An Leughadair

Why did I choose this book? Because I had listened to The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and enjoyed it very much.What did I like? The pace of the adventure was faster than The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and the same characters gained some depth.I love the seamless weaving of celtic and local myth, and folklore into the storyline as well as the concept of old and new magic. I appreciated the way Alan Garner chose to describe occurrences and, more importantly, feelings ascribed to the afterlife or in-between; it was almost beautiful. What didn't I like? Unfortunately, I was not as enthralled as I was with The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, and I found myself losing attention despite the wonderful narration of Mr Madoc. At certain points, I lost the any concept what was happening and I feel I may need a second listen, when not driving, to better appreciate this sequel.I never heard an explanation as to how the Morrigan returned. As others have said, it felt more contrived with certain events seeming to happen at precisely the right moment purely to set-off another, and to provide the story with momentum.So, despite the increase in pace, the further exploration of characters, and the fusion of folklore, myth, and landscape The Moon of Gomrath fell short of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen.Would I recommend it? Yes, but only because it is the sequel to a fine book.