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The Druid Apprentice #1
Druid Forge
Found family... Slow-burn tension... And an underdog druid who refuses to stay down.I killed four people.
At least, that's what the jury decided.
The night my family's curse finally detonated, it took everything with it—college, medical school, any version of my life that made sense. What I got instead was eighteen months in prison and a felony record I can't outrun.
These days I pull espresso shots at a coffee shop next to a junkyard and train under Colin McCool—supposedly the most dangerous druid in Texas—trying to get a handle on the power that wrecked my life in the first place.
So I keep my head down. Stay quiet. Try to rebuild.
Then Agent Lucas Caruso walks in, and he already knows everything.
What I am, and what I did. He's not here to help me.
The problem is, whatever he's chasing is tangled up with my curse—and my bad luck has recently stopped feeling random and started feeling like a target on my back. Now, being invisible is no longer an option.
If I can't figure out how to control what's inside me, people will get hurt again. And this time I won't just lose my future.
I'll lose the fragile, patched-together one I've been trying to build...
Druid Forge is the first book in a new female-led Celtic urban fantasy series set in the bestselling Druidverse®—expect found family, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, fae politics, and an underdog heroine clawing her way toward redemption. Fans of Patricia Briggs, Shannon Mayer, Seanan McGuire, and Lindsay Buroker should feel right at home.
What Readers Are
"Loved it! This book is an excellent start to the continuation of the Druidverse. Enjoyed every minute of it and every character involved..." ~Cindy B. 5-Star Arc Reader Review
"I really liked it. The story was intriguing. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes." ~Tami C. 5-Star Arc Reader Review
"Overall good story... Definitely hooked." ~John F. 5-Star ARC Reader Review
"A new druid in the making... an entertaining new series." ~Bev C. 5-Star ARC Reader Review
"This tells me we have lots of sequels in the works. I'll buy and read them all, too." ~Spence H. 5-Star ARC Reader Review
"Druid Forge is a GREAT read... I'm flat sure the readers are gonna LOVE Fiadh. I already do!" ~Steven Barnett, professional voice actor and narrator
At least, that's what the jury decided.
The night my family's curse finally detonated, it took everything with it—college, medical school, any version of my life that made sense. What I got instead was eighteen months in prison and a felony record I can't outrun.
These days I pull espresso shots at a coffee shop next to a junkyard and train under Colin McCool—supposedly the most dangerous druid in Texas—trying to get a handle on the power that wrecked my life in the first place.
So I keep my head down. Stay quiet. Try to rebuild.
Then Agent Lucas Caruso walks in, and he already knows everything.
What I am, and what I did. He's not here to help me.
The problem is, whatever he's chasing is tangled up with my curse—and my bad luck has recently stopped feeling random and started feeling like a target on my back. Now, being invisible is no longer an option.
If I can't figure out how to control what's inside me, people will get hurt again. And this time I won't just lose my future.
I'll lose the fragile, patched-together one I've been trying to build...
Druid Forge is the first book in a new female-led Celtic urban fantasy series set in the bestselling Druidverse®—expect found family, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, fae politics, and an underdog heroine clawing her way toward redemption. Fans of Patricia Briggs, Shannon Mayer, Seanan McGuire, and Lindsay Buroker should feel right at home.
What Readers Are
"Loved it! This book is an excellent start to the continuation of the Druidverse. Enjoyed every minute of it and every character involved..." ~Cindy B. 5-Star Arc Reader Review
"I really liked it. The story was intriguing. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes." ~Tami C. 5-Star Arc Reader Review
"Overall good story... Definitely hooked." ~John F. 5-Star ARC Reader Review
"A new druid in the making... an entertaining new series." ~Bev C. 5-Star ARC Reader Review
"This tells me we have lots of sequels in the works. I'll buy and read them all, too." ~Spence H. 5-Star ARC Reader Review
"Druid Forge is a GREAT read... I'm flat sure the readers are gonna LOVE Fiadh. I already do!" ~Steven Barnett, professional voice actor and narrator
- GenresUrban Fantasy
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2026
About the author
M.D. Massey
69 books577 followersM.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.
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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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 2, 2026
After the end of the Colin McCool series he's now training fresh druids. l'm unclear on how much time has passed between the end of the former series (excellent reading by the way) and this one.
Fiadh Reilly has had a rough go of it. When her magic pops up she is about to be in a headlong collision. She is wrongfully convicted of vehicular manslaughter and serves in prison.
After her release Colin McCool takes her under his wing and begins her instruction. A setting the stage sort of story has a bit of humor, and some action. I got annoyed by Fiadh's self pity and low self esteem, but as the book goes on she seems to be on the way to moving past it.
Fiadh Reilly has had a rough go of it. When her magic pops up she is about to be in a headlong collision. She is wrongfully convicted of vehicular manslaughter and serves in prison.
After her release Colin McCool takes her under his wing and begins her instruction. A setting the stage sort of story has a bit of humor, and some action. I got annoyed by Fiadh's self pity and low self esteem, but as the book goes on she seems to be on the way to moving past it.
March 27, 2026
The supernatural world isn’t ready for Fiadh. Fiadh may have understandable issues around her powers, but what she lacks in control and knowledge, she makes up for with ingenuity, imagination and sneakiness. While Colin provides training (and some perspective on the suckiness of curses), its Maureen who provides the most magical support to Fiadh.
May 19, 2026
great heroine loved her - didn’t like Colin
Colin is not a good teacher - they don’t care that she is a destitute and has hit rock bottom. He needs to show a lot more care and compassion to raise her up instead of tear her down.
Granted what happened was terrible but she is literally breaking and needs help.
I loved her as a character and she is a great person - I hope somehow she can be the healer she wanted to be and also somehow make peace and amends with what happened .
I still don’t understand what exactly happened on that road…
Anya loved the heroine but I would have joined Lucas because he cares about her and Colin doesn’t
Colin is not a good teacher - they don’t care that she is a destitute and has hit rock bottom. He needs to show a lot more care and compassion to raise her up instead of tear her down.
Granted what happened was terrible but she is literally breaking and needs help.
I loved her as a character and she is a great person - I hope somehow she can be the healer she wanted to be and also somehow make peace and amends with what happened .
I still don’t understand what exactly happened on that road…
Anya loved the heroine but I would have joined Lucas because he cares about her and Colin doesn’t
June 9, 2026
Colin's new apprentice Fiadh is fresh out of prison and in need of help
Fiadh is a trouble magnet in need of druid teaching just to survive. The rest of Colin's crew have been a bit standoff but that changes over the course of the book. Lots of magical action and some ass kicking too! Hope to enjoy more revelations in future books. Is Lucas a good guy or just trying to recruit Fiadh? Could the woman in that elevator have been Queen Maeve getting a closer look at Fiadh?
Fiadh is a trouble magnet in need of druid teaching just to survive. The rest of Colin's crew have been a bit standoff but that changes over the course of the book. Lots of magical action and some ass kicking too! Hope to enjoy more revelations in future books. Is Lucas a good guy or just trying to recruit Fiadh? Could the woman in that elevator have been Queen Maeve getting a closer look at Fiadh?
August 18, 2026
Just a Great story
Colin needs to reconstitute the Druids and this is one of his apprentices. One of our new druids to be is Fiadh, a young girl with a past that catches Colins eye. She is feisty and tough, and ends up getting into trouble because of her past.
Great back story and character development. Massey always delivers. Was not sure that I would like a story that was not focused on Colin, but that feeling was gone after the first chapter.
Colin needs to reconstitute the Druids and this is one of his apprentices. One of our new druids to be is Fiadh, a young girl with a past that catches Colins eye. She is feisty and tough, and ends up getting into trouble because of her past.
Great back story and character development. Massey always delivers. Was not sure that I would like a story that was not focused on Colin, but that feeling was gone after the first chapter.
September 12, 2026
love this heroine
Fiahd is trying to cope with her past. Trying to make up for her accidental loss of her control of magic which resulted in several deaths, she is trying to learn to control her magic while being pursued by a curse. She has exceptional character and an awkward charm. This is a story of redemption.
I enjoy reading Mr Massey’s books, but I especially love this one because of the female lead character.
Don’t miss the audio, the narrator is amazing 🤩
Fiahd is trying to cope with her past. Trying to make up for her accidental loss of her control of magic which resulted in several deaths, she is trying to learn to control her magic while being pursued by a curse. She has exceptional character and an awkward charm. This is a story of redemption.
I enjoy reading Mr Massey’s books, but I especially love this one because of the female lead character.
Don’t miss the audio, the narrator is amazing 🤩
March 28, 2026
A new protege for Colin
A new entry in the Druid line. A young woman with a Druid heritage is a trainee to Colin. A disaster in her past, hard jail time on her record, she comes to the extended McCool family. Stalked by a murderous witch and her familiar can our novice apprentice survive. Another great entry into the Druid world by MD MASSEY
A new entry in the Druid line. A young woman with a Druid heritage is a trainee to Colin. A disaster in her past, hard jail time on her record, she comes to the extended McCool family. Stalked by a murderous witch and her familiar can our novice apprentice survive. Another great entry into the Druid world by MD MASSEY
March 30, 2026
Excited..
So thrilled there is a new character at the junkyard. Looks like evil is coming towards the Druids again and someone new needs to learn how to flex her powers. Makes one wonder how far the OTHERS will go to force her to abandon the Druids and mccool...time for new-ole fantasy characters and Goddess Gods to rear their good and evil selves CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
So thrilled there is a new character at the junkyard. Looks like evil is coming towards the Druids again and someone new needs to learn how to flex her powers. Makes one wonder how far the OTHERS will go to force her to abandon the Druids and mccool...time for new-ole fantasy characters and Goddess Gods to rear their good and evil selves CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
April 7, 2026
great new series and characters
I really enjoyed meeting the justice maiden and learning her back story. I’m also incredibly curious how Mendoza became the director and how Colin got these appreciatices without them being attacked. Lots of interesting back story and plot threads to explore!
I really enjoyed meeting the justice maiden and learning her back story. I’m also incredibly curious how Mendoza became the director and how Colin got these appreciatices without them being attacked. Lots of interesting back story and plot threads to explore!
April 10, 2026
Small spoiler alert
Spoiler alert. I liked the book. And I’m a fan of the Druid verse. But she was just thrown to the wolves with little to no training or sense of being. I find it hard to believe that she gets weekly training, but does respect the power of Queen Maeve. Otherwise, looking forward to the series.
Spoiler alert. I liked the book. And I’m a fan of the Druid verse. But she was just thrown to the wolves with little to no training or sense of being. I find it hard to believe that she gets weekly training, but does respect the power of Queen Maeve. Otherwise, looking forward to the series.
May 8, 2026
Druid Apprentice?
Much like Harry Dresden, Colin McCool has become so powerful that he no longer experiences the day to day problems of the average person. So it is good to once again read about a druid who is just starting out.
Hell she even has to ride the bus from place to place. For god sake Colin give her a used car to drive.😜
Much like Harry Dresden, Colin McCool has become so powerful that he no longer experiences the day to day problems of the average person. So it is good to once again read about a druid who is just starting out.
Hell she even has to ride the bus from place to place. For god sake Colin give her a used car to drive.😜
June 22, 2026
This will be fun
Yet more reasons for respecting the Druids... I plan to stay tuned.
I really appreciate the guidance on Gaelic pronunciation. It's been a long time since I heard Grandma tell me how the Irish waitress warned Daniel O'Connell (in Gaelic) about the cold salt in his soup. The Englishman swelled up and burst.
Yet more reasons for respecting the Druids... I plan to stay tuned.
I really appreciate the guidance on Gaelic pronunciation. It's been a long time since I heard Grandma tell me how the Irish waitress warned Daniel O'Connell (in Gaelic) about the cold salt in his soup. The Englishman swelled up and burst.
October 17, 2026
Juvenile
DNF 24%
This book reads very YA, which is fine if that’s what you want to read, but that’s not what I’m looking for.
The language is very Gen Z teenager. Just not my cup of tea.
DNF 24%
This book reads very YA, which is fine if that’s what you want to read, but that’s not what I’m looking for.
The language is very Gen Z teenager. Just not my cup of tea.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The next direction of the Druidverse does not disappoint! Enjoyed every minute of it. New characters and our old friends blend beautifully - cannot wait for the next one!
April 5, 2026
a new generation
Colin with apprentices. With every group, there will be one to vex and test you, and Colin has that for sure. A great way to continue life in the Druidverse.
Colin with apprentices. With every group, there will be one to vex and test you, and Colin has that for sure. A great way to continue life in the Druidverse.
April 23, 2026
Excellent read - a great addition to The 'Druidverse' introduced by the Junkyard Druid Series
April 29, 2026
Brilliant!
What a wonderful start to the new series.
Colin becoming the Master Druid.
Taking in students to continue the Druid faith.
Absolutely stonking good book.
What a wonderful start to the new series.
Colin becoming the Master Druid.
Taking in students to continue the Druid faith.
Absolutely stonking good book.
May 3, 2026
Great start
Great start for what gonna be be saga. Looking forward to the next book! I absolutely recommend reading . .
Great start for what gonna be be saga. Looking forward to the next book! I absolutely recommend reading . .
May 11, 2026
Female McCool
Great story. Fun side story fills in as alternate grow arc for McCool. Female version of McCool growing up. Nevertheless very entertaining!
Great story. Fun side story fills in as alternate grow arc for McCool. Female version of McCool growing up. Nevertheless very entertaining!
May 12, 2026
Good story, not my favorite druid book but well worth the time
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews