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The Saga of Peter the Woodsman by A. Hansley Jr. is a classic tale of myth and magic, sword and sorcery. We first meet siblings Alex and Wes in modern times, taking the bus home from school. When a strange hooded figure boards and leads the bus in the wrong direction, they immediately jump off. Lost and cold in dark woods, they seek shelter from a sudden intense storm. At the only cottage they find, an old man takes them in and begins telling an incredible epic story that lasts all night and takes them into another world.

Peter is a simple woodsman, hard-working like his father and grandfather before him. One day while walking with his mule, Peter meets a spirit named Dualla. The spirit brings Peter to Helicon, the mount of light. Peter realizes that in Helicon, his mule becomes a mighty stallion, and his axe radiates with magic as though filled with pure energy. Peter, too, is transformed. He meets Calliope, muse of inspiration, and her spirit guards. Calliope welcomes Peter, but calls him Pendragon.

A wise and powerful wizard named Mystagog tells Peter why the spirits have given him total power and the title of Pendragon the Champion. In return, Peter is asked to join their fight against the forces of evil. The dark forces are lead by Lord Evil the First, and his servant wizard, Myrmadon.

Many battles over many centuries ensue as Peter repeatedly answers the call to serve and defend Helicon as its champion. Lord Evil’s capacity for cruelty seems endless. Evil is stopped by Peter but is not defeated, as Evil’s campaign to destroy him, along with the nine sister muses, and Helicon rages for millennia.

Author A. Hansley Jr. has written a captivating tale with an intriguing plot filled with plenty of tension and conflict, wonderful character development, crisp dialogue and an unrelenting pace. He puts us right there, too, with vivid sensory descriptions and strong, scene-setting narrative.

Will Peter defeat Lord Evil at long last and end Evil’s reign-of-terror and destruction? Or will the Woodsman ultimately fail the people of Helicon? And what part do Alex and Wes play in the final battle of good versus evil? You’ll have to read it to find out.

Geared to the 8-14 set, The Saga of Peter the Woodsman will be loved by young readers. A. Hansley Jr.’s writing talent and vast knowledge and use of Greek mythology will also keep even the most sophisticated adult reader enthralled.

reviewed by WR Potter for Reader’s Choice reviews

476 pages Lulu.com (October 29, 2008) 978-0557023226

The Saga of Peter the Woodsman