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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling fantasy with a historical basis, 29 Aug 2005
I have just finished reading this book. Wow, what can I say? Brian Bates has masterfully distilled the essence of pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon (and wider Norse/Germanic) beliefs and spun them into a vivid tale as well-crafted and universally accessible as the web of Wyrd itself!The Way of Wyrd is a fantasy story at heart, so if you're looking for a precise, scholarly study of early English heathen practices that never takes artistic liberties, this is not the book for you. If, however, you can swallow Bates' elaborate yarn with a pinch of salt and do not mind an imaginative, at times fanciful, psychological and deeply humanistic exploration into Anglo-Saxon cosmology & spirituality, why not pick up this wonderful book? It truly is an excellent, easy-to-digest, memorable introduction to its subject matter and Wulf the sorcerer makes an absolutely enchanting guide. What impressed and pleasantly surprised me about this book is its sensitive handling of the two main characters' faiths (Paganism and Christianity). While the trappings of both mens' spirituality is contrasted and compared along the way, they are at no point pitted against each other, which makes a refreshing change. This is NOT your typical pro-Pagan, anti-Christian fluffy bunny book. Brand does not come out of the book a Heathen and Wulf is not 'embraced by the light of the Lord'. In fact, the only place where a choice between the two faiths is encouraged is at the very end of the story. I wont give away the ending but I can assure you that Pagan, Christian and plain old atheist alike will find it makes satisfying and moving reading.
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