There has only been one significant crime in the history of Apricity. The outlaw to commit the unforgivable act was among our most beloved and respected friends and the shockwave of its commission helped write the history of many of our Christmas traditions.
Cedric was the greatest reindeer in the Northern World. His partnership with Kris brought light back to Apricity. Their mission was to bring advancement to a primitive and dangerous world, but they must overcome the fear and mysticism, embodied by the evil Forest of Onitram, that is prevalent in the Northern World. Cedric will prove to be the most loyal and dependable of partners and his accomplishments earn him the love and respect of all who know him. Despite this, his difficult youth resulting self-doubt are never far from Cedric’s consciousness.
His intense pride and oversensitivity lead him to commit an unforgiveable crime against his hometown. He is forced to flee and set up a new community in rivalry with his former partner. His resulting journeys will introduce him to fantastic lands and characters as he winds his way back toward a climactic reunion with Kris, where he will surely be forced to atone for his sins.
There has only been one significant crime in the history of Apricity. The outlaw to commit the unforgivable act was among our most beloved and respected friends and the shockwave of its commission helped write the history of many of our Christmas traditions.
Cedric was the greatest reindeer in the Northern World. His partnership with Kris brought light back to Apricity. Their mission was to bring advancement to a primitive and dangerous world, but they must overcome the fear and mysticism, embodied by the evil Forest of Onitram, that is prevalent in the Northern World. Cedric will prove to be the most loyal and dependable of partners and his accomplishments earn him the love and respect of all who know him. Despite this, his difficult youth resulting self-doubt are never far from Cedric’s consciousness.
His intense pride and oversensitivity lead him to commit an unforgiveable crime against his hometown. He is forced to flee and set up a new community in rivalry with his former partner. His resulting journeys will introduce him to fantastic lands and characters as he winds his way back toward a climactic reunion with Kris, where he will surely be forced to atone for his sins.
Prologue
The years were hardly recorded, and the world was dark. People lived as unconnected tribes whose most common encounters with outsiders were in battle. Advancement came through force, and the conquering tribes recorded the history, romanticizing their victories. Peaceful, joyous societies existed only on the fringes of the civilized world, and they seldom interacted with others and their history was rarely shared. It was within this gloom that two outcasts found each other, and the brilliance of their combined light cast away the darkness, bringing joy and hope to the ancient world that is still celebrated today.
I am among the last of the first: the last to bear witness to the origins. I was chosen to deliver this tale in the hope that the full story will make the world believe again.
My name is Rhangyl (pronounced Rangle), and I grew up in a village called Northtown (both my hometown and I eventually became known by different names, but I’ll get to that soon enough). I’ve lived here nearly all my life, and I love this place and my life here as much as anyone can love their hometown. I’ve played only a small role in its incredible journey through time and history. You probably know parts of the tale I am about to tell, but I am going to attempt to fill in the missing pieces that have been lost to time.
Most of our history is handed down in legends and tales from one generation to the next. As we pass the stories down, pieces and edges get lost. We still see the larger themes but lose track of the finer details. Some of this happens through simple, innocent failures of memory, and some are done purposefully to add to the story’s grandeur. In our town’s case, it was probably a little bit of each. I plan to tell you a more complete history; once you hear it, you will know that the true story is even grander than what you have been told.
At this point in my life’s journey, I have no time for building suspense, so the name you know my town by is “the North Pole,” I had never heard that name until I made this journey to deliver my tale to the world, and you will learn there are actually two towns in this story, but rest assured, the one you refer to as the North Pole is my hometown.
You see, Northtown has a history – well known to our citizens but not told outside its frozen confines – until now, at least. This tale, which is sometimes dark and mysterious, details the origins of the man we know as Kris and tells how Northtown came to be his home. More importantly, I will tell the story of his best friend, Cedric, whose epic tale has been lost to time. You’ll learn that the jolly land up north, where Christmas traditions were born and time stands still, was not always so cheery and bright. The darker times and struggles have long been kept secret to preserve our pristine ideal of Kris and his wondrous work. I invite you to join me on a journey through the ages, and together, we will re-join the edges of history’s incomplete circle.
Like all stories, ours had a beginning; it all started in a small, snowy village called Apricity.
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen… But do you recall the greatest reindeer of all, Kris’s closest friend and protector, Cedric? He didn’t have a shiny nose, but Cedric shines bright in the pages of this expertly crafted blend of magic, myth, legend, and a betrayal that changed everything.
Masterfully told in the first person by the narrator, Rhangyl, The Greatest Reindeer is a heartwarming story about Northtown – you may know it as the “North Pole” – and the history of the man we know as “Kris” (Kringle). It’s also a fresh and creative tale about the origin of some of the best-known Christmas traditions and customs around the world.
The narrator pulls you into the story early on by speaking directly to you, the reader. He invites you to “join me on a journey through the ages, and together, we will rejoin the edges of history’s incomplete circle.”
Okay. Ya got me. I’m hooked. But there’s more. And it’s So. Darn. Clever.
Our story begins in a small, snowy village far in the north called Apricity. The village is near a dense, mystical forest. Averse to cutting down any trees due to their reverence for nature, the villagers allow the trees to grow so large that they block out the sun. Major problems ensue in the Farming and Feeding Departments. The town withers.
Meanwhile, a “well-travelled Christian royal from a faraway land” shows up. His name is Kris. He’s a military leader who’s tired of fighting. He just wants peace. Quitting the military, Kris becomes known for his charity and generosity. Seeking isolation and natural beauty, Kris wanders into the frozen wilderness of the North. He eventually meets a giant white reindeer who guides Kris into Apricity. The giant white reindeer is named Cedric.
Kris and Cedric join forces to help get Apricity back on its feet. Human and reindeer develop a strong bond and soon become inseparable. But rebuilding efforts run into unforeseen difficulties. More supplies are needed. Kris and Cedric determine to go into the fearsome forest for same.
Without giving too much away, let’s just say that the “dynamic duo” encounters some unexpected obstacles but learn that the stories of the Evil of the Forest People are untrue. Instead, Kris is recognized as The Kindest Soul. As such, he’s chosen to receive a gift from deep within the mystical forest. Cedric is known as The Greatest Protector. He’s chosen to help Kris in his mission to spread joy throughout the world. (Mum’s the word about how they got their respective gifts, okay? For that, you’ll have to read the book.)
There’s also the origins of Santa’s sleigh. His red suit. Flying reindeer. Mrs. Claus. Sliding down chimneys to deliver gifts. Wreaths. Reindeer games. Also King of the Cold. Friendship. Loyalty. Love. The Sable Award. “Storytelling protection.” Protecting life. Selflessness. Actions are more powerful than words. Forgiveness. Faith. Magic and enchantment. The Cedric’s Heart Award. Much more.
Absorbing and utterly captivating, The Greatest Reindeer jingles with joy and bubbles with boughs of jolly (that’s not a typo). It’s a little The Polar Express. A little Prancer. A bit A Visit From St. Nicholas. A little It’s a Wonderful Life and The Santa Clause. It’s also beautifully written and artfully eloquent from Prologue to Final Page.
Indeed, The Greatest Reindeer has all the essential elements of solid storytelling in spades. This includes memorable characters, a unique setting, a compelling plot, conflict, and resolution. It also features a distinct beginning, middle, and a satisfying end.
Radiating with warmth and wit, The Greatest Reindeer will melt any heart, including Scrooge’s. Bonus points: Animal lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Christmasphiles of all ages will enjoy this lively and engaging tome.
Finally, I can’t quite put into words how much I loved this book!! I skipped second breakfast, elevenses and afternoon tea to finish it. Indeed, The Greatest Reindeer is likely to become a Christmas classic. So if you’re making a list and checking it twice for a rich and winsome read to warm your winter, be sure to grab a copy of The Greatest Reindeer.
He’ll go down in history…