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Druids Trilogy #2
Captives
The Druids Saga continues with Book Two: Captives. Set against the backdrop of Pre-Roman Gaul, and the Roman occupied city of ancient Rhodes, Celtic seer Mallec and healer Rhonwen struggle to survive enslavement, a merchant of evil, and the wrath of Julius Caesar. Together they must escape and protect an ancient magic from one who would abuse it.
- GenresFantasyHistorical
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 19, 2012
Part of a trilogy, this historical fantasy is about two druids who must escape slavery, and protect their ancient magic from one who would really abuse it.
As the spiritual representative of his clan, Druid Mallec is loved and respected by all. But he, and they, can't help but think that the recent calamities befalling their clan means that they have fallen out of favor with their god. Mallec is also troubled by constant visions of a dark-haired woman. He doesn't know who she is, or where she is, but they are meant to be together.
An evil druid named Deidre has woken prematurely from the druid equivalent of suspended animation. She is a power-mad type who is ready to use anybody, or anything (including abusing the ancient magic), to get what she wants. She has Mallec thrown into slavery to get him out of the way, permanently.
Driad Rhonwen is already in slavery, with each master worse than the last. Her rebellious nature gets her plenty of punishment; her expertise in the healing arts is about the only thing keeping her alive. Mallec and Rhonwen (the subject of Mallec's visions) find each other, and eventually escape slavery. Deidre has broken nearly every rule in the druid "book," so they have to deal with her, once and for all. Are Mallec and Rhonwen able to stop Deidre? Do Deidre, and Caradowc, her equally dislikable son, prevail?
This one is surprisingly good. It's got ancient magic, love, loss, slavery, betrayal; everything a great fantasy novel needs. It's also full of great writing, from start to finish. If the other parts of this trilogy are as good as this, then here is a major fantasy find.
As the spiritual representative of his clan, Druid Mallec is loved and respected by all. But he, and they, can't help but think that the recent calamities befalling their clan means that they have fallen out of favor with their god. Mallec is also troubled by constant visions of a dark-haired woman. He doesn't know who she is, or where she is, but they are meant to be together.
An evil druid named Deidre has woken prematurely from the druid equivalent of suspended animation. She is a power-mad type who is ready to use anybody, or anything (including abusing the ancient magic), to get what she wants. She has Mallec thrown into slavery to get him out of the way, permanently.
Driad Rhonwen is already in slavery, with each master worse than the last. Her rebellious nature gets her plenty of punishment; her expertise in the healing arts is about the only thing keeping her alive. Mallec and Rhonwen (the subject of Mallec's visions) find each other, and eventually escape slavery. Deidre has broken nearly every rule in the druid "book," so they have to deal with her, once and for all. Are Mallec and Rhonwen able to stop Deidre? Do Deidre, and Caradowc, her equally dislikable son, prevail?
This one is surprisingly good. It's got ancient magic, love, loss, slavery, betrayal; everything a great fantasy novel needs. It's also full of great writing, from start to finish. If the other parts of this trilogy are as good as this, then here is a major fantasy find.
March 22, 2015
Captives is a very well-rounded, wonderfully in-depth book concerning the historical aspects of 1st Century Spain and France,(known than as Iberia and Gaul) with a twist of magic. The main characters, Druids Mallec and Rhownen, are passionate, intriguing individuals that are very easy to relate to, finding ways to over come both external and internal conflicts while also battling works and wonders of the divine, not to mention numerous complex and coniving enemies. As always, I highly recommend reading the first book of the series, titled Druids, before attempting to read this one. The authors do a very good job of piecing it all together and not making anything confusing for the reader, but it is always more practical to relate and identify with the characters, the plot, the scenerios and the themes by being exposed to them in earlier phases of their lives, so we can grow and learn with them on the way. Overall, a wonderful book, can't wait for the third book, Warriors.
September 1, 2011
Very well-researched book. Favourite scenes: Mallec jumping overboard to save the ex-slave, and Modlen and Almeida's perilous journey through a snowstorm while Modlen in in labour--with twins.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews