Description:
Cindy inherits a fortune from her estranged grandfather, but it comes with a catch. Listening to her grandfather's favorite record propels her into a world of myth, magic, and music. Guided by Jack, the Green Man of myth, and the tree spirit, Auntie Hemlock, Cindy joins a troupe of traveling minstrels: a handsome singer, a bard, a dancer, a teamster, and a silent flute player. They are sexy and mysterious and fun, but also dangerous. Can she trust them? Will they help her find her way back home? Or will she get lost in their world, losing her Way until going back and going home are not the same?
Brief description: R.A. (Rob) Johnson is a pan-genrist author whose writing stretches from micro-fiction to novel series, and spans historical thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and even speculative non-fiction, for YA readers through adults. His forty-year career as a software engineer diverted much of his writing output to journal articles, academic papers, marketing collateral, design specs, and the ever-present code, which led to over forty-five issued patents and dozens more pending. His writing often features an element of mystery that challenges the reader to examine the story and their world on many levels. Then again, some of it is just plain fun. You can connect with Rob at rob@robjohnsonwriting.net and www.robjohnsonwriting.net.
Review Quotes:
Kirkus Reviews
Johnson takes readers on a magical, musical journey in a fantasy novel inspired by the work of the British rock band Jethro Tull. After the mysterious disappearance of her grandfather, 30-something Cindy is informed that she must listen to a special album, predetermined in her grandfather's will, if she wishes to inherit his considerable estate. It turns out to be no ordinary record, and as the music floods Cindy's mind, she's swept away to a verdant and oddly familiar land filled with adventure and danger. During an encounter with a band of traveling performers, Cindy meets Chanteur, a charming singer with a mastery of hypnotic elixirs. As she struggles to resist Chanteur's seductive power, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Whistler, a quiet flautist with a hidden past. When, in a weak moment, Cindy surrenders to Chanteur's advances, she finds herself separated from her new friends and on a path to self-discovery. She soon realizes that she's never really known how to follow her heart, and goes on to uncover a dangerous plot involving a robbery of religious pilgrims during a festival feast. She's forced to fight for the man she loves and for the future she's chosen for herself. Johnson's whimsical and wildly creative story draws greatly from Jethro Tull's 1977 album, Songs From the Wood, and the powerful presence of the band's flautist, Ian Anderson. However, readers unfamiliar with this musical legacy will still appreciate this tale, which blends traditional fantasy tropes with a distinctly modern sensibility, giving it an appealingly fresh feel. That said, the story contains some mature themes that may make it inappropriate for younger readers. Also, though the work is thoughtfully written, it's quite short, resulting in some underdeveloped characters. Still, this enjoyable work will leave readers eager for a sequel, and curious about these magical characters' futures. A fun fantasy that's as unforgettable as a catchy tune.
Online Book Club Review
4 out of 4 stars
Tales from the Wood by R.A. Johnson is a fantasy novella based on Jethro Tull's music album, Songs from the Wood. After Cindy's grandfather dies, his lawyer tells her that for her to inherit his music library worth millions of dollars, she must listen to an album she has refused to listen to for years. By the end of the second verse, Cindy finds herself in a dark forest...Will Cindy find a home of her own?
I commend the author for the detail they have provided in describing the characters and demographics. The green man with hair of leaves and the meadows full of pink, yellow, white, and blue wildflowers were vivid. I could feel Auntie Hemlock wrapping her branches around me.
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There is no reason for me not to give this professionally edited book 4 out of 4 stars. The book is free of errors, and the plot flows smoothly throughout it. I did not distract a star because of the issue with the illustrations in the PDF copy because this could be a PDF issue and not an issue with the book itself. If a book sample had been available to confirm this was a PDF issue and not within the book itself, I would have stated the book was extremely well edited.
Ian Anderson, Founder of Jethro Tull
"Well-written folklore references in an engaging modern fairy tale."