Riddle-Master (1979)

There was a very slow beginning but about half way in the story really took off. I found myself confused in a couple parts as the flowery language and mystery that the author insisted on using depend, but by the end of the first "book" I still had far more questions then answers. The cliff enders really make you want to keep reading, or maybe throw the book across the room. ( )

I've read this and re-read it, even in its one-volume setting, that I have no date for when I last read it. 2004? Maybe? It's such an amazing book, thick with imagery and language, and her need to write of a female protagonist is so far ahead of its time. So many books have female protagonists since then that they've almost become a commonplace way of self-discovery, but she was one of the first.

The world, the Shape-Changing, the Harp with Three Stars, the mystery of who Morgon is, the power of Raederle; I can never forget these characters and their journeys. And I always find something new when I re-read it. ( )

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

There are some fantasy epics that all literature professors, and most normal people, would consider essential reading for any well-educated person -- J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S.Lewis, Lewis Carroll, etc. So, yeah, I read those a long time ago. But beyond that, there's not much fantasy literature that's essential reading. So, for a long time, I didn't read any. In my drive to be educated, I stuck to the classics (which are classic because they're great literature, usually). But one day, maybe 15 years ago, Patricia McKillip's Riddlemaster fell into my hands. I can't remember exactly when, and I can't remember how. I can't even remember enough to tell you exactly what the trilogy was about. It's been that long ago.

All I can remember is sitting for hours, slack-jawed and amazed. The imagery was so beautiful, the writing so elegant, the ideas so powerful. Some of the imagery has remained with me; I can still remember the awe I felt when Morgon learned how to change into a tree, how to harp the wind, and who Deth was. I don't really remember the details of the story very well, but I still feel it.

I was sad when I finished the Riddlemaster trilogy, but excited to have found something I loved so much, so I went looking for more beautiful fantasy literature. It's been my favorite source of entertainment since.
Read more Patricia McKillip book reviews at Fantasy Literature . ( )

I borrowed "The Chronicles of Morgan, Prince of Hed" from the library so that I could read the first book in the trilogy for my book club, but I'm afraid "The Riddle-Master of Hed" has failed the 50 page test and I have given up on it. Neither the characters nor story have grabbed me, and it seems more like a YA book than adult fantasy.

Interesting fact from Wikipedia: Patricia McKillip is a Leap Year baby, born on 29th February 1948!

The first book, The Riddle-Master of Hed belongs to the title character, Morgon of Hed, Riddle-master and Farmer-Prince who finds the most challenging riddle of all is his own identity and destiny. The next book is the story of Raederlie, Morgon's love, who in Heir of Sea and Fire goes in search of him and finds out much about her own identity and powers. In Harpist of the Wind both work to find out what has happened to the "High One" the "sustainer of the land-law of the realm" that ties the rulers to an awareness of their lands. Despite the multiplying of mysteries in the books, by the end of this one they're all tied up neatly--and with a fairly unpredictable but logical twist. I'd also say that Mckillip develops her world deftly--like most high fantasy it definitely has a medieval European feel, but it feels its own place. Even minor characters are well-drawn, and the style is smooth and the narrative flows well.

It's a good read. Not a great read. I read this trilogy because it was recommended on the "Seven-League Shelf" of the "cream" of fantasy. I don't think it rates as among the best in the genre I've read. I wouldn't place this with others on the list such as The Gormengheist Trilogy, Lord of the Rings, The Once and Future King, Carroll's Alice books. I don't consider it extraordinary in style, nor did it move me to tears or laughter nor did I find it gasp-worthy. But entertaining? Yes, certainly. And some have told me that McKillip's best book isn't this trilogy but The Forgotten Beasts of Eld. I'd certainly be interested in trying that someday having read these. ( )