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Braided Dimensions #1
Braided Dimensions
The next slip into medieval time might be Kay’s last. Professor Kay Halfin is on her way home from a Halloween party when a caped bard steps from an oak tree and leads her away to medieval time. After dancing the magical night away, she wakes in her own bed, determined to find her way back to that world. But returning to the past isn’t such a great idea. Pulled back and forth between the past and her 21st century, Kay becomes embroiled with the troubles of the bard and a healer of the 10th century, who are tormented by a powerful mage. Things soon take a turn for the worse when the same forces begin to draw her children. Each time Kay slips into the past, the return threatens to obliterate her...if the memory-stealing mage doesn’t destroy her first. If you liked Mercedes Lackey’s Bardic Voices, Charles de Lint’s Newford Stories, and the Outlander Series, you’ll love Braided Dimensions. Scroll up and one click to start the hauntingly magical adventure today!
- GenresFantasy
385 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Marie Judson
10 books26 followersMarie Judson lives on the rugged coast north of San Francisco. An ardent fantasy reader since her teens, she has written two series to date, one that portals into medieval time, the other sci fi fantasy with a rich set of characters that will grab you and hold onto you. Other than writing fiction, she loves singing and doing dream work (see her dream collages on her web site www.mariejudson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 10, 2020
This is an exciting book that delves into magic and ancient lands. The author drew me in with such vivid descriptions that I could smell and taste the world as Kay experienced it. I loved learning about long-ago languages, herb remedies, runes and weaving. Although there is a Book 2, the author didn't end with a cliff hanger, which I liked. I felt very complete reading this first novel, and with that said, will definitely be reading the second.
November 18, 2018
Kay’s had some trouble as a professor at her last university. The reasons remain a little mysterious. She’s taking some time out from her scholastic studies in Druid culture and language. Her methods and hypothesis seem to have rubbed the higher ups the wrong way. Her new job is unfulfilling and she’s thinking of doing something different. In the meantime she needs to pay the bills.
On a late night walk on All Saints Eve, aka Halloween, she stumbles across Baird. Already predisposed in her interest in language she’s enthralled to hear him speak in his ancient Gaelic. Aside from that, she’s also taken with the glint in his eye and his attractive smile.
She follows him into an enchanted world of days gone by, where villages and castles, towers and campfires, are ripe with danger, dancing, magic and intrigue. There’s a subtle courtship between Kay and Baird that turns into a romance. One she now carries into the present and the past.
Meanwhile her grown children are starting to experience things. Like her, they’re starting to see people from the other side. She worries for them. She’s also learning she shares a kind of spiritual sisterhood with Kyna, Baird’s ex.
All the while there’s a sinister being that’s in the background named Galfride. He’s an attractive man with powers beyond any of the others. She needs protection in the form of spells to keep him from kidnapping her again. He keeps pressing her for help with Kyna and their son.
In the end the reader is left clutching the air for answers. Is Galfride being used by something even more powerful them himself? Are Kay’s children safe? Does the son Kyna had with Galfride end up with Kay’s daughter?
And perhaps most importantly which world does Kay end up living in? When she’s with Baird nothing else matters. But he’s a traveling man and always has been. He’s not one for four walls and he’s been honest about that. And when he’s gone Kay misses her modern world full of conveniences, like hot and cold water.
I’m recommending this book to anyone who likes a love story, a fantasy, and likeable characters with interesting backgrounds. Marie Judson delivers a story that rips you away from the mundane and plops the reader squarely in the middle of the two worlds she’s created. Both are intricately woven into each other. At the end we see the two sides have villains and heroes. They mirror each other in a way that isn’t obvious and only reveals itself with reflection and thought.
We need book 2!
On a late night walk on All Saints Eve, aka Halloween, she stumbles across Baird. Already predisposed in her interest in language she’s enthralled to hear him speak in his ancient Gaelic. Aside from that, she’s also taken with the glint in his eye and his attractive smile.
She follows him into an enchanted world of days gone by, where villages and castles, towers and campfires, are ripe with danger, dancing, magic and intrigue. There’s a subtle courtship between Kay and Baird that turns into a romance. One she now carries into the present and the past.
Meanwhile her grown children are starting to experience things. Like her, they’re starting to see people from the other side. She worries for them. She’s also learning she shares a kind of spiritual sisterhood with Kyna, Baird’s ex.
All the while there’s a sinister being that’s in the background named Galfride. He’s an attractive man with powers beyond any of the others. She needs protection in the form of spells to keep him from kidnapping her again. He keeps pressing her for help with Kyna and their son.
In the end the reader is left clutching the air for answers. Is Galfride being used by something even more powerful them himself? Are Kay’s children safe? Does the son Kyna had with Galfride end up with Kay’s daughter?
And perhaps most importantly which world does Kay end up living in? When she’s with Baird nothing else matters. But he’s a traveling man and always has been. He’s not one for four walls and he’s been honest about that. And when he’s gone Kay misses her modern world full of conveniences, like hot and cold water.
I’m recommending this book to anyone who likes a love story, a fantasy, and likeable characters with interesting backgrounds. Marie Judson delivers a story that rips you away from the mundane and plops the reader squarely in the middle of the two worlds she’s created. Both are intricately woven into each other. At the end we see the two sides have villains and heroes. They mirror each other in a way that isn’t obvious and only reveals itself with reflection and thought.
We need book 2!
November 28, 2023
An enchanting and fascinating time-bending journey we fall into with northern california Professor of ancient linguistics Kay. On the outs with the university establishment, she thinks she's found a quiet retreat up the coast. But soon the signs start appearing, including a charismatic stranger in strange rustic garb. Kay becomes intimately entangled in harrowing intrigues, ancient secrets, powers and plots. Meets an epic badass of a nordic Shamaness. She's excited to develop powers she never knew she had but is soon torn between her two worlds, lines blur, the dimensions are braiding...
August 11, 2019
Exactly the book I needed and had been looking for all summer...I literally started 5 books and stopped reading them with disappointment.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 6, 2019
I agreed to review Braided Dimensions by Marie Judson because I like to read books containing spirituality, magic and history. It deals with a Wiccan former academic who time travels magically. So I requested the book from the author and this is my honest review.
There were things I really liked about this book, and they were at the heart and soul of the novel. Braided Dimensions is steeped in magic and Pagan spirituality. The protagonist meditates, chants spells and has a more than surface understanding of Norse runes and Tarot. She is also a visionary who is able to trance deeply. I was pleased with Judson's depictions of these magical and spiritual phenomena.
The character development of protagonist Kay Halefin was also a strong aspect of the novel. At the opening, Kay has lost her position at a university due to false rumors about her research into shamanism. She drifted into a non-academic job that ended up being routine and uninspiring. Her life was ripe for change, and major transformation was exactly what she got. We never learn why she was drawn to Kyna in 10th century Wales. She could have been a distant ancestor, but Kyna was definitely a catalyst for the change that Kay needed.
Almost all my problems with Braided Dimensions had to do with the choices that Marie Judson made for the historical aspect of her book. Many readers may not notice certain irregularities that bothered me. They could be considered quibbles. More importantly, I also found the historical portion of the novel somewhat repetitive and predictable. Similar incidents occurred over and over. The narrative could have arrived at its climax sooner if some of this repetition had been eliminated.
I wanted to enjoy Braided Dimensions a great deal more than I did. I did like Kay, and the magical/spiritual elements were wonderful.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
There were things I really liked about this book, and they were at the heart and soul of the novel. Braided Dimensions is steeped in magic and Pagan spirituality. The protagonist meditates, chants spells and has a more than surface understanding of Norse runes and Tarot. She is also a visionary who is able to trance deeply. I was pleased with Judson's depictions of these magical and spiritual phenomena.
The character development of protagonist Kay Halefin was also a strong aspect of the novel. At the opening, Kay has lost her position at a university due to false rumors about her research into shamanism. She drifted into a non-academic job that ended up being routine and uninspiring. Her life was ripe for change, and major transformation was exactly what she got. We never learn why she was drawn to Kyna in 10th century Wales. She could have been a distant ancestor, but Kyna was definitely a catalyst for the change that Kay needed.
Almost all my problems with Braided Dimensions had to do with the choices that Marie Judson made for the historical aspect of her book. Many readers may not notice certain irregularities that bothered me. They could be considered quibbles. More importantly, I also found the historical portion of the novel somewhat repetitive and predictable. Similar incidents occurred over and over. The narrative could have arrived at its climax sooner if some of this repetition had been eliminated.
I wanted to enjoy Braided Dimensions a great deal more than I did. I did like Kay, and the magical/spiritual elements were wonderful.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
April 15, 2024
BRAIDED DIMENSIONS is the first book in the series of the same name. We meet Kay, an ex-professor now working in a job she dislikes. She is a loner and drifting. One Halloween, she goes out and enjoys herself. When she decides to have her own garden patch, she meets the same people and now has her own little group. On her way home from the Halloween night out, something strange happens to her, leading her down a rabbit hole into ancient Wales.
One thing I need to mention first... it is SO good to read something set in Wales rather than Ireland! I have nothing against Ireland, but there are other Celtic countries out there, although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
This was an enjoyable story that took place both in the present and the past. I love the group of friends Kay has. It is full of paganism and mysticism, although written as both specialised and general day-to-day knowledge. The blending of the two lives is well-written, giving the reader Kay's sense of confusion as she tries to understand what is happening.
This is definitely a series so be prepared to be left with questions at the end, which will leave you wanting more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 15, 2024
One thing I need to mention first... it is SO good to read something set in Wales rather than Ireland! I have nothing against Ireland, but there are other Celtic countries out there, although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
This was an enjoyable story that took place both in the present and the past. I love the group of friends Kay has. It is full of paganism and mysticism, although written as both specialised and general day-to-day knowledge. The blending of the two lives is well-written, giving the reader Kay's sense of confusion as she tries to understand what is happening.
This is definitely a series so be prepared to be left with questions at the end, which will leave you wanting more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 15, 2024
January 9, 2019
Dr. Kay Halefin is a former professor of ancient languages, she is now working in an office and entering computer data. Since moving into the home her parents left to her, she hasn't made an effort to get to know the people of her community. She decides it is time to change that so she decides to attend a Halloween party. After the party she will meet a stranger, journey through time to ancient Wales, and learn about magic, and her own magical abilities, from ancient druids.
Fascinating and well written characters in unique, complex worlds. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading more of this series. Fantastic, must read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and nonincentivized review of this ARC.
Fascinating and well written characters in unique, complex worlds. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading more of this series. Fantastic, must read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and nonincentivized review of this ARC.
September 3, 2019
Kay, the protagonist in this story, is compelling. At the beginning of the narrative, her dissatisfaction with the turns her life has taken is palpable and highly relatable. Her surprise encounter with and attraction to a bard from ancient Wales takes her into another time, where she becomes immersed in life and death, frightening struggles between good and evil forces. The magic, the details from ancient times, and the vivid characters in both her present-day life and her travels into the past are delightful. And most striking is the way Marie Judson so aptly conveys what Kay is experiencing moment to moment in figuring out how to deal with all of it.
February 19, 2022
I fell in love with Baird the Bard.
Read
November 11, 2024Note to self: content search has some talk of character being afraid she'll be raped. That was enough for me to nope out.
September 22, 2024
Loved the blending of magic, time travel and mysticism. Characters move back and forth between time periods for mysterious and unexpected reasons and Kay (the person from the present) finds herself entailed in a love triangle, unexpected danger and a blossoming of her own power and magic. This is an enticing story that unfolds a beautiful journey of awakening.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews