A Fragment of Moonswood

by Tracey Mathias

What do you really know about yourself?

Gaia knows this:

She lives in a mountain village that she’ll never leave.

The worst dangers she will ever face are winter and dragons.

She’s not particularly good at anything.

She’s nobody special.

She knows all these things. And she’s totally, utterly wrong about all of them...


A Fragment of Moonswood: volume one of the Assalay Trilogy: a fantasy adventure for readers of 10+

Genres: Fantasy

264 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

I grew up in Cardiff, South Wales. After leaving home, I studied history at Oxford University, worked as a teacher and in various office jobs, travelled, and studied anthropology, before pursuing my life long dream of writing.

A Fragment of Moonswood was my first book, followed by the other volumes of the Assalay Trilogy: The Singing War and Weatherlord. My latest book is Night of the Party, published by Scholastic UK.

When I'm not writing novels, I write song lyrics for the Da Capo Music Foundation.

For more information, please visit my author Facebook page (Tracey Mathias, author) or my website at www.traceymathias.com.

Reviews

[Paula Freedman]

Set in a richly-detailed fictional world, this is fantasy at its best, with an appealing story, believable landscapes, complex characters--and (hell, yes!) dragons. The writing itself is remarkably good (worth a special mention is the author's unique talent for describing, in words, the sound and the feeling of music. Not an easy trick, by any means).

A ripping good yarn in itself, A Fragment of Moonswood is the satisfying first volume in the Assalay trilogy. I can't wait to read volumes 2 & 3.

[Eloise Vanbrabant]

Quite good but it sometimes dragged on for a long time.

[strahlinchen]

Diese spannende Fantasy Geschichte von Gaia und Tal hat mich wirklich mitgerissen. Ich gespannt bis zum Ende hin wie alles zusammenhängt.

Ich liebe diese Erzählsprünge und könnte mir das Buch auch gut als Film vorstellen.

[Christian]

Amazing book: characters, world and storyline are awesome. Should be a movie!

[Alex McGilvery]

Gaia and Tal live in a land atop a high cliff, once known for gold, now they raise goats and sell weaving. They are forbidden to leave their home, but when slaves take their mother, Gaia and Tal travel to the lowlands of Assally to find her.

This is one of those wonderful books which keeps pushing out new shoots and taking us in new directions. Lords and street urchins, ancient treachery and present bravery mix to tell a story which will have you wanting more. Fortunately there is a second book to follow. Even more of note is that Tracy knows how to write a fitting conclusion while still leaving us thirsting for more.

The characters are well drawn both of villain and hero, and the plot doesn't pull any punches. This is a well crafted tale which I would encourage any fantasy lover to read.

[Eva Chowdhury]

I really enjoyed a Fragment Of Moonswood because it combined mystery and fantasy with believability meaning you can easily get absorbed in the story. I found the character of Gaia very interesting for although she lives in this very old society she has a very adventurous and independent spirit making you like her and feel with her throughout the book. I think this book is suitable for 12 to 15 year olds because although the story could be enjoyed by many there are underlying themes for the more mature readers.This is a really good book for young adults and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants their child to read more and to get them interested in books!

Eva
14 and a half

[Linda Parkinson-Hardman]

Everyone has a past that is both their own and the generation's that came before them. Our actions and, to some extent, our choices are governed and influenced by this past and present history. This is a magical adventure that casts two main characters Gaia and Tal, into the role of both historian and saviour. They must battle to overcome their shared present and bring back the meaning of what it is to be a proud people. As you know I love it when authors create a strong image in my mind and Tracey has woven this beautifully, not least because of the utterly believable characters she introduces us to. A great start to what should be a fabulous trilogy.

[April]

I loved this book so much, I loved the writing and the story can't wait to read the next books in the series.

[Oonagh]

Really looking forward to finishing this book. It has started so beautifully.