Allamanda

Yes, this book, and its predecessor Arcady, are at times difficult to read, but the vivid description and wonderful characterisation make it well worth the effort. I have just finished this novel after possessing a copy for years. These novels are truly unique - although the images are familiar, as from dreams or childhood memories of exploring ruined country estates, coming across the statue of a fallen sphinx, covered in moss... P.S. Buy the UK paperback edition with the wonderful cover by Mick van Houten

Michael Williams' Allamanda is a perfect sequel to his earlier novel, Arcady. I have a thing about fantasy novels with Family Trees and Maps... I guess it comes from my childhood and JRR Tolkein among others. I love referring back and finding out where the novel is talking about. Allemanda uses both. We find ourselves back at the Arcady mansion, seven years later. The ethereal regions known as "Absenses" are beginning to consume the grounds, turning hemp fields into flat, stony surfaces. In the earlier novel, Solomon is our primary character-Allamanda begins with Solomon being "away, off "touring" the lands. Garrick, his nephew, becomes our protagonist. These books can be hard to understand, and not for the fainthearted fantasy enthusiast. Williams world hearkens back to something more reminiscent of the 18th or 19th century than fantasy's usual requirement of Dark Age environs and technology. The characters have muskets, and there are machines here and there. There's also a surprise in the map-but I had to determine where Michael Williams lived before I could figure out what the "ruined cities" were. Then it all fell into place. Except for the mountains on the map. Those didn't make much sense where they were. Anyway, if you liked Arcady, you'll like Allamanda...if you hated one, you'll feel the way about the other. If you want to buy it... go here: Allamanda, by Michael Williams. I can't guarantee anything will be in stock, but it's still on their listings!

Allamanda is a sequel to long atmospheric, difficult to read, but ultimately brilliant Arcady. If you are a fan of Little Big, read these books. Mr Williams, may I have another?