Richard Adams' cult classic, reissued with a new introduction from the author to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Enter a world of ferocious savagery, ‘Shardik’ was written after ‘Watership Down’ and on the surface is as different as different can be, there are no gentle rolling downs or talking animals to be found here. Lord Shardik is a huge brute of a bear, believed by the Ortelgan people to be sent from and contain the power of their God. Set over a number of years we follow the path of power as it changes, corrupts or enlightens the people it touches. The land, villages and towns are as much characters as any, the authors descriptions bring this unstable and harsh world to life. This is a weighty tome, the moral of the story isn't intrusive but does occasionally loiter in the background. An epic in every sense of the word, this is a book once finished, you may want to delve straight back into, so you can ponder, reflect and contemplate this commanding tale. ~ Liz Robinson
This brilliantly inventive fantasy epic by the award-winning author of Watership Down immerses the reader in a medieval world complete with created languages, detailed maps and elaborate traditions and rituals. Centring on the long-awaited reincarnation of a giant bear among the half-barbaric Orelgan people, Shardik's appearance sets off a violent chain of events as faith in his divinity sweeps the land. Closest to the bear is the hunter Kelderek, a naturally pious, ignorant, well-meaning man who becomes - in his dedication to Shardik - a prophet, victorious soldier, corrupt priest-king and ruler of an empire. A gripping tale of war, adventure, morality and slavery, horror and romance, Shardik is a remarkable exploration of mankind's universal desire for divine incarnation, and the corrosive influence of power. Recently ranked in the top 100 bestsellers over the past 40 years by the Sunday times, Shardik is a book for our age.
