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The Wanderers #1
The Circle and the Cross
Set in ancient Ireland and blending historical fiction and fantasy in a tale of the relationships and conflicts between paganism and Roman and Celtic Christianity, The Circle and The Cross has been described by Dr Colleen McCullough (author of The Thorn Birds) as "a sumptuous feast of storytelling". First published in Australia in 1995, where it was an instant bestseller, the book is both a first novel and the beginning of The Wanderers trilogy with The Song of the Earth and The Water of Life following. The multi-talented Caiseal Mór also creates his own Celtic-inspired art and has composed and performed successful albums of harp music as the "soundtracks" to each book! Mór certainly can tell a rattling adventure with the voice of a born storyteller, "Hear the wind wailing down a chimney on the darkest night of winter. Sit at the fire warming flesh that has blued in icy air. Rest eyes that ache, feet that are weary..." even if at times, writing Celtic fantasy from down-under, his vision does seem contrived and just a little too self-consciously poetic.
While Mór strives for balance with sympathetic individual Christian characters, his heart lies with the pagans, whom he romanticises enthusiastically. Beginning with Taliesin, Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle covers similar material with greater maturity and more excitement from a Christian perspective, while Melvin Bragg's Credo is an epic of love and religious war in 7th century Britain and is simply one of the most brilliant novels written in years.--Gary S Dalkin
536 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 1995
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362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 16, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed these books, which really takes you back in time, to the shores of Eire. There's plenty of secrets and mysteries in here to keep you warm through the winter. I especially enjoyed the Ravens of Rathowen.
This book was a great inspiration for me and gave me something else to think about through one of the worst periods of my life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good celtic tale, with a touch of real history, but also with a lot of strangeness and magic.
This book was a great inspiration for me and gave me something else to think about through one of the worst periods of my life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good celtic tale, with a touch of real history, but also with a lot of strangeness and magic.
March 4, 2017
This is not a fabulously crafted novel. It's obviously the first part of a series, with a number of unexplained things, for instance the axe found underneath the roots of the toppled Quicken Tree; the battle involving the Ravens, and Gobann's raven feather cloak; the pouch of Quicken Tree berries found by Caitlin, etc.
There's also a pretty poor attempt at a romance or two.
The novel spends a lot of time in the beginning focussing entirely on the arrival of the half-dozen Roman monks, with shades of 'The Lambs of God' in scope, but then goes on to try to become an epic of biblical proportions.
It's also very much a boys' own adventure - the only main woman is very masculine in lifestyle. The secondary female - Sianan - is very much in the background. One can only imagine that she will come into her own in later episodes - but she'll probably end up like Caitlin and follow a 'masculine' path. We won't see anything about the average woman's lifestyle.
All in all, quite a dissatisfying novel, and I was glad to finish it. But I DID finish.
There's also a pretty poor attempt at a romance or two.
The novel spends a lot of time in the beginning focussing entirely on the arrival of the half-dozen Roman monks, with shades of 'The Lambs of God' in scope, but then goes on to try to become an epic of biblical proportions.
It's also very much a boys' own adventure - the only main woman is very masculine in lifestyle. The secondary female - Sianan - is very much in the background. One can only imagine that she will come into her own in later episodes - but she'll probably end up like Caitlin and follow a 'masculine' path. We won't see anything about the average woman's lifestyle.
All in all, quite a dissatisfying novel, and I was glad to finish it. But I DID finish.
January 11, 2020
A fascinating tale by a great Irish-Australian writer, that describes the advent of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland in the 5th Century CE. The Church took a different direction in Ireland and other Gaelic lands (Scotland) from the rest of the Roman dominated church. And in Caiseal Mor's tale we get a fascinating glimpse of how this Celtic Christianity - a blend of the ancient Celtic religion and early Christianity - may have arisen. A great story and great characters, and I particularly loved the elements of Celtic culture and spirituality that we get exposed to in this novel.
December 17, 2020
The first book in a magnificent new series that bursts with the sounds and the odours of an ancient half-forgotten culture.
It is the fifth century and the Roman empire is in its decline as the forces of Christianity sweep across the known world. Far from all of this, a group of monks led by a fanatical bishop battle a raging storm in a small boat on the sea off the coast of Ireland. They are on their way to settle there and begin a church to convert the hostile tribes to Christianity. But it appears that the very demons of the gods of the heathen are against them as the small boat is tossed about by massive waves from the raging storm. Only bishop Palladius is steadfast against the storm, fighting it with his fanatical conviction of their cause. The other monks are terrified, as is the scribe, Declan, who sustains his head being badly bashed as he is flung about in the boat from the force of the storm. As they near the rocky coastline, the storm batters the boat and Declan is thrown into the sea and loses consciousness. When he wakes up alone and drenched on the beach he is not sure whether his head wound is the cause of his delusions or whether he really meets the strange and terrible inhabitants of the island. But when he discovers that the Bishop and the other monks have also survived, his nightmares are not over, as they begin their strange journey in this hostile and unknown land. Dreams and hallucinations mix in and blend together with reality and as he meets the strangers he can never be certain of what is reality or what is a figment of his delusions. But after he learns about the Bishops true and dreadful plans for the island, he has to make a choice as to which side of the looming conflict he must take. He is haunted by the blue lights that seem to continually swirl around him, his loyalty to the strange savages and their beautiful but fierce leaders and warrior woman, and also the creatures of the island, including the ancient ravens who are considering war against all if humanity because if the damage they are doing to their sacred country. This is a powerful fantasy, based on actual history, which is written with words skillfully woven to reflect the power and the mysterious forces of a world almost forgotten by history. In this first book of a new series, the winds howl at you off the pages of the book on every page, and the strange forces of ancient sorcery seem to materialize in front of you as the characters are drawn into a final conflict at the fort of Rathowen towards the end of the book. This is one of the most realistic historical fantasies that I have read and is a thrilling experience on every page. The second book beckons with all of the magic and the extraordinary sensory experience of an ancient culture, in this, the first book of an exciting new series.
It is the fifth century and the Roman empire is in its decline as the forces of Christianity sweep across the known world. Far from all of this, a group of monks led by a fanatical bishop battle a raging storm in a small boat on the sea off the coast of Ireland. They are on their way to settle there and begin a church to convert the hostile tribes to Christianity. But it appears that the very demons of the gods of the heathen are against them as the small boat is tossed about by massive waves from the raging storm. Only bishop Palladius is steadfast against the storm, fighting it with his fanatical conviction of their cause. The other monks are terrified, as is the scribe, Declan, who sustains his head being badly bashed as he is flung about in the boat from the force of the storm. As they near the rocky coastline, the storm batters the boat and Declan is thrown into the sea and loses consciousness. When he wakes up alone and drenched on the beach he is not sure whether his head wound is the cause of his delusions or whether he really meets the strange and terrible inhabitants of the island. But when he discovers that the Bishop and the other monks have also survived, his nightmares are not over, as they begin their strange journey in this hostile and unknown land. Dreams and hallucinations mix in and blend together with reality and as he meets the strangers he can never be certain of what is reality or what is a figment of his delusions. But after he learns about the Bishops true and dreadful plans for the island, he has to make a choice as to which side of the looming conflict he must take. He is haunted by the blue lights that seem to continually swirl around him, his loyalty to the strange savages and their beautiful but fierce leaders and warrior woman, and also the creatures of the island, including the ancient ravens who are considering war against all if humanity because if the damage they are doing to their sacred country. This is a powerful fantasy, based on actual history, which is written with words skillfully woven to reflect the power and the mysterious forces of a world almost forgotten by history. In this first book of a new series, the winds howl at you off the pages of the book on every page, and the strange forces of ancient sorcery seem to materialize in front of you as the characters are drawn into a final conflict at the fort of Rathowen towards the end of the book. This is one of the most realistic historical fantasies that I have read and is a thrilling experience on every page. The second book beckons with all of the magic and the extraordinary sensory experience of an ancient culture, in this, the first book of an exciting new series.
December 13, 2020
Many stories have been written about this time period, the conflicts between the missionaries and their efforts to bring the Irish pagans to heel and under the influence of mother church. This story has some of the elements of other book, rich worldbuilding, impressive and passionate Irish heathens and the zealous Christian missionaries. However, the main difference I saw in this book (the first in the series), was that the author made each character relatable. We hear from the missionary Bishop Palladius, who is sent to the Emerald Isle, as well as the Irish druids, local Chieftains and even one of his very own, who resist his efforts. All is not what it seems, with darkness (Demons) looming over the Irish lands and can anyone ever truly be the winner in such a scenario? Highly imaginative and dramatic, a superb book to read to occupy you during the winter holidays.
December 23, 2020
I can only imagine the amount of effort the author had put to come up with such an unforgettable, fantastic tale as good as this. The Circle and The Cross: Book One of The Wanderers Series, written by Caiseal Mór, is a one of a kind story. The author said in the introduction that he started to visualize this tale in the year 1994. I believe his efforts were worth it because I enjoyed the book immensely.
One thing I loved about this book is the world building. I loved that it showed its world through its map. The writing style of the author is another thing that I loved because it was poetic that it makes you really feel the fantasy aspect of it. The characters were all interesting, each has different roles to play. Story wise, it was unique and the series of events awed and surprised me. I highly recommend this book!
One thing I loved about this book is the world building. I loved that it showed its world through its map. The writing style of the author is another thing that I loved because it was poetic that it makes you really feel the fantasy aspect of it. The characters were all interesting, each has different roles to play. Story wise, it was unique and the series of events awed and surprised me. I highly recommend this book!
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June 12, 20252P
1 SP paperback
1 SP paperback
December 16, 2020
A one-of-a-kind science fiction
The Circle and The Cross is the first book of the “Wanderers'' series, and, interestingly, it’s the author’s second shot in publishing the complete series as he originally wrote it. Twenty five years ago, Caiseal Mor created a world in which a dark past secret torments the life of a monk and the land he is trying to convert: Ireland. This new version of the story contains the original characters Mor once created, with women in the main roles.
The writer includes pictures that accompany the text and enhance a better understanding of the story.
Although the book is long and impossible to read in one sitting, it captivated me from the prologue to the last chapter. It was not hard for me to picture the world described because the descriptions included are brilliant.
The book is good value for money. I can’t wait to read the second part!
The Circle and The Cross is the first book of the “Wanderers'' series, and, interestingly, it’s the author’s second shot in publishing the complete series as he originally wrote it. Twenty five years ago, Caiseal Mor created a world in which a dark past secret torments the life of a monk and the land he is trying to convert: Ireland. This new version of the story contains the original characters Mor once created, with women in the main roles.
The writer includes pictures that accompany the text and enhance a better understanding of the story.
Although the book is long and impossible to read in one sitting, it captivated me from the prologue to the last chapter. It was not hard for me to picture the world described because the descriptions included are brilliant.
The book is good value for money. I can’t wait to read the second part!
December 19, 2020
A highly recommended novel
I truly like and enjoy literature with Irish touches. That´s why I started reading this novel called “The Circle and the Cross” written by Caiseal Mor. He has penned a very interesting story focused on Christian monks trying to convert heathen Irish but, in the process, both groups find some difficulties.
There are historical and religious aspects included in the plot which made the reading extremely absorbing. I would say that this was one of the reasons why I have chosen the title. Another bit that I found compelling is the author´s writing style, which is easy to follow; through his words, I could travel in time with some of the characters and empathize with them. I would gladly recommend this novel.
I truly like and enjoy literature with Irish touches. That´s why I started reading this novel called “The Circle and the Cross” written by Caiseal Mor. He has penned a very interesting story focused on Christian monks trying to convert heathen Irish but, in the process, both groups find some difficulties.
There are historical and religious aspects included in the plot which made the reading extremely absorbing. I would say that this was one of the reasons why I have chosen the title. Another bit that I found compelling is the author´s writing style, which is easy to follow; through his words, I could travel in time with some of the characters and empathize with them. I would gladly recommend this novel.
June 9, 2021
Good premise for a story, and I looked forward to reading it. It began well but the writing style is not to my liking. Just as you are getting to know a character, we jump to another, then another and another. Halfway through a conversation, you realise it is a character's thought process and he's not speaking to anyone.
I usually decide in the first chapter whether I will read a book or give up, and to be fair this one kept me to about a third of the way in before I realised that I really wasn't enjoying it and threw in the towel.
It's a shame as I was given the entire trilogy, but could not endure so they will be gifted to a charity shop in the near future.
I usually decide in the first chapter whether I will read a book or give up, and to be fair this one kept me to about a third of the way in before I realised that I really wasn't enjoying it and threw in the towel.
It's a shame as I was given the entire trilogy, but could not endure so they will be gifted to a charity shop in the near future.
January 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the world-building and mythology in this book. Weaving history and fiction together, the author has created a deeply satisfying read that I couldn't put down. I think an interest in the history of this time definitely helps - it was refreshing to take a break from non-fiction depictions of this period!
September 5, 2020
The cover wasn't short of its praise for this book expertly blending history and fantasy through a kind of timeless, universal storytelling.
Thank you George for the copy-can't wait to start the sequel!
Thank you George for the copy-can't wait to start the sequel!
July 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I haven’t read fantasy in a while but have always been inclined to Celtic history, culture and traditions. This was the perfect blend. Looking forward to the next 2 books in The Wanderers series!
dnf
February 13, 2021Dated and too much old ways v Christianity for me at the start. A flick provided interesting moments but not enough for me to keep going.
DNF at 70 pages.
DNF at 70 pages.
October 15, 2022
Loved it
April 16, 2023
wonderful storytelling
Loved it! Looking forward to the next book in the series. It’s hard to put down once you start! Really good
Loved it! Looking forward to the next book in the series. It’s hard to put down once you start! Really good
December 15, 2020
The Circle and the Cross by Caiseal Mos is the first book of a series that takes us to Ireland where the story of a war between demons and the druids begins. This is an amazing story filled with creatures, fantasy, magic, and weapons. For moments, it felt like I was playing Dungeons and Dragons. It was an incredibly fun read.
I have to say that Caiseal got me in the introduction; the fact that he is very aware of adding strong women that are not willing to be treated as property to his saga is a win for me. This is a mid-length read with 12 chapters that will not let you put the book down. And right at the end, the author leaves us wondering what will happen, craving for more chapters so I am really looking forward for the next novel!!
I have to say that Caiseal got me in the introduction; the fact that he is very aware of adding strong women that are not willing to be treated as property to his saga is a win for me. This is a mid-length read with 12 chapters that will not let you put the book down. And right at the end, the author leaves us wondering what will happen, craving for more chapters so I am really looking forward for the next novel!!
December 16, 2020
It is a must read that delves into the 5th century where a group of monks land in Ireland to preach their faith. Yet, their leader, Bishop Palladius has a sinister and frightening plan. This first book of this epic Irish saga is filled with mysterious captivating scenes. It can be seen that Caiseal Mor, the author, has done a great job in depicting and integrating the Celtic legends into this fantasy story.
From my point of view, this novel is masterfully written as Mor, has chosen the perfect words to create realistic and riveting descriptions. The details are so accurate and vivid that I felt I was part of the story.
I can’t wait to read the second part of this action packed tale. I’m sure it will be as captivating as this one.
From my point of view, this novel is masterfully written as Mor, has chosen the perfect words to create realistic and riveting descriptions. The details are so accurate and vivid that I felt I was part of the story.
I can’t wait to read the second part of this action packed tale. I’m sure it will be as captivating as this one.
December 18, 2020
I am very interested in history and especially fascinated by the tales of the times where the ancient beliefs in Ireland clash with the faith of Rome. I think that that is why I first felt attracted by the cover of this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. “The Circle and the Cross” presents a combination of perfect amounts of historical facts regarding Celtic culture and religion, and fiction to make it fascinating. This is book one of the Wanderers series written by Caiseal Mor.
The story follows Mawn, a young boy, who will have the great mission of defending his land from black-robed monks and demons.
This novel is a tale of epic proportions in which the descriptions of beautiful green valleys and rocky sea coasts blend with myths and reality. I highly recommend it.
The story follows Mawn, a young boy, who will have the great mission of defending his land from black-robed monks and demons.
This novel is a tale of epic proportions in which the descriptions of beautiful green valleys and rocky sea coasts blend with myths and reality. I highly recommend it.
December 11, 2020
A fun Celtic adventure
This story is about a time in the past when religion and the apocalypse were very real and large in the religious society. When Christians land in Ireland and want to convert them, things may not go as they had planned. There is a darkness and a mission that could destroy them all. Will they all be destroyed or will they survive with the help of a monk who crosses over to help them? The characters are well developed and the storyline is easy to follow with suspense and intrigue. I found the journey to be fun and I was drawn in to the thrill of the adventure. Check this one out folks. It is a good read and you will enjoy it.
This story is about a time in the past when religion and the apocalypse were very real and large in the religious society. When Christians land in Ireland and want to convert them, things may not go as they had planned. There is a darkness and a mission that could destroy them all. Will they all be destroyed or will they survive with the help of a monk who crosses over to help them? The characters are well developed and the storyline is easy to follow with suspense and intrigue. I found the journey to be fun and I was drawn in to the thrill of the adventure. Check this one out folks. It is a good read and you will enjoy it.
December 13, 2020
I can’t explain with words how much I like when fiction books are mixed with religion and history! That is why I could not put down “The Circle and The Cross”. It is a gem of its genre. It is set in the early fifth century and it narrates the adventure of a small group of Christian monks in the southern coast of Ireland.
Author Caiseal Mór writes with a style that is so incredibly detailed yet flows so smoothly that I become fully immersed in the novel. The characters are well-thought and the dialogues are very realistic, making it easy to be inside the story. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough. I am giving five deserved starts.
Author Caiseal Mór writes with a style that is so incredibly detailed yet flows so smoothly that I become fully immersed in the novel. The characters are well-thought and the dialogues are very realistic, making it easy to be inside the story. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough. I am giving five deserved starts.
December 15, 2020
The central idea of the story is very good and fascinated me from the very beginning. In The Circle and The Cross, which is the first book in the Wanderers Series, author Caiseal Mor makes us navigate through a world where demonic creatures, known as the Shee, feed on fear.
The author’s willingness to create an excellent world building allowed me to enjoy a completely fresh and original fiction. I haven't read many Celtic fantasy, so I cannot compare, but I must admit I liked very much this one. I was really wrapped up in this novel, and I can't wait to read book two. I certainly recommend reading it.
The author’s willingness to create an excellent world building allowed me to enjoy a completely fresh and original fiction. I haven't read many Celtic fantasy, so I cannot compare, but I must admit I liked very much this one. I was really wrapped up in this novel, and I can't wait to read book two. I certainly recommend reading it.
December 16, 2020
This is a very interesting book, it was a recommendation from a very good friend of mine so I gave it a try, and it did not disappoint me. I always enjoy a good novel; it does not matter the genre. This one in particular has historical events mixed with religion and fiction, making it very curious for me. This is book one of a series so I am excited to read the next one.
Caiseal Mor did a very good job with the development of the characters and how he little by little grew the plot line making the readers get really involved and wanting to know what was going to happen next. I recommend reading this novel because it was really enjoyable.
Caiseal Mor did a very good job with the development of the characters and how he little by little grew the plot line making the readers get really involved and wanting to know what was going to happen next. I recommend reading this novel because it was really enjoyable.
December 17, 2020
The story is set in the early first century in Ireland where monks want to convert people to a new faith. The description of places was just great; I could imagine every place and situation. Moreover, character portrayal was very well accomplished, something not easy because it is set in the past.
I liked the narrative very much. The author’s writing style is enjoyable because he puts more attention and details to what is shown with the narrative than what is said with dialogues. Also, as it is a middle length book, it took me a few days to finish it. I recommend this read because I had a great time reading it.
I liked the narrative very much. The author’s writing style is enjoyable because he puts more attention and details to what is shown with the narrative than what is said with dialogues. Also, as it is a middle length book, it took me a few days to finish it. I recommend this read because I had a great time reading it.
December 19, 2020
Being the first book in the Wanderers series, this caught my attention from the very beginning and I am eager to keep on reading the next instalments. Set in the 5th century, the author narrates a story that starts with Monks trying to convert Irish people into Christianity.
The author did a great job with the plot, he developed it smoothly and without leaving anything to chance. Also, characters were completely developed and some were described quite vividly. Regarding descriptions, this is another good point to mention, C. Mor’s writing style is very good because he uses plenty of well described scenes. I recommend reading this novel because it was good entertainment.
The author did a great job with the plot, he developed it smoothly and without leaving anything to chance. Also, characters were completely developed and some were described quite vividly. Regarding descriptions, this is another good point to mention, C. Mor’s writing style is very good because he uses plenty of well described scenes. I recommend reading this novel because it was good entertainment.
January 18, 2021
What a novel! The Circle and the Cross is the first book in a series written by C. Mor and it was a novel that caught me reading even late at night. I was glued to the pages. I liked how the author created the characters and settings. And I also think that the plot was carefully developed in order not to leave anything to chance.
It was not a short read but I felt as it was because I read it quite quickly. Now I am eager to read the following book in the series. Highly recommended, I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
It was not a short read but I felt as it was because I read it quite quickly. Now I am eager to read the following book in the series. Highly recommended, I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
July 18, 2014
Came highly recommended. I searched extensively to buy all three but have only read the one. Fully aware of the atrocities that Christian missionaries committed on native populations and it's not my favorite bed time reading. Had devoured all that sort of text years back but now have become a bit of a Pollyanna in that I don't want to read something that's going to get into torture and if a book starts hinting it may go that route - I put it down.
February 4, 2013
I enjoyed this book very much. I find Caiseal's writing style agreeable, and the Celtic History theme is instructive as well as a good read. I particularly love stories that contain references to bards and harp playing. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series "The Song of the Earth", which I'll start reading right away.
December 30, 2020
A riveting tale
This story has captured my imagination in the most delightful way. From the very start, this story is packed with adventure, otherworldly magic, mystery, beauty and more. A mix of fact and fiction, this first book of The Wanderers series is skilfully written transported me vividly to the 5th century Ireland. You won’t want to put it down.
This story has captured my imagination in the most delightful way. From the very start, this story is packed with adventure, otherworldly magic, mystery, beauty and more. A mix of fact and fiction, this first book of The Wanderers series is skilfully written transported me vividly to the 5th century Ireland. You won’t want to put it down.
Want to read
September 27, 2010(one of 24 books found today at 2nd hand shop...24 for $10!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews