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Sword and Spirit #1
A Secret Hope
In ancient Ireland, Ciara of Tir Maic is living a lie. She's an imposter.
Although training to be a druidess, Ciara secretly doubts the very gods she is to serve – a secret that means certain death if it's discovered.
Ciara struggles to conceal her faithlessness from the elder druid in charge of her training but Ronan already suspects her. Then the High King’s druid receives a prophecy that circulates through Ireland. It predicts a strange man from across the sea whose knowledge of a foreign God will destroy the old gods.
When Ciara sabotages a sacred ritual in the forest designed to repel this man called Patrick, her secret is out. And her life hangs in the balance.
Although training to be a druidess, Ciara secretly doubts the very gods she is to serve – a secret that means certain death if it's discovered.
Ciara struggles to conceal her faithlessness from the elder druid in charge of her training but Ronan already suspects her. Then the High King’s druid receives a prophecy that circulates through Ireland. It predicts a strange man from across the sea whose knowledge of a foreign God will destroy the old gods.
When Ciara sabotages a sacred ritual in the forest designed to repel this man called Patrick, her secret is out. And her life hangs in the balance.
371 pages, ebook
First published January 24, 2012
53 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Renee Yancy
14 books45 followersRenee Yancy is a history and archaeology nut who has been living vicariously through historical fiction since she was a young girl.
Now she writes the kind of books she loves to read—stories filled with historical and archaeological detail on every aspect of living in a different time period, interwoven with strong characters and a tale full of pathos and conflict.
When she isn't writing historical fiction or traveling to see the places her characters have lived, she can be found in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband and two rescue mutts named Ellie and Charlie.
Now she writes the kind of books she loves to read—stories filled with historical and archaeological detail on every aspect of living in a different time period, interwoven with strong characters and a tale full of pathos and conflict.
When she isn't writing historical fiction or traveling to see the places her characters have lived, she can be found in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband and two rescue mutts named Ellie and Charlie.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 11, 2016
A Secret Hope
Book Summary
In ancient Ireland, Ciara of Tir Maic is living a lie. She's an imposter.
Although training to be a druidess, Ciara secretly doubts the very gods she is to serve – a secret that means certain death if it's discovered.
Ciara struggles to conceal her faithlessness from the elder druid in charge of her training but Ronan already suspects her. Then the High King’s druid receives a prophecy that circulates through Ireland. It predicts a strange man from across the sea whose knowledge of a foreign God will destroy the old gods.
When Ciara sabotages a sacred ritual in the forest designed to repel this man called Patrick, her secret is out. And her life hangs in the balance.
My Review
This was an interesting read regarding the start of St. Patrick's ministry in Ireland (fictionalized account). I was a little lost because there was a lot of Irish terms and phrases that I didn't understand. To the author's credit, a glossary was provided but I don't like flipping back and forth when I'm on my Kindle. The main Character Ciara faces some challenges but in her heart she already knows there is something more. Throughout the story she feels this pull towards, the One True God and doesn't understand why. When she finally meets the Adze-head, she is overwhelmed. And she knows in her heart, this is what she had been waiting for. The author tells a great story and with the exception of the Irish phrases I mentioned I found it enjoyable.
From a Christian Perspective
Ciara faced much evil in her life. But even in the midst, she knew there was something greater. It was rewarding to see her accept Christ and find happiness in her life.
This was a book from my personal collection, all opinions expressed are my own.
Love and blessings,
Margaret
Book Summary
In ancient Ireland, Ciara of Tir Maic is living a lie. She's an imposter.
Although training to be a druidess, Ciara secretly doubts the very gods she is to serve – a secret that means certain death if it's discovered.
Ciara struggles to conceal her faithlessness from the elder druid in charge of her training but Ronan already suspects her. Then the High King’s druid receives a prophecy that circulates through Ireland. It predicts a strange man from across the sea whose knowledge of a foreign God will destroy the old gods.
When Ciara sabotages a sacred ritual in the forest designed to repel this man called Patrick, her secret is out. And her life hangs in the balance.
My Review
This was an interesting read regarding the start of St. Patrick's ministry in Ireland (fictionalized account). I was a little lost because there was a lot of Irish terms and phrases that I didn't understand. To the author's credit, a glossary was provided but I don't like flipping back and forth when I'm on my Kindle. The main Character Ciara faces some challenges but in her heart she already knows there is something more. Throughout the story she feels this pull towards, the One True God and doesn't understand why. When she finally meets the Adze-head, she is overwhelmed. And she knows in her heart, this is what she had been waiting for. The author tells a great story and with the exception of the Irish phrases I mentioned I found it enjoyable.
From a Christian Perspective
Ciara faced much evil in her life. But even in the midst, she knew there was something greater. It was rewarding to see her accept Christ and find happiness in her life.
This was a book from my personal collection, all opinions expressed are my own.
Love and blessings,
Margaret
July 24, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's refreshing and vivid and I fell in love with Ciara. Lovely blend of action and descriptions. I was there every step of the way. Highly recommend this book.
May 22, 2012
Set in Ireland during the time that Patrick was preaching, a young noblewoman finds herself not believing in the gods of her anscestors. Ciara feels that the gods are empty and that there is something more. She's sent to be fostered at a later age than most noble children and during her fosterage, she learns not only additional healing arts but is also introduced to more druidic training. She also meets and falls in love with Aedan, a young man being fostered by the same family she is. When a vengeful man seeks her as his wife, she agrees only to save those she loves. What follows is a tale of betrayal and yearning for something more.
I enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for all things Irish. The characters development through the story was well written. Ciara's longing for more than what the ancient gods offer is so much like our own search for Christ. I loved Aedan and that he was willing to give up everything to show how much he loved Ciara. Book 2 will tell the story of Ciara's maid, Eleri, and I look forward to reading it.
I enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for all things Irish. The characters development through the story was well written. Ciara's longing for more than what the ancient gods offer is so much like our own search for Christ. I loved Aedan and that he was willing to give up everything to show how much he loved Ciara. Book 2 will tell the story of Ciara's maid, Eleri, and I look forward to reading it.
March 15, 2019
Irish historical fiction
This story portrayed Irish culture at the time of Patrick. It even had a bibliography!
I enjoyed learning more about the Druids and the customs of the time.
This story portrayed Irish culture at the time of Patrick. It even had a bibliography!
I enjoyed learning more about the Druids and the customs of the time.
February 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Likes the characters and hard to put down.
March 17, 2012
Rather apropos that I finished this on St. Patrick's day. So, if you, yourself, have found yourself feeling a wee bit Irish, want to take a trip to Ireland, but find yourself lacking the funds (and/or a passport), then this is a book for you.
This isn't the first fictionalized book about ancient Ireland that I have read (Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale, Confessions of a Pagan Nun: A Novel, and Maire all spring to mind), but it is definitely one of the best ones that I have read.
Ciara is an Irish princess who has never felt quite content with the status quo. Raised by her widowed father, in her 15th year she is sent to live with relatives to learn the ways of the ancient Irish court and the even more ancient ways of the Druids. While there, she attracts the attention of 2 young warriors, Aedan and Seamus and, in return, is attracted to Aedan. It may seem like a love triangle waiting to happen but it becomes all the more complicated when, at a Lugnasa fair, she catches the eye of Lorcan, an old enemy of her father, who later exploits the weakness of her father's kingdom to blackmail Ciara's father into giving her hand in marriage.
To further complicate matters, even though Ciara is being tutored in the ways of the Druids, she still finds herself unable to fully embrace their belief system and draws the ire of Ronan, a very powerful Druid high priest. Ciara has the gift of prophecy and Ronan and the other high priests are itching at the chance to exploit this gift -- especially when she foretells the arrival of a stranger who will spell the downfall of the Druids and their gods.
Some inconvenient missteps of the part of Ciara due to this gift if prophecy and inability to fully believe in the gods force her return to her father's kingdom - much to the consternation of both Aedan and Seamus - and it is during this trip back that she is kidnapped by Lorcan who plans to enact his right to be betrothed to Ciara.
Lorcan was one of the most interesting characters in the book. At first glance, he is bad simply for the sake of being bad. However, as the story unfolds the true reason behind Lorcan's wickedness is brought to light and was a twist that I didn't see coming. He may have started out as a caricature but he ends up as a fully 3 dimensional - and reviled - character.
Ciara attempts to escape Lorcan's clutches, and manages to, with the assistance of Aedan who has not stopped looking for her. The 2 manage to spend some time together (:wink wink nudge nudge:) until a powerful geis, or curse, is put upon Ciara by a Druid in Lorcan's household. Because of Ciara's second sight, she gets the message of the geis, return to Lorcan or Aedan will go insane, and decides to not tempt fate (as it were) and returns to Lorcan.
A number of months later, an unknowingly pregnant Ciara, who also studied healing while living at her relatives, has the chance to possibly end her suffering...permanently...and escape Lorcan's clutches when she attends to his grievously injured self. However, she does not and this action serves to be a bit of a detente between the 2. However, how long the peace will last remains to be seen.
The time around the confirmation of Ciara's pregnancy and subsequent of her son is one of upheaval. The prophecy of the foreigner - Patrick - who will spell the end of the old ways has a arrived and Ciara, along with her slave, Eleri, become converts to this new religion.
Lorcan is not amused.
However...what happens next? Well, that's for you to read! I can't go and spoil it all! Where's the fun in that? Plus, you'd be missing out on reading this amazing book that has to be the next best thing to time travel!
Ms. Yancy's love for the setting is abundantly apparent due to the amount of research that must have been done to capture a time and a place that is, to this modern day reader, otherworldly. Add to that the fact that the ceremonies and practices of the ancient Druids were all oral, and rarely, if ever, written down, and you have just upped the ante extraordinarily so.
One drawback, for me, was I did get a bit confused on the timing of everything. While the ancient Celts followed a very seasonal calendar and had holidays that reflected time for the harvest, time for spring, etc, I did find myself sometimes having to go back to exactly figure out what time of year it was supposed to be. However, that was just a minor inconvenience and in the grand scheme of the whole book and might have just been a case of me not fully paying attention when a rough timeline had been plotted out a few pages earlier. I was also left a little confused as to the Anglicization of Patrick's name rather than him being called his Gaelic equivalent. Ms. Yancy also noted fully recognized that there were some grammatical errors so I do appreciate her forthrightness in regards to that. I don't know if it was because I was reading a copy on my Kindle app - and not an actual Kindle - but towards the last few pages, the formatting got a bit wonky. Nothing major and none of the story appeared to be truncated. It was, at most, just a bit distracting. Again, these points did not take away from the overall story, but, grammatical issues and formatting aside, did have me scratching my head just a bit.
I do hope this is the beginning of a multi-book series! The fate of some pretty key supporting characters were left with big question marks so, if this is a series, perhaps they will be the stars of the upcoming books? Despite my confusion over his name, Ms. Yancy's characterization of (St.) Patrick was also very fascinating and to see him also take the lead in some upcoming books would be very welcome as he didn't show up until towards the end in this one.
As this point really didn't fit in with any of my other paragraphs, the arch of the story that revolved around Ciara's medical abilities was also very well researched and thoughtfully included in various parts of the story that called for a healer's touch.
All in all, I am so glad I had the chance to read this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction, like your historical fiction faith-based, and/or have an itch to visit Ireland but find yourself not able to get there just yet, immerse yourself in this book. You will not be disappointed! What are you waiting for? Go download this to your Kindle!
Special thanks to Ms. Yancy for providing a copy for me to read so I could offer an honest review in return. Sometimes, when an author provides a copy of their book to be read, quite frankly, you never know what you're going to get. Thankfully, this is one I can completely and 100% recommend!
~~ Victoria
This isn't the first fictionalized book about ancient Ireland that I have read (Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale, Confessions of a Pagan Nun: A Novel, and Maire all spring to mind), but it is definitely one of the best ones that I have read.
Ciara is an Irish princess who has never felt quite content with the status quo. Raised by her widowed father, in her 15th year she is sent to live with relatives to learn the ways of the ancient Irish court and the even more ancient ways of the Druids. While there, she attracts the attention of 2 young warriors, Aedan and Seamus and, in return, is attracted to Aedan. It may seem like a love triangle waiting to happen but it becomes all the more complicated when, at a Lugnasa fair, she catches the eye of Lorcan, an old enemy of her father, who later exploits the weakness of her father's kingdom to blackmail Ciara's father into giving her hand in marriage.
To further complicate matters, even though Ciara is being tutored in the ways of the Druids, she still finds herself unable to fully embrace their belief system and draws the ire of Ronan, a very powerful Druid high priest. Ciara has the gift of prophecy and Ronan and the other high priests are itching at the chance to exploit this gift -- especially when she foretells the arrival of a stranger who will spell the downfall of the Druids and their gods.
Some inconvenient missteps of the part of Ciara due to this gift if prophecy and inability to fully believe in the gods force her return to her father's kingdom - much to the consternation of both Aedan and Seamus - and it is during this trip back that she is kidnapped by Lorcan who plans to enact his right to be betrothed to Ciara.
Lorcan was one of the most interesting characters in the book. At first glance, he is bad simply for the sake of being bad. However, as the story unfolds the true reason behind Lorcan's wickedness is brought to light and was a twist that I didn't see coming. He may have started out as a caricature but he ends up as a fully 3 dimensional - and reviled - character.
Ciara attempts to escape Lorcan's clutches, and manages to, with the assistance of Aedan who has not stopped looking for her. The 2 manage to spend some time together (:wink wink nudge nudge:) until a powerful geis, or curse, is put upon Ciara by a Druid in Lorcan's household. Because of Ciara's second sight, she gets the message of the geis, return to Lorcan or Aedan will go insane, and decides to not tempt fate (as it were) and returns to Lorcan.
A number of months later, an unknowingly pregnant Ciara, who also studied healing while living at her relatives, has the chance to possibly end her suffering...permanently...and escape Lorcan's clutches when she attends to his grievously injured self. However, she does not and this action serves to be a bit of a detente between the 2. However, how long the peace will last remains to be seen.
The time around the confirmation of Ciara's pregnancy and subsequent of her son is one of upheaval. The prophecy of the foreigner - Patrick - who will spell the end of the old ways has a arrived and Ciara, along with her slave, Eleri, become converts to this new religion.
Lorcan is not amused.
However...what happens next? Well, that's for you to read! I can't go and spoil it all! Where's the fun in that? Plus, you'd be missing out on reading this amazing book that has to be the next best thing to time travel!
Ms. Yancy's love for the setting is abundantly apparent due to the amount of research that must have been done to capture a time and a place that is, to this modern day reader, otherworldly. Add to that the fact that the ceremonies and practices of the ancient Druids were all oral, and rarely, if ever, written down, and you have just upped the ante extraordinarily so.
One drawback, for me, was I did get a bit confused on the timing of everything. While the ancient Celts followed a very seasonal calendar and had holidays that reflected time for the harvest, time for spring, etc, I did find myself sometimes having to go back to exactly figure out what time of year it was supposed to be. However, that was just a minor inconvenience and in the grand scheme of the whole book and might have just been a case of me not fully paying attention when a rough timeline had been plotted out a few pages earlier. I was also left a little confused as to the Anglicization of Patrick's name rather than him being called his Gaelic equivalent. Ms. Yancy also noted fully recognized that there were some grammatical errors so I do appreciate her forthrightness in regards to that. I don't know if it was because I was reading a copy on my Kindle app - and not an actual Kindle - but towards the last few pages, the formatting got a bit wonky. Nothing major and none of the story appeared to be truncated. It was, at most, just a bit distracting. Again, these points did not take away from the overall story, but, grammatical issues and formatting aside, did have me scratching my head just a bit.
I do hope this is the beginning of a multi-book series! The fate of some pretty key supporting characters were left with big question marks so, if this is a series, perhaps they will be the stars of the upcoming books? Despite my confusion over his name, Ms. Yancy's characterization of (St.) Patrick was also very fascinating and to see him also take the lead in some upcoming books would be very welcome as he didn't show up until towards the end in this one.
As this point really didn't fit in with any of my other paragraphs, the arch of the story that revolved around Ciara's medical abilities was also very well researched and thoughtfully included in various parts of the story that called for a healer's touch.
All in all, I am so glad I had the chance to read this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction, like your historical fiction faith-based, and/or have an itch to visit Ireland but find yourself not able to get there just yet, immerse yourself in this book. You will not be disappointed! What are you waiting for? Go download this to your Kindle!
Special thanks to Ms. Yancy for providing a copy for me to read so I could offer an honest review in return. Sometimes, when an author provides a copy of their book to be read, quite frankly, you never know what you're going to get. Thankfully, this is one I can completely and 100% recommend!
~~ Victoria
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
I had to quit this book. Nothing redeeming in the first 42%. In fact there were several mentions of wanting to "spoil" women so they could have them, taking advantage of slaves because of sexual frustration and being teased by a father for not getting the woman he really wanted, that his son should just look at women as he does: plenty to choose from, and to be used as you will.
So far, all the book talks about is druids and gods and sacrificing (even humans) to appease them. A review mentioned characters doubting the multi-god religion and finding faith in the true God, but I’m not seeing any of it.
Nearly half over and still not a sign of a reprieve. Far too worldly for me.
**********************************************
Later that day…
I felt I needed to give it a chance, since reviews said Christ was eventually brought into the book through St. Patrick. So I finished it.
Well, it remained far too worldly for me, including an evil man nightly raping his unwilling wife, druids casting spells and foreseeing the future, and new Christians being slaughtered or taken as slaves by marauders.
Not my cup of tea, and I can’t recommend this.
So far, all the book talks about is druids and gods and sacrificing (even humans) to appease them. A review mentioned characters doubting the multi-god religion and finding faith in the true God, but I’m not seeing any of it.
Nearly half over and still not a sign of a reprieve. Far too worldly for me.
**********************************************
Later that day…
I felt I needed to give it a chance, since reviews said Christ was eventually brought into the book through St. Patrick. So I finished it.
Well, it remained far too worldly for me, including an evil man nightly raping his unwilling wife, druids casting spells and foreseeing the future, and new Christians being slaughtered or taken as slaves by marauders.
Not my cup of tea, and I can’t recommend this.
November 1, 2019
This would have to be one of the best, if not the best, book I have ever read and I have read hundreds of books. I was transported back in to ancient Ireland with the Druids and the clans with their Kings, the heroine of the story was Caira, daughter of one of the Kings, and I felt as if I were living in her world with her. We meet so many wonderful loyal beautiful people and also the evil ones. I literally could not put the book down, we had visitors coming for five days and lots to do yet I just had to keep reading and reading. It was a beautiful book but with a huge amount of suspense along with love and sacrifice oh what would happen, honestly I felt I was in that age with all the people, I loved the loyalty and we met St. Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland. This book had everything you would ever want in a book and the ending was fabulous. If you want a wonderful book beautifully written where you will be transported in to another age that you won't be able to put down buy this book, honestly you will love it.
December 8, 2018
Recently, I came across an author who grew up near me in the Kenmore - Tonawanda suburbs of Buffalo, NY, attended a local Catholic grade school taught by nuns in nearly the same decade as I, and enjoys the Ireland of tribal kings, druids, and the coming of St. Patrick. Her first book, published in 2012, reflects her experience in medicine. She writes with authority about druid herbal drugs and caregiving. Renee's focus, however, is a young woman's vision of the future, when Christianity replaces worship of the pagan gods of ancient Ireland. Her description of the Irish tribal life is colorful and engaging. Her feeling for her heroine's life, maturity, and love is warm and understanding. A fine first novel.
September 23, 2018
The story captured my interest from the get go. I've always enjoyed this type of historical fiction and this book didn't disappoint me. Very seamless story about one person's search and being unsatisfied with the lifestyle and belief system she is expected to follow. Her reflecting God's love even before she understands this new and forgien belief. The story left me wanting to continue on.
December 3, 2018
Excellent
Initially all the suffering names and people are confusing. I couldn't keep them straight. Then the story progresses and the important people's names get repeated enough to follow the story. Definitely an adventure story not for the weak stomached. Weaving the story of St. Patrick in there initially made me read the book but he was a minor (though important) part.
Initially all the suffering names and people are confusing. I couldn't keep them straight. Then the story progresses and the important people's names get repeated enough to follow the story. Definitely an adventure story not for the weak stomached. Weaving the story of St. Patrick in there initially made me read the book but he was a minor (though important) part.
December 8, 2021
Epilogue?
I wish you would have expanded just a little on baby Connor and Aeden . Aeden could have recognized the cleft in baby Conor's chin and Ceira could have told them the story of Lorcan's reaction to it. Also a little into Ciera and Aeden's future etc.... A pleasant surprise ending to what I thought was going to be all about Druids and little gods.☺😇. Praise the Lord!!!
I wish you would have expanded just a little on baby Connor and Aeden . Aeden could have recognized the cleft in baby Conor's chin and Ceira could have told them the story of Lorcan's reaction to it. Also a little into Ciera and Aeden's future etc.... A pleasant surprise ending to what I thought was going to be all about Druids and little gods.☺😇. Praise the Lord!!!
February 20, 2020
Such a powerful and amazing story!
Full of ancient Irish history, mystical gods, and the continual raging of men in power seeking to control... yet intertwined and overflowing with a wondrous growth of faith shared by St Patrick in the one true God who overcomes it all!
Full of ancient Irish history, mystical gods, and the continual raging of men in power seeking to control... yet intertwined and overflowing with a wondrous growth of faith shared by St Patrick in the one true God who overcomes it all!
September 3, 2022
Well written. Loved the historical background and the story. I would read more of her fiction. Don't read romance novels because most are poorly written trash. This was not its plot and historical details are well written.
December 17, 2018
Review
This book was very interesting.I loved the descriptions of ancient Ireland. It had many fascinating characters and I hope their stories are continued in following book.
This book was very interesting.I loved the descriptions of ancient Ireland. It had many fascinating characters and I hope their stories are continued in following book.
August 12, 2020
I couldn't put this one down. It has so much love and adventure all held in historic ireland. SO. GOOD. Can't wait to read her next one 💯
October 31, 2025
great story but…
Great story but it needs an epilogue!!! It just drops off like the writer didn’t have an ounce of inspiration left.
Great story but it needs an epilogue!!! It just drops off like the writer didn’t have an ounce of inspiration left.
June 1, 2017
A terrific read! I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid and well researched details of life in ancient Ireland. Ciara is a Druid princess who feels a vague unease about her calling. Despite this, she is fostered to relatives to learn the rites and practices of the Druid priests. I especially loved learning along with her about the medicinal properties of different herbs.
During her training she meets and falls in love with Aiden, who is also fostered to her uncle. But family deceptions, villains and intrigue threaten to keep the young lovers apart. Ciara is a wonderful heroine of exceptional courage and she is able to inspire love and trust in those around her. Woven into the story is Ciara's personal and spiritual growth and her life changing meeting with Patrick, who brings the message of a loving God.
I highly recommend this exciting and fast-paced book. The plot's twists and turns will keep you engaged until the very last page.
During her training she meets and falls in love with Aiden, who is also fostered to her uncle. But family deceptions, villains and intrigue threaten to keep the young lovers apart. Ciara is a wonderful heroine of exceptional courage and she is able to inspire love and trust in those around her. Woven into the story is Ciara's personal and spiritual growth and her life changing meeting with Patrick, who brings the message of a loving God.
I highly recommend this exciting and fast-paced book. The plot's twists and turns will keep you engaged until the very last page.
January 28, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Yancy's book A Secret Hope very much. The plot of the novel kept me wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next. I like to get three things out of books that I read. 1) Be entertained. 2) Learn something. 3) Make me want to read more books by the author.
Renee Yancy delivered on all three counts. The story line was quick paced yet the character development was not lacking and her descriptions were quite clear. She painted a very good picture. I learned a great deal about Ireland in 500 AD and the life led by the people of that time. I am going to look for more books written by the author in the hopes that I will enjoy them too.
Renee Yancy delivered on all three counts. The story line was quick paced yet the character development was not lacking and her descriptions were quite clear. She painted a very good picture. I learned a great deal about Ireland in 500 AD and the life led by the people of that time. I am going to look for more books written by the author in the hopes that I will enjoy them too.
January 3, 2016
I just read this book and it is terrific. While I will admit it took me a little time to get accustomed to the character names (it is about "Ireland" in the mid 450's), it was well worth the effort. The story is very plausible and even with the twists and turns you do not have to suspend your sense of reality. The characters are lifelike and not some glamorized version of that era.
The level of detail presented about the daily lives of the characters, the discussions of druids and their gods together with the "medicine" (herbs etc) of the day is amazing. The author must have spent a lot of time researching on these aspects. I even fact-checked some details because I couldn't believe the author could possibly know all this - it would have been easy to make up a lot of the background detail but my research demonstrated to me that the author did NOT take the easy way and meticulously researched everything. When I realized that the whole story became even more intriguing and compelling.
I can't wait for another book from Ms Yancy (this is entitled "...Series Book 1"). I checked her website and she teases us with a picture of the cover and a title (The Fury of Dragons) and a promise that it is "coming soon".
The level of detail presented about the daily lives of the characters, the discussions of druids and their gods together with the "medicine" (herbs etc) of the day is amazing. The author must have spent a lot of time researching on these aspects. I even fact-checked some details because I couldn't believe the author could possibly know all this - it would have been easy to make up a lot of the background detail but my research demonstrated to me that the author did NOT take the easy way and meticulously researched everything. When I realized that the whole story became even more intriguing and compelling.
I can't wait for another book from Ms Yancy (this is entitled "...Series Book 1"). I checked her website and she teases us with a picture of the cover and a title (The Fury of Dragons) and a promise that it is "coming soon".
July 14, 2025
An exciting historical novel, set in Ireland in the time of Saint Patrick.
Misspelled or misused words: 1. lightening / lightning; 2. druids / druids'; 3. druid's / druids'; 4. Dathis's / Dathi's; 5. heard / herd; 6. brash / bash; 7. beside / besides; 8. To / Tor; 9. marauder's / marauders'; 10. whiten / white; 11. guard's / guards'; 12. has / had; 13. calf's / calves'; 14. Lorcan / Lorcan' s.
Missing from text: to, to, he, sky, as.
Added to text: on the, the, the.
Misspelled or misused words: 1. lightening / lightning; 2. druids / druids'; 3. druid's / druids'; 4. Dathis's / Dathi's; 5. heard / herd; 6. brash / bash; 7. beside / besides; 8. To / Tor; 9. marauder's / marauders'; 10. whiten / white; 11. guard's / guards'; 12. has / had; 13. calf's / calves'; 14. Lorcan / Lorcan' s.
Missing from text: to, to, he, sky, as.
Added to text: on the, the, the.
November 11, 2018
Riveting
Historical tale of early Christians and their paths to salvation. Warriors persistence and the way to faith prevail in the sight of wickedness....
Historical tale of early Christians and their paths to salvation. Warriors persistence and the way to faith prevail in the sight of wickedness....
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews