Title: The Pool of Two Moons
Author: Kate Forsyth
First published January 1, 1998
557 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451456908 (ISBN10: 0451456904)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
In the land of Eileanan, magic and witchcraft have been outlawed for 16 years following the Day of Reckoning. But rumors persist that the Arch-Sorceress Meghan of the Beasts still lives.
With her travels the true heir to the throne and the red-haired warrior Iseult, both united in their quest to restore magic to their land. As the darkness grows, Meghan must gather rebel forces to overthrow the tyrannical Queen Maya and her dying King.
To succeed, they must reunite what was broken: twin sisters separated at birth, the three parts of an enchanted key, and the winged man with the powers of the lost Lodestar. Can they bring magic out of the shadows and save Eileanan from its darkest hour?
About the Author
At the tender age of seven, Kate Forsyth penned her first novel, and since then has become a bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children worldwide.
Her adult novels include ‘Beauty in Thorns’, a fascinating love story that inspired the famous ‘Sleeping Beauty’ painting; ‘The Beast’s Garden’, a retelling of ‘Beauty & the Beast’ set during WWII in the German underground resistance to Hitler; ‘The Wild Girl’, a beautiful love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, who shared with him many of the world’s most famous fairy tales; ‘Bitter Greens’, a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and her most popular series, ‘Witches of Eileanan’.
Kate’s children’s books include ‘The Impossible Quest’, ‘The Gypsy Crown’, ‘The Puzzle Ring’, and ‘The Starkin Crown’.
To add to her impressive portfolio, Kate holds a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters in Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is a qualified master storyteller.
Editoral Review
Kate Forsyths The Pool of Two Moons takes readers on an enchanting journey through ancient Celtic mythology and the power of love. A master of historical fiction, Forsyth packs this book with intricate world-building, well-developed characters, and a captivating plot.
The Pool of Two Moons follows the story of a young apprentice named Seraphine, who is an expert in weaving magical ropes. When her true love is killed, Seraphine is desperate to bring him back to life, and so she embarks on a perilous quest to reach the Pool of Two Moons, where two powerful goddesses reside.
Set in ancient Ireland, the novel explores themes such as love, loss, grief, and the enduring power of faith. The authors attention to historical accuracy and detail is evident throughout the book, transporting readers to a time when magic, gods, and goddesses were an integral part of life.
Forsyths writing style is elegant and lyrical, and she does a fantastic job of weaving together various threads of mythology and folklore into a cohesive narrative. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, with their motivations and desires driving the plot forward in engaging ways.
The setting of ancient Ireland is rendered with vivid, sensory descriptions, bringing the landscape to life with all its magic, mystery, and danger. The novel is not without its flaws, however.
The pacing can be slow at times, and some readers might find the world-building overwhelming. The heavy use of Irish terminology can also be a hurdle for those not familiar with the language or culture.
Overall, The Pool of Two Moons is a stunning work of historical fantasy that will appeal to readers of all ages. It is an excellent example of the power of storytelling, as Forsyth expertly crafts a narrative that draws readers in and holds them captive until the very end.
Fans of Celtic mythology and folklore, as well as lovers of historical fiction and fantasy, will find much to enjoy in this work. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
