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The Sylvan Cycle #1

Deadlands Druid

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When the last living druid master sets out to rebuild the druidic order, he’ll need every magic trick in the book to face down the unspeakable evil that stands in his way… Colin McCool here, the final heir to Finn the Seer’s druidic legacy. I’m done serving tricksters, gods, and fae, and now it’s time to attend to personal matters.

Priority number one? Fulfilling my master's dream by rebuilding the druid order.

Since the fall of the druids 2,000 years ago, the gods, vampires, and fae have wreaked havoc on humanity. It's time for that reign of terror to end.

But if I’m to restore the druids to their former glory, I’ll need a safe place to train my recruits. Ideally, someplace where they won’t get curb-stomped by the gods.

I can’t think of a better place to hide out than an alternate timeline where the gods and fae are too busy fighting a civil war to bother with little old me. So, it’s time to head back, settle old scores, clear the alternate timeline earth of the undead, and plant some new druid groves.

This time, I’m ready for those bloodsucking bastards. With a powerful werewolf alpha and the world’s saltiest necromancer at my side, the vampires won’t know what hit them.

After I finish that business, who knows? Maybe I’ll take a vacation, and possibly even settle down.

But first, I have some serious vampire slaying to do—about three million of them.

Nobody ever said being a druid master would be easy…

- - -

Deadlands Druid is an urban fantasy thrill ride through an alternate history, post-apocalyptic version of The Lonestar State.

If you enjoy paranormal action & adventure novels that are full of magic, firearms, curses, vampires, werewolves, wizards, and necromancers, you’ll love this first entry in the Colin McCool Sylvan Cycle Series.

Click to buy your copy today and find out what 250,000+ book lovers already know… that M.D. Massey’s Druidverse is a world tailor-made for fans of urban fantasy and paranormal suspense.

(Note to Since 2013, Colin McCool has been THE original Druid McCool. Don't be fooled by imitators and style biters. The Junkyard Druid/Druidverse novels are the original druid urban fantasy series that tapped the legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill.)

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2023

406 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

M.D. Massey

65 books570 followers
M.D. Massey describes himself as the prototypical INTJ. His eclectic background provides him with a rich tapestry of experiences to draw on when crafting fiction, as evidenced by the believable worlds and relatable characters he creates.

As a former Army combat medic (91B), professional martial arts instructor (Krav Maga, JKD, FMA), and women's self-defense instructor, he possesses a unique understanding of close combat, firearms, and criminal violence that few authors can match. This knowledge provides an element of realism to the Druidverse™ novels, setting them apart from other fantasy series.

Mr. Massey lives in the Texas Hill Country with his family and a huge American bulldog that keeps him company while he writes. When he's not in his office or at the local coffee shop writing, you can find him in his garage pummeling inanimate objects or knife-fighting with his friends.

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5 stars
401 (66%)
4 stars
168 (27%)
3 stars
30 (4%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
231 reviews13 followers
September 19, 2023
Deadlands Druid is (finally ;>) Colin at his best! After the whiny, insecure younger years, he's come into his own.
This book really stands out because Colin has slowly and often painfully earned his time to shine. He's studied, practiced, and learned from his past and past mistakes. He's grown up. His maturity is most evident (and appreciated) in his people and relationship skills. Colin still maintains the snarky banter, wit, and dark sense of humour we know and love, but he's developed a new patience and empathy which paves the way for the Druid Master he is becoming.

M.D. Massey has outdone himself-this series is all the more amazing in realizing just how patiently he's crafted the characters, the worlds, and the history. Deadlands Druid probably has the best blend of action, furthering the plot (in several timelines), character development, and entertainment. Finishing each book leaves me eagerly awaiting the next with this one taking it to a new level!
3 reviews
September 26, 2023
An seamless and thrilling new foray into the Druidverse!

Massey begins an epic new tale with some of our favorite Druidverse characters and some scary new villains! This story is instantly engaging, and the pace is set well to convey the desperate situation facing Colin and company. As our favorite druid has grown in power throughout the course of his story, he has drawn the attention of vast evil and even more powerful adversaries. Massey is really in his groove with this one, I can’t wait for the next installment! Deadlands Druid is a page turner, I had to force myself to put it down for the night to avoid being unproductive the following day for lack of sleep! I gave it 5 stars, fans of Druidverse are in for a treat. New readers will be hooked!
104 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2023
Finally, Colin has into the Hellpocalypse again. This was a great read end it was great to see Colin taking in this new quest.
65 reviews
September 29, 2024
Always a good yarn….

The Druidverse series is so dependable to keep me waiting for my next reading opportunity, creating times to read, and immerse myself in the story. Some really amusing MM references and from a galaxy far, far away. This tale differed from so many others in its multidimensional nature and the different timelines. Actually this one might be my favorite.
Profile Image for Gail.
621 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2023
The beginnings, possibly, of more Druids!!

So, Collin is trying to rebuild the Druid order, but not on his timeline........ Okay.

Will things go as he hopes????

Will obstacles throw themselves in his way, of course.But

Can he get the team he needs to help him?

As usual a rollicking good read.

Can't wait for the next book 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻


Profile Image for Donna.
2,128 reviews30 followers
September 30, 2023
Colin strikes a daring blow to save humans and his pal sapling

Complex plan to enter the domain of a powerful vampire who may be the source of the vyrus. Lot's of action and magic. Crowley once again used his necormancy to give the humans hope. His love life is complicated as ever. I can't wait for the next book.
69 reviews
September 19, 2023
kept me on edge

It’s been a while since I’ve visited with Colin. Looks like I missed a bit. This one had me turning the page trying to figure out how he was going to come out of this more or less intact.
Profile Image for Todd.
2,258 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2023
This new Colin McCool trilogy finds him back on the Hellapocalypse world where the undead reign and the living are less numerous every day.
Once again it appears Colin has bitten off more than he can chew, trying to obliterate the vyrus which creates the undead. I wish him luck.
164 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2023
good

I have read all of the junkyard Druid books and loved everyone, this book was good but I found it slightly lacking the , read me edge . It is still worth a read and now waiting for the next one
47 reviews
September 25, 2023
Deadlands Druid does not disappoint!

The latest adventure for Colin is as captivating as the first was. The Druidverse just keeps getting bigger and better. The first book of the Sylvan cycle is not to be missed.
Profile Image for Joel O'quain.
18 reviews
February 13, 2024
Druid Series

Another great adventure with Collin & Crowley. I love this whole series.
Each one gets better and better. Thank you M.D. Massey, for introducing me to a great series. Now comes the hard part, waiting on the next one. 😆
39 reviews
February 9, 2025
Redlands Druid A Druidverse Urban Fantasy Novel (The Who can Cycle Series Book 1)

A bit slow to get into, because I had not read the previous series, and did not know the people before. But I will read next book and hoped it will make more sense.
Profile Image for Ronald Manley.
223 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2023
Another excellent story

Colin has many adventures while trying to end the apocalypse time line vampire infestation. He hopes that the zero patient has the answers.
133 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2023
great series

Colin’s life is one full of adventure, heroism and dry humour that never fails to make you smile. Great series, always leaves you wanting more. MD Massey is one heck of brilliant storyteller.
Profile Image for Deborah.
152 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2023
really great read

Great book now where is book two. I loved the give and rake between characters and the various beings in the book.
4 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2024
Good read

I'll be telling my friends about this one. It was a fun read. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
704 reviews
February 6, 2024
Colin's experience keeps growing

Some interesting new characters and threats here in the deadlands. Heartache in the present time line.....Colin has his work cut out for him.
101 reviews
February 9, 2024
Very good book

I'm impressed on how this story developed. I'm really looking forward to. The next Druid verse adventure. It won't disappointment
Profile Image for Spencerskeeper.
16 reviews
April 25, 2024
Awesome

I loved this book! It was full of twist turns and a wonderful partnership with Crowley. I also see the setup for book 2, and I can't wait.
Profile Image for Brittany.
383 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2024
Finally back to the Colin I love!
10 reviews
May 26, 2024
Thrilling

I love this series and can't wait for the next book in the series. I look forward to see what Colin gets into next.
68 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2024
Love it

I love love love this story line!! The characters are just twisted enough to enjoy! Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Norma.
513 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2024
Amazing tale, as always.

I did so love this first adventure of the new series. I am ready to delve into the second book. Highly recommend this whole series.
371 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2025
quippy at times made me chuckle once:
(response to rhetorical question) Does Al Gore stay up worrying about cow farts?

Otherwise too much pew-pew, to little story.
Author 6 books5 followers
June 22, 2025
The Colin McCool books have a habit of being slow in the first half and I often worry that this is gonna be the book I don’t like, but once again Massey comes through and delivers another kickass adventure.
Profile Image for Michael.
389 reviews17 followers
July 5, 2025
Very silly, and in desperate need of an editor, but entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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