Dennis L. McKiernan, Once Upon A Spring Moon

Once Upon A Spring Moon

Dennis L. McKiernan

Roc, October 2006, $23.95, 400 pp.

ISBN 0451461126

Once upon a time in the Kingdom Of Springwood, Princess Celeste sits in her favorite tree thinking thoughts when a group of bandits try to kidnap her. Unwilling to be a damsel in distress, Celeste tries to fight them off, and when the chevalier knight Roel enters the battle on her side, the thugs are killed. Roel is in danger of dying due to a poisoned arrow, but he has excellent care and soon recovers. While he recuperates, he and Celeste fall in love, but he can't stay with her because he is on a quest.

His sister was taken by the Changeling Lord, and his two elder brothers went after her but never returned. Roel intends to rescue all his siblings; Celeste, who doesn't want to depart from her love, joins him. The road they travel is hard, and they must pass through different kingdoms in faery using a map recovered from the pirates to guide them. The Three Fates, at different times, assist them during their perilous journey by giving her cryptic instructions and gifts that they will need if they reach the Changeling Lord's kingdom. Along the way, various villains of faery attack them; it takes all their cunning and guile, as well as their perseverance and strength to continue on a quest that seems likely will kill them both.

Dennis L. McKiernan is a wonderful worldbuilder who reminds readers of the magic that can be found in fairy tales. Celeste is an independent woman who believes she is the equal of any man, and Roel is happy to have her as a partner instead of a subordinate. They battle trolls, goblins, sirens, ogres and a host of other creatures working together as a team. This is an enchanting tale that will have readers spellbound.