The Hall of Tyr

Circle of Ceridwen Saga #4

by Octavia Randolph

The Hall of Tyr: Book Four of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga
It is said that every man is haunted by one mistake...

The year is 881. Ten years have passed since fifteen year old Ceridwen set out from her Priory home to make her own life. She has known love and loss, triumph and heartbreak. Yet the Circle which has moved about her is largely intact, although the counterpoint has changed, bringing with it the hope of renewed love. Ceridwen and Sidroc build their new lives together on the Baltic island of Gotland, where they are free and unknown. The bond between them, always strong even when years and wars separated them, deepens quickly into the profound and exquisite love that Sidroc had always claimed was their shared Fate.

Their new island home is a place of peace and beauty. They make fast friends of the brew-house keeper Rannveig and her deaf son, Tindr, a young man who is both an expert hunter and deeply dedicated to the service of the Goddess Freyja.

They work and plan for next year's sailing season, when they hope to send a shipment of rich goods to trade. They feel protected and safe -- until the shattering arrival of the one person they fear most in the world...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Medieval

424 pages, Unknown Binding

First published June 19, 2014

About the author

I write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. In addition to the Circle Saga, I've written the novella Ride, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, and The Tale of Melkorka, based on the Icelandic Sagas. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe.
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza

Reviews

[Sarah Nightbear · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is clear to me that extensive research went into this fourth book of The Hall of Tyr, as everything is vividly expressed (the pace is slower so enjoy the journey). I have no doubt that Olivia's work is as authentic as her sources could provide. This fourth book is mostly a reflection into the journey of our main characters who live, despite and because of the ironic twists that fate has over their lives. Reflection is what my First Nations Peoples call retrospection of life events (even the nightmares that may occur from them), a necessary self-examination of past accounts, which require time alone, so not only may we learn wisdom but know that human beings have a higher calling within the realms of the natural order. The choice is ours alone to grow greater or fall lower in human nature.

Through the eyes of Ceridwen we see a new land and people after fate restrung her destiny, having survived more life threatening events upon the sea as captive. Like Ceridwen, I came to trust fully the trading and survival knowledge of the famed warrior Sidroc as he continues to claim his victories over covetous people, looking out for the best interests of himself and Ceridwen. They arrive on the island of Gotland where war weapons are not necessary and it is fascinating to see where his trust for a good life stems: in the Old Gods favor.

In the Hall of Tyr book 4, we review the life of the Lady Aelfwyn of Four Stones in Lindisse as she has become twice widowed in the peace-treaty agreement, but continues her strong learned managing abilities of community affairs, which she has re-built and become responsible for. Readers get to recount with the Lady Aelfwyn her ironic fate and watch her continue adjusting to life on life's terms, becoming even greater than she was before: In my eyes, Aelfwyn is shear integrity of the finest woven flax.

The reader is introduced to a community of trades people on the Isle of Gotland, which becomes the new home for Sydroc and Ceridwen, who have become the happiest man and woman alive and runes are carved in dedication above the Hall entrance and their bed, as they begin rebuilding their lives, together in this majestic and lush countryside that offers a new beginning.
New characters emerge: the young amazing deaf Tyndr, son of Rannveig the respected widowed female brewer, comes to the Hall of Tyr as a live-in helping member to the couple who are eager to establish their trade-stock as productive new members of the village. Tyndr has favor of the Lady of the Woods Freyja and is gifted with animal care and hunting. I was so impressed with the devoted spirit of Tyndr and therefore never pittied him for being deaf: he is far too great for that.

There is tremendous reciprocation between the community members of this popular trading village, which makes everyone a relative and each the better person. Gotland is an intentional-community with most everyone having the same moral compass of justice and trade ethics. Their purpose is to live peaceably with each other bartering to meet their own needs and providing their excess to people of other lands, thus meeting their own needs efficiently: specialized trade upon the trade-merchant-route. Another outstanding quality of this village of like-minded folk is that the females seem to be complete equals to males in all affairs. And this village of Gotland, where no fear exists, holds promise of a life without war and devastation, a form of suppression and control of one people over another.

There is so much admiration for a strong community of people like those in this village on Gotland. It is a life I know that I dream of, know well, and believe can be again (almost demands it) of our modern times. This village knows sovereignty and maintains it well without rigidity through all their combined efforts and are well known for their good treatment towards the regular traders from afar.

My favorite segment of the entire fourth book is chapter 12 and 13 as we witness the Lady Aelfwyn in total control of herself while stationed with powerful men and women in the high realms of political hierarchy, on one hand, and the deepest of kinship loyalties on the other. The Lady Aelfwun came to claim her feminine power by empowering others in re-building the village at Four Stones. This elegant and nurturing woman became a well-rounded and successful business woman, ran her own Hall protocol, and paid strict attention to political moves. Aelfwyn is a female to look up to with admiration in her balanced determination to remain the strong female of Four Stones.

My next favorite little scene is in the brewhouse when Rannveig slips a second strand of colored glass beads over Sparrows head in shear delightful gratitude for her service beyond expectation (near the end of chapter 15).

There is something very special about oral histories told to all by those who lived it. We readers get to hear first-hand the seafaring stories by ship merchant sailors after their voyages to distant shores, the perils of adventure, and successful trading for precious metals of silver, gold, and lead. All the skilled crafts people of the village prosper from the successful trades and the truthful tales.
Can we today even imagine being welcomed back from a trip by our community who greet us with great joy and feasts of thanksgiving?! I feel so at home in this Gotland village. There are small Salish villages along the west coast of the US who live like Gotland: I have met them and experienced their hospitality toward seafaring-strangers. That's not fiction because it is life in the present. And, may we come to love peace as deeply as the citizens of Gotland did.

Sarah NightBear
‎Monday 8 ‎May ‎2017

[Priskah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)

[Gail Amendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost gave up on this series after the last book, as I really didn't care for that one. I decided to give it one last try, and I'm glad I did. This book sees Ceridwen building a new life in Gotland with Sidroc, after having been captured by slavers in the last book. I really haven't been a big fan of Sidroc through the series, and was feeling rather lukewarm about Ceridwen's new relationship with him, but somewhere along the way in this book he started to grow on me...a little bit, anyway. I still didn't feel he felt sufficiently bad about having left a wife and children behind, and I would have liked to see a lot more complexity in his character, but I actually found myself starting to like the guy. I loved some of the other characters introduced in this book, especially Tindr and Rannveig, and I'm very happy to hear that their story will be told in the next book. And I loved the ending. This book contains a lot of historical detail about he food the people ate at the time, how wool was spun and cloth woven, how ale was brewed, and all sorts of other details of day to day life in the 9th Century, which appealed to the history nerd in me. I guess I'm not done with this series after all.

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

#4 in the series. I have mixed feelings about this book as I enjoyed learning about life in the 9th century in a part of the world I had not read about before. But I have to admit it did get boring at times reading about spinning and weaving and cooking. I very much enjoyed reading about Sidroc and Cerdiwen's servant and son of their best friend, Tindr. Tindr has been deaf since a terrible illness as a boy, his father died at sea, and his mother is an important member of the little community. Tindr is in tune with the forest and provides the meat for two households. He can not speak at all and although all love him it is understood that no girl will ever want to marry him and that he is somehow less than the others.

Throughout this book we do get glimpses at what is happening with the people they left behind including both Ceridwen's sons and Sidroc's son. I had an awareness and worry all the way through that Godwin, her son's uncle, would eventually find them. It was inevitable I suppose and when it did happen both of the boys were present, and it was a heartbreaking climax to a huge part of the story. The story could have ended there, but there is a fifth book. I kind of wish it had.

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got what I wanted 😁

re-read via kobo in 2025

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping and wonderful ending to the preceding trilogy...at least it seemed that this was intended to be the end. But now I hear that the author is writing yet another book to follow this one. I will very much be looking forward to reading it.

[Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is that you understand how someone can truly love two different people in their lifetime. I was happy with both and that is a rare thing. Usually I root for one or the other love interest but not this time.

[Gemmalady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent excellent excellent!

I wrote a review for the first book and haven't written any since but not because I didn't appreciate them. I do, ever so much. Not since Mists of Avalon have I been transported to a time and place so rich in its tale!

[Linda Pneuman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hated to see the series end. I especially liked the feeling of being immersed in the 9th century.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! My all time favorite series, as well as my all time favorite cast of characters. Highly recommend!

[Liz Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking a break from my Anglo-Saxon Danish studies to re-integrate with 21st century American culture. I fear I will suffer more culture shock going to work tomorrow than Ceridwen did sailing the Baltic.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I just loved this book! What a terrific ending to the Circle of Ceridwen series! I loved the whole series and will probably re-read the whole series as soon as I can. I read the first 3 books of the series quite some time ago and loved them, but thought that there was room for a fourth book. Some of the loose ends from the 3rd book weren't all tied up. Was I ever thrilled to find out that the author had indeed decided to write that fourth book. And since it had been quite some time since I had last read the first 3 books of the series, I needed some reminders of what had occurred in the previous books. I thought the author did a wonderful job with that...no info dumping.
I think the author does a really wonderful job in her character portrayal. Not just the main characters, but ALL of the characters in her books have great depth. It's so easy to think of them as being real people. I even wept when Ring's young wife died. Her death was not described in detail, but her funeral was, and it had me crying.
One character in this novel that I really loved was Tindr, the blind farm hand. I think he deserves his own book, because I didn't like that the novel ended with a happy ending, but we are left to wonder if Tindr will ever find a woman to love him despite his deafness. I really fell in love with this character.
Ceridwen was wonderful in this book as she was in all of the three previous books. I actually loved how the author described in fairly good detail the daily activities that went on in Ceridwen's household. It was obvious that the author has done extensive research of this period in history.
I really didn't want this book to end...that was how much I enjoyed it! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction.

[Paul Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

When last we saw her, Ceridwen’s wrist was at last encircled by the silver-disk bracelet fastened there at long last by Sidroc (The Claiming, Book 3). They had made their way to Gotland, a large island between today’s Sweden and Finland, and begun their life together. Adventures arise anew and some old conflicts linger before Ceridwen’s cycle can be returned to its center. Randolph ushers us through a museum of 9th Century living, itself with the challenges that await two young people, seasoned though they are, who are trying to establish a marriage, a family, and a secure household after the tremendous trials they have undergone. Add the spice of an evil betrayal, a flaming disaster, a joyful childbirth, the deaths of friends, and all in the foreground of fascinating accounts of how people provided food, shelter and clothing for themselves and those they loved back in those days, and you have the absolute best in historical fiction. The people are real, like you and me in their motives, desires and wants, if different in their lifestyle. At the end of this book, our heroine finds herself with “a sudden freeing within, as if I had been deeply understood by one from whom I had not thought to expect it.” Freeing is what this book is about. From threats. From long-held guilty feelings. And, as Tindr’s sign for Sparrow frees her from the Tyrsborg nest sheltering her, for the reader it’s a ‘freeing’ from this gripping story at the gentle hands of a master storyteller.

[Jayne Castel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic conclusion to the best series I've read in years. The Circle of Ceridwen Saga had it all - coming of age, adventure, romance, intrigue and survival.

The Hall of Tyr takes place on the Island of Gotland, where Ceridwen and Sidroc have made their home together. We follow their new life, and their deepening love in a richly drawn setting. However, their happiness is overshadowed by the past, and the people they left behind in Angle-land.

This novel adopts a slightly different narration style to the rest of the series. Ceridwen is our narrator throughout the books, except for some chapters in this one, where we return to Four Stones, and to the people Sidroc and Ceridwen have left behind. These chapters are told by Aelfwyn, who must deal with the grief of losing her husband and best friend. She must also face Godric - Ceridwen's jealous and controlling brother-in-law - who will see Ceridwen returned to Kilton at any cost.

I really enjoyed reading from Aelfwyn's point of view - and can envisage another series with her as the main character (hint, hint!).

A great series, and well worth getting lost in.

[Libby Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sublimely satifying.

881AD – Ceridwen awakes in the Hall up the hill from the trading town, and sees her red gown laying on the floor. So starts her new life on the island of Gotland, sheltering in the Baltic Sea. A perilous voyage has been survived and her future with Sidroc is newly formed.

This is perhaps the most completely satisfying book in the series so far. The building of a home, a life among strangers who become friends, a feeling of content and safety pervading the vivid and deftly woven descriptions of countryside, seasons and customs. We are lulled, as they are lulled, by the joy and energy of it all as Sidroc carves out a new style of making his way, whilst keeping a wary eye upon intrusion of the old.

Inevitably, the old does come upon them, unexpectedly and with violence, resulting in a gripping climax to the story. I am thankful that Book 5 will continue the Saga.

[Miss Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the fourth book in the Circle of Ceridwen.

While I pretty much enjoyed the first three, I have become a little bored with the idyllic life of Ceridwen and Sidroc. This book centers on the life they build on Gotland, the people they meet, and is filled with rich details of Scandinavian life in the Middle Ages. But not much happens. There is a climax where they're past comes back to haunt them, but it feels tacked on for dramatic effect.

Slight spoiler - I also feel like Ceridwen is a pretty lousy mother and friend - I know she loves Sidroc but I can't understand some of the choices she makes. It's supposed to be romantic but just comes off as selfish.

Anyway, I know the story will continue with one of the other characters, but I don't feel compelled at this point to continue reading.

[D.P. McHenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this entire saga and was thrilled to have a 4th book added to the trilogy. Ms. Randolph did not disappoint. The intricacies of relationships are well defined, and the relationships in Hall of Tyr are certainly more difficult in a time of personal unrest, grief and hardship. We all want the best for Ceridwen after the life she led, most times was forced to lead. The characters that surround her in this final book are ones who are good and kind, a respite and a reward for what she's endured. There are villains, to be sure, but we know our Ceridwen will persevere. She, and we, all get what we deserve in the end. Well done!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. The transition in the character's lives was done well. The extreme choices they made were justified not just to conveniently bring the couple together, but as serious choices. I even liked when the story slowed down and concentrated on the building of a new home and life. I was very happy that the event I knew had to happen came and went quickly, I was glad to have that issue resolved without ruining all they had worked for. Octavia Randolph did a great job painting the world in this remote trading village during this long forgotten time and I enjoyed getting to spend time there.

[Melissa McQuade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by these books of ancient societies. I found this series very interesting, the dynamics between the characters and how they kept changing from "good guy" to "bad guy" and who am I rooting for now. Ultimately you hope that the ones that are truly in love and belong together will wind up together forever.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Circle of Ceridwen

Octavia Randolph did a wonderful job tying up all the loose ends in the lives of Ceridwen and Sydric's lives. I recommend this series to young adults and adults who enjoy adventuresome tales!

[Lee Kibler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Hall of Th

Absolutely the best series in all 4 books. Sad to have it end
Wonderful History excellent writing. Will miss all the
Characters feel like lived with them!!
Will be hard to read another book.. every book was a learning experience!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please Octavia write more books for me to read!

[Jodie Holmquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I could not put these books down.. Well researched, well written and an engaging storyline. I highly recommend the series.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the four Circle of Ceridwen books I’ve read up to this point, The Hall of Tyr is my absolute favorite. It again focuses on what daily living was like without being boring, depicts religion in a new and interesting way, and gives insight into what’s happening back at Four Stones and Kilton.

I can’t gush enough about how much I love the anthropological tilt of this series. I have read a lot of historical fiction, but none bring as much verisimilitude to the setting as this novel does. Ceridwen and Sidroc are setting up house, which could have been so boring or glazed over, but instead it’s interesting and compelling. They are on the island of Gotland in Sweden, so they’re also learning about an entirely new culture, as you’d have to think that many people were doing back in the day with so much trading and raiding happening. They’re working together and being pragmatic to do simple things like get clothing, food, furnishings. Of course it’s a bit “everyone is so nice so it’s all working out,” but I didn’t mind after how much strife then went through to get somewhere safe.

A highlight of this novel is also how much the Norse religion plays a part. Sidroc and Ceridwen were both previously married to Christians, so they have played roles as dutiful believers for years to fit in with their families. Now, together they can go back to what they knew before. Sidroc is devout, and the respect and care he uses while practicing is inspiring. It’s also interesting to see Ceridwen come back to her religion that she knew as a girl, and to grow closer to Sidroc for it. I also really enjoyed the focus on luck spirits and house spirits.

The one thing I wish had been more prevalent in this installment is more of Ælfwyn’s perspective. I once again loved her and Ceridwen’s friendship, especially how they never think the worst about each other first. But I wish there was more about her side of the story. I also love that while Randolph is focusing on Ceridwen and Sidroc growing in their faith and showing it positively, she is equally positive about Christianity. Lots of historical fiction about this period will give characters “Christians are good, pagans are bad” or “pagans are good, Christians are bad” viewpoints that remain largely unchanged. Aelfwyn is a devout Christian, but she isn’t slamming the Norse beliefs. And Sidroc praises the “Christian epics.” The story as a whole has a great sense of balance and respect.

The fight at the end and fallout from it seem to be a bit glazed over, but I’m guessing there will be more repercussions for the killing in the next book (or really, the book after that since the next one focuses on Tindr). I am so excited to continue with this series that I really don’t want to read anything else. It has its flaws, but it’s just so fun and measured.

[Nat Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book! I'm glad to know that Randolph hasn't disappointed me throughout the saga, I can't find a single thing that I don't like about her writing. First of all, it was quite enjoyable reading from both Cerdiwen's and Ælfwyn's PoV's, but I was happy to find out that the story kept being more focused on what happened on Gotland rather than the events that surrounded life at Lindisse. Once again, I think the new characters are wonderful. I gained special affection for Tindr and Sparrow, they're both so tender and sweet. I admire Tindr's kindness just as I keep admiring that same quality in Ceridwen. Sidroc won my love back, and I really enjoyed reading the scenes in which he appeared. I liked the story, and was glad to immerse my imagination in the way Norse people lived. The last pages maintained me nervous; the ending was gripping, and I'm really looking forward to read the next book.

[Diana Frizell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series now finds its place amongst my favourites. So obviously well researched, providing insight and great detail with regards to every day life in the 9th century, particularly for that of the women.

The love story is beautiful and captivating, and while we could have more insight into Ceridwen’s thoughts, I also think it is perfectly written within the parameters of the author’s context. This is meant to be written by Ceridwen as a reflection on her life (I think) as it is signed by her at the end of each book, I think we are meant to believe that she recalls what she can and records it- almost like an autobiography (for her pieces of the story anyways). In that way, it makes sense to me that some of the deeper details of her thinking may be missing.

Such an excellent saga, I will continue to read!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so easy to read. They are well researched and I feel immersed in the culture. The story is fulfilling and just a lush, sweeping romantic tale that is never forced. This one was a little bit spicy but I never felt like it was a smut book. This is the story of two people kept apart for ten years who finally come together, so a few extra scenes were meaningful to their growth as a couple that had been denied for so long. The characters are respectful and the story believable. This includes the minor characters whom are also well drawn and add depths and richness to the world

[Ashley Trujillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become so emotionally invested in the characters. I liked the first two books a lot but I really loved the 3rd & 4th books. Probably because I love Sidroc and Ceridwen together. It definitely reminds me of Outlander (favorite series) but yet different. I LOVE the fantastic historical detail, I feel like I’ve been transported to the times and you can tell she did so much research. It made me want to visit Gotland, Sweden so much! This book was a little slower but I enjoyed it. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book about Tindr, since I love his character!

[Kassandra Kerns · Rating 5 out of 5]

many twists and turns

This book just gets better as you read! There are many twists and turns. Highly recommended! The only thing I can say is that at times the book gets slow, but there is good reason for this. Going in now to buy the next book in this long series. I love Octavia Randolph! If you have already read the previous books in this series, you will really enjoy this one. As readers we get unexpected as well as what we want. This is my favorite in the series thus far.