Forbidden Paths of Thual

by Victor Kelleher

"Quen stood quite still... As he hesitated, Ildaron's voice came crashing through the vacant spaces of his mind: Nothing must prevent your getting there, nothing. That is my command..."

For weeks now, Quen's people have been caught within the Mollag soldiers' deadly net. And Quen alone has been chosen for a grim and desperate task - a quest into the black unknown shadows of the great forest of Thual - to seek out the Wise Ones, to consume the Mollag and rescue his people. But first he must survive the treacherous journey through the forest's forbidden paths.

Somewhere... somewhere within Thual, the Great Keepers lie hidden. And the greatest terror of all lies before him.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure, Childrens

154 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Victor Kelleher is an Australian author. Victor was born in London and moved to Africa with his parents, at the age of fifteen. He spent the next twenty years travelling and studying in Africa, before moving to New Zealand. Kelleher received a teaching degree in Africa and has taught in Africa, New Zealand and Australia. While in New Zealand, he began writing part time, prompted by homesickness for Africa. He moved to Australia in 1976, with his South African wife, Allison, and taught at the University of New England, in Armidale, New South Wales, before moving to Sydney to write full time. Many of the books he has written have been based on his childhood and his travellings in Africa.

Kelleher has won many awards for his books, such as the Australian Children's Book Award.

Reviews

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced fantasy, that despite being originally published in 1979, should appeal to today's young readers. It probably deserves 4 stars, but Quen, the main character, had a tendency to make some rather foolish mistakes that got on my nerves somewhat. However, this does add to the drama, and how Quen overcomes both his flaws and the terrible enemy his people are facing, makes an exciting story.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book by my parents when I was young. Spent many days rereading it and becoming Quen as a youngster. Will always hold a special place on my bookshelf.
Books can be more than their contents, this one brings back a lot of happy childhood memories.

[Ryan Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book.