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Mythago Wood (The Mythago Cycle Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 933 ratings

Myth and Terror in the Forest Deeps

The mystery of Ryhope Wood, Britain's last fragment of primeval forest, consumed George Huxley's entire long life. Now, after his death, his sons have taken up his work. But what they discover is numinous and perilous beyond all expectation.

For the Wood, larger inside than out, is a labyrinth full of myths come to life, "mythagos" that can change you forever. A labyrinth where love and beauty haunt your dreams. . .and may drive you insane.

"Utterly enthralling."
--
Times Literary Supplement

"Robert Holdstock's is one of the voices at the very heart of modern fantasy."
-Guy Gavriel Kay

"One of the strangest, most beautiful and most compelling fantasies I have ever read. A marvel of a book." --Keith Roberts


At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Holdstock's fantasy of a surviving primeval forest where legends and tribes of different ages coexist draws power from the myths, archetypes and literary conventions it embodies. The long, Wellsian introduction to the Huxley family and their fascination with Ryhope Wood slowly moves toward a civilized British confrontation with the wilderness and savagery. Unaware of the consequences, Steve Huxley falls in love with the latest incarnation of beautiful Guiwenneth of the greenwoodas his father and brother had before him. When she is kidnapped, his attempt to find her becomes a quest leading to the heart of the mysterious wood. Although it takes its time getting started, and occasionally reminds us that it was expanded from a short story, this is a winning novel with a fine feeling for the interface between airy dreams and sweaty reality. Science Fiction Book Club main selection. Foreign rights: Ellen Levine. November 20
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"I found Mythago Wood hard to shake off."

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00BY5R1IO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Books; First edition (September 1, 2003)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2003
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2528 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 338 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 933 ratings

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Robert Holdstock
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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
933 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book compelling and refreshing. They appreciate the fantasy content, finding it meaningful and believable. The tone is described as dark and haunting, creating a haunting mood. Readers praise the character development and character arcs. The pacing is fast and the writing is good. Overall, customers describe the book as a great read with an interesting concept and powerful tale.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

37 customers mention "Enthralling read"34 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's compelling story and concept. They find it refreshing and well-written. The premise of the story is intriguing and powerful. Readers describe the book as fantastic and fascinating.

"...For anyone who has an interest in myths and legends, this is a powerful tale of one man confronting such legends and how he's changed by it...." Read more

"...In Mythago Wood, Holdstock has made a significant contribution to the fantasy genre by creating a meaningful novel that is more than run of the mill..." Read more

"...idea of myths and archetypes embodied in an English wood was a unique perspective that took quite an adjustment...." Read more

"This book had a great blend of fantasy, and psychological twists all throughout it! It really made me think as I read, and the story is so original!..." Read more

27 customers mention "Fantasy content"24 positive3 negative

Customers find the fantasy content meaningful and believable. They appreciate the author's imagination and skillful storytelling. The book is described as quirky, woodland/myth fantasy about an obsessed father and son.

"...The story itself has a dreamlike and spiritual quality, the protagonists entering into a parallel world via a "ghost wood" populated by the..." Read more

"...has made a significant contribution to the fantasy genre by creating a meaningful novel that is more than run of the mill bestselling "plot-candy."..." Read more

"...This is much more sophisticated and, in some ways, a much more believable fantasy. I did find the book to be long and ponderous. &#..." Read more

"...haunting mood of the beautiful and terrifying settings, you will work literary muscles you've forgotten you had! Is this novel perfect?..." Read more

10 customers mention "Dark tone"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's tone intriguing and interesting. They describe it as dark, gritty, and scary, making the mythologies more vivid. The characters are also described as haunted and entrancing.

"...To start out with, the work is well written and conveys a dark and mystical mood in a forest setting...." Read more

"...You will feel committed to the characters, you will feel the haunting mood of the beautiful and terrifying settings, you will work literary muscles..." Read more

"...Dark and strangely compelling, you will enjoy this book if you are a fan of British history and legend and don't mind fantasy that is gritty and..." Read more

"Definitely worth a read! I'm a gritty, dark fantasy reader, so to pick something like this was way out the ordinary for me...." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They appreciate the psychological approach and characterisation of the main characters, as well as the protagonist's arc, where he emerges very different.

"...The characters are human, with both flaws and redeeming qualities and hints of why myths and legends still hold our imagination are part of the..." Read more

"...There is a very strong character arc, where the protagonist emerges very different. Don't expect a sword and sorcery fantasy...." Read more

"...You will feel committed to the characters, you will feel the haunting mood of the beautiful and terrifying settings, you will work literary muscles..." Read more

"...Something about this story just hooks you. Solid characters and a good plot line along with roofing for the good guy makes this a feel good story...." Read more

4 customers mention "Pace"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the fast pace of the book. They mention the imagery is beautiful and the story has a fast-paced feel from the opening pages through.

"...originally started as a shorty story initially as the pacing certainly has that feel; from the opening pages, through the early scenes which tumble..." Read more

"...but formulaic; nevertheless, the events in the book move along at a steady pace...." Read more

"...It is a quick yet satisfying read with a surprising mix of simplicity of tale with complexity of setting and delivery." Read more

"...The pace was fast and the imagery was beautiful" Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable but long-winded. They appreciate the good writing.

"...I give it one star for the good writing, and one star for the imaginative concept of a "wild wood," but it all stops there...." Read more

"Beautifully written with a literary and yet easy to read language...." Read more

"Readable but long-winded..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2002
    At the time of this writing this book is out of print which is a shame. It is one of the most intriguing I've read in many a year. For anyone who has an interest in myths and legends, this is a powerful tale of one man confronting such legends and how he's changed by it. Holdstock drinks from the same well as Gaiman and any fan of Gaiman should definitely give Holdstock a go. He also seems to be familiar with many of Jung's Archtype ideas and gives them a believable place to live.

    Thus the protagonist begins his journey into the heartwood of a mythic primeval forest and beyond - a journey to find his beloved celtic princess and the Umscrumug - the First Myth - the Myth Before all Others. A myth so ancient, the author says, is now fading even in Mythago Wood as Humanity's Collective Unconcious slowly forgets its past. Mythago Wood, a forest where legends and myths from every people of every time and every land are formed, live and breath. A WW1 soldier inhabits the same land as shamanic tribesmen. A celtic princess from the days of Roman Britain walks the woods from legends out of a much later Robin Hood era. And while it is clear that these beings are not "real" in the same sense that the protagonist is they are still capable of feeling joy, love, pain and sorrow. And are equally capable of killing and being killed.

    The characters are human, with both flaws and redeeming qualities and hints of why myths and legends still hold our imagination are part of the entertaining story (If Mythago Wood were real I'm sure Jedi Knights, Klingons and Paul Atreides would now be walking there too).

    This book won awards for good reason. If you enjoy stories of myths and legends don't fail to pick it up.
    31 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2014
    A story that hits the ground running with very little preamble and a hook that immediately submerses you in the concept. I wasn't surprised to later learn that the novel originally started as a shorty story initially as the pacing certainly has that feel; from the opening pages, through the early scenes which tumble together with tension and mystery inciting you to just one more chapter. In this sense it was a real page-turner.

    The story itself has a dreamlike and spiritual quality, the protagonists entering into a parallel world via a "ghost wood" populated by the folklore characters of ancient man. As the protagonists delve deeper into the wood, they reach further within their own psyche and the Id made manifest.

    For fantasy fans, this story is more about the internal conflict and fears of man than swashbuckling action so fans of the more traditional fantasy genre may not feel a connection with this story.

    Personally, I found that the initial momentum trailed off about halfway through and there was never any real raising of the stakes or great risks that upped the ante. I wasn't totally taken on the protagonists motivation - there seemed grander things available but they were not tapped in to. It was very much a flat plateau of events that lead to a rather unsatisfying conclusion, which was a real shame for what had been a very eerie, intriguing, dark story
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2008
    Robert Holdstock's Mythago Wood is an underappreciated, yet significant contribution to the fantasy genre in many ways. To start out with, the work is well written and conveys a dark and mystical mood in a forest setting. Also the plot of Mythago Wood is anything but formulaic; nevertheless, the events in the book move along at a steady pace.
    However, the point of Mythago Wood is not to showcase a fast-paced, action-driven plot. Mythago wood really shines because the work is about a journey "within." It canvasses topics including familial estrangement, biological urges and the inner psyche. The characters that enter the magical Ryhope wood must face the ancient archetypal Mythagos created from the collective conscience of the humans nearby, including themselves.

    Throughout the novel Holdstock does an excellent job of incorporating a variety of Celtic folklore and mythology into the mystery. The characters in the story struggle with emotions including love, jealousy, fear, and anguish. Holdstock purposely pits the powers of reason, rationality and scientific measurement against the ever-shifting, human-repelling powers of Ryhope wood. Holdstock leaves enough mystery about the workings of Ryhope wood so that he can continue to reveal the characteristics of Ryhope wood over the course of several very good sequels.

    In Mythago Wood, Holdstock has made a significant contribution to the fantasy genre by creating a meaningful novel that is more than run of the mill bestselling "plot-candy." He has also avoided recreating the already well-done good vs. evil theme or the power of language theme. Even though Ryhope wood exists alongside the reality of post WWII England, expect to be completely immersed in the fantasy of the wood.

    But don't read Mythago Wood because of its significance within the fantasy genre. Read it to expand and test your mind and to engage your imagination in a new way.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Ariel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2025
    I keep buying it to give to others. Engaging and imaginative, with substance.
  • Noel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping tale.
    Reviewed in Germany on November 23, 2023
    I just thought I'd try this book out.
    The kindle price was great and it had glowing introduction by Neil Gaiman.
    You dont have to be a fantasy fan to enjoy this great story. Within the first chapters you are drawn into this haunting and dramatic world that the author has created. ( Maybe skip the prologue, which I found misleading as to the kind of book you were going to read)
    Also, the parts of the story taken from a diary are in a handwriting style that I found difficult to decipher. The second book in the series dispenses with this and uses clear italics.
    And the best news: it's part of a series!!!
    Just enjoy!
  • Silwald
    1.0 out of 5 stars Just can’t get into this book
    Reviewed in Spain on September 30, 2023
    I have tried repeatedly to read this but find it a style I can’t get into at all. I’m sure other people will like it but its just not for me.
  • Cori Nelson
    3.0 out of 5 stars not a fan
    Reviewed in Australia on March 15, 2023
    Too much mythical detail and too many divergent story lines for me…I won’t be trying any more of this author’s books.
  • constance
    5.0 out of 5 stars a magical place
    Reviewed in France on May 9, 2017
    I absolutely loved this book- it's true that it's slow moving at times, and takes a while to get into the thick(et) of things..But the wood speaks to me so strongly. This book allows me to project my own myths into it, but at the same time creating a whole world which is real while I'm reading it. I'm now reading the second book and loving it even more.

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