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Woad
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Fog-shrouded Albion, the last land of myth and magic , is crushed under conquering Roman legions. Woad-painted tribesman, Artos, curses the gods for failing to lead the fightback. Only he can rise to the mantle of God of Revenge and lead the tribes and faerie folk to reclaim their druid-blessed isle. But corruption infests the old-world myths. Cerridwen, the Crone of Fate, commands her boggart followers to tinker at the edges of destiny. Her plans will stretch over nearly two millennia.
In another age, on the banks of the river Thames, rises London, the ravenous stomach of the British Empire. Here, the fading gods of Albion scheme to play their final hand in the one remaining borough where humans and faerie folk live together, the Marsh Worm Mile. Populated by motley street gangs, colorful, pungent markets, and secret curses, the Mile holds the key to deciding the fate of a near-forgotten pagan world.
Double-Dared Sol is the luckiest man in the city. With Shammy and Victor, he runs with the infamous street gang, the Guinea Dreadfuls. The recently come-of-age trio is drawn into the final act of centuries-long machinations when a stranger returns to claim an ancient birthright. Lifelong friendships are tested as the frayed threads of fate slowly knot together.
To whom belongs the scared heart of old Albion? An upstart deity with a chip on his shoulder? The faerie folk, as living, breathing descendants of myth itself? Or is it time for the people of London to finally let go of the superstitions which taunt and twist their thoughts and dreams?
Fog-shrouded Albion, the last land of myth and magic , is crushed under conquering Roman legions. Woad-painted tribesman, Artos, curses the gods for failing to lead the fightback. Only he can rise to the mantle of God of Revenge and lead the tribes and faerie folk to reclaim their druid-blessed isle. But corruption infests the old-world myths. Cerridwen, the Crone of Fate, commands her boggart followers to tinker at the edges of destiny. Her plans will stretch over nearly two millennia.
In another age, on the banks of the river Thames, rises London, the ravenous stomach of the British Empire. Here, the fading gods of Albion scheme to play their final hand in the one remaining borough where humans and faerie folk live together, the Marsh Worm Mile. Populated by motley street gangs, colorful, pungent markets, and secret curses, the Mile holds the key to deciding the fate of a near-forgotten pagan world.
Double-Dared Sol is the luckiest man in the city. With Shammy and Victor, he runs with the infamous street gang, the Guinea Dreadfuls. The recently come-of-age trio is drawn into the final act of centuries-long machinations when a stranger returns to claim an ancient birthright. Lifelong friendships are tested as the frayed threads of fate slowly knot together.
To whom belongs the scared heart of old Albion? An upstart deity with a chip on his shoulder? The faerie folk, as living, breathing descendants of myth itself? Or is it time for the people of London to finally let go of the superstitions which taunt and twist their thoughts and dreams?
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 12, 2022
2 people want to read
About the author
James Isaac
5 books2 followersJames K. Isaac is an Ancient History post-graduate and has always loved stories of the weird, wonderful and terrifying in futures and presents imagined and pasts re-imagined. Since his studies he has worked in the National Maritime and British museums and spent years as a wondering teacher in China. For the present, he is content to teach in London, England. He has had several stories published in magazines and anthologies, including Analog.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 2, 2023
This book was good! I appreciated the little details and all the care put in by the James Isaac to create his own little universe on the pages. I am obsessed with Sol and Shammy’s characters. Sol’s dialogue was so entertaining and his internal thought process was even better. I loved the dynamics between characters and the mythical aspect to the novel.
It was a bit hard to keep track of, a lot of information in a short timespan, and that’s why it took me a while longer to read bc I needed more time to process. But that’s just how fantasy books are as a whole, so it’s not a big deal 😁
Overall, it was good! :) Didn’t 100% capture my attention but I can absolutely see people more into historical fiction being obsessed with this novel. 💟
It was a bit hard to keep track of, a lot of information in a short timespan, and that’s why it took me a while longer to read bc I needed more time to process. But that’s just how fantasy books are as a whole, so it’s not a big deal 😁
Overall, it was good! :) Didn’t 100% capture my attention but I can absolutely see people more into historical fiction being obsessed with this novel. 💟
February 11, 2023
I received a copy of this for free, to review for Booktasters.
I thought this was a charming book. I think it would be considered a fantasy novel, but it reminded me in some ways of the old-fashioned fairy tales that I remembered from childhood. I thought the style of writing was very pretty, and it was light and pleasant to read. I would be interested to know if it was part of a series, as I would probably like to read the others.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
I thought this was a charming book. I think it would be considered a fantasy novel, but it reminded me in some ways of the old-fashioned fairy tales that I remembered from childhood. I thought the style of writing was very pretty, and it was light and pleasant to read. I would be interested to know if it was part of a series, as I would probably like to read the others.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
March 23, 2023
WOAD was an engaging story about the slow erosion of the magic and Celtic gods of old Albion. "Woad" is the recognizable blue body paint worn by warriors who first fought against the Roman Empire. Artos, one of the tribesman of that era, curses the old gods for failing to protect their sacred isle from the invasion by the foreign legions and their foreign gods.
Waves of others would follow, from the Anglo-Saxons, to the Vikings, to the Normans. Artos takes on the power of the old gods to try to fight the last war for their very existence with the faeries, boggarts, and magic folk who have nearly disappeared into myth.
The confrontation leads into the Victorian age when the war is waged among the gangs of the criminal underworld who get pulled into the ancient conflict.
Overall a fantastic read for fans of Celtic mythology and modern fantasy. It also acts as an interesting overview on the history and merging of so many past cultures, invaders and otherwise, who coalesced into what became the modern Britain.
Waves of others would follow, from the Anglo-Saxons, to the Vikings, to the Normans. Artos takes on the power of the old gods to try to fight the last war for their very existence with the faeries, boggarts, and magic folk who have nearly disappeared into myth.
The confrontation leads into the Victorian age when the war is waged among the gangs of the criminal underworld who get pulled into the ancient conflict.
Overall a fantastic read for fans of Celtic mythology and modern fantasy. It also acts as an interesting overview on the history and merging of so many past cultures, invaders and otherwise, who coalesced into what became the modern Britain.
July 20, 2023
Spoilers: Many variations of the Arthurian legends say that King Arthur never really died. Instead, he was taken to Avalon to be healed and sleep until such a time when his country and his people needed him. This myth is written in various books, films, TV, and has been endorsed by various members of British royalty. The Plantagenet family used this legend as proof of their divine right to rule. King Henry VII was so enamored with Arthurian myth that he named his eldest son, Arthur so an eventual King Arthur could once again sit on England's throne. (That however was not to be since Prince Arthur died at a very young age and Henry VII was succeeded by his younger son, Henry VIII.).Of course there is the comparison of President Kennedy's administration to Camelot. Whether or not Arthur existed historically, his legend has proven greater than the reality.
Many believe that Camelot and Arthur represent a golden age and that if Arthur really could return, those cherished days of chivalry and heroism would also return. However, some adaptations suggest that maybe Arthur's return is not something to be celebrated. Instead, it might be something to be feared. That is the premise behind Woad by James Isaac, a historical fantasy that takes a very critical look at how the alleged Once and Future King would act in a world that changed around him but he did not.
Isaac's version of King Arthur, called Artos, is more based on historical interpretation that he was a Celtic warlord in the 1st Century battling the Romans, rather than the Medieval king of the enchanted Camelot. Because he's based on the historical Arthur, we read nothing about the other usual Camelot cast of characters. So there are no mentions of Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, Morgan LeFay, Morgause, the Lady of the Lake, Mordred and the rest.
Instead, Arthur fights alongside real life warriors such as Boudicca to fight off Roman legions. However, Arthur still has connections to fairy origins from the mythical land of Avalon.
During what should be a victory, Arthur fought against the fairies and creatures of Avalon. He also argued with the Celtic goddesses like Cerridwen and Andraste to the point of denouncing them. He then takes on the mantle of God himself, living an immortal life and plotting for centuries to gather an army that will obey, revere, and worship him and will fight his fairian enemies.
Artos's ruthlessness and tyranny increases until by the Victorian Era, he practically runs a part of East End London that is next to a gateway into Avalon. His far reaching ambitions are threatened by Victor, a human who guards the entrance between the human and fairy world, and Sol and Shammy, a pair of street urchin con artists who have stronger ties to the fairy world than they originally thought.
Isaac's book is a brilliant deconstruction of the Arthurian myth, portraying the character as a harsh, arrogant, destructive tyrant. Artos is someone who is unyielding in his views that have been honed through centuries of interacting with humans and fairies. He is always in battle, looking for an enemy to fight and someone to defeat. Whether he is in the Middle Ages, the English Civil War, or the creation of the British Empire, Artos has seen plenty of battles and forces his leadership towards those around him.
This outlook combined with the bitterness obtained over the centuries are enough to drive Artos insane and give him a self righteous tone that sees everyone who is not with him as being against him.
He is not above using devious means to gain followers. He takes in orphans and unwanted children not out of the goodness of his heart, but to raise them to be his willing army that are practically brainwashed to follow his fanaticism.
Artos has ceased to just become a warlord or king. He declares himself a god and demands total obedience and worship.
Suddenly, the return of an over 1,0000 year old king to fight for his people doesn't seem like a good idea when he plans to destroy the kingdom and everyone in it so he can rebuild it in his own image.
There are many who see through the image that Artos is trying to convey. The most prominent character to challenge him is Sol. Sol originally started out as a street kid who was involved in a gambling con game with Shammy, his partner and would-be girlfriend. Like many others in the East End, he sees Artos as a leader until he encounters Cerridwen who tells Sol the truth about Artos's motives and goals and Sol's own birth (none of which will be revealed in this review).
Sol's conversations with Cerridwen seem to echo a brainwashed cult follower becoming deprogrammed to reject the life that he once followed without question. He sees the truth of his upbringing and questions his allegiance to Artos. However, he becomes more determined to fight against him when his friend Shammy's developing figure and maturity don't miss Artos's attention.
Woad tells us that sometimes what often makes myths is nostalgia. While many long for a return to a simpler life with larger than life heroes, we fail to account for changing times and attitudes. What may appear acceptable in one era can be cruel in another, and a hero in one time could turn into a villain in another. Perhaps instead of looking for a physical return to the past, perhaps we could embody those values of courage, honor, kindness, and devotion in our own lives. Sometimes the real hero is inside us.
Many believe that Camelot and Arthur represent a golden age and that if Arthur really could return, those cherished days of chivalry and heroism would also return. However, some adaptations suggest that maybe Arthur's return is not something to be celebrated. Instead, it might be something to be feared. That is the premise behind Woad by James Isaac, a historical fantasy that takes a very critical look at how the alleged Once and Future King would act in a world that changed around him but he did not.
Isaac's version of King Arthur, called Artos, is more based on historical interpretation that he was a Celtic warlord in the 1st Century battling the Romans, rather than the Medieval king of the enchanted Camelot. Because he's based on the historical Arthur, we read nothing about the other usual Camelot cast of characters. So there are no mentions of Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, Morgan LeFay, Morgause, the Lady of the Lake, Mordred and the rest.
Instead, Arthur fights alongside real life warriors such as Boudicca to fight off Roman legions. However, Arthur still has connections to fairy origins from the mythical land of Avalon.
During what should be a victory, Arthur fought against the fairies and creatures of Avalon. He also argued with the Celtic goddesses like Cerridwen and Andraste to the point of denouncing them. He then takes on the mantle of God himself, living an immortal life and plotting for centuries to gather an army that will obey, revere, and worship him and will fight his fairian enemies.
Artos's ruthlessness and tyranny increases until by the Victorian Era, he practically runs a part of East End London that is next to a gateway into Avalon. His far reaching ambitions are threatened by Victor, a human who guards the entrance between the human and fairy world, and Sol and Shammy, a pair of street urchin con artists who have stronger ties to the fairy world than they originally thought.
Isaac's book is a brilliant deconstruction of the Arthurian myth, portraying the character as a harsh, arrogant, destructive tyrant. Artos is someone who is unyielding in his views that have been honed through centuries of interacting with humans and fairies. He is always in battle, looking for an enemy to fight and someone to defeat. Whether he is in the Middle Ages, the English Civil War, or the creation of the British Empire, Artos has seen plenty of battles and forces his leadership towards those around him.
This outlook combined with the bitterness obtained over the centuries are enough to drive Artos insane and give him a self righteous tone that sees everyone who is not with him as being against him.
He is not above using devious means to gain followers. He takes in orphans and unwanted children not out of the goodness of his heart, but to raise them to be his willing army that are practically brainwashed to follow his fanaticism.
Artos has ceased to just become a warlord or king. He declares himself a god and demands total obedience and worship.
Suddenly, the return of an over 1,0000 year old king to fight for his people doesn't seem like a good idea when he plans to destroy the kingdom and everyone in it so he can rebuild it in his own image.
There are many who see through the image that Artos is trying to convey. The most prominent character to challenge him is Sol. Sol originally started out as a street kid who was involved in a gambling con game with Shammy, his partner and would-be girlfriend. Like many others in the East End, he sees Artos as a leader until he encounters Cerridwen who tells Sol the truth about Artos's motives and goals and Sol's own birth (none of which will be revealed in this review).
Sol's conversations with Cerridwen seem to echo a brainwashed cult follower becoming deprogrammed to reject the life that he once followed without question. He sees the truth of his upbringing and questions his allegiance to Artos. However, he becomes more determined to fight against him when his friend Shammy's developing figure and maturity don't miss Artos's attention.
Woad tells us that sometimes what often makes myths is nostalgia. While many long for a return to a simpler life with larger than life heroes, we fail to account for changing times and attitudes. What may appear acceptable in one era can be cruel in another, and a hero in one time could turn into a villain in another. Perhaps instead of looking for a physical return to the past, perhaps we could embody those values of courage, honor, kindness, and devotion in our own lives. Sometimes the real hero is inside us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
Superb Britannia Tales
In this classic Celtic tale, WOAD, by James Isaac, the novel begins with a woman, Cerridwen the Crone and the boggarts, a very beguiling creature. Next, the warrior Artos, who leads a battle against the Romans, before AD and the fight for Albion, AKA - Old Great Britain. With the encountering of nymphs, war maidens, druids, and the amazing boggarts, this fantastic writing of past Britannia surely brings the reader home inside a deeply woven, centuries old story.
Shifting, bouncing and traversing time, weaving through various segments of years continuing all the way through the 1800’s in London, the author gives us a continuing the life of Artos and Cerridwen, with characters of boggarts, who, as them, have the power to appear anywhere, past or present. That, and along with elves, their magic continues to spray upon and into the city within a place called The Marsh Worm Mile, and including an appearance by the great French warrior, Napoleon, who had his qualms with Britain.
I truly loved all the references of Yore and Lore, with many superbly written descriptions of the historic places of that region and characters that were finely described throughout the piece of work. And, especially the personalities of Sol and Shammy, who are present in the later years of the story, with their crookedly work in the town of London, as they stumble upon the work of the reappearing boggarts, and the power of Artos.
All in all, a very well written and excellently grammarized work. Plus, the author tapped a terrific book name, WOAD, which stands for Isatis Tinctoria, the plant that turns into a bluish dye and has helpful, medicinal qualities. A very enjoyable story for any reader that gets enticed by the history of Britain and all the magic and sorcery that still remains a great source of mystery throughout time in that region.
In this classic Celtic tale, WOAD, by James Isaac, the novel begins with a woman, Cerridwen the Crone and the boggarts, a very beguiling creature. Next, the warrior Artos, who leads a battle against the Romans, before AD and the fight for Albion, AKA - Old Great Britain. With the encountering of nymphs, war maidens, druids, and the amazing boggarts, this fantastic writing of past Britannia surely brings the reader home inside a deeply woven, centuries old story.
Shifting, bouncing and traversing time, weaving through various segments of years continuing all the way through the 1800’s in London, the author gives us a continuing the life of Artos and Cerridwen, with characters of boggarts, who, as them, have the power to appear anywhere, past or present. That, and along with elves, their magic continues to spray upon and into the city within a place called The Marsh Worm Mile, and including an appearance by the great French warrior, Napoleon, who had his qualms with Britain.
I truly loved all the references of Yore and Lore, with many superbly written descriptions of the historic places of that region and characters that were finely described throughout the piece of work. And, especially the personalities of Sol and Shammy, who are present in the later years of the story, with their crookedly work in the town of London, as they stumble upon the work of the reappearing boggarts, and the power of Artos.
All in all, a very well written and excellently grammarized work. Plus, the author tapped a terrific book name, WOAD, which stands for Isatis Tinctoria, the plant that turns into a bluish dye and has helpful, medicinal qualities. A very enjoyable story for any reader that gets enticed by the history of Britain and all the magic and sorcery that still remains a great source of mystery throughout time in that region.
September 18, 2024
Woad uses lyrical, near poetic, prose to take the reader through nearly 2,000 years of British history, both real and fantastical. Artos is the warrior that leads his British countrymen in battle after battle, against enemy after enemy, beginning with the Romans in 61 AD through the Fey themselves in AD 1861. Sometimes, the Boggarts, unpleasant imps of the faerie world, answer to Artos’ command, sometimes, they join the forces arrayed against him. Always, he’s at the center of the machinations of Cerridwen, the Crone, ruling goddess of the Fey. One day he’s the God of Victory, the next the God of Loss, but always Britain’s protector and leader, often in spite of the games of the old gods, not yet vanquished by Christianity. The Fey, and magic, still live side by side with mortals in the new and growing city of London.
Young street thief Double Dared Sol, with his friends Shammy and Victor intersect the tangled lines of fate and magic along with Artos. Pay attention, reader, for alliances and friendships can shift as swiftly as the ocean’s breezes. Who will end up on which side when the final battle begins? Britania will never be the same as mortals, immortals, gods and faeries all battle for the heart and spirit of Albion in the very center of London.
Young street thief Double Dared Sol, with his friends Shammy and Victor intersect the tangled lines of fate and magic along with Artos. Pay attention, reader, for alliances and friendships can shift as swiftly as the ocean’s breezes. Who will end up on which side when the final battle begins? Britania will never be the same as mortals, immortals, gods and faeries all battle for the heart and spirit of Albion in the very center of London.
July 13, 2023
Woad is a story that travels through several hundred years of history in the British Isles. The Crone in her role as the Weaver of Fate is in conflict with a man who refuses his own death and attempts to become the God of Victory. It is important that as you read this book, you pay close attention to the dates at the beginnings of each chapter. The story jumps from old history to current events and it is possible to lose your place in the story due to this manner of telling. Artos is angry that the gods have failed him and his men as the Romans conquer the world. His anger and desire for revenge against Rome allows him to stay alive through many years and many attempts to kill the Crone and create his own godhood.
In this telling, the Fey are still alive and active in London in the 1860s. While they are only present in a poor part of the city, they hope that someone will come and lead them back to the last Sacred Grove and help restore the Albion of old. Artos comes to these and the humans who live with them as a leader who can restore the “good old days” as he feeds off their admiration and respect.
In the end only the Crone or Artos must win and it is a satisfying end when it comes. A different type of fantasy for sure, but and enjoyable read.
In this telling, the Fey are still alive and active in London in the 1860s. While they are only present in a poor part of the city, they hope that someone will come and lead them back to the last Sacred Grove and help restore the Albion of old. Artos comes to these and the humans who live with them as a leader who can restore the “good old days” as he feeds off their admiration and respect.
In the end only the Crone or Artos must win and it is a satisfying end when it comes. A different type of fantasy for sure, but and enjoyable read.
February 1, 2023
This epic tale follows Artos as battles his way through the centuries starting in Albion (which eventually turns into Britain).
Artos and Cerridwen the crone are very interesting characters on opposing sides. Shammy, Sol, and Victor were the perfect mischievous trio, just trying to survive in the harsh land of London.
One of my favourite parts was when Cerridwen made Sol question everything, including his relationship with his closest friend, Shammy. It felt like a really pivotal moment in the story.
Overall the story was rich in scenery and language. It was an epic story, and a beautiful read.
Artos and Cerridwen the crone are very interesting characters on opposing sides. Shammy, Sol, and Victor were the perfect mischievous trio, just trying to survive in the harsh land of London.
One of my favourite parts was when Cerridwen made Sol question everything, including his relationship with his closest friend, Shammy. It felt like a really pivotal moment in the story.
Overall the story was rich in scenery and language. It was an epic story, and a beautiful read.
April 17, 2023
What a beautiful novel! I really enjoyed reading WOAD because it was more
a fairy tale than a fantasy novel. I also liked the detailed way of the story.
The writing style was very fluent and pleasant for reading. It contained parts
of mythology which I absolutely adore. Therefore I give a recommendation
and a 5 star rating!
a fairy tale than a fantasy novel. I also liked the detailed way of the story.
The writing style was very fluent and pleasant for reading. It contained parts
of mythology which I absolutely adore. Therefore I give a recommendation
and a 5 star rating!
January 3, 2023
A grand tour of British history through the eyes of a vengeful god, blanketed in old and new interpretations of myth. Action-packed, violent and frightening at times, with heartwarming and humourous moments, I recommend Woad. 5 STARS
February 7, 2024
3.5 (if I could)
Received a copy of this novel from author and Booktasters in exchange for a review!
Took me a while to get through it because when reading it my brain decided to do a professional audiobook-like voice casting and give different voices to the povs and honestly that just made me want to read it like that for the rest of the story.
Historical fiction fans!!! Please give this book a chance 🥺 The level of detail and care put into the scenes and characters was incredible.
While it has elements of fantasy, it’s still a strong sense of old school fairy tales almost because of the use of Celtic mythology, Roman Empire history and mythology, etc. I’m a huge fan of stories where the culture has deities and magic/fantasy be present.
The story does a fantastic job of bringing stories old to a modern lenses (or Victorian Era but you get my meaning).
I would highly recommend to people who enjoy history and want to give fiction/fantasy a try!
Thanks for the opportunity to read your work!
Received a copy of this novel from author and Booktasters in exchange for a review!
Took me a while to get through it because when reading it my brain decided to do a professional audiobook-like voice casting and give different voices to the povs and honestly that just made me want to read it like that for the rest of the story.
Historical fiction fans!!! Please give this book a chance 🥺 The level of detail and care put into the scenes and characters was incredible.
While it has elements of fantasy, it’s still a strong sense of old school fairy tales almost because of the use of Celtic mythology, Roman Empire history and mythology, etc. I’m a huge fan of stories where the culture has deities and magic/fantasy be present.
The story does a fantastic job of bringing stories old to a modern lenses (or Victorian Era but you get my meaning).
I would highly recommend to people who enjoy history and want to give fiction/fantasy a try!
Thanks for the opportunity to read your work!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews