The Chestnut Soldier

The final part of Jenny Nimmo’s Snow Spider trilogy. Well-written, particularly when compared to the first book, but rather dull. Sadly, the interesting Otherworld of the first books does not get explored, and Nimmo instead focuses on a ‘parallel’ version of old Welsh myths. Gwyn’s mysterious relative Evan Llyr appears, capturing the hearts of all the women of the town, but something dark and ancient is inside him, and only Gwyn can lay it to rest. Like the last book, the story ended with too many unanswered questions, not only in the plot but in many of the characters’ actions. Plus Evan prances around acting far too much like a panto villain for Nia’s devotion to be believable. The appearance of the classical Gwydion was daft, and the ending was deeply unsatisfying. It feels like a story left half-finished – not open, and inviting speculation: just unfinished.