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Duncton Chronicles #3
Duncton Found
The moles of Duncton Wood face the ultimate test in the final novel of this classic fantasy trilogy inspired by the splendor of England’s countryside. The ruthless war against the Stone has almost been won by disciples of the Word—only wild Siabod and mysterious Beechenhill still hold out, and everywhere the followers of the Stone go in peril of their lives.
Yet in the shadows of Duncton Wood, a new light is shining. For the Stone Mole has come, to revive the moles’ faith in themselves—and in the ancient power of the Stone—to defeat and deny the evil Word. But it is a task that will demand a greater sacrifice than any mole has yet to face . . .
Yet in the shadows of Duncton Wood, a new light is shining. For the Stone Mole has come, to revive the moles’ faith in themselves—and in the ancient power of the Stone—to defeat and deny the evil Word. But it is a task that will demand a greater sacrifice than any mole has yet to face . . .
1069 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
36 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
William Horwood
43 books250 followersWilliam Horwood is an English novelist. His first novel, Duncton Wood, an allegorical tale about a community of moles, was published in 1980. It was followed by two sequels, forming The Duncton Chronicles, and also a second trilogy, The Book of Silence. William Horwood has also written two stand-alone novels intertwining the lives of humans and of eagles,
The Stonor Eagles and Callanish
, and The Wolves of Time duology. Skallagrigg, his 1987 novel about disability, love, and trust, was made into a BBC film in 1994. In addition, he has written a number of sequels to
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame.
In 2007, he collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport to produce Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller set in nineteenth-century Chicago. It was republished in 2008 as City of Dark Hearts with some significant revisions and cuts under the pen name James Conan.
In 2007, he collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport to produce Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller set in nineteenth-century Chicago. It was republished in 2008 as City of Dark Hearts with some significant revisions and cuts under the pen name James Conan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 27, 2024
Well, it's been a long road but I've reached the end of the first Duncton trilogy. It was a slog at times, and often disturbing, but ultimately I'm sitting here with wet cheeks, grieving the loss of my little mole friends, and a right bunch of psychos and weirdos they were, too!
In this third volume the much anticipated mole messiah finally turns up and tries to teach moles how to live in peace. Oh, if you're one of those people who don't like The Chronicles of Narnia because of the Christian allegory, you should really avoid this series, as the Jesus parallels are even more blatantly sledgehammered home here. Personally, I'm not and never have been a Christian, yet it doesn't bother me at all, in the Narnia books or these. If somebody's going to be converted to Christianity by reading a bunch of books about talking animals, they've got bigger problems, quite frankly...
This is definitely my favourite book in the trilogy but as much as I liked it, there were things that bothered me. Firstly, the author seems to have developed a bad habit of telling the reader how they're supposed to feel about characters and events in the narration. Uh, I'll make my own mind up how I feel about these things, thankyewverymuch Mr. Horwood! Secondly, and this is true of all the books in this trilogy, the book suffers from bloat. I appreciate that the author was writing an EPIC but, even so, an editor with a firmer hand could have trimmed some of the fat and left us with a much more dynamic read.
These issues aside, I loved this one. I think it was the first book to make me cry in 2021 (in a good way, you understand).
In this third volume the much anticipated mole messiah finally turns up and tries to teach moles how to live in peace. Oh, if you're one of those people who don't like The Chronicles of Narnia because of the Christian allegory, you should really avoid this series, as the Jesus parallels are even more blatantly sledgehammered home here. Personally, I'm not and never have been a Christian, yet it doesn't bother me at all, in the Narnia books or these. If somebody's going to be converted to Christianity by reading a bunch of books about talking animals, they've got bigger problems, quite frankly...
This is definitely my favourite book in the trilogy but as much as I liked it, there were things that bothered me. Firstly, the author seems to have developed a bad habit of telling the reader how they're supposed to feel about characters and events in the narration. Uh, I'll make my own mind up how I feel about these things, thankyewverymuch Mr. Horwood! Secondly, and this is true of all the books in this trilogy, the book suffers from bloat. I appreciate that the author was writing an EPIC but, even so, an editor with a firmer hand could have trimmed some of the fat and left us with a much more dynamic read.
These issues aside, I loved this one. I think it was the first book to make me cry in 2021 (in a good way, you understand).
January 1, 2016
It took me nearly a year. But I finished the book. I was sad to finish it. I look fondly on the trilogy as a whole. Horwood did a great job.
March 28, 2017
This trilogy was a long and engrossing read filled with memorable anthropomorphic moles with a religion based heavily on the Gospels with a dash of Buddhism and a sprinkling of M. Scott Peck. And moles have Libraries! Onward to the next mole trilogy...
September 18, 2011
I absolutely love this series. Although this book does go through a bit of a dull patch in the middle, the rest is lovely.
April 26, 2012
Clever. Entertaining.
February 15, 2025
I am surprised, but pleased by how engrossed I became in a world entirely about moles. By the third book, the world of moles that we are dealing with has become very large, and at times I yearned for the more graspable boundaries that the first book offered. However, Horwood's character development really improved over the three books and that is where this series really shines; it is truly a great feat to write such a sweeping epic that draws the reader in so effectively to the individual stories of its characters. The landscape continued to be a major player throughout the trilogy, as the moles navigated the far corners of the United Kingdom. Despite its many strengths, I did find the Jesus allegory to be a bit too on point in this third book, which keeps it from being a perfect book, though it may be my favourite in the trilogy. As with many epics, the end seemed a bit forced and shortened, but at 900 pages, he really did need to wrap it up somehow.
January 4, 2021
The final book of the trilogy and, my word, what a book. Not one badly written word nor phrase, and a tale you never want to end.
July 14, 2010
Brace, I'm about to get scathing. Oh boy, I'm about to give my lowest rating of the entire year. And what book deserves this dubious honour? Duncton Found, by William Horwood, the third book in the Duncton Chronicles trilogy. In this book the Stone Mole has come, to lead moledom back to grace and the Silence of the Stone.
My biggest impression of this book is: dull, dull, dull. Gosh, this is a long book. My edition has close on 1000 pages (and this following two other books of approximately 700 pages each - honestly, how can someone write so damn much about moles?!) And the storyline of this book can be summed up thus: Stone Mole grows up in Duncton; Stone Mole wanders briefly around moledom, chatting to other moles; Stone Mole dies and is martyred (in a scene suspiciously reminiscent of the crucifiction of Christ), thereby saving the mole kingdom. How on earth is this all that happens?
Within the story I found myself skipping whole passages or even pages when one of the moles (usually Tryfan or the Stone Mole, Beechen) started talking about the nature of faith in the Stone. The particular passage where Tryfan introduces his rule for mole systems to abide by is a massive low point amongst low points. It literally went on for pages and said nothing much at all.
The characters on the side of the Stone introduced in this story were, in the most part, insipid and immensely boring to read about. Unfortunately this includes Beechen, the mole you are supposed to care the most about in this story. His mate Mistle was just as bad.
On the side of the Word we had irredeemable and hateful characters who committed atrocities for the fun of it (and Horwood's lavish descriptions of these were sickening to the point where I was hard put to read them - at least in this book we didn't have graphic and inappropriate mole sex!)
Horwood spent much of the end of Duncton Quest concentrating the story on Wharfe and Harebell, the two youngsters born of Henbane and Tryfan - in this book, their stories seemed unnecessary filler to the rest of the story.
There were a couple of interesting moments, and Mayweed remained a highlight (although he is off-screen for much of the story), but altogether a reader might as well skip Duncton Wood, enjoy - to an extent - Duncton Quest, and forget that Duncton Found even exists. The worst book I have read this year by a long long way. Avoid at all costs.
My biggest impression of this book is: dull, dull, dull. Gosh, this is a long book. My edition has close on 1000 pages (and this following two other books of approximately 700 pages each - honestly, how can someone write so damn much about moles?!) And the storyline of this book can be summed up thus: Stone Mole grows up in Duncton; Stone Mole wanders briefly around moledom, chatting to other moles; Stone Mole dies and is martyred (in a scene suspiciously reminiscent of the crucifiction of Christ), thereby saving the mole kingdom. How on earth is this all that happens?
Within the story I found myself skipping whole passages or even pages when one of the moles (usually Tryfan or the Stone Mole, Beechen) started talking about the nature of faith in the Stone. The particular passage where Tryfan introduces his rule for mole systems to abide by is a massive low point amongst low points. It literally went on for pages and said nothing much at all.
The characters on the side of the Stone introduced in this story were, in the most part, insipid and immensely boring to read about. Unfortunately this includes Beechen, the mole you are supposed to care the most about in this story. His mate Mistle was just as bad.
On the side of the Word we had irredeemable and hateful characters who committed atrocities for the fun of it (and Horwood's lavish descriptions of these were sickening to the point where I was hard put to read them - at least in this book we didn't have graphic and inappropriate mole sex!)
Horwood spent much of the end of Duncton Quest concentrating the story on Wharfe and Harebell, the two youngsters born of Henbane and Tryfan - in this book, their stories seemed unnecessary filler to the rest of the story.
There were a couple of interesting moments, and Mayweed remained a highlight (although he is off-screen for much of the story), but altogether a reader might as well skip Duncton Wood, enjoy - to an extent - Duncton Quest, and forget that Duncton Found even exists. The worst book I have read this year by a long long way. Avoid at all costs.
June 2, 2014
This long and winding tale had moments of all emotions. Joy, comfort, horror, love, fear, anger and many more. The author lays down so much groundwork throughout the book that all culminates at the end of this glorious series. I was somewhat frustrated by the sense of preaching I got in the middle section relating to Beechen. It was very much a Jesus story in his part of the telling and I'm not so sure I appreciated that piece of the book. Some of the characters seemed to be a repeating of characters earlier in the stories, but the reality of life is that each story plays it's part in the history and Horwood does an incredible job of getting that message across. No matter how small, each mole played a part in the development of the plot. It took me a very long time to read this book, over two and a half weeks. Despite the tough going in the middle, it was well worth all the work. So many touching moments, words that have helped me at a tough time for myself personally. That is what I look for in books, and this book did not fail to deliver. Looking forward to the next series!
June 29, 2019
This a meaty finisher to a big trilogy, but one that kept me enthralled through its length.
After the previous two books, the moles of the Word are ascendant and the moles who follow the Stone are being systematically destroyed. We hear about a new ruler, Lucerne, who tightens the noose, and we follow the growth of the Stone Mole, who was born at the end of book two. There are many journeys, lots of encounters with friends old and new and some big set pieces, including some deadly battles.
Superbly written and with a huge scope, yet Horwood points us at individual characters and their journeys throughout the book.
After the previous two books, the moles of the Word are ascendant and the moles who follow the Stone are being systematically destroyed. We hear about a new ruler, Lucerne, who tightens the noose, and we follow the growth of the Stone Mole, who was born at the end of book two. There are many journeys, lots of encounters with friends old and new and some big set pieces, including some deadly battles.
Superbly written and with a huge scope, yet Horwood points us at individual characters and their journeys throughout the book.
June 13, 2019
I was disappointed by the Duncton Found, compared to the former two books there was just something lacking, there was not the same energy. Considering I love Horwoods writing, this one just seemed to ramble on ever so slowly. It did not help of course that my copy was missing about 60 some pages and while I was able to figure out what may have happened, it is not the same.
If you have read the trilogy up to this point, I would still suggest finishing with this one, but dont expect the same level of writing.
If you have read the trilogy up to this point, I would still suggest finishing with this one, but dont expect the same level of writing.
August 2, 2016
As much as I love the trilogy, this isn't my favourite although I loved it. The Christian imagery can get a bit annoying at times but I can get past it, I enjoyed it although it took me ages to get through and it seemed to drag on towards the end as it started to wrap itself off. I still love the first two books but this is my least favourite of the series.
February 27, 2016
Excellent third book in the Duncton series.. Takes you on an epic journey of good versus evil. Makes the reader go through a cast range of emotions. Despite this book being written about moles, in the early 90's, it's story/ moral dilemmas are just as relevant today, 2016...
This is the second time I've read this book and would recommend it very highly indeed.
This is the second time I've read this book and would recommend it very highly indeed.
September 15, 2011
OMG. This book is fantastic. The Battles between the Stone beleivers and the Word beleivers are amazing. The story of the Stone Mole is interesting. This book along with the first two (Duncton Wood and Duncton Quest)are well worth reading.
December 27, 2015
I have read this book so many times, and I still weep at some points. This is Watership Down meets the gospels meets Easter philosophy - with moles instead of rabbits.
Just so wonderful.
Just so wonderful.
February 7, 2009
The final piece where it all came together! Even then I got some of the references. I wonder what will occur to me next time.
May 20, 2011
as with the rest of the series great book.
July 2, 2017
Not the best of the three books but still a good closing novel to the epic saga.
The Duncton Chronicles total 2445 pages - so glad I read books 2 and 3 on Kindle!
The Duncton Chronicles total 2445 pages - so glad I read books 2 and 3 on Kindle!
September 13, 2020
I read this in my teens and was so glad I did. Once I got over the fact they were moles...I just fell into the story. I am on the lookout for copies of these books again so I can do a reread =)
September 17, 2020
Good book
This was a very enjoyable book series. I highly recommend theses books to anyone interested in escaping to a different world for awhile:
This was a very enjoyable book series. I highly recommend theses books to anyone interested in escaping to a different world for awhile:
April 9, 2024
The long journey that began in Duncton Wood finds it end where it started, by way of Siabod, Avebury, the mountains and valleys of the Wharfedale. It has been a trying journey - many who set out on it never returned and those who did underwent great hardships. Duncton Found tells the story of the long-prophesied Stone Mole, whose messianic coming would bring peace to Moledom and end the strife brought about by the zealous crusaders of the Word.
Yet Duncton Found reads less like the end of a fantasy trilogy and more like the Acts of the Apostles or a gospel account, heavy on sermons and theology, the characters less like actual inhabitants of this world and more like vehicles for speeches on faith and morality. Duncton Quest already began the series’ transformation into a deeper exploration of the faith of these moles but Duncton Found is far deeper still, the climatic scene of the Stone Mole’s death being a fully fledged parallel to that of Jesus. The characters too felt less realistic, agents of the overarching plot rather than independent actors in this story. Many of them felt like hollow comparisons to those in earlier instalments.
Nevertheless, Duncton Found manages to find plenty of heartfelt moments, plenty of action and emotion among the hundreds of pages (this book out of all three definitely needed a stronger editor) and the allegories of faith in the Stone and the ‘gospel’ of the Stone Mole carry Dee and valuable truths. Horwood certainly committed to creating a fully-realised world for these moles and his world-building stands strong in the fantasy genre. The sweeping narrative might not be the equal to Tolkien but it certainly shouldn’t be underestimated.
Yet Duncton Found reads less like the end of a fantasy trilogy and more like the Acts of the Apostles or a gospel account, heavy on sermons and theology, the characters less like actual inhabitants of this world and more like vehicles for speeches on faith and morality. Duncton Quest already began the series’ transformation into a deeper exploration of the faith of these moles but Duncton Found is far deeper still, the climatic scene of the Stone Mole’s death being a fully fledged parallel to that of Jesus. The characters too felt less realistic, agents of the overarching plot rather than independent actors in this story. Many of them felt like hollow comparisons to those in earlier instalments.
Nevertheless, Duncton Found manages to find plenty of heartfelt moments, plenty of action and emotion among the hundreds of pages (this book out of all three definitely needed a stronger editor) and the allegories of faith in the Stone and the ‘gospel’ of the Stone Mole carry Dee and valuable truths. Horwood certainly committed to creating a fully-realised world for these moles and his world-building stands strong in the fantasy genre. The sweeping narrative might not be the equal to Tolkien but it certainly shouldn’t be underestimated.
May 28, 2018
It's the bitterest of disappointments when a great series ends with a truly crap book. Nothing happens, it's long winded and too "preachy", and while the characters retain their complexity- they are dull dull DULL. I made it about a third of the way before giving up on it and I have no desire to finish it.
The first two books in this series truly blew me away and those will remain some of my favourite books ever written.
The first two books in this series truly blew me away and those will remain some of my favourite books ever written.
March 29, 2025
A large and somewhat convoluted conclusion to the Duncton series. THe moles are shown to be almost human, and the chronicle appears to based on the religious confrontations and conflicts in medieval times. No weapons of course, and strategy and tactics drawn from many occasions. All in all the book wraps up the series with minimal loose ends, but doesn't make an easy reading - at least for me. Not bad, but not great either.
February 1, 2020
Unlike the second book in the trilogy, Duncton Quest, I found this one tedious. The second book imo was by far one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. I recommend it as a stand-alone. However, if you're into the entire chronicles and want to see how it all ends, then read this third book, but be prepared for a sloggish trek.
April 6, 2024
I did not realise how much these books would be about religion and let me tell you if mole genocide is a thing then this book gives that! Do not go into this think it will be a cute fluffy book about moles it is deep and life changing and happy endings are not a thing!
June 30, 2017
Classic Fiction for everyone!
Amust read epic saga.
Amust read epic saga.
September 5, 2018
Whoops. Horwood missed on this one. Ran out of story and reverted to lifting content from the New Testament. Not good. I loved the first two, like many others here.
January 16, 2022
duncton books
I read these in my early teens and have just read them again in my life 50s. Still great xxxxxx
I read these in my early teens and have just read them again in my life 50s. Still great xxxxxx
June 14, 2025
Drags at points during the almost 1000 pages, but builds to a suitably epic conclusion.
February 19, 2017
I loved the first two books. They were sad but beautiful. This book seemed to lack focus and story. I didn't feel connected to the characters no did I want to finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews