LitPick Review
Within the Crystal Mountain by J.L. Putney is a charming fantasy that feels reminiscent of having your grandfather read The Hobbit or The Princess Bride to you before bed. The story follows several different points of view, from the Genish people with very hobbit-like characteristics, a soldier fighting for his country, the soldier’s lover who proves resourceful in healing and caring for the wounded, and even the villain. When the Genish village of Arinton is enclosed in a magical dome, a Genish farmer named Dimplin is the only one far enough away that he retains his freedom. He must go on a quest to search for the Tall Ones who will help him save his village, and later, their entire world from dark magic.
Opinion:
I really enjoyed this story. It feels like an old fairytale. The plot and characters are simple and easy to follow for younger readers, but the style and tone feel similar to J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm. Although, I should state that it would be closer to the sanitized, happier versions of the tales by the latter two authors. The dedication of the book tells us that the author is a grandparent, and the story reads as a grandparent telling their grandchildren a fairytale. There are definite morals, a clear good and evil, and a strong message within the plot.
The message is religious in nature, as the Genish people believe in and trust their deity Evershone to guide them through their struggles. Dimplin’s companions begin to believe in Evershone after he shares his faith, and they see how their plans to stop the enemy work out too often to be coincidences. If you aren’t religious, this messaging may feel heavy-handed, but I felt it portrayed faith in an accurate and respectful way. The only thing I wish was that the story delved into the lore a bit more. I was left wondering how the crystal mountain and the magic inside it came to be. I would love another story set in this same world that builds off of what has been established to create an even brighter experience for the reader. I would recommend this book, especially as part of a family bedtime routine.
