Celtic Dawn

by Justin Wiggins

"Justin Wiggins courageously takes on big subjects in his writings. He generously shares his literate, well-read mind. This fantasy tale combines beauty of love, power of art, and virtue of hope, and leaves us wondering could true love alter past, present and future? A worthwhile read."
- Ger White, Irish author and poet

After battling leukemia and finding healing and hope, the North Carolina native Conor McArthur emigrates to Ireland on a work visa to teach World Literature at Trinity College in Dublin. In Dublin he encounters a strange, eccentric librarian named Brigid, who works as an archivist with The Book of Kells. Although a stranger, she seems familiar to him. Little does Conor know that she is not human, but a Celtic Goddess from the holy Isle of Tír na nÓg sent back to the mortal realm owing to an ancient dark evil stirring which could plummet the world into a perpetual hellish night preventing the Celtic Dawn.

Find out what happens in this epic fantasy novella by Justin Wiggins, inspired by Stephen Lawhead, Neil Gaiman, J.R. R. Tolkien, and C. S. Lewis, set in the 21st century and the Celtic Otherworld.

93 pages, Paperback

Published July 4, 2023

About the author

Justin Wiggins is an author who works and lives in the primitive, majestic, beautiful mountains of North Carolina. He graduated with his Bachelor's in English Literature, with a focus on C.S. Lewis studies, from Montreat College in May 2018. His first book was Surprised by Agape, published by Grant Hudson of Clarendon House Publications. His second book, Surprised By Myth, was co-written with Grant Hudson and published in 2021. His most recent books, Marty & Irene, Tír na nÓg, Celtic Twilight, Celtic Song, Ragnarok, Celtic Dawn, Sacred Space, co-written with Matthew Huff, and Avalon, were all published by Steve Cawte of Impspired. Artists, Myth & Hope was also published by Clarendon House Publications in 2024.

Wiggins has also had poems and other short pieces published by Clarendon House Publications, Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal, and Sweetycat Press. Justin has a great zeal for life, work, community, writing, literature, art, pubs, bookstores, coffee shops, and for England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Reviews

[Dan Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time around is another offering from Justin W. Some myth, some fantasy, a short but enjoyable story well worth your time
Give Celtic Dawn a spin

(Some lovely cover art as well)

[Daniel Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Irish mythology, and Justin Wiggins brings it forward into the modern day with colorful, rich, descriptive imagery, and well thought out characters, who are both relatable and fantastic. His love for the literary traditions comes through as well, and one gets a taste of his influences as they are worked into the storyline. I would recommend this book to fans of Irish mythology and fantasy, as well as historical fiction.

[Jim Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel I learn something when I read Justin Wiggins and this time was no different. In this new
novella the talented writer blends the Irish myth of Tir na nOg, a mythical take on how the Book of Kells comes to be written on Iona, along with the love story between the mortal man Conor and the Celtic Goddess Brigid. And he does it with skill and aplomb. What I like about Justin’s writing is his ability to carve deep into his characters and share with us their hopes and fears and dreams. He’s not afraid to mix legend into everyday life either, which makes reading this unique storyteller such a treat. Check out the dramatic ending in this wonderfully entertaining book. It’s a treat! I thoroughly enjoyed “Celtic Dawn” and look forward to more of Justin’s work in the future. He is a thoughtful and emotive writer who is a delight to read. Highly recommended.

[Rob Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Wiggins never ceases to amaze me, and he has done it again in his newest novella, Celtic Dawn.
In this enchanting epic fantasy, Justin beautifully and skillfully weaves myth, religion, legend, and love uniquely and profoundly, taking you into the story and enrapturing every part of your being. Justin has written characters that will cast an emotional spell on you to where they will have you fully emotionally invested in them.
Celtic Dawn is transcendent and enthralling, a bonafide page-turner. I truly enjoyed reading this work of wonder, and I am confident you will also. I highly recommend it!