World Famous Comics: The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor (Pellinor Series)
The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor (Pellinor Series)
By: Alison Croggon Publisher: Candlewick Press Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Candlewick Press Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 528 Publication Date: March 14, 2006 Reading Level: Young Adult Release Date: March 14, 2006
Product Description: In the classic spirit of epic fantasy comes this glittering saga of a young girl who learns she possesses an uncanny gift - and is destined to use it to save her world from a terrifying evil.
Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child when her family is destroyed in war. She doesn't yet know she has inherited a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the noble School of Pellinor and enables her to see the world as no other can. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true identity and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now, she and her mysterious teacher must embark on a treacherous, uncertain journey through a time and place where the forces of darkness wield an otherworldly terror.
The first book in a projected quartet, Alison Croggon's epic about Maerad and her remarkable yet dangerous gift is a beautiful, unforgettable tale. Presented as a new translation of an ancient text, THE NAMING evokes the rich and complex landscape of Annar, a legendary world just waiting to be discovered.
Amazon.com Review: Australian poet Alison Croggon brings an eye for sensual detail to this heroic fantasy that follows the genre's familiar formula: A humble person is caught up in extraordinary events and led (or sent) on a journey by a wise figure, only to discover eventually that he/she is destined to save the world in an ultimate confrontation between the powers of good and evil. In this case the young person is sixteen-year-old Maedra, who is rescued from slavery by the Bard Cadvan. They share an exhausting journey toward Innail, one of the Bard schools and strongholds that govern the land, and Maedra grows to trust Cadvan as he reluctantly reveals his magical powers in several ambushes from evil creatures. But under duress she, too, begins to discover that she has a Gift--and more. After she has learned to read, ride a horse, and handle a sword at Innail, they set out on another dangerous trek to the prestigious city of Norloch, where Cadvan hopes to consult with his mentor Nelac to confirm his conviction that Maerad is the One who was Foretold. Many other characters and creatures come into this tale, as well as mystical intimations and dreams, and lavish descriptions of landscape, food, clothes, and room furnishings. In the tradition of Tolkien, a whole history of an ancient language and culture undergirds the story, and Croggon has even provided appendices of that history, a pronunciation guide, and an invented bibliography of her sources. Die-hard fantasy fans who can forgive its slow pace will enjoy this richly imagined story and look forward to its sequel, The Riddle. (ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell
Would definitely recommend Though I felt this book had a slow start, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It took me a few days to get through the first third of the book, but then only about a day to finish the rest of the book. After it got going, I couldn't put it down.
The characters themselves were one of my favorite things about this story. They were very dynamic and life-like to me; this was actually one of the few books where I actually had a picture in my head of each of the characters. As far as the story goes, it's a very interesting storyline. It is a very Tolkien-esk story, so it is a little confusing at first when the characters begin explaining different aspects of their world. As long as you pay attention in the beginning, though, it's much easier to understand as the book goes along.
Though I would like to give the book 5 stars, I feel it only deserved 4 due to the slow start of the book. I can't wait, however, to read the 2nd book in this series. I'm very interested to see where the author takes the characters from here.
fantastic addition to young adult literature This novel, as well as the sequels that follow, are a refreshing addition to the dwindling world of young adult fantasy. It was fantastic to find a book geared towards older readers and spawned from a more Tolkein-esque root, rather than the more common middle-grade level Potter spinoffs that seem to be popping up all over the place. While the novel is classified as a young adult work, Croggon's voice is mature and her story can be enjoyed by adults as well. It is true that there are some similarities between this novel and Lord of the Rings, but as the story progresses through the books that follow these similarities become less evident and Croggon develops her own unique flow of language, as previous reviewers pointed out. After reading all three of the existing Books of Pellinor (and eagerly awaiting the fourth), I have yet to find a new work of fantasy that lives up to what Alison Croggon has created.
The Naming: Worth your while. First of all, I noticed that several people have mentioned that they think the plot is "dull" or "slow". That is their personal opinion. And this is mine: the plot is far from slow. Perhaps it doesn't jump into the battles and flee-for-your-life scenes that quite a few recent fantasy books do, but this isn't your average fantasy novel - it's more along the lines of Tolkien's masterpieces: rich, with vivid characters and landscapes and with an underlying culture and history that peeks through the pages. I won't go into detail about the book's plot: why should I? The professional reviews are at the top of the page, and everyone else's synopsis is down here as well. That should be enough for you. I'm merely here to tell you that I found this book to be a wonderful read that I could not put down - both times I've read it. True, some of the basic plot elements are the same as many other mainstream fantasy novels (again, look at the professional reviews up top), but Croggon writes well and with real, see-able compassion, and her characters are real and complex. I recommend it to you; please, read it. You'll probably be a better person for it (?), and if not that, have a glimpse of what, in my eyes, is a real fantasy novel. - Notice the "in my eyes"; this is my personal opinion, and yours may differ from mine. Still, try it. You may find that you like it just as much as I do.
The Naming This book is so well written and draws you into the story easily. It takes twist and turns that are unexpected, which leaves you wanting more.
Just too slow. Just plodded through this one. I liked the characters and the prose was intelligent. But the plot, urgh!, too slow and ponderous, not enough action and protagonists were cloyingly good. There are better options out there.
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