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Keeper of the Crystal Spring
Set amidst the Norman conquest of England, a spellbinding historical novel involves a love triangle among the daughter of a seeress, a Robin Hood-like Saxon warrior, and the son of a Norman lord. 30,000 first printing.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 12, 2011
Being a medieval history fanatic, I was thrilled when I received this book for Christmas years ago. Unfortunately, the book didn't live up to my expectations. The story, at its most basic level, is engaging, and the setting is intriguing - there aren't many novels that explore the conflict between the Normans and the Saxons after the Norman Invasion in 1066. But rather than explore this in a realistic way, the author heads straight to melodrama. It could have worked, but the length of the novel throws wrenches a plenty in that plan. As a result there are some ludicrous plot developments (for instance, the revelation that near the Saxon Village exists a small enclave of people possibly descended from Neanderthals and possibly telepathic that no one knew about until they escaped to it) and crazy tension builders that don't jibe with the historical record of the period or the extant archeological findings in order to delay the very obvious plot developments and maintain suspense regarding where the story is going. There is a saying that one should never let the facts get in the way of a good story, yet perhaps one should when confronted with the fact that the ending is obvious to all from the get go.
Even recognizing that Keeper of the Crystal Spring is a romance novel dressed in Historical Fiction clothing, it would have been nice for a bit more accuracy (while a nice idea, there is no way that a Norman lord would visit his tenants to read them the story of King Arthur, not simply because of the language barrier, but also because there was no one single version of the Arthurian stories at that point in history and certainly not recorded in an expensive hand written tome) . Maybe most readers wouldn't notice these details (among many others included in the novel), but for someone who reads a lot of non-fiction on the historical period, the variations are extremely obvious and draw one out of the narrative. It renders it unbelievable and I personally couldn't get past that to enjoy the book after a certain point (though I did finish it with considerable effort)
This wasn't the worst novel I've read, but it is certainly up there among the lot. If you are looking for something to pass the time, by all means give this book a whirl. If you are looking for a good historical novel, it is better to look elsewhere.
Even recognizing that Keeper of the Crystal Spring is a romance novel dressed in Historical Fiction clothing, it would have been nice for a bit more accuracy (while a nice idea, there is no way that a Norman lord would visit his tenants to read them the story of King Arthur, not simply because of the language barrier, but also because there was no one single version of the Arthurian stories at that point in history and certainly not recorded in an expensive hand written tome) . Maybe most readers wouldn't notice these details (among many others included in the novel), but for someone who reads a lot of non-fiction on the historical period, the variations are extremely obvious and draw one out of the narrative. It renders it unbelievable and I personally couldn't get past that to enjoy the book after a certain point (though I did finish it with considerable effort)
This wasn't the worst novel I've read, but it is certainly up there among the lot. If you are looking for something to pass the time, by all means give this book a whirl. If you are looking for a good historical novel, it is better to look elsewhere.
October 23, 2011
I can't for the life of me describe this book.... I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! In reading the descriptions of it, I would have thought it was some flouncy cheesy love story of a woman torn between two very different men and her vows to a sacred spring, but OMG!!!! Just when I think it can't get better, IT GETS BETTER! The twists and turns and sense of urgency and amazing tension...
August 5, 2009
I love this book. I read it when I was younger and to this day it is one of my all time favorite books. I have always been a bookworm and read so many books that it is hard not to see every twist and turn a story is going to take but this book kept me guessing until the very end.
October 22, 2017
9/10 Historical fiction, romance, and a touch of magic. The story takes place in western England during the time period 1066-1097, but especially during 1086-87. The authors have done meticulous research into daily life of that time and place, and the details add depth and resonance to the story. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the romance, relying too heavily on the “love triangle” device, still manages to be engaging. Some of the secondary characters (Margaret, Aelfric, Eafa) are especially memorable and add to the fullness of the narrative.
February 11, 2020
I've tried this book at least 4 times now. On the outset it seems like something I should really enjoy. I like romance and historical fiction. There are some things I could do without, but there is nothing overtly wrong with the book. The writing is decent, if a bit heavy on herbal remedies and character backstories. Having a whole slew of characters introduced with one long chapter in which Aldyth visits one hut after another, with an entire backstory each time, was a bit burdensome.
There was obviously a lot of research, traveling ,and care put into this book. I feel like what it's missing for me is human experience. There is a world of difference between someone sharing an authentic experience out of a need to share that experience, vs. writing a story in a setting because they've done research or gotten a degree on the subject. Some of the most unenjoyable books I've ever encountered were from Harvard or Yale graduates. "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "The Illuminator" being a couple of examples.
It just didn't pull me in, and four attempts is more than a fair chance. It should have been either a lighter and shorter romance novel, or else straight historical fiction with no supernatural.
Clearly many people found this genre mixing to be successful. I recommend reading at least the prologue and first chapter if this book is laying around.
There was obviously a lot of research, traveling ,and care put into this book. I feel like what it's missing for me is human experience. There is a world of difference between someone sharing an authentic experience out of a need to share that experience, vs. writing a story in a setting because they've done research or gotten a degree on the subject. Some of the most unenjoyable books I've ever encountered were from Harvard or Yale graduates. "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "The Illuminator" being a couple of examples.
It just didn't pull me in, and four attempts is more than a fair chance. It should have been either a lighter and shorter romance novel, or else straight historical fiction with no supernatural.
Clearly many people found this genre mixing to be successful. I recommend reading at least the prologue and first chapter if this book is laying around.
December 19, 2016
Una bellissima fiaba dove le antiche credenze magiche incontrano la vita reale di un'epoca affascinante ma anche difficile. Un romanzo che fa sognare e interessa il lettore fino all'ultima riga.
Un bellissimo libro.
Un bellissimo libro.
May 12, 2022
Keeper of the Crystal Spring by Naomi Baltuck and Deborah Baltuck was one of my favorites in college. My mom read it first and told me I should as well, which resulted in my reading it several times and claiming the book as much own.
I have no idea what happened to that original copy, but managed to find a version on PaperBackSwap. So almost 20 years later, I’m reading it again.
There’s some scenes I remember vividly and definitely remember a general plot line. Others came back to me while reading and yet others came as a complete surprise.
It did read a little slow but at around halfway I flew through the rest. I remember that from before as well, complaining to my mom and her encouraging me to stick through it.
I still love the love story and the love triangle but that’s not my favorite part. Instead it’s the setting, taking place in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings that stood out. I know so little of that time period and don’t believe I’ve read anything else from that period. It actually felt more similar to some Fantasy books I’ve read. Granted there is a little magic within, but it’s still historical.
Over 20 years after this book has been published, it still stands up! I don’t believe this book is currently in print, nor may not even be in circulation. But if you are able to track down a copy, it would be worth the effort.
5/5
I have no idea what happened to that original copy, but managed to find a version on PaperBackSwap. So almost 20 years later, I’m reading it again.
There’s some scenes I remember vividly and definitely remember a general plot line. Others came back to me while reading and yet others came as a complete surprise.
It did read a little slow but at around halfway I flew through the rest. I remember that from before as well, complaining to my mom and her encouraging me to stick through it.
I still love the love story and the love triangle but that’s not my favorite part. Instead it’s the setting, taking place in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings that stood out. I know so little of that time period and don’t believe I’ve read anything else from that period. It actually felt more similar to some Fantasy books I’ve read. Granted there is a little magic within, but it’s still historical.
Over 20 years after this book has been published, it still stands up! I don’t believe this book is currently in print, nor may not even be in circulation. But if you are able to track down a copy, it would be worth the effort.
5/5
October 14, 2025
Rating: 3.25 ⭐️
September 3, 2020
“L'antica profezia” è un romanzo storico scritto dalle sorelle Naomi e Deborah Baltuck.
La storia, ambientata nel pieno Medioevo inglese, ci presenta il lato romantico – probabilmente inverosimile – dell'integrazione di sassoni e normanni dopo la conquista dell'Inghilterra da parte di Guglielmo il conquistatore.
I personaggi sono ben descritti e per questo motivo suscitano nel lettore simpatica o feroce antipatia a seconda che siano positivi o negativi. Le loro personalità sono molto attuali tanto da favorire facilmente l'immedesimazione da parte del lettore.
La scrittura è fluida, semplice e chiara. Il ritmo della vicenda, anche quando si affrontano fatti concitati, si mantiene costantemente calmo, senza però far perdere forza alla narrazione o annoiare il lettore.
Vengono risparmiate descrizioni eccessivamente cruente anche se si possono intuire chiaramente episodi di grande violenza.
Il romanzo appare complessivamente ben costruito e realizzato. La vicenda unisce la storia, l'avventura e l'amore in modo piacevole senza rinunciare a nessuno dei tre aspetti per favorire gli altri.
Per chi ama le vicende romantiche ambientate in epoche lontane e arricchite con un pizzico di credenze tradizionali e superstiziose, questo è il romanzo giusto.
La storia, ambientata nel pieno Medioevo inglese, ci presenta il lato romantico – probabilmente inverosimile – dell'integrazione di sassoni e normanni dopo la conquista dell'Inghilterra da parte di Guglielmo il conquistatore.
I personaggi sono ben descritti e per questo motivo suscitano nel lettore simpatica o feroce antipatia a seconda che siano positivi o negativi. Le loro personalità sono molto attuali tanto da favorire facilmente l'immedesimazione da parte del lettore.
La scrittura è fluida, semplice e chiara. Il ritmo della vicenda, anche quando si affrontano fatti concitati, si mantiene costantemente calmo, senza però far perdere forza alla narrazione o annoiare il lettore.
Vengono risparmiate descrizioni eccessivamente cruente anche se si possono intuire chiaramente episodi di grande violenza.
Il romanzo appare complessivamente ben costruito e realizzato. La vicenda unisce la storia, l'avventura e l'amore in modo piacevole senza rinunciare a nessuno dei tre aspetti per favorire gli altri.
Per chi ama le vicende romantiche ambientate in epoche lontane e arricchite con un pizzico di credenze tradizionali e superstiziose, questo è il romanzo giusto.
September 7, 2010
It is the year 1086 in a little village in England (now known as Shafesbury) where the story of Aldyth LIghtfoot and Gandulf fitzGerald begins. This romantic adventure fantasy blends several historical figures with those of the author's imagination into a wonderful story that if a delight to read. However, the authors strive to remain true to what is historically known about those who actually trod the vales and fields of England at that time. The Normans had overrun Saxon strongholds and ruled the country with an iron fist, enslaving the conquered. People like Bedwyn, Aldyth, Sirona (keeper of the crystal spring), and others work the Saxon resistance underground known as the Starlight Path. Enter colorful characters such as the kindly old priest, Father Edmund, who talks to his mule, Gregory, like a friend; and Aelfric, a fiercely independent wild boy who lives by his wits and knows the people's deepest secrets. This is a most enjoyable read.
February 4, 2023
De casualidad, compré en un mercadillo de segunda mano esta novela. Me ha fascinado de principio a final. No puedes parar de leer, pues estás tan inmersa en el mundo de los personajes que no quieres dejarlos. El más llamativo, en mi opinión, Aldyth.
Con este tipo de lectura no hace falta comprar un título famoso. Hay que valorar estas pequeñas joyas.
Mi más sincera enhorabuena a las escritoras.
Con este tipo de lectura no hace falta comprar un título famoso. Hay que valorar estas pequeñas joyas.
Mi más sincera enhorabuena a las escritoras.
December 12, 2016
Romance, tyranny, divine feminine, and a touch of supernatural. Entertaining read. Gave it four stars because the plot felt choppy at times, and the characters weren't always believable. Overall a great story with a strong, female protagonist.
January 15, 2011
Had this urged upon me by a friend's mother and decided to read at least 50 pages before giving up. Instead, I was hooked by page 20.
August 15, 2009
Average writing, above-average story for a historical romance type of novel. Learned a lot about the Saxon-Norman conflicts of olde Britannia!
February 5, 2015
This book started to feel like it might be a bit too historical for me but turned out to be pretty mild. I liked it.
October 12, 2013
Epic, medieval, absorbing, romantic, thrilling, suspenseful. A very delicious read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews