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"Dynamite coming of age horror tale"

When she was five her grandfather gave her his greatest possession his book of myths accompanied by a letter containing hints about her missing older sibling Harry. Over the next eight years, Tallis turns into a believer in the shadows of the supernatural and magical realms that surround her home. Tallis also remains steadfast that her missing older brother Harry still lives, but somehow lost his way in the mystical Ryhope Wood. Now thirteen, she feels obsessed to help Harry, who she senses is in danger, but not sure from what.

Taking the magic that her grandfather left her and using the clues in his letter, Tallis, frightened by the unknown she ventures towards, follows Harry's trail into the Otherworld until the ancient forest turns into the horrific realm of Lavondyss. If she survives the early tests, there the Mythagos will confront the teen. Soon she will know that her goal is not just to try to save Harry, but to survive her ordeal.

LAVONDYSS is a strong coming of age horror tale that teens and adult will enjoy. The story line is action-packed once Tallis takes that first step out of her haven into the realm of deadly mythos. The Mythagos is an intriguing creature created by the "physical manifestations of the legends of humanity's collective unconscious" of which Tallis' fears and courage surely adds layers. The story line never slows down as this sequel to the wonderful MYTHAGOS WOOD is a delightful stand alone tale that readers will shiver and appreciate as they join Tallis on her mission into the dangerous unknown.

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 16, 2004

Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 22, 2007

A haunting entry in the World Fantasy Award-winning Mythago Cycle In Mythago Wood, Robert Holdstock gave us an intricate world spun from the stories of Irish and English mythology, a great forest steeped in mystery and legend, whose heart contains secrets that will change all who behold them. Young Tallis is one such seeker. When she was just an infant, she lost her brother Harry to Ryhope Wood. Her adolescent fancies now cause her to suspect that he is still alive---and in grave danger. Tallis follows Harry into the primal Otherworld armed only with magic, masks, and clues left by her grandfather. Eventually the primitive forest gives way to Lavondyss itself, a fascinating and terrible realm where she is forced to confront the mythagos, physical manifestations of the legends of humanity's collective unconscious. Join Tallis on her quest into the ultimate unknown, and be invited into one of the finest and most compelling mythologies you will ever encounter.