Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: The Darkening Flood
Author: Kenneth C. Flint
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1995

Two tourists from America once visited the Irish village of Ballymurroe. For Ann Milne, it was a homecoming of sorts: she had Irish blood flowing in her veins. For John Milne, it was a pleasurable way to spend their honeymoon. They acquired acquaintances in the village and, when they decided to return a year later, hoped to renew their friendships with the villagers. However, it soon becomes clear that things have markedly changed. Villagers that once treated them with kindness and civility are cold and suspicious. The IRA has begun infiltrating the smaller villages, including Ballymuroe. But most upsetting to the Milnes is the disappearance of a woman and her daughter who were their particular friends.

Strange things begin to happen as they investigate their friends' disappearance. A blue Volvo starts trailing them across the countryside. Touristy spots become unfriendly to outsiders. Ravens attack them as they sightsee. Clues appear here and there, only to lead to more mysteries. What does a sketch of two gateposts mean? Why does an unmarked lorry stop in the village and turn up the same road marked by the gateposts? Why does John suddenly find himself imagining a world long forgotten...with him in it? How does the estate of Dunraven and its owner mix into the story?

The Milnes find themselves wary of anyone they encounter. The only one they trust implicitly is an aged priest, Father Bonaventure, but there is little he can do because of his religious vows. There is the American movie director, Douglas Butler, but his estate, Dunraven, is somehow tied into things. There is Keith Trahern, the ex-husband of the their missing friend, but his wife left him because of his ties to the IRA, so how far can they trust him? The tinker, Cian O'Teague, may be able to help them, but they've only just met him...besides which, there's something strange and unearthly about him. So who can they trust when the mysterious mastermind behind everything makes his move for power?

I've been unable to find anything else by Kenneth C. Flint, more's the pity. The Darkening Flood is so masterfully written that his other works must be just as informative, just as interesting, and just as enjoyable. He balances history, religion, and mythology lessons with the "mainstream" storyline to produce a book filled with the magic of a long forgotten world and the conveniences of the modern era.

Rating: Thumbs up! Historic fantasy buffs, here's a book for you!

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