Treasure: Book Twelve of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga

by Octavia Randolph

Treasure sought. Treasure surrendered. Treasure passionately guarded.

Hrald, Jarl of Four Stones, has forfeited the golden treasure of his wife, Pega, the richest heiress in Mercia. The shrewd and powerful Lady Æthelflaed, daughter of Ælfred, King of Wessex, knows just what to do with that gold, and with the young woman to whom it belongs. She moves with swift decision. Hrald must undertake a startling penance for the harm he has caused. The one reward at the end will be his right to again wed Dagmar, the daughter of the late King of the Danes in Angle-land. If he survives.

At Kilton, Lord Edwin is brought an urgent message, with an offer he has little choice but to accept. Its royal sender will soon follow and demand an answer. Edwin's older brother Ceric, and his wife, the Welsh Princess Dwynwen, are constant reminder to Edwin of a happiness he fears beyond him. A threat to Kilton reminds all of the fragility of peace.

Far from their Gotland base, the traders Runulv and Eskil, armed with goods and silver from Sidroc the Dane, seek treasure in Miklagårdr, known to the Byzantines as Constantinople. Silk and spice were their goal. Now they must strive to hold on to the treasure they have paid dearly to win.

Come find your Treasure...

540 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

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

[Judith Boxer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of the twelfth Saga book by Octavia Randolph is an incredible way of showing anyone who has the pleasure of reading it both the depth and scope of what Treasure can mean. Treasure comes in many forms and guises; from the riches that come from trading and the journeys taken to acquire it. The characters in the book, who have become so dear to me, are also treasured even if life can change in the blink of an eye. New characters can arrive, relationships can endure or be torn asunder, as anyone who read Book Eleven or all the previous books understands only too well.

As the journey in Treasure takes us in a circle of life for the characters in the Saga world, from the island of Gotland, to Wessex, Mercia, and beyond, I felt such a range of emotions and awe. As each character created by this author, often has such change in circumstances or in their emotional, physical and spiritual development, I feel privileged to be travelling in what feels such a real journey with them. There can be no spoilers, so just read this wonderful book and you will not be disappointed.

Octavia Randolph is an author who connects so much and in so many ways with existing Circle of Ceridwen Saga readers, so this is your chance, as a new reader to become part of this world which is as real as it is fictional. Go to Octavia.net to find out more about all the novels, resources and every aspect of these times. At the end of Treasure there is a Notes section and a glossary of terms which are invaluable, as are the List of Characters and maps.

Delight and be enthralled by Treasure and the continuing magic of Octavia Randolph’s imagination and word weaving about life in 9th Century Anglo-Saxon and Viking times and so much further in this expanding world. As always I eagerly await the next Saga novel but never get tired of rereading all the Saga novels, which I have done many times and I do not do this in the same way with any other author.

[Elizabeth A. Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series! I wish there had been more in the book about Cerwidan and Sidroc. They didn’t come in until the latter half of the book. I really liked the chapters about the group that was trading in Constantinople, very interesting.

[Jessica Mathes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the first 3/4 of the book. The last quarter I did not care for.

I feel so bad for Pega. I was never a huge fan of Dagmar, but she seems to have changed after all she has gone through. For whatever reason Hrald has always loved her, so I’m glad things worked out. It’s pretty sad about his daughter.

Interesting that Pega ends up with Edwin! Edwin isn’t my fave but hopefully Pega will be good for him!

I’m so curious to read more about Ceric and Dwynwen. I do wonder if they will ever have children of their own, especially in light of Ceric’s fears about her.

I felt that Mealla was so bitter in this book! I see why she didn’t want to stay at Four Stones. I’m glad Kjeld was able to find someone else.

When the book turned back to Runnulv and Eskil I honestly just skipped past all of it. I was disappointed with all the chapters on them in the last book. I just don’t care about them or their travel. I care about Ceridwen and Sidroc and the members of their family.

So this time I skipped it all and just read the ending with Hrald and his father fishing,

I hope the next book fully focuses on Ceridwen and Sidroc and their children!

[Brenda Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure, love and obstacles overcome

Both Herald and Pega overcome their broken marriage to start again but both seem in danger of failure. The trading voyage of Runulv and Eskil seems too risky to undertake yet they get to Constantinople with all but three of their original crew. Of Sidroc and Ceridian there was too little new action as they are now a settled, middle aged married couple. But still felt like a nice visit with dear friends.

[Tonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a little generous with the stars… middle was great- the happenings at four stones and Kilton, hralds penance, his interactions and treatment of Bork. and now we wait.

[Brooke Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating this 4 stars because I couldn’t put the first 2/3 of the book down or read the pages fast enough. It completely engulfed me. I would have been happy to continue reading simply back and forth between Four Stones and Kilton, but instead we are whiplashed into a trading voyage yet again for the remaining 1/3 of the book, and it truly makes no sense. If Randolph wrote it just so that her title would make more sense — I would beg to differ! The title Treasure works perfectly with how much significance the treasure room is to the newly married couples in this book, along with the treasure Pega repossesses and transfers to Edwin. We could have easily stayed with their plot lines the remainder of the book and it would have been a 5 star book, totally encompassing and the title makes perfect sense. The trading at the end just felt like the weirdest jolt of side plot that somehow the reader is supposed to care about when they know barely anything about these characters (and quite honestly if they all died on the journey, I truly wouldn’t have cared… that’s how removed from the story it feels). I’m being generous with my stars (as I’ve seen other readers say the same) since the majority of the book was so fun. But that ending… we have to stop going on these random trading journeys for 100 pages… I can do a chapter or two, but man. That was a doozy.

[Libby Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page, every plot & character twist. Circles open & close, echoing the links in the spectacular jewellery and richly ornamented artifacts from the time. We encounter an entirely new scenario and geography, seeing the wonders of Constantinople/Miklagårdr through the eyes of the travelling traders who have finally arrived after an epic journey. They are immersed in this Aladdin’s cave, a culture quite unlike their own where care must be taken to obey unfamiliar rules. They hope for a safe journey home, with stories to tell.

Meanwhile, in Gotland and in Angle-land, life continues for those characters we have treasured throughout the Saga series. Events may surprise, delight or concern, there is plenty happening to move the story forward. That is the genius of Octavia Randolph’s writing. As she grows the Circle in ever-widening ripples, the future can be debated whilst readers await Book Thirteen. Every stone can skip a new path.

[Renny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is among my favorite books in the series. I thought the shifts in focus from one character group to another smoothly done and much more balanced in scope than in the last book - I was engaged throughout. Randolph’s meticulous research and writing skill bring the past alive. While awaiting the next book, I will certainly be seeking more information about 9th century Constantinople, which sounded absolutely fascinating.

I love it when historical reads have me Googling unfamiliar terms or practices … the additional knowledge enhances the experience for me, and I am continually astounded by how many things I thought might have come from the author’s imagination are in fact factual.

I have blazed through this series and happily await any new stories the author chooses to publish in the future.

[Debbie Ditanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book of the series and I find it amazing how from the first sentence you are drawn into that world again. Octavia Randolph is a wonder how she is so detailed you feel like you are transported to 9th Century Great Britain or Scandinavia. There is a part of the book where they travel to what today is called Turkey and honestly I felt like I was there. I love the characters and I love this story, I am so invested, If you like historical fiction these books were written for you. I can't wait for book 13. As long as Octavia keeps writing them, I will keep reading them!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure is surely one of my favorites!

I was taken once again on an amazing adventure! Octavia has a way of putting us in the book. Walking in the woods feeling nature call us to all our senses, sounds, animals both small and large. Inviting us to continue enjoying her story and families we love. I feel like I'm watching a movie through her details feeling beauty at its best. What a beautiful trip and reminders what our treasures in life are. Well done!

[Grandma Misi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure, Book 12, is the whipped cream on the pie, the meatball on the spaghetti,and so much more. Not to make lightly of such an excellently researched historical gem but most of us have read 1-11 and now 12. The story continues and we fall in love with characters again. We delve deeper into those characters - their inner workings, desires and pain. Octavia Randolph says the story is not ended here but yet we finish with such a sense of satisfaction! Read this one! You will love it!

[Donna Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story Well Told

The continuing story of Ceridwen and Sidroc did not disappoint. I was so invested in the struggles of Runulf and crew as they faced challenges on their way to Kyiv and Constantinople. As always, cultural and historical references were fascinating and enlightening.

Now, we wait for the next one!

[Kay-Cee Cruzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a Treasure

As always, Octavia Randolph's beautiful descriptions of people and places bring them so alive in your imagination! The historical settings bring you face to face with such varied cultures! Following the saga of Ceridian and the loving characters of her world is an absolute Treasure!

[Delphine Twine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with Octavia's books I found 'Treasure' well reasurched with lots of very interesting information of the period. I found how the ships were dismembered and taken across the snow and land very interesting as was the sights and sounds of the different people and places that were travelled through to reach Milagardr.
I can't wait for the next book and adventure from Octavia!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

Can’t wait for the next book!!!!
This is my favorite series of all time
Please keep on writing, it’s terrific

[Kathy Jerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read
Octavia Randolph has once again crafted a story so interesting and true to what life may have been. Hard to put down.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

I love this series and of course its author. Can't wait for more of this exciting saga from Octavia Randolph

[Teresa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 12

I cannot get enough of this wonderful saga.
I loved this book, at times it was as if i was there experiencing the story ❤️❤️❤️

[Jeanne Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Octavia.

[dana k. kinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure

Amazingly good book! I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have all of the books in this saga. Excellently written! Can't wait for the next book! Thank you, Octavia Randolph.

[Terry Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting, never tiring

I have loved every book in this series an
d I'm so disappointed there's not another one out there ready to read period really really good reading

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this saga!

[Molly Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A never ending story ….thank you

A thoroughly enjoyable read as always. Please hurry with the next episode. Istanbul came to life for me . Magical