bestselling "sequels" to KennethGrahame's beloved classic, The Wind in the Willows(The Willows inWinter and ToadTriumphant), picks up where Grahame left off, with nary a misstep.The flavor and tone of his thrilling story, along with Patrick Benson'smarvelous crosshatchedillustrations, have done the impossible: brought Grahame's characters backto life. Like a river, time moves inexorably forward. Ratty, Mole, Otter,Toad, and Badger are growing older. They are content to live out theirliveson the River Bank in peaceful reflection--until, that is, one of thosemysterious eddies of life picks them up and spins them around. It allstarts when Rat, while "communing" with the River, senses that something isterribly wrong. Soon after, a mysterious summons to collect an item fromthe post office arrives. From there, the adventures gather speed. Whetherfighting off the horrible Beast of the Iron Bridge, rescuing Rat from anear-fatal bout with indigestion, or trying to save the Wild Wood fromimpending, polluting Progress, the friends have no time to slip quietlyinto old age. Even so, each animal must begin to prepare forthe next generation. (All ages, 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

His other books are much better
I bought this book because I was so very impressed with the Willows in Winter and the way Horwood carried on in the vein of Graham, but this book - well, I read it outloud to the family and we all burst out crying in the end.There was no reason whatsoever to end what has been a lifelong fantasy for some.I have to put it on the very bottom of Horwood's work.

Charming story and illustrations
I purchased this book for my elderly mother whose favorite book is Wind in the Willows.She is equally charmed by William Horwood's books as they continue the adventures of Mr Toad and his stalwart woodland friends.Horwoodwrites in a style that seamlessly complements Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows.Patrick Benson's illustrations are lovely and they add details and charm to the story as it moves along.All in all, we were both very happy with The Willows and Beyond as well as the other Horwood/Benson "Willows" books. If you love Wind in the Willows, you will certainly be a fan of William Horwood's "Willows" books.

I thought it was fantastic!!!
I've read the whole Willows series written by Mr. Horwood and I have to say each one was exceptional. This book in particular is the last book of his series, the final chapters in the lives of these wonderful creatures. Mr. Horwood has written his books in a manner that enthralls children and adults alike, and although not nearly as popular, I'd rate this series up there on the level of the Harry Potter books.

Brilliant Denouement
Powerful conclusion to the loosely nicknamed Tales of the Willows series that began with Kenneth Grahame's original classic The Wind in the Willows and was followed up by the just as fantastic sequels by William Horwood (The Willows at Christmas, The Willows in Winter, Toad Triumphant and this book).

Readers should definitely pick up Horwood's earlier volumes as this is very much the conclusion to the series and is in every way a chronological follow-up to those works.Details will not be given away here (as in the poor taste shown by other reviewers) but to say that this is definitely a denouement, a conclusion and finale... though one filled with plenty of hope and future promise.

In many ways, The Willows and Beyond is similar to the final chapters of The Lord of the Rings, and is equally mournful and sad, at times achingly so.Yet contrary to other, more fragile reviewers, however, it is not without merit and expertly handled.It is in fact the perfect conclusion. Everything in this book is grounded firmly in what Kenneth Grahame himself established in his original.The River Bank is NOT Oz.Its residents are not the tired, immortal creatures of Disney or Marvel or DC, and that is a good thing!Concluding the series (especially with such dignity as Horwood gives it here) lends a strength and vitality to the story and characters that prevents it from being cheapened by endless marketing and cash-ins.

Grahame's original is nostalgic and sentimental, but not devoid of realism; within the natural world the oftentimes cruel scepter of grief strikes a blow. And as lovable as his characters are and as often as they're spared that blow, even they cannot escape the the tragic Inevitable.The Willows and Beyond, however, contains much joy and hope, and borrows from Grahame in allowing the River Bank inhabitants to glimpse on the spiritual realm, embodied here in the Beyond, and THAT is the essence of what this story is about.This is a classic in every sense of the word and one I believe Grahame would have loved.For further adventures of Ratty, Mole, Toad and Badger, read Horwood's prior volumes and watch the wonderfully produced Wind in the Willows series (now on DVD) which details the characters' early years following The Wind in the Willows.But when you're ready, don't miss the finale, this masterpiece which belongs on the shelf of every Willows fan.

Good Book
This book is good, but not great. The first two books are excellent after that it gets kind of old.If you are a fan of the series, you can handle it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An enjoyable read and a MUST for golden eagle lovers.
An immature golden eagle is captured and brought to the London Zoo for showcase and display.Creggan begins to lose his sense of freedom, as the cage curls around himself, cutting off access to the sky.An older femaleeagle who's been trapped in the cages for a long time gives Creggan thestrength to survive, and the hope of one day escaping this man-madeconstruct. It's a short read (less than 200 pages, and less that"The Stonor Eagles"), but very enjoyable.A must for any eagleor bird of prey fan.

His best.
Simple, but glorious, the flight of the Stonor Eagles finds its true path in the author's shortest, yet most satisfying novel, telling of the barbarism of the zoo, for all its fugitives. Paul Simon sang it, and the echo drones like Schubert from this book, until, unlike the hapless composer, freedom comes. It seems many haven't bothered this author beyond Duncton, but they should not fear dissappointment, nor relish a tale which can be reread over a day, not a month. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I was disappointed
I LOVED the first book in the series.It should have been one of my favorite books ever.Besides being a great animal story, it adds in mysticism and real life situations, as well as characters I cared about.

This book left me disappointed, and upset.
The post-apocalyptic state of the world is more fully revealed in this book which gave the story a bit of a turn, which in itself was no bad thing, and made the state of the world more a world wide event than just something of the wolf's state.
But, in doing so, I believe it added just a bit TOO much gore, graphic and disturbing violence.
Violence in this story in itself would have been appropriate, to an extent, but after repeated rapes, brutal tortures of animals and humans, incest and beastiality... I was just left with a really bad taste in my mouth.None of this really affected the story enough to justify (to me) its inclusion or at least the sheer amount of it.

The story DOES get severly rushed in the latter half, but as people noted, it WAS supposed to be a trilogy.
The problem with this was, however, that the last half becomes a race of carnage and killings.Character after character is killed off in some gruesome way, sometimes in as little as three paragraphs.The last few chapters in particular are simply a few paragraphs or a few pages at most that "wrap up" character's storylines.I felt cheated after spending so much reading time caring what happened, and the character was written out in a few words!

Definately lost all emotion for me between the rush job, emotionless ending, and the violence/perversions.

NOT for children.

Wulf and Wulfin
The second book of the series comes to an end with the wolves of time(from an earlier book-journeys to the heartland) when the Mennen(mankind) destroy everything the wolves know and a few of the pups get killed too which is quite sad. Amazingly graphic and with intense descriptions makes you want to read on through this book of adventure,love and friendship. I couldn't put the book down and when it was over, I wanted the sequel to be a trilogy! I didn't want to put the book down because I felt like I was one of the pack, just totally wild and almost free. I loved the ending although it made me cry... A book that's definitely worth reading because it questions the morals of men and whether we should "own" the planet since there are other animals we share it with...

Epic storytelling, with real heart
If I have a few criticisms of the final volume of Wolves of Time; if I consider it a little less magnificent than its predecessor, don't be put off: it's still a majestic novel, filled with powerful characters, surging with emotion; unforgettable.

I think what problems the book does have come from the fact thatWolves of Time was supposed to be a trilogy, but because of complex, infuriating commercial/legal pressures,Horwood was compelled to condense the second and third projected volumes into one final text. It shows, I think. The pacing is a little uneven; taking its own good time for much of the first half, and suddenly accelerating at the end, speeding past events in a few pages that obviously could have - probably should have - filled an entire seperate book.'

Notwithstanding that; everything else which was great about the first volume is still here. It's a book of veryintense emotions, and you should be warned that it's even more graphically brutal than the original. And when I say graphic, I mean if wolves being nailed up by their genitals or being disembowelled sounds a bit intense for you, you might want to avoid this one. But harrowing as it can be - and you really have to grit your teeth to get through some of the scenes - there are moments when it will set your emotions soaring, too.

Hell, if you've read the first one all the way through, you're going to buy this one anyway, so the review is sort of redundant. It's a great story. If you even half suspect you'll like it, you'll most likely fall in love with it. Go get it.

It would have to be the best!
This book is the best I have ever read, it fills you with all types of emotions, mostly amazment. You have got to read it.

Eerie and thought provoking
a great sequal. I loved the characteristics of the wolves and felt myself joining the pack and running with them. the encounters with the Mennen leave me shaking and trembling, while encounters with Mann give me hope forthe future I book seen through the eyes of wolves full of hope for thefuture and regret over past incidents that may or may not happen again inthe future for wolfkind and humanity. ... Read more

Product Description
Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger return once more in a special Christmas tale from the bestselling author of The Willows in Winter, Toad Triumphant and The Willows and Beyond.The twelve days of Christmas are fast approaching and Mole is planning to enjoy every one of them with his River Bank friends. So when the normally cheerful Mr Toad despairs at the arrival of Mrs Ffleshe, a quite impossibly rude house guest, Mole must do something about it. But the plan he hatches with Ratty, Badger and Otter to rescue Toad goes horribly wrong. With the prospect of Christmas in gaol and a trial for capital offences soon to follow, Mole will have to work hard if he is to salvage something of the Christmas spirit for his friends!The Willows at Christmas is the crowning achievement of William Horwood's masterly cycle of sequels to Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. The new story is set just after the original but before Horwood's critically acclaimed The Willows in Winter, which so brilliantly brought the much-loved River Bankers back to life.It will give pleasure to countless readers around the world who have revelled in each new work, and capture the loyalty and imagination of many new readers. ... Read more

Product Description
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE, AND NOW

A million readers have revelled in William Horwood's now classic trilogy The Duncton Chronicles which tells how Moledom's Stone followers struggled to find peace and truth for allmole.

But now Moledom's greatest tale can be told - from which all began and to which all is leading.

If you have never read a Duncton story before, start here and now.

If you are already a Stone follower then prepare for the greatest pilgrimage of your life to find the Silence of the Stone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Best book you could possibly read
All of William Horwood's books are powerful and filling you with such an urge to go fourth and read more. You certaintly aren't wasting any time picking up this book, Duncton Tales.I love how the moles will die under theStone, how they would rather fall into their blood than see their belovedfaith - Stone, be mistreated. I enjoyed how they set in the mole's religionperfectly, to me. I hope more people will turn themselves to this awesomebook, and learn of love, hate, death and faith.

Sigh...
As I've noted in my reviews of the other books, William Horwood has created a fantasy world in his Duncton series that is ( indead ) on a par with that of Tolkien. The big gripe I have with this book is that he'sgiven his moles a religion that's a direct parody of the Christian faith henow longer accepts. In this series, his protagonist will end up beingexecuted for the salvation of his follower moles in much the same way asJesus Christ. Why drag religion into a genre that's noted for beingsecular? As 'n Christian I enjoy fantasy reads, but not William Horwood anymore - I can't stomach the sacreligous plagiaterism he commits against theBible.

A brilliant book!
Steyn reyne in thine herte, Staye thee hol and soint, Me desire wot I none, Blessed be thou and ful of blisse!

The book was just as good as the others in the previous series, the Duncton Chronicles.I was inspired toread the following books - Duncton Rising and Duncton Stone!I recommendthe books to anybody!

To Great For Words
This Book is Great. It can never be to long

On par with Tolkien's Lord of the Ring series.
An entire world centered around an animal I never thought much about.Wonderful characters, complicated stories, good against evil all taking place in mole tunnels.Satisfyingly thick volumes that made you wish they were longer.I'm glad I discovered Harwood's two trilogy's about Duncton Wood after they were written.I wouldn't have had the patience to wait while they were being written. ... Read more

Product Description
William Horwood has brought to life once more the four most beloved characters in English literature--loyal Mole, resourceful Water Rat, stern but wise Badger, and, of course, capricious, irresistible Toad. The result is this this perfect companion to the classic, The Wind in the Willows. Illustrations throughout.Amazon.com Review
Traditionalists might well shudder at the thought of a sequelto a classic--especially one written by an author other than theoriginal. But even devout fans of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in theWillows will breathe more easily once they pass the firstsentence of The Willows in Winter. William Horwood, whileresisting slavish mimicry, remains true to the spirit of theoriginal. Not many writers could follow such a tough act, but Horwoodmanages to create a story every bit as heartwarming and exciting asthe first. Blustery Toad is up to his naughty old tricks, after a longperiod of enforced goodness. Through a comedy--and near-tragedy--oferrors, Toad, along with resourceful Rat, loyal Mole, and wise Badger,is drawn into an extended wild goose chase that lasts all winter. Withplummeting airplanes, tumbles in the freezing river, and courtroomhigh drama, this is not to be a winter of cozy hibernation. PatrickBenson's finely crosshatched illustrations transport the reader backto the familiar River and the always-looming great Wild Wood.Horwoodand Benson's masterful teamwork is a tribute to the 90-year-oldclassic that Grahame himself would have been proud to see. (All ages)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

not my thing...
Fine for a 12 year old!One member of our book club wanted to read this, so we all did. To be fair, I didn't care for this sort of thing when I actually was 12, so was pretty hopeless. If you have a bright 8 year old, would probably work just fine!

As good as the original
I loved reading The Wind in the Willows with my kids and was glad I came upon that piece of literature for my own sake that I wouldn't have otherwise. I was concerned a sequel by another author would ruin it. But it lives up to the original and is a joy to read.

A Pleasant Surprise
Like other reviewers and the author himself, I questioned the wisdom of writing a sequel to a truly great book by another author.I was, therefore, quite pleasantly surprised when I read this book.Is it as good as The Wind In the Willows?No, but how many books are?It was a most enjoyable read for me.I think that it's more of an adult's book and less of a children's book than The Wind In the Willows, but it will be a rewarding read for anybody who enjoyed Grahame's masterpiece.

Absolutely horrible - no I mean painful
First let me say I love the Wind in the Willows and really looked forward to reading this sequel. But it is difficult for me to express in words how Horwood utterly fails to capture the characters and just creates an absolutely painful experience.The original was a masterpiece and the characters - even toad- were gentle, loving creatures, with transcendent subtle nature.These characters are somehow mean, shallow, and just plain awful.Reading it (and I promise you I longed to do so and meet them again) just so ruins these characters that it made me cringe page after page.Why did he do this? Did the positive reviewers fail to see the night and day difference between this and the original.Garbage just garbage.

Not Kenneth Grahame, but Grahame's not writing anymore
Horwood has taken on an impossible task - to satisfy new and lifelong WITW fans.Sure, it's not the same as reading Grahame's original creation, but I really miss Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Toad, and Horwood gives us a peek into what they've been doing lately - and he's done a good job of it.If you miss the River Bankers as I did, you should read this with proper expectations.Plus, Horwood improves upon his own work in his next WITW book, so it's worth the trip to get to there.

In summary, it's nice to check in on old friends, but you can't go home again. ... Read more

Product Description
The tales of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. When Mole goes boating with the Water Rat instead of spring-cleaning, he discovers a new world. As well as the river and the Wild Wood, there is Toad's craze for fast travel which leads him and his friends on a whirl of trains, barges, gipsy caravans and motor cars and even into battle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

No review for 13 years... 1998
I was just looking downstairs and saw my copy of Stonor Eagles, a book I have visited in text and memory many times.A book of fantasy, imagination, history, art and growing up in the sixties in rural and urban England.Most of all it is a story in the first person of Sea Eagles and their fight for survival against the encroachment of humans and science (chemicals).It is inspiration on a different level, against all odds, but recent history shows that Cuillons flight and her daughter's persiverence has won through with the re-establishment of sea eagle colonies on the west coast of Scotland (Rhum).
I think that now is a good time to revisit James McKaskell Stonor.

A Tale of Truth and Daring
William Horwood's book, "The Stonor Eagles" is most definitely a most beautifully written piece of literary art.I love it like a dear friend and will read it again and again.

Mr. Horwood captures the essence of a creative being, and through the simultaneous story of a man and the survival of sea eagles, brings courage and joy to the act of creation.As with all of his books, truth is exposed on all levels and given the depth and richness of a heart filled with love and reverance for life.This story will always live in my heart as my own "wings" to freedom.No matter how deep my despair or how high my glory, "The Stonor Eagles" gives me the ability to find my own worth and inner power, and inspires me to do and be what I'm here for - being alive as a conduit for Source filled vision and the sharing of Knowledge from Within; "true flight" of the spirit.

A Literary Work of Art
I am not a person who easily 'gets into a book'. It has to be something very special to keep my interest. William Horwood's 'The Stonor Eagles' not only managed to hold my interest - it totally captivated me with its content. I would go so far as to state that it is the most beautifully written book I have ever cast eyes on. The author had obviously researched his subject very thoroughly and was therefore able to weave the factual aspect into the wonderfully imaginative fiction so successfully. This book is truly a work of art and I challenge anyone to read it without being emotionally moved!

This is a deeply moving and outstanding book.
I was continually amazed at the way in which Mr. Horwood has interweavedtwo stories, and brought them both to a believable and emotionallysatisfying ending.I felt myself joined in spirit to the author and hischaracters as I read this double story about transformation, spiritualobedience and love of the earth. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation go toWilliam Horwood!

If possible, even better than Duncton.
Intelligent, thought provoking, I was unable to put this book down.

The depth of character and understanding and ability to put these forward in a truly awesome literary work was not a work of fiction, more like the creation of an alternative universe.

This man, who's Duncton Wood series escalated the entire genre to the highest form of art has merged two worlds into an altogether new one.

I cannot praise or rate this novel higher.

I have been altered by reading it.

Thank You William Horwood. ... Read more