An Ancient Strife

Caledonia #2

by Michael R. Phillips

Andrew Trenham's personal odyssey to Scotland heats up when he meets a fiery Scottish woman and becomes enmeshed in the investigation of a missing gemstone.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Scotland, Historical, Novels

542 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many years ago I had a conversation with my daughter, Harmony, and I remarked how powerful DNA was in ways we couldn't understand. Not even knowing our Celtic heritage, we all loved Celtic music and bluegrass (an Americanized Celtic music if ever there was one) and we all had weird yearnings to go to Ireland and Scotland and Wales (nevermind Aspen's infernal barefootedness and my girls' weird desire to spin their own wool). When I learned that we are pretty much Celtic mutts hailing largely from the British Isles and learned more about the history of the Celts it was eerie how much of their constitution described OURS, in ways our centuries-old Southern, American upbringing could not explain. So, in these two books I really do "get" the yearning and excitement the main character finds upon discovering his own Scottish heritage. (My maternal grandmother's maiden name was McKenzie by the way. . .) While the "finding the white stag" ending was a little cheesy even for me, I must say I could relate to the fictional swelling of emotion at reading Burns (a longtime favorite poet of mine) and discovering and wearing the family plaid.

Bagpipes have ever been my favorite instrument. Go figure!

[Sabrina L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a long book, but this one about did me in. The modern story line was well done, but I got a little tired of the sections jumping back to ancient "history". While each of those stories in themselves were interesting and mostly held my attention, each time I felt I was starting a new book within a book. I have read quite a few Michael Phillips books and I truly loved them. However, this was not my favorite.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series of two books about Scottish history. I never read the 1st book, Legend of the Celtic Stone. So, there were a few parts of the story I could only guess at.

The story takes place in the future when Queen Elizabeth II abdicates and Charles III is on the throne. The main character is Andrew Trentham, an MP (Member of Parliament) from northern England and also the deputy leader (and later leader) of the LibDem party. The main issue in Parliament is the Scottish issue: should Scotland be given their independence. In search of knowledge on the subject, Trentham visits and traces his Scottish roots (apparently he's a Gordon).

He visits historical sites and hears tales of his ancestors who were part of every bit of Scottish history:
-- Culloden in 1746
-- when King Kenneth MacAlpin united the Scots & Picts in 843
-- when King Malcolm III of Canmore married Queen Margaret in 1068
-- the Normanization of Scotland during the 1100's
-- the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314

Each historical tale not only included facts but also fictional characters who were relatives of Trentham.

I learned a lot of the history but needed help with Gaelic words. There was an appendix to sort through what is fictional and what is factual.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason that I kept reading this book was to get to the end and finish the series. The "history" that drew me into the first book seemed worn out and cliché in the second. Perhaps that's because the historical topics (Bannockburn for example) have been written about so much both as fiction and nonfiction. The contemporary sections were even more trite and cliché than in the first book and somewhat unbelievable. I really fail to see how a serving MP could spend some time researching his Scottish heritage and become so enamored with Scotland that he decides to announce his support for Scottish sovereignty in a kilt. As a historian, I know that there are so many more factors involved in becoming a sovereign nation than just the "right" to be independent. Scotland may have that right but there's so much more involved. A real MP would know those factors quite well. I would not recommend this book unless one has already read the first. In that case, reading this book is necessary to complete the story.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a long Christian historical novel. An English Parliament member traces his Scottish heritage and develops his spiritual life. There is the romance with a Scottish woman and the issue of restoring independent rule to modern Scotland. The book was too long and tedious. Events could have been told in fewer words to keep a faster pace. The format of jumping from the past history to current events makes it hard to follow the story line.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading more about Scotland's history.

The first book was better done, though.

The editing was lacking in misspelled words and several large chunks of text were taken directly from the first book in this series, then pasted into this part of the story with minor adjustments for the different setting.

Again, the timeline jumping bothered me and didn't allow me to fully get 'into' the story.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the story, and the link between the past and the present. It is hard to keep all the historical figures, battles, etc, straight, and I kind of wished the author would have given us the historical events in chronological order... but... he didn't. Historical fiction definitely gets me interested in the actual events, so there are many things I need to look up now.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second and final book in the Caledonia series. The history/legend sections were long, but interesting enough to keep me reading with anticipation for the contemporary sections. The ending suited me just fine. :)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of Scottish history, their struggle for independence, plus the story of Andrew Trentham, a British Parliament Member, looking for himself and his roots. One story dove-tails off of the other, making it a great read and most surprising ending!

[Kw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another double book, but well worth the time to track some more of Scotland's amazing history, told with a blend of fiction and fact which makes it more appealing and easier to read. Wish I could go back there for a while, and that I could remember all I've learned!

[Judy Crewdson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could have given it 10 stars I would have! Loved the weaving between the history part and the present day. It grabs you from start to finish! I will definitely read this again as well as the first book in the series, The Celtic Stone

[Brandi Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was even better than the first one! Has alot of history but is faster paced than the first. good :)

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sequel to Book 1. More great history!!!

[Robi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Learned more of Scotland's history and fight for independence. Last third of the book dragged on and on.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. Kept my attention through the whole thing. I had to get this sequel as soon as I had finished the first one.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues the look into Scotland and it's History. Kept me reading.

[Nick Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Michael Phillips as a writer. His characters are great, and always set in a wonderful setting. A good plot, with a mystery to solve.

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Phillips take on the Stone and the legends of Scottish history wrapped in a well written novel.

[Joan Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Phillips is one of my favorites, love his details to history and how he captures the moment.

[Taryn Spearey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Caledonia saga by Michael Phillips brings the story to its satisfying conclusion. Like in the first book, the author alternates between recounting scenes from history peopled by characters both real and fictional and a fictional modern-day plot. While the modern-day plot is a bit less exciting than the theft of the Scottish Coronation Stone recounted in the first book, it provides a few memorable moments. The highlights, however, are the sections which retell historical events, especially those centering on Culloden and Bannockburn.

[Laura E · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun to read!

This story, and its predecessor, Legend of the Celtic Stone, are the best historical fiction i have read about Scotland. The weaving of history and fiction is masterful and made it so very difficult to put the books down and carry on my life! I gasped, laughed out loud (really, truly) and cried. I read a lot of books - this story is very special. I hope you enjoy it, too. Disclaimer: I have more than a little Scottish blood and I'm a Gordon.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous from beginning to the end!

An Ancient Strife brings a fabulous conclusion to the Caledonia books. I’m going to Scotland in a few months, and I didn’t think that I could possibly be more excited about the trip. The Caledonia books with all of the history-even fictionalized-has made me anticipate BEING in all of these places a hundred times more! This is a MUST READ series. And I’m going to leave it right there because I don’t want to give any spoilers!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the history of Scotland and how everything folded together. engaging story and beautiful depictions of the landscape. some lines were a little cheesy, but it was an interesting way to learn about scotland

[Leigh Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Scotland, you will love this book

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating blend of history and fiction of Scotland.

[Carol Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction. Scotlands' independence still has not been realized; it was fascinating to hear the history and get a better picture of the "fight" for independence.

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Trink J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot developments were a bit too predictable, but it was an enjoyable read none-the-less.