Mara Starlight's Reviews > The Farthest-Away Mountain

I love this book in every way. I would change nothing about it. In a world of tired, worn-out retellings of classic fairytales, here we have a sparkling and original tale. I am baffled by the number of rehashed versions of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White, that I have seen published in recent history. Enough is enough! How about a completely new tale? Well, that is exactly what you'll find inside the pages of The Farthest-Away Mountain.
I think it looks deceptively simple and perhaps juvenile just based on the length and the cover art, but I highly recommend it to fantasy book readers of all ages!

When I found a copy at a used bookshop, I decided to give it a chance just based on the author, but I didn't have high expectations. Now it has a place of honor on my bookshelf. This is a completely original storyline, as far as I'm aware. The archetypal quest of the young hero is gilded by Ms. Banks' inventiveness. I felt like I was on the quest with the main character, fourteen-year-old Dakin, who had no idea what she would find as she approached the mountain. The golden troll figure, the frog's cabin in the meadow, the gargoyles, the giant's castle, and especially the colored snow were all interesting and exciting. The idea of a Colored Snow Witch who paints the slopes of a mountain with cursed patches of snow is just spectacular! I particularly liked Dakin's personality. She is extremely determined and brave, though I don't think she would describe herself that way. She's headstrong, but has quick wit in the midst of danger. There is no arrogance about Dakin. Her family doesn't understand why she feels the deep need to seek the Farthest-Away Mountain or meet a gargoyle, and perhaps neither does she; but she keeps moving forward. Her little kindnesses, such as leaving toffee for Old Croak and cuddling with the gargoyles were touching. And the moments of her greatest peril had me on the edge of my seat.

The structure of the story was a bit unusual in the sense that the main climax with the villain ends on page 97 out of 130. There is still a decent amount that happens afterward. I found this very satisfying because there were certainly a number of loose ends to tie up. The pacing of the whole story feels just right. If you have the chance to read this book, do not pass it up. I believe it is no longer in print, but it's worth the work to dig up an old copy for yourself. This is buried treasure!