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Circle of Ceridwen Saga #10
Water Borne: Book Ten of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga
Water Book Ten of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga
It is water Dwynwen lifted in her cup of silver. Water, too, the Lady Luned uses in her scrying bowl. And it is over water one must travel to resolve an old conflict.
Set high upon its seaside cliff, the hall of Kilton is racked by inner turmoil. Ceric, on the margin of sanity, finds strength and even bliss returning to him. But it is not without price, as his young brother Edwin, Lord of Kilton, grasps for a possession he never fully won.
Hrald is called to Witanceaster by King Ælfred himself, and there awarded a rare prize. A chance meeting in the King's hall proves more Fate-ful than the young Jarl of Four Stones could have ever imagined - and the one challenge he cannot overcome.
The King's bailiff, Raedwulf, brings Lady Ælfwyn to his hall in Defenas, where a new life awaits. With them travels her small grandson, Cerd, and her youngest daughter, Ealhswith. Now of marriageable age, Ealhswith yearns for confidence and direction in her life.
On Gotland, the peace and security of Tyrsborg is fractured as Sidroc and Ceridwen are abruptly forced to confront their past actions
Unexpected alliances and daring risks... all are Water Borne.
It is water Dwynwen lifted in her cup of silver. Water, too, the Lady Luned uses in her scrying bowl. And it is over water one must travel to resolve an old conflict.
Set high upon its seaside cliff, the hall of Kilton is racked by inner turmoil. Ceric, on the margin of sanity, finds strength and even bliss returning to him. But it is not without price, as his young brother Edwin, Lord of Kilton, grasps for a possession he never fully won.
Hrald is called to Witanceaster by King Ælfred himself, and there awarded a rare prize. A chance meeting in the King's hall proves more Fate-ful than the young Jarl of Four Stones could have ever imagined - and the one challenge he cannot overcome.
The King's bailiff, Raedwulf, brings Lady Ælfwyn to his hall in Defenas, where a new life awaits. With them travels her small grandson, Cerd, and her youngest daughter, Ealhswith. Now of marriageable age, Ealhswith yearns for confidence and direction in her life.
On Gotland, the peace and security of Tyrsborg is fractured as Sidroc and Ceridwen are abruptly forced to confront their past actions
Unexpected alliances and daring risks... all are Water Borne.
536 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2023
About the author
Octavia Randolph
24 books610 followersI write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. In addition to the Circle Saga, I've written the novella Ride, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, and The Tale of Melkorka, based on the Icelandic Sagas. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe.
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 28, 2023
I think it may be time for me to part with this series. With only a few exceptions, I've really enjoyed these books, but I was almost exclusively frustrated or uncomfortable while reading Water Borne.
Let's start with Ceric, since the book also starts with him and he was the source of most of my angst. For the last several books, Ceric has been the golden child of the series - other characters make excuses for him constantly and he seems to be everyone's favorite, even though it doesn't make much sense. We had a brief reprieve from this in the last book, but it comes back with force in this one. Within the course of a day (and the first two chapters), Ceric goes behind his brother's back to marry his brother's betrothed, and only Edwin is upset about this . All the other characters are pleased that Ceric seems happy and are alienated by Edwin's (very understandable) frustration.
As a reminder: the bride is fourteen. I mentioned that I was uncomfortable, right? Keep in mind that fourteen was not only young by the standards of that time (even though it was, technically, acceptable), this series has already established at least twice that several characters think fourteen is too young to get married. Even then, if Randolph had thought it was truly necessary to have Dwynwen get married that young, there's ways to indicate to the audience that "Hey! I know this is young! You're probably feeling uncomfortable - I'm sorry for that! Dark Ages did some weird things, right? But we're reading a book set in the Dark Ages, so we'll get through this!" Instead, Randolph tries to play off Ceric and Dwynwen's marriage as romantic, which just felt ... ick. (Don't forget - he's twenty-five!) Especially because Ceric and all the other characters would emphasize how young and child-like she was, constantly, even during romantic scenes. Like I said, uncomfortable and ick.
I've seen other commenters mention that the first five chapters are the worst and then it's smooth sailing, but truthfully, this nonsense comes up any time Ceric comes up.
My other source of angst is much tamer, in comparison: Dagmar. I'm incredibly frustrated that she's still in this series, frustrated that I have to spend time reading about her, frustrated by her self-centeredness and how she's willing to hurt anyone to make herself feel better, if even just for a moment. I cannot understand why Hrald is still fixated on her, since her only redeeming qualities (from what I can recall) are that she's tall and beautiful. Yes, she had a rough childhood, but that's not a character trait, it's a backstory and not one that excuses cruel behavior. Seriously, I spent an unfortunate amount of time just wishing that Dagmar could be struck dead by a lightning bolt or even better, just leave the damn story.
The only redeeming character about this story was Edwin . I appreciated getting to see his loneliness and frustration (which seem like they would be very realistic, growing up in the shadow of his older brother's favoritism). It was cathartic seeing him work through his frustrations and grow further, and I wish . I'll note that Eirian, Yrling, and Mealla and Kjell were each delightful the very few times they appeared. These characters are the only reason why it's a "maybe" done with the series instead of "definitely", since that's what I had been before getting to Edwin's final arc in the book.
Let's start with Ceric, since the book also starts with him and he was the source of most of my angst. For the last several books, Ceric has been the golden child of the series - other characters make excuses for him constantly and he seems to be everyone's favorite, even though it doesn't make much sense. We had a brief reprieve from this in the last book, but it comes back with force in this one. Within the course of a day (and the first two chapters), Ceric goes behind his brother's back to marry his brother's betrothed, and only Edwin is upset about this . All the other characters are pleased that Ceric seems happy and are alienated by Edwin's (very understandable) frustration.
As a reminder: the bride is fourteen. I mentioned that I was uncomfortable, right? Keep in mind that fourteen was not only young by the standards of that time (even though it was, technically, acceptable), this series has already established at least twice that several characters think fourteen is too young to get married. Even then, if Randolph had thought it was truly necessary to have Dwynwen get married that young, there's ways to indicate to the audience that "Hey! I know this is young! You're probably feeling uncomfortable - I'm sorry for that! Dark Ages did some weird things, right? But we're reading a book set in the Dark Ages, so we'll get through this!" Instead, Randolph tries to play off Ceric and Dwynwen's marriage as romantic, which just felt ... ick. (Don't forget - he's twenty-five!) Especially because Ceric and all the other characters would emphasize how young and child-like she was, constantly, even during romantic scenes. Like I said, uncomfortable and ick.
I've seen other commenters mention that the first five chapters are the worst and then it's smooth sailing, but truthfully, this nonsense comes up any time Ceric comes up.
My other source of angst is much tamer, in comparison: Dagmar. I'm incredibly frustrated that she's still in this series, frustrated that I have to spend time reading about her, frustrated by her self-centeredness and how she's willing to hurt anyone to make herself feel better, if even just for a moment. I cannot understand why Hrald is still fixated on her, since her only redeeming qualities (from what I can recall) are that she's tall and beautiful. Yes, she had a rough childhood, but that's not a character trait, it's a backstory and not one that excuses cruel behavior. Seriously, I spent an unfortunate amount of time just wishing that Dagmar could be struck dead by a lightning bolt or even better, just leave the damn story.
The only redeeming character about this story was Edwin . I appreciated getting to see his loneliness and frustration (which seem like they would be very realistic, growing up in the shadow of his older brother's favoritism). It was cathartic seeing him work through his frustrations and grow further, and I wish . I'll note that Eirian, Yrling, and Mealla and Kjell were each delightful the very few times they appeared. These characters are the only reason why it's a "maybe" done with the series instead of "definitely", since that's what I had been before getting to Edwin's final arc in the book.
April 15, 2023
I love the Circle of Ceredwin Saga
This is book 10 and Octavia Randolph never disappoints. These books are set during the ninth century in the United Kingdom, and on the island island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. It is the story of the families whose lives are intertwined, both the Danes and the Anglo-Saxons. It’s not like reading or watching the Viking movies because this is a series based on the relationships of the people. Though, of course, there are some battles. You will fall in love with the characters.
This is book 10 and Octavia Randolph never disappoints. These books are set during the ninth century in the United Kingdom, and on the island island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. It is the story of the families whose lives are intertwined, both the Danes and the Anglo-Saxons. It’s not like reading or watching the Viking movies because this is a series based on the relationships of the people. Though, of course, there are some battles. You will fall in love with the characters.
April 12, 2023
Ok, I loved the Ceridwen saga, though honestly the books have been getting duller the further he series carries on. This one is almost not worth the read. There are parts of this book that are good and totally in line with the rest of the saga. However, there are parts that are disturbing enough that I almost stopped reading the book and the entire series right at the start.
The first 5 chapters of this book read like a love letter to pedophilia. All of these books have women getting married young, which is normal for the time. This is the first book where the author has focused on how young the bride in question is, how “childlike” they appear, how everyone thinks they are even younger than they are. The term “child bride” is used as an endearment. It’s honestly disgusting.
If you love the series and want to continue with it, but want to skip to the better parts, I recommend starting with chapter 6. You honestly will only miss a super disturbing romance between a child and an adult.
The first 5 chapters of this book read like a love letter to pedophilia. All of these books have women getting married young, which is normal for the time. This is the first book where the author has focused on how young the bride in question is, how “childlike” they appear, how everyone thinks they are even younger than they are. The term “child bride” is used as an endearment. It’s honestly disgusting.
If you love the series and want to continue with it, but want to skip to the better parts, I recommend starting with chapter 6. You honestly will only miss a super disturbing romance between a child and an adult.
May 24, 2024
There’s something about this series that I can’t place my finger on, but truly brings you to another world. I feel like I was given the space to sit and release my own thoughts and cares and enter into a place that engulfs you into their own.
I didn’t think I would, but after this book I deeply care for Edwin. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing in the next book his growth in character and maturity.
Ceric’s storyline only gets better as we watch him regain himself, a new and slow acceptance of his present life.
Hrald deals with new levels of strain and torment. I think he might be my favorite character, and the one I feel the deepest for. Although, did anyone else catch - there was no self realization that he did the very thing (if not worse) that broke off his first marriage?
I’m a full-on fan now. I can’t get enough. Just keep making more of these till we have like 9 generations deep of lore for this circle of families. I’m here for it.
I didn’t think I would, but after this book I deeply care for Edwin. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing in the next book his growth in character and maturity.
Ceric’s storyline only gets better as we watch him regain himself, a new and slow acceptance of his present life.
Hrald deals with new levels of strain and torment. I think he might be my favorite character, and the one I feel the deepest for. Although, did anyone else catch - there was no self realization that he did the very thing (if not worse) that broke off his first marriage?
I’m a full-on fan now. I can’t get enough. Just keep making more of these till we have like 9 generations deep of lore for this circle of families. I’m here for it.
April 3, 2023
Un put downable
I awoke at 2:30 am and realized it was the release day for Book 10 in the Circle of Ceridwen saga. I immediately downloaded and began to read. The offspring of Ceridwen, Sidroc and Alfwen are on the verge of coming into their own as they navigate their complex relationships born of marriage, war, and death. Octavia Random weaves their stories against the backdrop of 9th century northern Europe. I look forward to the next release to see what's next.
I awoke at 2:30 am and realized it was the release day for Book 10 in the Circle of Ceridwen saga. I immediately downloaded and began to read. The offspring of Ceridwen, Sidroc and Alfwen are on the verge of coming into their own as they navigate their complex relationships born of marriage, war, and death. Octavia Random weaves their stories against the backdrop of 9th century northern Europe. I look forward to the next release to see what's next.
April 7, 2023
Book 10 of this series was worth waiting for. I even made myself savor it over 3 days instead of devouring it in 1 day. Octavia Randolph's portrayal of life in the 9th century is spellbinding in addition to be educational. Her series motivated me to study geography more closely so I could better understand the Norse people traveling to England. If you have interest in how the cultures melded during the so-called Viking invasions, I strongly recommend this series.
July 29, 2024
Another beautiful saga
Octavia continues her amazing saga , full of characters who will make you laugh ,cry ,and sometimes scream. Her writing is so beautiful and fluid you can easily put yourself in the scene and visualize the people, their feelings and actions. I enjoy reading her descriptions of nature, animals, plants, the sea, even clothing! Her writing is an art.
Octavia continues her amazing saga , full of characters who will make you laugh ,cry ,and sometimes scream. Her writing is so beautiful and fluid you can easily put yourself in the scene and visualize the people, their feelings and actions. I enjoy reading her descriptions of nature, animals, plants, the sea, even clothing! Her writing is an art.
September 10, 2024
Another five star winner by Octavia Randolph. I love a saga, years ago John Jakes and then Diana Gabalden, but this is by far my favorite. Octavia’s writing is positively magical as she paints with her words.
December 29, 2024
Waterborne has such a poetic feel to it that it seems a shame that I’m going to start this book review by criticizing it. But this title doesn’t, in my humble opinion, really tell you what this novel is about. Yes, the piece starts with Lady Dwynwen pouring water from a silver jug. Yes, Edwin of Kilton does spend some time on the sea. But even so, I don’t think this title gives you enough of a flavor of what really happens in this volume.
I really think that matters could have been improved if this novel had been titled The Missteps and Misfortunes of Lord Edwin of Kilton. For poor Edwin cannot catch a break in this volume.
Naturally, his troubles start with Lady Dwynwen. Having traipsed all the way to Wales (at least a 50-mile journey over rutted roads), the lady refuses to marry him. Instead, she persuades him to take her back to Kilton so that she could see his home and then make a decision.
As soon as her gaze falls on his elder brother Ceric she changes her mind.
"I will not leave you," she says over and over again to him, as he sits bemused before her. For Ceric is fragile, having just returned from his sojourn in the forests of Kilton, where he has been living for the past year. He would have died had it not been for the supplies that Worr sent him. And he is still shell-shocked over the death of his intended bride Ashild, because he was responsible for her death. Believing that he saw a Viking warrior before him, he threw a spear which pierced her heart. It was only as he took the speak out that he realized that the Viking was actually Ashild himself. This is the worst thing that could have possibly have happened to Ceric, for he loved Ashild dearly.
But that night, Lady Dwynwen appears at his door in her nightgown. Ceric is unable to resist, and so, of course they have to marry, which they do the very next day.
Everyone is delighted, that Ceric, who has suffered so much in the past year, has finally found happiness. All, except for Edwin, who is in shock. How can that child-like girl have spurned him so completely? Why did she choose Ceric? Edwin cannot understand what happened. She has slipped through his fingers like an eel, before he had a chance to get acquainted.
And now he must go to the trouble and expense of acquiring another bride. So when a letter from King Alfred arrives, inviting him to court, Edwin is only too eager to go. But it turns out that the bride Alfred has in mind is Ealhswith, daughter of Sidroc the Dane. Edwin is appalled. For Sidroc murdered Edwin’s father Godwin. And so he refuses the King’s offer point blank.
Disconsolate, he wanders the halls of the King’s palace, spotting a beautiful, dark-haired woman of noble aspect. He inquires who she is, only to be told that she is Dagmar, Hrald of Four Stone’s first wife, whom he divorced when he found her with another man.
And so when Raedwulf proposes that Edwin travel all the way to Frisia, to the mouth of the Rhine river to negotiate a match with one of the local nobleman’s daughters, Edwin is desperate to go. But when he arrives, the nobleman has just died and the household is in morning. As it seems the new count is not likely to do anything for his sisters, Edwin’s hopes are again dashed.
And that is how he makes the decision to visit his mother Ceridwen, who is now living happily with his nemesis Sidroc at the Hall of Tyr on Gotland. Of course, things are very tense, but I won’t say more so as not to spoil the ending for those of you who have not read this book.
I really think that matters could have been improved if this novel had been titled The Missteps and Misfortunes of Lord Edwin of Kilton. For poor Edwin cannot catch a break in this volume.
Naturally, his troubles start with Lady Dwynwen. Having traipsed all the way to Wales (at least a 50-mile journey over rutted roads), the lady refuses to marry him. Instead, she persuades him to take her back to Kilton so that she could see his home and then make a decision.
As soon as her gaze falls on his elder brother Ceric she changes her mind.
"I will not leave you," she says over and over again to him, as he sits bemused before her. For Ceric is fragile, having just returned from his sojourn in the forests of Kilton, where he has been living for the past year. He would have died had it not been for the supplies that Worr sent him. And he is still shell-shocked over the death of his intended bride Ashild, because he was responsible for her death. Believing that he saw a Viking warrior before him, he threw a spear which pierced her heart. It was only as he took the speak out that he realized that the Viking was actually Ashild himself. This is the worst thing that could have possibly have happened to Ceric, for he loved Ashild dearly.
But that night, Lady Dwynwen appears at his door in her nightgown. Ceric is unable to resist, and so, of course they have to marry, which they do the very next day.
Everyone is delighted, that Ceric, who has suffered so much in the past year, has finally found happiness. All, except for Edwin, who is in shock. How can that child-like girl have spurned him so completely? Why did she choose Ceric? Edwin cannot understand what happened. She has slipped through his fingers like an eel, before he had a chance to get acquainted.
And now he must go to the trouble and expense of acquiring another bride. So when a letter from King Alfred arrives, inviting him to court, Edwin is only too eager to go. But it turns out that the bride Alfred has in mind is Ealhswith, daughter of Sidroc the Dane. Edwin is appalled. For Sidroc murdered Edwin’s father Godwin. And so he refuses the King’s offer point blank.
Disconsolate, he wanders the halls of the King’s palace, spotting a beautiful, dark-haired woman of noble aspect. He inquires who she is, only to be told that she is Dagmar, Hrald of Four Stone’s first wife, whom he divorced when he found her with another man.
And so when Raedwulf proposes that Edwin travel all the way to Frisia, to the mouth of the Rhine river to negotiate a match with one of the local nobleman’s daughters, Edwin is desperate to go. But when he arrives, the nobleman has just died and the household is in morning. As it seems the new count is not likely to do anything for his sisters, Edwin’s hopes are again dashed.
And that is how he makes the decision to visit his mother Ceridwen, who is now living happily with his nemesis Sidroc at the Hall of Tyr on Gotland. Of course, things are very tense, but I won’t say more so as not to spoil the ending for those of you who have not read this book.
June 15, 2024
This, the tenth in the series ‘The Circle of Ceridwen’ was a very slow burn for me. The beginning of the story relates the coming together of the Welsh girl, Dwynwen, (with emphasis on the word GIRL), and Ceric of Kilton. It is the long drawn out telling of her rejection of Edwin, Lord of Kilton, to whom she travelled from Cymru to marry, for her preferred match with Ceric, his brother. There are several love scenes which I found disturbing, as they screamed of Paedophilia. I know that marriage of young girls to much older males was commonplace in that era, however the romance section in the first few chapters emphasised over and over how “child like” “youthful” and fey Dwynwen appeared to all at Kilton. Nevertheless, she is welcomed with open arms by all, especially by Edgyth, the Lady of Kilton.
Edwin is, unsurprisingly, angered by this marriage of his brother to his intended “young bride”. My sympathies at that time were all with the spurned Lord of Kilton. However, his following actions emphasised his youth and immaturity too, as he travels to Gotland to seek revenge for the killing of his father, Godwin.
The story then picks up pace and the section set on the island of Gotland is the best in my opinion. The descriptions of the landscape there, and the reappearance of my favourite characters, Sidroc and Ceridwen, were what reignited my interest in the narration.
Meanwhile, Dagmar is causing her usual havoc by enticing the married Hrald to reignite the romance between them.
This book was slightly disappointing for me. Let us hope that the future marriage of Edwin, possibly to Ealhswith, daughter of Aelfwyn and Sidroc, and the growth of Cerd, son of Ashild and Ceric, give us characters to follow as avidly as we did those of my beloved Sidroc and his lady. The future of this series depends on the youth carrying forward the dramatic twists and turns of this enthralling series.
Edwin is, unsurprisingly, angered by this marriage of his brother to his intended “young bride”. My sympathies at that time were all with the spurned Lord of Kilton. However, his following actions emphasised his youth and immaturity too, as he travels to Gotland to seek revenge for the killing of his father, Godwin.
The story then picks up pace and the section set on the island of Gotland is the best in my opinion. The descriptions of the landscape there, and the reappearance of my favourite characters, Sidroc and Ceridwen, were what reignited my interest in the narration.
Meanwhile, Dagmar is causing her usual havoc by enticing the married Hrald to reignite the romance between them.
This book was slightly disappointing for me. Let us hope that the future marriage of Edwin, possibly to Ealhswith, daughter of Aelfwyn and Sidroc, and the growth of Cerd, son of Ashild and Ceric, give us characters to follow as avidly as we did those of my beloved Sidroc and his lady. The future of this series depends on the youth carrying forward the dramatic twists and turns of this enthralling series.
April 7, 2023
Ripples in water, journeys and circles
Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 on 7 April 2023
The eagerly anticipated Book Ten in the Circle of Ceridwen Saga has arrived and does not disappoint. Resuming the story moments after the dramatic events that close ‘Two Dragons’, readers are instantly engaged as the consequent ripples create new challenges. The fey-like Dwynwen provides initial focus, but soon the action moves beyond Kilton to involve the northern stronghold of Four Stones, ever a frontier at the edges of King Ælfred’s interests as he seeks to weave closer alliances with kingdoms both near and far. A new circle is forged with Ælfwyn’s remove from Lindisse to Defenas, this long-awaited and happy circumstance facilitating story lines that culminate in a journey to Gotland - surely the destination most craved by Saga followers.
Buy your copy today, read or listen to this engrossing and enchanting continuation of a story from a master story-teller of the highest order, hallmarked as always with historical authenticity, dramatic flair and language rich with painterly nuance. The stage is set for Book Eleven.
Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 on 7 April 2023
The eagerly anticipated Book Ten in the Circle of Ceridwen Saga has arrived and does not disappoint. Resuming the story moments after the dramatic events that close ‘Two Dragons’, readers are instantly engaged as the consequent ripples create new challenges. The fey-like Dwynwen provides initial focus, but soon the action moves beyond Kilton to involve the northern stronghold of Four Stones, ever a frontier at the edges of King Ælfred’s interests as he seeks to weave closer alliances with kingdoms both near and far. A new circle is forged with Ælfwyn’s remove from Lindisse to Defenas, this long-awaited and happy circumstance facilitating story lines that culminate in a journey to Gotland - surely the destination most craved by Saga followers.
Buy your copy today, read or listen to this engrossing and enchanting continuation of a story from a master story-teller of the highest order, hallmarked as always with historical authenticity, dramatic flair and language rich with painterly nuance. The stage is set for Book Eleven.
April 19, 2023
stories that should be told in a great hall by a scop
These are not stories but are sagas that should be told in a great hall by a bard or scop on a rainy night with a great fire and cups of honeyed mead. Octavia Randolph surpasses all others in her stories of the struggles between the Northmen and the Saxons. You can feel the swell of the waves beneath your feet, smell the wind off the crashing waves, taste the honey cakes and golden mead and hear the clang of metal in the battles. Such amazing knowledge and research of this era!Each character is as real to me as my own family and friends and every book is as good or better than the last. I hope we have many more years together with Sicroc, Ceridwen, Aelfwyn, Hrald, Ceric and Dwyndwin. I am truly obsessed. Thank you Octavia Randolph for bringing all these characters to life with such an amazing story
These are not stories but are sagas that should be told in a great hall by a bard or scop on a rainy night with a great fire and cups of honeyed mead. Octavia Randolph surpasses all others in her stories of the struggles between the Northmen and the Saxons. You can feel the swell of the waves beneath your feet, smell the wind off the crashing waves, taste the honey cakes and golden mead and hear the clang of metal in the battles. Such amazing knowledge and research of this era!Each character is as real to me as my own family and friends and every book is as good or better than the last. I hope we have many more years together with Sicroc, Ceridwen, Aelfwyn, Hrald, Ceric and Dwyndwin. I am truly obsessed. Thank you Octavia Randolph for bringing all these characters to life with such an amazing story
April 16, 2024
gorgeous writing as always
The story continues to unfold, and although this is book 10it doesn’t even feel as if Octavia has reached the climax of the story. There is so much yet to explore! This book is different in that each book typically ends in a place that feels like it could be the last book or it could go on. In this book we get the feeling that things in her world are just getting started. She has done her homework! I went through and fact checked across the way. I love this book! Particularly the psychological aspects. As a psychotherapist, I can’t help but evaluate if the characters are behaving in a way that seems genuine and they are! Beautiful history, continuous unfolding of characters, and continued tangled families. Can’t wait for the next one!
The story continues to unfold, and although this is book 10it doesn’t even feel as if Octavia has reached the climax of the story. There is so much yet to explore! This book is different in that each book typically ends in a place that feels like it could be the last book or it could go on. In this book we get the feeling that things in her world are just getting started. She has done her homework! I went through and fact checked across the way. I love this book! Particularly the psychological aspects. As a psychotherapist, I can’t help but evaluate if the characters are behaving in a way that seems genuine and they are! Beautiful history, continuous unfolding of characters, and continued tangled families. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 2, 2023
Outstanding
Water Bourne is the tenth novel to the Circle of Ceridwen Saga and it is an outstanding addition to the series. Octavia Randolph continues to share her extraordinary authentic writings of the 9th century through the next generation of our dear friends Ceridwen and Alfwyn. This addition has many turns of emotion and surprises unexpected. If you are a follower you will definitely enjoy it, and if you are looking for a new historical series to delve into, I highly recommend this Saga.
Water Bourne is the tenth novel to the Circle of Ceridwen Saga and it is an outstanding addition to the series. Octavia Randolph continues to share her extraordinary authentic writings of the 9th century through the next generation of our dear friends Ceridwen and Alfwyn. This addition has many turns of emotion and surprises unexpected. If you are a follower you will definitely enjoy it, and if you are looking for a new historical series to delve into, I highly recommend this Saga.
April 13, 2023
Another wonderful book in the series. I tried to pace my reading because I wanted the pleasure of reading this terrific book to last a long time. But I couldn't do it...I had to continue reading it at every opportunity and now I've finished the book and will have to wait for the next one in the series.
Octavia Randolph's writing is superb! Her characters are so real I find myself thinking about them when I'm not reading the book. I think this book was one of the best in the series and hope the next book will not be too long in coming.
Octavia Randolph's writing is superb! Her characters are so real I find myself thinking about them when I'm not reading the book. I think this book was one of the best in the series and hope the next book will not be too long in coming.
April 6, 2023
SO, so good!
I love this series of books. Brilliantly written as usual, Ms. Randolph always leave me wanting more. The character development is fantastic! This one had me in tears several times at the emotional travails certain characters experienced in this story arc. Cannot wait for the next book. Bravo!
I love this series of books. Brilliantly written as usual, Ms. Randolph always leave me wanting more. The character development is fantastic! This one had me in tears several times at the emotional travails certain characters experienced in this story arc. Cannot wait for the next book. Bravo!
April 22, 2023
I have loved every moment of The Circle of Ceridwen Sagas. I must admit I did find the amount of focus spent on the “child bride” aspect a bit off putting. I don’t need another source to attempt to normalize anything that creeps me out involving children. I hope to read more of these characters and their tales. The story was excellent.
May 18, 2023
I love it from beginning to end!
There was not even one part of this book that was slow or uninteresting. The story it told was unexpected but wonderful and rich in detail. When it ended, it was so unexpected that I gasped. I love this series it seems to just keep getting better if that's possible. I cannot wait for the next one.
There was not even one part of this book that was slow or uninteresting. The story it told was unexpected but wonderful and rich in detail. When it ended, it was so unexpected that I gasped. I love this series it seems to just keep getting better if that's possible. I cannot wait for the next one.
April 6, 2023
Another great step in this saga!
I have been following this saga since the first book. Absolutely love the story and it's characters. Book 10 is the next episode in this amazing saga. All who have been following this story should read it! Can't wait until the next book comes out!
I have been following this saga since the first book. Absolutely love the story and it's characters. Book 10 is the next episode in this amazing saga. All who have been following this story should read it! Can't wait until the next book comes out!
April 6, 2023
Read to quickly
As always Octavia takes us on this journey and into our favorite peoples lives. She continues to weave her magic with words. I can see where the younger generation has many more stories to tell.
As always Octavia takes us on this journey and into our favorite peoples lives. She continues to weave her magic with words. I can see where the younger generation has many more stories to tell.
April 7, 2023
fantastic
All of Octavia Randolph’s Circle of Ceridwens series are incredible. This is the tenth book and filled with her splendid flow of words expressions and imagination. I love all of her books and will read this one again soon. Thank You Octavia!💜🕊
All of Octavia Randolph’s Circle of Ceridwens series are incredible. This is the tenth book and filled with her splendid flow of words expressions and imagination. I love all of her books and will read this one again soon. Thank You Octavia!💜🕊
April 8, 2023
One of my all time favorite series
I hate to put it down. It feels like I am visiting people I know and settle in comfortably. Seeing their growth is very gratifying. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I hate to put it down. It feels like I am visiting people I know and settle in comfortably. Seeing their growth is very gratifying. I can’t wait to read the next one.
April 9, 2023
I wholeheartedly agree that this is one of the best of the beloved Saga series. It is to Octavia Randolph’s credit that she continues to engage her readers with her characters and plots firmly rooted in events and places of late 9th century England and Europe.
April 14, 2023
Amazing history. Detailing cross country travel, as well as navigating via medieval ports and conveyances. Great interpersonal insight as well, not to mention the ability to transport the reader to an earlier time and place. Such a treat to read.
April 19, 2023
Another Great Addition to the Saga
What a great continuation of Octavia Randolph’s saga. As the characters continue to age, their lives continue to intertwine. As always, the characters and places come to life through the beautiful writing. I highly recommend reading this saga.
What a great continuation of Octavia Randolph’s saga. As the characters continue to age, their lives continue to intertwine. As always, the characters and places come to life through the beautiful writing. I highly recommend reading this saga.
May 8, 2023
Loved it
Loved how this booked brought back all the other books in the saga! Brought back our loved characters. Reminded us how things happened and intrigued us of what was in-store. I can't wait for the next book! As always Octavia on the edge wanting more.
Loved how this booked brought back all the other books in the saga! Brought back our loved characters. Reminded us how things happened and intrigued us of what was in-store. I can't wait for the next book! As always Octavia on the edge wanting more.
June 26, 2023
excellent
Beautifully written with words that place you closer to the era written about. Important to read preceding books before this one, then it will have deeper meaning. Thank you Octavia.
Beautifully written with words that place you closer to the era written about. Important to read preceding books before this one, then it will have deeper meaning. Thank you Octavia.
August 27, 2024
I read through this series with fervor
So entranced was I with each book in this series that the characters and places became like long lost friends to me. I highly recommend this series and can hardly wait for book 11.
So entranced was I with each book in this series that the characters and places became like long lost friends to me. I highly recommend this series and can hardly wait for book 11.
September 5, 2024
As always the story captivates you from beginning to end.
The story tells the story of the son that Ceridwen gave away. It is beautiful in the uniting of the mother to her lost child.
The story tells the story of the son that Ceridwen gave away. It is beautiful in the uniting of the mother to her lost child.
April 7, 2023
Absolute BEST series ever!!!
If you have not read The Circle of Ceridwen saga…you are truly missing out!!! . Love the series and the author!
If you have not read The Circle of Ceridwen saga…you are truly missing out!!! . Love the series and the author!
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