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Daughter of Ireland
I am the wind which breathes on the water.
I am the swell of the sea.
I am the light of the sun.
I am the point of the battle spear.
I am the God who gives fires to the mind.
Who announces the ages of the moon?
Who speaks to the setting of the sun?
I, only I.
Aislinn ni Sorar, druid priestess of ancient Ireland, is a visionary. Raised according to the ancient ways and seeking to use her gifts to keep the old magic strong, she has the power to part the mists of time and see events that might shape a nation.
But Aislinn’s own past is shrouded in mystery, and her quest to discover that past will bring her pain, as well as true love, and will set in motion a chain of events that will alter both her own future and that of her beloved Ireland.
For there is a new spirit upon the land whose presence heralds a rendering--and a remaking--of this world. His way had been foretold long ago and threatens to change everything. And Aislinn is at the heart of that change.
Will she give up everything that she loves to help her people find the true God, or will she turn to the dark forces that threaten to keep the old ways at any cost?
Daughter of Ireland continues Juilene Osborne-McKnight's exploration of Irish history, combining fine historical research with skillful storytelling. Her focus this time is none other than Cormac mac Art, ancient and venerated King of Ireland, and the path the Irish people follow to find the one true God. Osborne-McKnight has crafted an engaging young heroine who chronicles both Celtic mythology and early pagan/Christian theology through her travels, and re-creates a world whose conflicts over power, religion, and law are as immediate and far-reaching as those same conflicts in our own time.
I am the swell of the sea.
I am the light of the sun.
I am the point of the battle spear.
I am the God who gives fires to the mind.
Who announces the ages of the moon?
Who speaks to the setting of the sun?
I, only I.
Aislinn ni Sorar, druid priestess of ancient Ireland, is a visionary. Raised according to the ancient ways and seeking to use her gifts to keep the old magic strong, she has the power to part the mists of time and see events that might shape a nation.
But Aislinn’s own past is shrouded in mystery, and her quest to discover that past will bring her pain, as well as true love, and will set in motion a chain of events that will alter both her own future and that of her beloved Ireland.
For there is a new spirit upon the land whose presence heralds a rendering--and a remaking--of this world. His way had been foretold long ago and threatens to change everything. And Aislinn is at the heart of that change.
Will she give up everything that she loves to help her people find the true God, or will she turn to the dark forces that threaten to keep the old ways at any cost?
Daughter of Ireland continues Juilene Osborne-McKnight's exploration of Irish history, combining fine historical research with skillful storytelling. Her focus this time is none other than Cormac mac Art, ancient and venerated King of Ireland, and the path the Irish people follow to find the one true God. Osborne-McKnight has crafted an engaging young heroine who chronicles both Celtic mythology and early pagan/Christian theology through her travels, and re-creates a world whose conflicts over power, religion, and law are as immediate and far-reaching as those same conflicts in our own time.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2002
15 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Juilene Osborne-McKnight
7 books119 followersJuilene Osborne-McKnight's newest book is Storyteller: Irish Myths, Legends and Folktales for Americans. Her nonfiction history The Story We Carry in our Bones: Irish History for Americans is now in its fifth printing. Both are available at Barnes & Noble, on amazon.com and from Pelican Publishing. She is also the author of four novels from MacMillan: I am of Irelaunde, Daughter of Ireland, Bright Sword of Ireland and Song of Ireland, available on amazon.com and barnes and noble.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 17, 2013
I very rarely like using the phrase "not worth the paper it's printed on" but this unfortunately falls on one of those rare occasions. I really cannot get over just how awful this book was. This is basically a cheesy romance novel masquerading as historical fiction/fantasy novel. How anyone took this seriously enough to publish is just beyond me.
I picked up this book at a book fair and bought it on a whim with a friend of mine thinking that it was going to be a sort of Irish historical fiction version of the Mists of Avalon and as I happened to have found myself in a position later that day where I had a lot of time on my hands I figured I might as well quickly give the book a read to see if it was good. I was kicking myself for spending the money when I read the description on the dust jacket in full (I'd only skimmed it prior due to time constants) as it appeared to me that basically what I was in store for was a pro-Christian tale of epic proportions. But you can't judge a book by its book cover and what not so I held out a little bit more hope of something with more sustenance and began reading.
Before I continue I don't normally like giving exact details in the book because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone so I'll try and be as discreet as possible but this book just gives me no choice. And I don't think I'm really spoiling anything here because the writing already does that on its own.
First of all the main character Aislinn is ridiculous. Now that I think of it ALL of the characters in this book are ridiculous. But Aisslinn is probably more ridiculous than the rest. She's a contradiction in terms as she's supposed to be this strong warrior-like druidic priestess with all knowing intuition and wizened and logical views of the world handed down to her from years of studying the ancient arts of medicine and magic alike. Instead she acts like a 16 year old drama queen. She's extremely emotionally volatile and slightly histrionic in her reactions things. She acts on impulse and is the furthest thing from pragmatic you could think. While she's supposed to be this strong and well tempered woman she spend about half the novel crying over her love interest Eoghan.
I would say that the plot is somewhat interesting and the author does seem to have a minor talent for plot development and foresight etc but they're very predictable and whats more the dialogue of the entire book cheapens the potential for any pathos in this story. Its almost as if this book would've been better if none of the character spoke and the narrative was completely cerebral. The plot mixed with dialogue reads like the script of one of those late 1980s early 90's Saturday morning cartoons like Prince Valiant or Jem and Holograms.
But then again we can't even fully rely on the plot development because there are several anecdotal scenes in the story that are just hilarious but not because they're supposed to be hilarious they're just terrible. For example one of the first sword battle scenes our heroine Aislinn tries to get the upper hand in the fight by getting naked to show her opponent her boobs. Great strategy, I'm sure the feminist predecessors of this author would be overjoyed to see such a "strong " display of female valiantry on the battlefield. (insert sarcasm here)
There's also a trial scene where Aislinn's love interest Eoghan delivers a poem thats supposed to scar and destroy the subject as this supposedly is a sort of all powerful rite. You expect something explosive and supernatural to happen, but alas nothing. I'll say right now when you finish reading it you just sort of lower the book in one hand and face palm yourself with the other. You just sort of say to yourself "wow I'm shaking in my boots after that one." And the subject to whom the poem is directed at can't even take it seriously. Thats the only three dimensional moment of this whole book. Whats sad is that this is supposed to be the zenith of the book's drama and its just silly quite frankly.
Which leads me to my next point; theres a lot of poetry in this book and not enough talent for it.
Whats most annoying about this novel is that our heroes are reeked havoc upon by this one villain Banbh who's APPARENTLY responsible for all the woes of Aislinn and Eoghan's lives though Aislinn is constantly assured that his "power" over her is basically "all in her head" if I may paraphrase a bit. And going back to the dialogue; it's so bad that it renders the major plot arch of Aislinn fighting the evil forces of the Dark One to a minor misunderstanding that could be worked out in group therapy or having few beers together after slugging it out. Aislinn's constant fear of this man borders on paranoia whether its founded or not.
Relating to the character becomes exceedingly difficult as the story progresses because while many woes and tragedies befall the main character in the end they almost always work out for the best. The protagonists ultimately sacrifice nothing. There's no huge loss and really only gain and this gets very tedious after awhile.
The few positives of this novel is the view into preChristian/postRoman Ireland and being able to see the details of life. Though this in itself is flawed and tawdry as there's no sense of the realistic Dark Age Ireland. We're talking about a time period when people were starving, died of common ailments because the water was filthy, almost everyone had syphilis, people were missing teeth and limbs, the threat of invasion from the North or elsewhere was a constant worry. You don't really see any of that in this book, it just makes it look like ancient Ireland was this really pleasant and ordered place to live. I did find the author's use of language to be particularly interesting combing both English with modern and ancient Gaelic.
The author to her credit is also accommodating enough to provide a character list with a guide to each name's correct pronunciation so that you're not guessing as you're reading. She also goes a step further by providing a glossary of terms and phrases and their meaning which was also quit helpful and interesting and she even adds a historical note on the places and people in the story.
Unless you're into this sort of romance novel scene I'd say skip it. This book could probably best be enjoyed by a younger audience. I'm thinking maybe the Young Adult or a younger scene
The author's first novel 'I am of IreLaunde' got rave reviews so I'm wondering if there's a disparity in the writing style. If I find it for cheaps at a book fair I'll certainly buy it and save it for another day when I'm absolutely bored. Something tells me it has to be better than this for Ms. Osborne-McKnight to be a published author. If 'Daughter' had been her first work I doubt seriously she'd have gotten published at all.
I picked up this book at a book fair and bought it on a whim with a friend of mine thinking that it was going to be a sort of Irish historical fiction version of the Mists of Avalon and as I happened to have found myself in a position later that day where I had a lot of time on my hands I figured I might as well quickly give the book a read to see if it was good. I was kicking myself for spending the money when I read the description on the dust jacket in full (I'd only skimmed it prior due to time constants) as it appeared to me that basically what I was in store for was a pro-Christian tale of epic proportions. But you can't judge a book by its book cover and what not so I held out a little bit more hope of something with more sustenance and began reading.
Before I continue I don't normally like giving exact details in the book because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone so I'll try and be as discreet as possible but this book just gives me no choice. And I don't think I'm really spoiling anything here because the writing already does that on its own.
First of all the main character Aislinn is ridiculous. Now that I think of it ALL of the characters in this book are ridiculous. But Aisslinn is probably more ridiculous than the rest. She's a contradiction in terms as she's supposed to be this strong warrior-like druidic priestess with all knowing intuition and wizened and logical views of the world handed down to her from years of studying the ancient arts of medicine and magic alike. Instead she acts like a 16 year old drama queen. She's extremely emotionally volatile and slightly histrionic in her reactions things. She acts on impulse and is the furthest thing from pragmatic you could think. While she's supposed to be this strong and well tempered woman she spend about half the novel crying over her love interest Eoghan.
I would say that the plot is somewhat interesting and the author does seem to have a minor talent for plot development and foresight etc but they're very predictable and whats more the dialogue of the entire book cheapens the potential for any pathos in this story. Its almost as if this book would've been better if none of the character spoke and the narrative was completely cerebral. The plot mixed with dialogue reads like the script of one of those late 1980s early 90's Saturday morning cartoons like Prince Valiant or Jem and Holograms.
But then again we can't even fully rely on the plot development because there are several anecdotal scenes in the story that are just hilarious but not because they're supposed to be hilarious they're just terrible. For example one of the first sword battle scenes our heroine Aislinn tries to get the upper hand in the fight by getting naked to show her opponent her boobs. Great strategy, I'm sure the feminist predecessors of this author would be overjoyed to see such a "strong " display of female valiantry on the battlefield. (insert sarcasm here)
There's also a trial scene where Aislinn's love interest Eoghan delivers a poem thats supposed to scar and destroy the subject as this supposedly is a sort of all powerful rite. You expect something explosive and supernatural to happen, but alas nothing. I'll say right now when you finish reading it you just sort of lower the book in one hand and face palm yourself with the other. You just sort of say to yourself "wow I'm shaking in my boots after that one." And the subject to whom the poem is directed at can't even take it seriously. Thats the only three dimensional moment of this whole book. Whats sad is that this is supposed to be the zenith of the book's drama and its just silly quite frankly.
Which leads me to my next point; theres a lot of poetry in this book and not enough talent for it.
Whats most annoying about this novel is that our heroes are reeked havoc upon by this one villain Banbh who's APPARENTLY responsible for all the woes of Aislinn and Eoghan's lives though Aislinn is constantly assured that his "power" over her is basically "all in her head" if I may paraphrase a bit. And going back to the dialogue; it's so bad that it renders the major plot arch of Aislinn fighting the evil forces of the Dark One to a minor misunderstanding that could be worked out in group therapy or having few beers together after slugging it out. Aislinn's constant fear of this man borders on paranoia whether its founded or not.
Relating to the character becomes exceedingly difficult as the story progresses because while many woes and tragedies befall the main character in the end they almost always work out for the best. The protagonists ultimately sacrifice nothing. There's no huge loss and really only gain and this gets very tedious after awhile.
The few positives of this novel is the view into preChristian/postRoman Ireland and being able to see the details of life. Though this in itself is flawed and tawdry as there's no sense of the realistic Dark Age Ireland. We're talking about a time period when people were starving, died of common ailments because the water was filthy, almost everyone had syphilis, people were missing teeth and limbs, the threat of invasion from the North or elsewhere was a constant worry. You don't really see any of that in this book, it just makes it look like ancient Ireland was this really pleasant and ordered place to live. I did find the author's use of language to be particularly interesting combing both English with modern and ancient Gaelic.
The author to her credit is also accommodating enough to provide a character list with a guide to each name's correct pronunciation so that you're not guessing as you're reading. She also goes a step further by providing a glossary of terms and phrases and their meaning which was also quit helpful and interesting and she even adds a historical note on the places and people in the story.
Unless you're into this sort of romance novel scene I'd say skip it. This book could probably best be enjoyed by a younger audience. I'm thinking maybe the Young Adult or a younger scene
The author's first novel 'I am of IreLaunde' got rave reviews so I'm wondering if there's a disparity in the writing style. If I find it for cheaps at a book fair I'll certainly buy it and save it for another day when I'm absolutely bored. Something tells me it has to be better than this for Ms. Osborne-McKnight to be a published author. If 'Daughter' had been her first work I doubt seriously she'd have gotten published at all.
January 20, 2009
As a lover of all things Irish and Scottish, I have to adore this book...plus it has druids, a druid priestess who is hot, dashing warriors with swords, mystical nature scenes, betrayal, and a great plot...what is not to love!
August 22, 2015
A time before Christianity came to Ireland, Celts and Druids ruled freely. I absolutely loved this book it made me feel like I was there. Being a Druid myself. It was very helpful with the glossaries since Gaelic is a complex language!
December 10, 2024
Haven't read this in twenty years or more and—unlike when I had a physical copy of this book—I have Irish dictionaries and glossaries and things I can use.
I will share one thing I thought for a while after reading this book: that the patronymic format was supposed to be "Forename, son/daughter of Father's Forename" as it is in this book (Aislínn ní Sorar). It's actually "Forename, son/daughter of Father's Surname", as with my old friend, Yvonne ní Réamoinn.* In an era where people didn't really have surnames, Aislínn's name was probably in the proper format, but not now.
[*She uses the Anglicized version of her surname, though, and as for her forename, she said her mother didn't realize it was French until later. I also don't know if that's the proper spelling, as her siblings' profiles—which have the proper spelling—aren't accessible from her profile.]
=4 Dec=
When Aislínn has a vision after meeting Eoghan, the book says her parents died when she was five and it had been fifteen years, making her twenty. Except it took about twenty years to complete druid training, so even if she was allowed to start training immediately at the age of five, she'd still be five years off from finishing.
=7 Dec=
Confused by the idea that Aislínn and Eoghan are married just because they said they wanted to be. No handfasting? Not even a simple proclamation to the gods? Come on!
=8 Dec=
How is it that a woman can choose her husband (according to this book), own land and cattle (according to other books), but if she marries a member of the Fianna, it's, "Sorry! You're gan talamh agus clann too!" That makes absolutely no sense, especially when you consider Aislínn could have all the land she wants as Queen of the Deisi!
Also, dropping hints of Christianity in there just ruins the whole atmosphere. Not to mention that the man who would become St. Patrick wasn't in Ireland until the 400s, but Cormac was king in the 200s!
I will share one thing I thought for a while after reading this book: that the patronymic format was supposed to be "Forename, son/daughter of Father's Forename" as it is in this book (Aislínn ní Sorar). It's actually "Forename, son/daughter of Father's Surname", as with my old friend, Yvonne ní Réamoinn.* In an era where people didn't really have surnames, Aislínn's name was probably in the proper format, but not now.
[*She uses the Anglicized version of her surname, though, and as for her forename, she said her mother didn't realize it was French until later. I also don't know if that's the proper spelling, as her siblings' profiles—which have the proper spelling—aren't accessible from her profile.]
=4 Dec=
When Aislínn has a vision after meeting Eoghan, the book says her parents died when she was five and it had been fifteen years, making her twenty. Except it took about twenty years to complete druid training, so even if she was allowed to start training immediately at the age of five, she'd still be five years off from finishing.
=7 Dec=
Confused by the idea that Aislínn and Eoghan are married just because they said they wanted to be. No handfasting? Not even a simple proclamation to the gods? Come on!
=8 Dec=
How is it that a woman can choose her husband (according to this book), own land and cattle (according to other books), but if she marries a member of the Fianna, it's, "Sorry! You're gan talamh agus clann too!" That makes absolutely no sense, especially when you consider Aislínn could have all the land she wants as Queen of the Deisi!
Also, dropping hints of Christianity in there just ruins the whole atmosphere. Not to mention that the man who would become St. Patrick wasn't in Ireland until the 400s, but Cormac was king in the 200s!
Names, pronunciations, etcetera on my blog.
July 23, 2020
8/10
Myth, legend, history, and fantasy blend in this novel of ancient Ireland. Strong female characters, solid background research, restrained use of mystery and magic, and timeless themes—hurtful honesty or protective silence, loyalty to tradition or openness to change—are the strengths in this story. I was especially drawn in by the locales so familiar to me from my visits to Ireland, especially County Meath, the Hill of Tara, and the Boyne Valley.
Myth, legend, history, and fantasy blend in this novel of ancient Ireland. Strong female characters, solid background research, restrained use of mystery and magic, and timeless themes—hurtful honesty or protective silence, loyalty to tradition or openness to change—are the strengths in this story. I was especially drawn in by the locales so familiar to me from my visits to Ireland, especially County Meath, the Hill of Tara, and the Boyne Valley.
March 15, 2025
A "historical" romp to Ireland, perfect for a romantic read on St. Patrick's day weekend. Aislinn was a wandering druid priestess set to find and rescue a child of light. Eoghan was a poet-warrior of no clan and no land but of great renown. Dark forces move against Aislinn (in a not very believable way) while Kings and Gods are being tested by the people of Eire.
July 19, 2018
A beautiful story
I loved this story. The imagery was so powerful and the characters were absolutely vividly portrayed. Being Irish I felt the pull of this story and longed to be there in Eire at that time.
I loved this story. The imagery was so powerful and the characters were absolutely vividly portrayed. Being Irish I felt the pull of this story and longed to be there in Eire at that time.
February 11, 2020
This book offered an interesting fictional point of view on ancient Ireland, and the plot was more or less intriguing. However, I felt there were several points throughout the book where the plot was slow or just slightly too weak to keep me fully engaged.
October 21, 2018
More accurately a 3.5 star
April 20, 2020
There aren't many published books taking place during this period in Irish history so I was really excited to read this. The writing was competent enough and sometimes poetic, no complaints there in a genre where prose and dialogue can get really cheesy and grandiose. I was promised adventure, magic, history, and mythological heroes. To some degree I was given some of these things, but cheated on others. This is primarily a love story that tries hard to be epic but the threats didn't feel big or dire enough. The jacket copy was very misleading, placing emphasis on political and religious upheaval with the spread of Christianity while the scope was much smaller, focusing on a love story.
May 4, 2024
Myth, legend, Druidic lore and conflict with the feminine force, entertaining but transition to Christian beliefs a little too pat.
May 16, 2024
GIVE THIS GIRL A MINUTE TO BREATHE BEFORE GETTING KIDNAPPED AGAIN
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
Abbandonato a pagina 140 bocciato su tutti i fronti !!!
August 17, 2013
I admit to having a deep bias in favor of anyone who enjoys writing about the ancient Celts and has the courage to try to resurrect a world so different from ours. I enjoyed Ms. Osborne-McKnight's earlier novel ("I am Ireland") &, as a folklorist, I appreciate her scholarship and her weaving of Irish mythology into a human story. In "Daughter of Ireland", the author focuses on the coming of Christianity to Ireland and creates a love story centering around two conflicting faiths, Druidry & Christianity, & the politics that dance around them both.
This would be my only caveat: I've often wished that books of this nature advertise that they are Christian-centered. I have no quarrel with Ms. Osborne-McKnight's actual writing--I actually believe much of it is quite lovely. But, as a reader, I do like to know if I'll be reading a novel that makes Christianity a focal point of the plot and theme.
Other than that, I give "Daughter of Ireland" a high rating because, as I was reading, I did feel as if I was invited on a visit to ancient Ireland--one of my favorite places "to go" in a novel--ever since I discovered Morgan Llewellyn's novels as a teenager! So I thank Ms. Osborne-McKnight for this armchair journey & appreciate her sensitivty to the creative spirit that dwells in us all.
This would be my only caveat: I've often wished that books of this nature advertise that they are Christian-centered. I have no quarrel with Ms. Osborne-McKnight's actual writing--I actually believe much of it is quite lovely. But, as a reader, I do like to know if I'll be reading a novel that makes Christianity a focal point of the plot and theme.
Other than that, I give "Daughter of Ireland" a high rating because, as I was reading, I did feel as if I was invited on a visit to ancient Ireland--one of my favorite places "to go" in a novel--ever since I discovered Morgan Llewellyn's novels as a teenager! So I thank Ms. Osborne-McKnight for this armchair journey & appreciate her sensitivty to the creative spirit that dwells in us all.
December 28, 2015
I had a very hard time getting into this book. The books that I enjoy immensely I find myself feeling like I'm INSIDE the world, experiencing the world right beside the characters. The whole time I was reading this book, I very much felt like and outsider looking in. I kept hoping that there would be a point in the book where it would open up and I would find myself plunging deep into the fabric of this world created by Osborne-McKnight. It just didn't happen for me. I didn't feel invested or attached to any of the characters, and I had difficulty finishing the book.
I would like to say that there are many individuals out there that will find this book to their taste. It is obvious that there was much research and former knowledge poured into this book to build the world for "Daughter of Ireland". I'm sure that many that will find appreciation for that even though I myself struggled to finish the book.
I would like to say that there are many individuals out there that will find this book to their taste. It is obvious that there was much research and former knowledge poured into this book to build the world for "Daughter of Ireland". I'm sure that many that will find appreciation for that even though I myself struggled to finish the book.
November 16, 2016
With a book like this it seems wrong to rate it so soon after finishing it, as I am still processing parts of it. It's possible to give this a surface read, I suppose, but Osborne-McKnight does a good job expressing the minds and hearts of a people on the cusp of Christianity. This tale seems true to the spirit of ancient Ireland, with the societal, political and religious structures. I am contemplating the way the spiritual is expressed and understood by a people who had a taboo against the written word. As druids came into first contact with Christianity, what was that have been like? The author doesn't succumb to the temptation to make this too easy or to fit the mold of modern western Protestant theology, but as an evolving people.
February 22, 2011
In Daughter of Ireland a druid priestess of ancient Ireland, Aislinn Ni Sorar, is running from evil forces that threaten to hurt her and her family. Along the way she takes a little girl under her wing and falls in love. Aislinn's story involves some Celtic mythology, which was interesting, and I enjoyed the book. The only thing that bothered me was the reasoning behind the actions of the evil druid, Banbh. He has all these elaborate plots to hurt her when it would have been a lot simpler to just kill her.
January 5, 2010
As cheesy as this book was, I have to admit I liked it. It wasn’t great by any means, but it’s better than other things I’ve read. I liked how the pieces of the puzzle came together and how in the end, the main character confronted her fear. Still, the story just kind of carried on forever. I thought the mix of the legend of Finn MacCool with the onset of Christianity in Ireland was very creative.
April 2, 2011
To continue my current readings on Ireland...
Where "Confessions of a Pagan Nun" focused on gritty reality, this novel romanticizes the glories of Ireland's golden age under Cormac Mac Art in a sweeping tale of love, loyalty, betrayal, fear, belief, and forgiveness.
I loved the language, both the style in which it was written and the incorporation of irish words, and found myself reading slowly just to savor them. It is no surpirse the author was a storyteller before she became a writer.
Where "Confessions of a Pagan Nun" focused on gritty reality, this novel romanticizes the glories of Ireland's golden age under Cormac Mac Art in a sweeping tale of love, loyalty, betrayal, fear, belief, and forgiveness.
I loved the language, both the style in which it was written and the incorporation of irish words, and found myself reading slowly just to savor them. It is no surpirse the author was a storyteller before she became a writer.
September 15, 2014
The beginning to middle of the book started out in fantasy with much written about Druidism and the Celts- Druidism was the main religion of the Celts of the time.
Somewhere in the middle there was a huge trainwreck of misplaced history and the Druids became Christians, and the Druid law was changed ect.
I felt the book should have picked a religion in the beginning and stuck with it, either ancient Druidism or Christianity but not try to work both religions in the same timeframe.
Somewhere in the middle there was a huge trainwreck of misplaced history and the Druids became Christians, and the Druid law was changed ect.
I felt the book should have picked a religion in the beginning and stuck with it, either ancient Druidism or Christianity but not try to work both religions in the same timeframe.
May 15, 2009
I read and enjoyed the author's first book, "I Am of Irelaunde" but I didn't like this one nearly as much. It was too much of a romance, and a cheesy romance at that. I loved the setting of the story and the Irish history and myth included in the novel, but I was disappointed in the book.
February 26, 2010
Not an unpleasant read. Engaging characters, except for the protagonist's occasional emotional outbursts. The "bad" Druids were portrayed somewhat flat. Interesting perspective on the introduction of Christianity to Ireland.
August 4, 2010
This sounds silly, but at times I felt it was a Harry Potter for adults-not really magic stuff, but people using their powers for good or evil...and exciting real characters who fight for what they believe and with compassion, love, hate and goodness towards each other- I enjoyed it-
October 6, 2009
This is a wonderful read that has romance and suspense. The scenic descriptions made me want to visit Ireland all the more!
July 23, 2010
Cheesy but entertaining.
January 27, 2011
Next to Patrick this is my second favorite irish book :)
October 27, 2011
I am giving this only 2 stars because the story seemed lacking or plain in most parts, however the celtic druid research was accurate as far as what most scholars know.
July 5, 2012
Just could not get into the voice of this one at all. Tried as it's an era/setting I love, but when you're forcing yourself to re-read lines you know there's a problem.
August 29, 2013
simple not my cup of tea. too much fantasy not enough history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews