The Farthest-Away Mountain is a fairytale in reverse. The prince doesn't go riding out in fine array for an adventure; it's the commoner — and a girl at that — who embarks on a quest. Dakin has always lived with her family in the shadow of the Farthest-Away Mountain. She's fifteen, pretty, and intelligent, and all the village boys have asked for her hand. But she has sworn that she will only marry a prince. One day as she is looking at the mountain, it "nods" to her. She realizes she must go there, though she does not know why.

Dakin meets many interesting characters on her way to the Farthest-Away Mountain: a little bronze troll who stole a great treasure, his three brothers who have been turned into gargoyles, a great Giant and its horrible bird, old Croak who lives on the bank of the magical Lithy Pool, and an evil Witch who paints the pure-white snow of the mountain in brilliant witchy colors. Later we meet Dakin's prince whose throne she has secured in her quest on the Mountain — and what a sight he is. No spoilers, but it's a good scene.

The Farthest-Away Mountain itself is a wonderful idea, a place you can always see but never quite reach. It's the unattainable beauty whose shadow colors the humble everyday lives of the peasants. When Dakin does reach it, she must outwit the evil Witch to restore the goodness of the Mountain and free its prisoners. For though the Mountain has been 200 years under the Witch's rule, it used to be a place that only called those who were pure in heart to dwell on it. When a good man tried to bring an evil magician's son to the Mountain to teach him goodness there, the Evil Boy used sorcery to enslave the Mountain and bring desolation on its inhabitants. One of the lessons of the story is that it is not enough to merely be good; one must also be wise.

This has long been a favorite fantasy story of mine with its simplicity and well-written prose. I recommend it. ( )

This was one of my favorite young reader books, growing up. I love the wonder and the adventure that the pages held. This was one of my first books starring a heroin versus a hero, and it made a lasting impression on me. I would read this book again in a heart beat! ( )

This book was so excellent I contemplated keeping it for my personal collection. Anyway, it is rare to see fantasy with a strong female character who solves her problems using good sense rather than magic or fighting. This describes an exciting adventure she makes to The Farthest Away Mountain and the challenges she faces. This is an excellent story and highly recommended. ( )

An easy light book that's more myth than novel. It actually reads like a myth or legend. Dakin knows that there's something that she should do, something larger than just marrying one of the local farmers. When she wakes up one morning to a voice calling her to go to the farthest away mountain and to fight evil maybe what she thinks is her goal isn't the truth of the matter.
An interesting allegory on life and love and what matters most. ( )

I absolutely adore this book! It was one of my favorites as a child, and it was with glee that I re-discovered it in a box of old toys and books while searching for garage sale items. Needless to say, after a quick re-read, this one ended up back on my shelf, where it belongs! No challenging material here - no need for CliffsNotes and brow-furrowing contemplation - but an easily digestible, extremely enjoyable adventure of mystery, magic & fantasy, with an independent heroine who is brave, kind & true despite her human fears! - a story that I hope my kids will some day enjoy as much as I did! ( )