"The Summer Tree (The Fionavar Tapestry, Book 1)" by Guy Gavriel Kay
Have you ever noticed how some books just dont hold up over time?
Tolkien manages to be timeless but I re-read "The Sword of Shannara". *ugh* I loved that book, what twenty years ago, but re-reading it, I was struck by what a transparent rip off of Tolkien it was. Needless to say, it did not hold up over the years (although it was enough to create a writing career for Terry Brooks).
The Summer Tree on the other hand does surprisingly well. Reviewers say that it is a retelling of Arthurian legend but I was struck (once again) with the amazing creativity of the Mr. Kay. Dwarves and elves are there as are the "forces of evil" but Kay includes so much more. And published in 1984, the story still holds up after twenty years which says a lot.
While not as good as Kay's more recent works, his signature writing style and story techniques are definately there, including strong likeable characters, the forces of gods and nature, and a real flair for tales of fantasy. The Summer Tree was a quick, pleasant read I look forward to the next two volumes.
