A haunting, otherworldly tale about a young boy (Gwyn) who lost his older sister Bethan in a snowstorm while looking for his lost ewe. His family hasn't been in the same since, and his birthday, the day in which she disappears, is a bittersweet time. His grandmother reveals to him that he has a strange talent for magic, but he has no idea how to fully unlock the gift. She gives him some odd gifts which he unleashes out into the world to get his sister back. A young girl who reminds him of his sister comes back, but she is changed.

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I really enjoyed this book. It was recommended to me by my mother-in-law as a book meant for children but adults would enjoy it too.

I also read book's #2 and #3.

#1: "Snow Spider" - cute and light-hearted; easy read for an adult but enoyable

#2: "Emlyn's Moon" - slightly predictable yet still interesting

#3: "Chestnut Soldier" - hard time holding my interest/attention; even more predictable. Seemed like the author had a hard time ending the story lines of the characters.

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This book is intended for children aged 8-11. My son loved it! It is the 1st book in a series called The Magician Trilogy.

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In the heart of Wales, a young boy is celebrating a birthday. But there is no joy this day as it is also the sixth anniversary of his sister's disappearance from somewhere up the mountain. However, this day also marks a turning point in the boys life when his grandmother presents him with five gifts, and announces, "Time to find out if you are a magician, Gwydion Gwyn!."

Though the story is written for preteens, I found myself caught up in the adventure as Gwyn offered each of the five gifts to the wind, and received something in return for each. Each item would bring him closer to his heart's desire, but one would almost destroy him and those around him.

This is an excellent book, filled with the myth and magic that make Wales a jewel of the Celtic realms.

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