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Book Five of the Circle of Ceridwen SagaThe Lady of the Forest, Freyja, the Goddess of all woodland beasts, appears here on Midgard as a white hind. So great is her love for her deer that she herself comes in their guise. None has ever seen her; but if she permitted man but a glance, that is what they would see...Tindr is handsome, kind, and the best hunter on 9th century Gotland. He possesses a deep empathy with animals, which powers his reverence towards the game he takes to survive. But he is also deaf, which closes him off from the society that surrounds him - and seemingly, from finding love.
Devoted parents and friends can’t protect young Tindr from the bully who taunts him, from jealousy that turns murderous, or from the threat of surrender to the allure of the Lady of the Forest, who might destroy him.
Tindr’s haven is the greenwood. It is home not only to the rabbits he snares, and the stags and boar he takes with bow and arrow, but to a rare creature of unusual beauty, a source of deepening fascination and wonder in Tindr’s life.
His silent world alters dramatically at the arrival of two strangers on the island - the Welsh-Saxon Ceridwen, and the Danish warrior Sidroc. He finds a new and fulfilling life with them at Tyrsborg. But will he ever find a woman to love him?
Tindr tells the story of this strange and haunting young hunter, living amidst a landscape of wild, wind-swept island beauty.
Tindr’s magic woods await you...
Devoted parents and friends can’t protect young Tindr from the bully who taunts him, from jealousy that turns murderous, or from the threat of surrender to the allure of the Lady of the Forest, who might destroy him.
Tindr’s haven is the greenwood. It is home not only to the rabbits he snares, and the stags and boar he takes with bow and arrow, but to a rare creature of unusual beauty, a source of deepening fascination and wonder in Tindr’s life.
His silent world alters dramatically at the arrival of two strangers on the island - the Welsh-Saxon Ceridwen, and the Danish warrior Sidroc. He finds a new and fulfilling life with them at Tyrsborg. But will he ever find a woman to love him?
Tindr tells the story of this strange and haunting young hunter, living amidst a landscape of wild, wind-swept island beauty.
Tindr’s magic woods await you...
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2016
497 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Randolph
24 books595 followersI 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 14, 2016
Tindr is the fifth installment in The Circle of Ceridwen’s Sagas and it is BRILLIANT!
Tinder, however, begins with a bit of a surprise for the reader. Randolph begins by introducing us to the story of Tindr’s parents, Dagr and Rannveig. They have a story well worth ‘the telling’! This is just one of many twists and turns in the path that lead us to the man, we know as Tindr. Randolph gives Tindr the voice we have been unable to hear. We follow him, in an almost hypnotic prose, through the fever that takes away the hearing and social skills of this chosen child, to the man he yearns to be. We experience his frustration and inability to cope in the world he lives in and we learn that there is something truly magical about him. We are with him when he meets Ceridwen and Sidroc. The saga continues but I do not want to spoil the story. It is an incredible story that, when finished, will leave you sitting there with your book in your lap, and the most incredible smile in your heart! Trust me!
Randolph’s mastery in all aspects of this era makes Tindr a ‘must read’ for anyone interested in Anglo-Saxon/Viking History. Tindr is a truly absorbing, beautifully imagined, and thoroughly researched project. Randolph has lived in Gotland and supplies the reader with imagery rarely experienced. She also has an amazing website that is worth bookmarking. She also responds to emails!!!
Tinder, however, begins with a bit of a surprise for the reader. Randolph begins by introducing us to the story of Tindr’s parents, Dagr and Rannveig. They have a story well worth ‘the telling’! This is just one of many twists and turns in the path that lead us to the man, we know as Tindr. Randolph gives Tindr the voice we have been unable to hear. We follow him, in an almost hypnotic prose, through the fever that takes away the hearing and social skills of this chosen child, to the man he yearns to be. We experience his frustration and inability to cope in the world he lives in and we learn that there is something truly magical about him. We are with him when he meets Ceridwen and Sidroc. The saga continues but I do not want to spoil the story. It is an incredible story that, when finished, will leave you sitting there with your book in your lap, and the most incredible smile in your heart! Trust me!
Randolph’s mastery in all aspects of this era makes Tindr a ‘must read’ for anyone interested in Anglo-Saxon/Viking History. Tindr is a truly absorbing, beautifully imagined, and thoroughly researched project. Randolph has lived in Gotland and supplies the reader with imagery rarely experienced. She also has an amazing website that is worth bookmarking. She also responds to emails!!!
December 10, 2020
Another excellent addition to the series. My copy of the sixth one, Silver Hammer, Golden Cross should arrive Wednesday. I can hardly wait to continue on the journey that Octavia Randolph has created. 5+ stars!
October 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this series and this is the fifth book. I hated to rate it 2 stars but 3 stars is "I liked it" and I just didn't. Nothing bad, it was just totally boring to me. I was excited when I saw the title as Tindr is a favorite character, but except for a small portion toward the end it was just more detail than I was interested in at this point about general life in this village. I'm glad Tindr got he HEA so that was worth reading it for. I've learned a lot about life in the 9th century in a part of the world I am not familiar with, so the entire series was worth reading. I won't soon forget Cerdiwen and Sidroc and Tindr either.
May 20, 2022
beyond enjoyable
I was so sorry when this book ended, it is my favorite of the series. I wanted it to go on and on. I have read all the books in the series and am so glad Tinder’s story continues . Ms Randolph has a style of writing that makes you feel as if you are watching a movie . I enjoyed “The Last Kingdom,Vikings and Vikings Valhalla “and in reading this novel felt like I was watching it on my TV. She is a fantastic storyteller and engages you in her characters. I eagerly await the the next book in June. Thank you for this series and you can keep writing about the present and next generations forever.
I was so sorry when this book ended, it is my favorite of the series. I wanted it to go on and on. I have read all the books in the series and am so glad Tinder’s story continues . Ms Randolph has a style of writing that makes you feel as if you are watching a movie . I enjoyed “The Last Kingdom,Vikings and Vikings Valhalla “and in reading this novel felt like I was watching it on my TV. She is a fantastic storyteller and engages you in her characters. I eagerly await the the next book in June. Thank you for this series and you can keep writing about the present and next generations forever.
May 19, 2022
Another great volume in this series. Love that we have a MC that is deaf and how this is handled throughout. I wish more authors would take on characters with disabilities if it's done in a realistic and respectful way.
April 5, 2016
Tindr-book 5 of the wonderful stories of Ceridwen and Sidroc
We came to know and love the young Tindr in book 4, The Hall of Tyr, of the series. He is a strange yet clever and sharp-witted young man. Handsome on the outside and beautiful on the inside. Everyone likes him, but nobody outside the immediate family and Ceridwen and Sidroc, understand him and truly know what goes on inside his young mind.
Ms. Randolph takes us a complex journey starting with the courtship and marriage of his parents, Dagr and Rannveig. We are not introduced to Tindr's older sisters, as we come to learn they died of the fever that took his hearing and voice. But their loss is felt throughout the rest of the book. Tindr's relationship with the animals of the forest is superbly manifested through his skills with the bow; in fact, early on in his hunting career, he meets the Lady of the Forrest, first in the form of the White Hind; later when he is a bit older, he meets Her in another form. Eventually, Tindr does get all his heart desires, because he stayed true to the Lady.
It was a joy to be reunited with Ceridwen, Sidroc, Hrald, Ceric, and others from both Kilton and Four Stones. Ms. Randolph assures me there will be a sixth book, and I wait patiently (yea, right!) for it. It has been a long time since I have been excited about a book, but these books take me to a time that is so lost to history, everything is new and she writes with such knowledge, I wonder if she didn't just have a time machine. Now, if only the names of the characters were a bit easier to spell.
Of course, there is a lot more to the book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Please get your copy and devour it as I did mine. However, I did read it too fast; now I have to re-read it so I can savour it a bit better.
Thanks, Me. Randolph.
We came to know and love the young Tindr in book 4, The Hall of Tyr, of the series. He is a strange yet clever and sharp-witted young man. Handsome on the outside and beautiful on the inside. Everyone likes him, but nobody outside the immediate family and Ceridwen and Sidroc, understand him and truly know what goes on inside his young mind.
Ms. Randolph takes us a complex journey starting with the courtship and marriage of his parents, Dagr and Rannveig. We are not introduced to Tindr's older sisters, as we come to learn they died of the fever that took his hearing and voice. But their loss is felt throughout the rest of the book. Tindr's relationship with the animals of the forest is superbly manifested through his skills with the bow; in fact, early on in his hunting career, he meets the Lady of the Forrest, first in the form of the White Hind; later when he is a bit older, he meets Her in another form. Eventually, Tindr does get all his heart desires, because he stayed true to the Lady.
It was a joy to be reunited with Ceridwen, Sidroc, Hrald, Ceric, and others from both Kilton and Four Stones. Ms. Randolph assures me there will be a sixth book, and I wait patiently (yea, right!) for it. It has been a long time since I have been excited about a book, but these books take me to a time that is so lost to history, everything is new and she writes with such knowledge, I wonder if she didn't just have a time machine. Now, if only the names of the characters were a bit easier to spell.
Of course, there is a lot more to the book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Please get your copy and devour it as I did mine. However, I did read it too fast; now I have to re-read it so I can savour it a bit better.
Thanks, Me. Randolph.
June 16, 2016
Tindr, Book 5 of the Circle of Ceridwen Saga, does not disappoint.
Octavia Randolph has written a beautiful and fitting fifth book of her series, focusing on a character we met in Book 4, Tindr. One does not need to have read her previous works to enjoy this book, it is certainly a stand-alone work, but the pleasure derived from knowing these characters before they appear on the page is great. I highly recommend the entire series, in order, for an epic journey to a long ago time in a far away place.
Tindr is deaf – no spoiler here; you can read that on the back cover. We know much of him from Book 4, but the beauty of this book is learning his back-story. Randolph has imagined (or researched, but I’m not sure how much information is available on how the deaf communicated in the 9th century) how a boy whose hearing is lost while he is still young learns to make himself understood, and how a loss of a sense has heightened his capabilities in other ways. He is a gifted and intuitive hunter, a natural with animals and bees, and he has a good heart. His story is a special and magical one, and one in which Randolph’s research shines. The history of the place, the Norse gods and goddesses, the topography is all beautifully described. The language Randolph uses is enough to make one feel they are immersed in the time, but not so much as to be difficult to read or understand. And she provides a glossary of terms with which to refresh one’s memory.
But the real beauty of this book is how Randolph weaves the story of Tindr into the narrative of Ceridwen, and makes both the saga’s heroine and our hero shine. Another triumph for Octavia Randolph.
Octavia Randolph has written a beautiful and fitting fifth book of her series, focusing on a character we met in Book 4, Tindr. One does not need to have read her previous works to enjoy this book, it is certainly a stand-alone work, but the pleasure derived from knowing these characters before they appear on the page is great. I highly recommend the entire series, in order, for an epic journey to a long ago time in a far away place.
Tindr is deaf – no spoiler here; you can read that on the back cover. We know much of him from Book 4, but the beauty of this book is learning his back-story. Randolph has imagined (or researched, but I’m not sure how much information is available on how the deaf communicated in the 9th century) how a boy whose hearing is lost while he is still young learns to make himself understood, and how a loss of a sense has heightened his capabilities in other ways. He is a gifted and intuitive hunter, a natural with animals and bees, and he has a good heart. His story is a special and magical one, and one in which Randolph’s research shines. The history of the place, the Norse gods and goddesses, the topography is all beautifully described. The language Randolph uses is enough to make one feel they are immersed in the time, but not so much as to be difficult to read or understand. And she provides a glossary of terms with which to refresh one’s memory.
But the real beauty of this book is how Randolph weaves the story of Tindr into the narrative of Ceridwen, and makes both the saga’s heroine and our hero shine. Another triumph for Octavia Randolph.
May 20, 2017
Circle of Ceridwen saga,book five: Tindr
What I have enjoyed most about Tindr, book five of the Circle of Ceridwen saga, is the fact that we as readers can begin to trust our own natural physical responses to everything around us, as every interaction and scene of Gotland is detailed as to what Tindr perceives as non-verbal communication with all that surrounds him. These natural responses are the order that we have come to ignore, suppress, and deny through a dictatorship social-governing system.
If you love the naturalists of our worlds, you will certainly admire the "deaf but not dumb" creation of the character Tindr. His character is significant to the saga of Ceridwen because we get to view someone cared for and directed by the Lady of the Forest Freyja, the Goddess of all woodland beasts, throughout most of his life, another extension of the uncorrupted or the remembered ancient respect of the animal gods who gave themselves as food and the hunting skills to do the taking correctly. There is definitely a right and wrong way to respond to the natural order and Tindr has these old teachings from his Uncle. Tindr appears as the consciousness that holds all else in balance among his village.
Not only that, but the creation of this special village called Gotland, the pagan village with community justice and self-sufficiently at the core of its development honouring but one Old God of their ancient memories, is a collective-intentional-community. The reader gets a tour of this community with a naturally assigned order of community members with Tyndr as the guide of the past and present. First though, we rightly learn of Tindr's mother and father's families and how they came to be life-mates: who dared to be themselves with no romantic pretenses in the early stages of their relationship. Their ancient value systems matched perfectly as soulmates and were true to themselves: all the makings of a wonderful life together bringing the other balanced half to the other through mutual respect and trust. You know, the way we dream our relationships to really be!
Book five or Circle of Ceridwen saga is nearly a how-to book on relationships of an intentional-collective community. Self-designed by the way, not dictated. It is a dream I believe is possible. Also, I can deeply relate to the character of Tindr on so many levels but not created in the same manners and not because of deafness. A dictating order can render children speechless (mutes). Dictators create deep fear of punishment in their subjects, a challenge to restore the damage but definitely not impossible. Nature is the healing aspect of restoring damaged goods. Nature teaches us the essentials of real life being first true to itself. We can trust this process.
What I respect most about Tyndr is that he learns that he can take life's cruel hurts and not become hateful and a liar. His daily family and community life is the same as Nature, having even chaos, but the love from one is love for the other. Tyndr has the greatest teacher he could possible be in his Uncle who teaches him the right and spiritual way to hunt the forest four-leggeds and winged beings: Indigenous Knowledge passed from one generation to the next, the original instructions for human beings to live by and thrive. The character Tindr emerges as one of balance of the male-female human traits, following his heart in decisions, and decides to be a person he can trust. He is most comfortable in his skin and lacks nothing as an upright human being in the eyes of almost everyone.
I found myself analyzing the community values and weighing their strengths and weaknesses and whether or not I agree. I got to decide for myself if a highly functioning intention community really can develop. I compare the village of Gotland to that of Four Stones that our Lady Aelfwyn developed by choice, and what is deemed necessary to protect one's community from the invading ways of outsiders. Only fine literature is able to bring this challenge forth to the reader, providing the first-hand ancient knowledge that still lives in our world today.
Tindr, book five is definitely one that should be slowly read to give it proper (justifiable) analysis, which allows our royal dreams to emerge like Gotland and make them our reality. Book 5 has a lot of yin-yang energy in its chapters, like the sea pushing and pulling at the shoreline, like rowing a seafaring canoe on a stormy ocean, or winding yourself through each thread of the rainbow spectrum. Book five is a very long segment of the saga of the characters that we are familiar with as fate continues to have its way in everyone's lives.
There's some traumatic scenes in Tindr that may make you cinch-up your gut. I suggest not judging it and instead allow it to flow as is meant; just breathe. There is a natural order to all life, which is our ancient memory from our beginning. When we've come full-circle in life as did Ceridwen, we too become a saga, joining the Circle of Goddesses in the eternal - uncivilized - and - uncorrupted-meadow.
Chapter 21 the Golden Cross has a transition flaw that is confusing and throws me a little of course with the chain of events. The reader has just read about the arrival of Sydroc and Ceridwen to the isle of Gotland (as surprise visitors)in the previous chapter and their household establishment in this village. This chapter 21 begins with the Mistress of Tyrsborg, Ceridwen with her two sons, Hrald and Ceric present, has her healing husband Sidroc who had been wounded in the thigh fighting off Godwin of Kilton, the boys Uncle, and has two small children she has birthed with Sydroc. Something is amiss: either I or the author have over-looked something.
The two boys from Kilton decide to stay on with Sydroc and Ceridwen and the time is used most wisely learning everything this old and great pagan-warrior has to offer about war-survival but also how to train the hawks, and to hunt as they follow Tyndr a true friend of the forest, to return greater men to their homelands when the year ends. These two young men take in full length this uncompromising pagan community of sisterhood and brotherhood, even unintentionally bonding with what made them so intentional and certain. And that is the irony of fate in action!
Sarah NightBear
Friday 19 May 2017
What I have enjoyed most about Tindr, book five of the Circle of Ceridwen saga, is the fact that we as readers can begin to trust our own natural physical responses to everything around us, as every interaction and scene of Gotland is detailed as to what Tindr perceives as non-verbal communication with all that surrounds him. These natural responses are the order that we have come to ignore, suppress, and deny through a dictatorship social-governing system.
If you love the naturalists of our worlds, you will certainly admire the "deaf but not dumb" creation of the character Tindr. His character is significant to the saga of Ceridwen because we get to view someone cared for and directed by the Lady of the Forest Freyja, the Goddess of all woodland beasts, throughout most of his life, another extension of the uncorrupted or the remembered ancient respect of the animal gods who gave themselves as food and the hunting skills to do the taking correctly. There is definitely a right and wrong way to respond to the natural order and Tindr has these old teachings from his Uncle. Tindr appears as the consciousness that holds all else in balance among his village.
Not only that, but the creation of this special village called Gotland, the pagan village with community justice and self-sufficiently at the core of its development honouring but one Old God of their ancient memories, is a collective-intentional-community. The reader gets a tour of this community with a naturally assigned order of community members with Tyndr as the guide of the past and present. First though, we rightly learn of Tindr's mother and father's families and how they came to be life-mates: who dared to be themselves with no romantic pretenses in the early stages of their relationship. Their ancient value systems matched perfectly as soulmates and were true to themselves: all the makings of a wonderful life together bringing the other balanced half to the other through mutual respect and trust. You know, the way we dream our relationships to really be!
Book five or Circle of Ceridwen saga is nearly a how-to book on relationships of an intentional-collective community. Self-designed by the way, not dictated. It is a dream I believe is possible. Also, I can deeply relate to the character of Tindr on so many levels but not created in the same manners and not because of deafness. A dictating order can render children speechless (mutes). Dictators create deep fear of punishment in their subjects, a challenge to restore the damage but definitely not impossible. Nature is the healing aspect of restoring damaged goods. Nature teaches us the essentials of real life being first true to itself. We can trust this process.
What I respect most about Tyndr is that he learns that he can take life's cruel hurts and not become hateful and a liar. His daily family and community life is the same as Nature, having even chaos, but the love from one is love for the other. Tyndr has the greatest teacher he could possible be in his Uncle who teaches him the right and spiritual way to hunt the forest four-leggeds and winged beings: Indigenous Knowledge passed from one generation to the next, the original instructions for human beings to live by and thrive. The character Tindr emerges as one of balance of the male-female human traits, following his heart in decisions, and decides to be a person he can trust. He is most comfortable in his skin and lacks nothing as an upright human being in the eyes of almost everyone.
I found myself analyzing the community values and weighing their strengths and weaknesses and whether or not I agree. I got to decide for myself if a highly functioning intention community really can develop. I compare the village of Gotland to that of Four Stones that our Lady Aelfwyn developed by choice, and what is deemed necessary to protect one's community from the invading ways of outsiders. Only fine literature is able to bring this challenge forth to the reader, providing the first-hand ancient knowledge that still lives in our world today.
Tindr, book five is definitely one that should be slowly read to give it proper (justifiable) analysis, which allows our royal dreams to emerge like Gotland and make them our reality. Book 5 has a lot of yin-yang energy in its chapters, like the sea pushing and pulling at the shoreline, like rowing a seafaring canoe on a stormy ocean, or winding yourself through each thread of the rainbow spectrum. Book five is a very long segment of the saga of the characters that we are familiar with as fate continues to have its way in everyone's lives.
There's some traumatic scenes in Tindr that may make you cinch-up your gut. I suggest not judging it and instead allow it to flow as is meant; just breathe. There is a natural order to all life, which is our ancient memory from our beginning. When we've come full-circle in life as did Ceridwen, we too become a saga, joining the Circle of Goddesses in the eternal - uncivilized - and - uncorrupted-meadow.
Chapter 21 the Golden Cross has a transition flaw that is confusing and throws me a little of course with the chain of events. The reader has just read about the arrival of Sydroc and Ceridwen to the isle of Gotland (as surprise visitors)in the previous chapter and their household establishment in this village. This chapter 21 begins with the Mistress of Tyrsborg, Ceridwen with her two sons, Hrald and Ceric present, has her healing husband Sidroc who had been wounded in the thigh fighting off Godwin of Kilton, the boys Uncle, and has two small children she has birthed with Sydroc. Something is amiss: either I or the author have over-looked something.
The two boys from Kilton decide to stay on with Sydroc and Ceridwen and the time is used most wisely learning everything this old and great pagan-warrior has to offer about war-survival but also how to train the hawks, and to hunt as they follow Tyndr a true friend of the forest, to return greater men to their homelands when the year ends. These two young men take in full length this uncompromising pagan community of sisterhood and brotherhood, even unintentionally bonding with what made them so intentional and certain. And that is the irony of fate in action!
Sarah NightBear
Friday 19 May 2017
December 21, 2017
This is not entirely a continuation of the Ceridwen novels, but more of a parallel telling of the backstory of Tindr, the young man who eventually comes to live with Sidroc and Ceridwen. The narration style shifts from first person (In the previous books) to third person. It is well written and enjoyable, however it is not nearly as compelling as Ceridwen's story and it took me some time to get into it. When Ceridwen and Sidroc arrive on the island, the story picks up from where the fourth book left off and this begins about half way into it. Had I chosen this as a stand alone novel, without having read the previous four books--I probably would have gotten bored with it.
September 6, 2016
The fifth in the Circle of Ceridwin series this book focuses on the life of Tindr, a young man of Gotland who lost his hearing to fever at age 2. The book is rich in the details of the daily lives of these magnificent Norse People. Their day to day str
uggles, their deep religious beliefs are all well research and wonderfully written. Tindr, Ceridwin, Sidroc as well as all of the characters are thoughtfully written. Not since Harry Potter or Outlander has a series of books become so dear to me. I share my recommendation for you to pick these up and enjoy these amazing books.
uggles, their deep religious beliefs are all well research and wonderfully written. Tindr, Ceridwin, Sidroc as well as all of the characters are thoughtfully written. Not since Harry Potter or Outlander has a series of books become so dear to me. I share my recommendation for you to pick these up and enjoy these amazing books.
July 31, 2017
This book is so frustrating. I feel that it started well but became incredibly slow. Tindr's character was being built in a way that didn't need to be done. Anyone who read the previous books knew about Tindr's character. The story really turned around when Ceridwen and Sidroc reappeared. Tindr's ending was also well done. I don't think anyone would have been very happy if Tindr hadn't found his happy ending. There may have been some books thrown at walls. 6th installment here I come? Maybe after a break. I still love the Circle of Ceridwen Saga; I just had to work really hard for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
Tindr opens up the Circle of Ceridwen series to even more perspectives, laying the groundwork for future books while giving readers a cozier story that has more fantastical elements than earlier books.
I thought it was a bold choice to begin this novel with the story of Tindr’s parents, Dagr and Rannveig, and how they get together. If I wasn’t already so obsessed with this world and these characters, I might have put the book down – we start years even before they finally wed. While it was a sweet story in its own way and gives much more depth to both, I don’t think we needed Dagr’s whole coming of age story in a book that is supposed to be Tindr’s coming of age story. That’s a whole lot of coming of age.
I at first appreciated that Dagr and Rannveig had some differences to many of the typical stories of the time: Rannveig is older than Dagr, she is proud to an actual fault and posses her own wealth, and they aren’t head-over-heels insta love. The only negative for me is that Dagr has his whole side plot with a Russian girl before he comes back to Gotland, beginning what seems like might be a pattern of “young man must learn how to have sex before he can wed his One True Love™” in these novels.
Once the story got into Tindr’s life it picked up a little. I loved how she handles him being deaf and all the aspects of his life tied to it. Much like Gyric being blinded, Randolph knows how to portray these disabilities in a historical context. And parts of Tindr’s life and beliefs that were slowly revealed about him in The Hall of Tyr are now revealed again with added backstory, which is more interesting, but a bit repetitive.
Tindr becoming a master hunter and woodsman were my favorite parts of this book, because they explore his inner world and devotion to and respect for nature, something I think that anyone living in our current age can and should take note of. Tindr’s descriptions of nature and sense of belonging in the woods are truly beautiful. As always, Randolph’s meticulously-researched historical context for how people of this time period lived were excellent – I particularly liked the explanations of how the animals Tindr hunted were fully used for survival with not a bit wasted.
I found it very interesting that Randolph really leaned into the otherworldly in this novel, much more so than any of the other books in this series have. The characters are extremely spiritual in their own ways, but there have been no in-person encounters of gods or spirits. Tindr and Freyja/the Lady was another bold choice in this book, but I didn’t hate it (and happily the writing of this sex scene seems a bit less oddly phrased than in previous books). I wonder how much spiritual/otherworldly characters will play a role in future novels in this series.
Once Sidroc and Ceridwen – here Scar and Bright Hair – arrive on Gotland, the story is again a bit repetitive because it’s mostly the events of The Hall of Tyr again, but Tindr’s perspective does add some details to the story, and getting to see main characters from a side character’s view is always fun. Their arrival also marks a point in this novel when the perspectives really open up – it’s still Tindr’s story, but we start switching perspectives often, sometimes even multiple times within the same chapter. It makes for fluid storytelling that I really enjoy.
The Ceric and Hrald parts of the book were again cozy, and you love that at least part of this family is once again together. Sidroc teaching them how to act in war is coated in foreshadowing, and also very pragmatic and down-to-earth, as all historical details are in these novels.
And of course, at the very end. Tindr finds a wife. It’s a bit too perfect, but I still loved it, and loved learning more about the Sámi people.
In total, I had some minor negatives about this book, mostly in telling both Dagr’s and Tindr’s coming of age stories, but on the whole it’s another great installment in what is turning out to be one of my favorite historical fiction series of all time.
I thought it was a bold choice to begin this novel with the story of Tindr’s parents, Dagr and Rannveig, and how they get together. If I wasn’t already so obsessed with this world and these characters, I might have put the book down – we start years even before they finally wed. While it was a sweet story in its own way and gives much more depth to both, I don’t think we needed Dagr’s whole coming of age story in a book that is supposed to be Tindr’s coming of age story. That’s a whole lot of coming of age.
I at first appreciated that Dagr and Rannveig had some differences to many of the typical stories of the time: Rannveig is older than Dagr, she is proud to an actual fault and posses her own wealth, and they aren’t head-over-heels insta love. The only negative for me is that Dagr has his whole side plot with a Russian girl before he comes back to Gotland, beginning what seems like might be a pattern of “young man must learn how to have sex before he can wed his One True Love™” in these novels.
Once the story got into Tindr’s life it picked up a little. I loved how she handles him being deaf and all the aspects of his life tied to it. Much like Gyric being blinded, Randolph knows how to portray these disabilities in a historical context. And parts of Tindr’s life and beliefs that were slowly revealed about him in The Hall of Tyr are now revealed again with added backstory, which is more interesting, but a bit repetitive.
Tindr becoming a master hunter and woodsman were my favorite parts of this book, because they explore his inner world and devotion to and respect for nature, something I think that anyone living in our current age can and should take note of. Tindr’s descriptions of nature and sense of belonging in the woods are truly beautiful. As always, Randolph’s meticulously-researched historical context for how people of this time period lived were excellent – I particularly liked the explanations of how the animals Tindr hunted were fully used for survival with not a bit wasted.
I found it very interesting that Randolph really leaned into the otherworldly in this novel, much more so than any of the other books in this series have. The characters are extremely spiritual in their own ways, but there have been no in-person encounters of gods or spirits. Tindr and Freyja/the Lady was another bold choice in this book, but I didn’t hate it (and happily the writing of this sex scene seems a bit less oddly phrased than in previous books). I wonder how much spiritual/otherworldly characters will play a role in future novels in this series.
Once Sidroc and Ceridwen – here Scar and Bright Hair – arrive on Gotland, the story is again a bit repetitive because it’s mostly the events of The Hall of Tyr again, but Tindr’s perspective does add some details to the story, and getting to see main characters from a side character’s view is always fun. Their arrival also marks a point in this novel when the perspectives really open up – it’s still Tindr’s story, but we start switching perspectives often, sometimes even multiple times within the same chapter. It makes for fluid storytelling that I really enjoy.
The Ceric and Hrald parts of the book were again cozy, and you love that at least part of this family is once again together. Sidroc teaching them how to act in war is coated in foreshadowing, and also very pragmatic and down-to-earth, as all historical details are in these novels.
And of course, at the very end. Tindr finds a wife. It’s a bit too perfect, but I still loved it, and loved learning more about the Sámi people.
In total, I had some minor negatives about this book, mostly in telling both Dagr’s and Tindr’s coming of age stories, but on the whole it’s another great installment in what is turning out to be one of my favorite historical fiction series of all time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2020
A heartwarming story featuring an incredible hero.
In his youth Dagr fell in love with Rannveig who he met at a gathering but she rejected him because he was too young. A few years later, stranded away from his home and recently surviving a near drowning when his boat was attacked by pirates, he met her again and they agreed to marry. They had a son, Tindr, who suffered an accident and lost his hearing. Without hearing he was unable to speak coherently making only harsh sounds instead, and the local children teased him. Possessed of an inquisitive intelligence he learned other ways to communicate but his social isolation caused him to devote more energy to studying his environment and the actions and habits of the local domestic and wild animals and to become more aware of people’s actions rather than words. He became a master hunter and a superb steward of the woods and waters around him as well as the domestic animals of the farmstead and mastered handiwork with his hands and tools. When Sidroc and Ceredwin came to live in his community he had the opportunity to learn new skills. Tindr is an amazing characters and this is an inspiring and heartwarming story. I highly recommend this series.
In his youth Dagr fell in love with Rannveig who he met at a gathering but she rejected him because he was too young. A few years later, stranded away from his home and recently surviving a near drowning when his boat was attacked by pirates, he met her again and they agreed to marry. They had a son, Tindr, who suffered an accident and lost his hearing. Without hearing he was unable to speak coherently making only harsh sounds instead, and the local children teased him. Possessed of an inquisitive intelligence he learned other ways to communicate but his social isolation caused him to devote more energy to studying his environment and the actions and habits of the local domestic and wild animals and to become more aware of people’s actions rather than words. He became a master hunter and a superb steward of the woods and waters around him as well as the domestic animals of the farmstead and mastered handiwork with his hands and tools. When Sidroc and Ceredwin came to live in his community he had the opportunity to learn new skills. Tindr is an amazing characters and this is an inspiring and heartwarming story. I highly recommend this series.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
I absolutely love this series - in the last two weeks, I have binge-read the first six books and am currently in the middle of Book 7.
Tindr was the weakest book in the series so far for me. I enjoyed it, and there were numerous scenes I loved, but it felt a bit disjointed and the ending was really rushed.*. It also had the first fantasy moment** in the series, and it was so unexpected and jarring that it threw me out of the story a little bit. I still have a few books to go, so I cannot say it’s the ONLY pure fantasy moment in the series, but 1.5 books later I haven’t encountered another one so I suspect it is.
*** SPOILERS BELOW ***
* Tindr marries a woman literally introduced in the last couple of chapters of the book, marrying her after knowing her for three days, during which they spent a handful of hours together. Since Tindr is one of my favorite characters, I felt a bit cheated.
** Tindr is bathing in the woods when a white hind he has seen a couple of times turns into a naked woman who seduces him in the pond. She is apparently a goddess who does this kind of thing. My reaction can best be described as “Say what now?”
Tindr was the weakest book in the series so far for me. I enjoyed it, and there were numerous scenes I loved, but it felt a bit disjointed and the ending was really rushed.*. It also had the first fantasy moment** in the series, and it was so unexpected and jarring that it threw me out of the story a little bit. I still have a few books to go, so I cannot say it’s the ONLY pure fantasy moment in the series, but 1.5 books later I haven’t encountered another one so I suspect it is.
*** SPOILERS BELOW ***
* Tindr marries a woman literally introduced in the last couple of chapters of the book, marrying her after knowing her for three days, during which they spent a handful of hours together. Since Tindr is one of my favorite characters, I felt a bit cheated.
** Tindr is bathing in the woods when a white hind he has seen a couple of times turns into a naked woman who seduces him in the pond. She is apparently a goddess who does this kind of thing. My reaction can best be described as “Say what now?”
May 26, 2017
Just after I closed the book, I realized I had been smiling for the last 30 pages. I have to admit, I was really tempted to put 4.5/5 stars to this book, here's the why: I didn't read the description before reading the book, and I thought the saga was going to continue where it had been left in the last book. First of all, I was confused when the story wasn't been told from Cerdiwen's PoV. The book starts with the story of Tindr's parents, and I was slightly mad because I wanted to be centered in Cerdiwen's life... Even though it was really interesting, that led me to take 100 pages to be actually immersed in the story. However, whilst the story kept advancing, I realized how wrong I was, because getting to know Tindr's life, and been able to give him a voice was actually pretty amazing. I enjoyed this a lot, and of course, the love and admiration I felt for Tindr grew widely. The ending was incredible and it made me hold my breath, I'm really excited to know how the saga will end. Ready for the last book! :(
December 17, 2018
Once again we are transported back to the age of Vikings. In this book the tale follows Tindr, the deaf son of the woman that Ceridwen and Sidrock would ultimately befriend after their kidnapping and attempt to protect their respective families from political fallout and war that would have ensued. Tindr lives close to the forest with sincere dedication to the Lady of the Forest, who blesses him for her devotion. Ultimately one might say that Lady Freya brings Ceridwen to the land to answer Ceridwen’s heart, Sidrock’s heart, and the prayers of Ranveig and Tindr that he might find a mate.
I was very impressed by how Tindr’s experience of the world was handled. I enjoyed how internal he was, and seeing the depth of his thoughts. This is a book that at some point I will be reading again, and I also look forward to when I can purchase the next in the series. It is one that has stuck with me.
I was very impressed by how Tindr’s experience of the world was handled. I enjoyed how internal he was, and seeing the depth of his thoughts. This is a book that at some point I will be reading again, and I also look forward to when I can purchase the next in the series. It is one that has stuck with me.
July 12, 2019
Once again we are transported back to the age of Vikings.
In this book the tale follows Tindr, the deaf son of the woman that Ceridwen and Sidrock would ultimately befriend after their kidnapping and attempt to protect their respective families from political fallout and war that would have ensued. Tindr lives close to the forest with sincere dedication to the Lady of the Forest, who blesses him for her devotion. Ultimately one might say that Lady Freya brings Ceridwen to the land to answer Ceridwen’s heart, Sidrock’s heart, and the prayers of Ranveig and Tindr that he might find a mate.
I was very impressed by how Tindr’s experience of the world was handled. I enjoyed how internal he was, and seeing the depth of his thoughts. I especially loved Tindr’s story for it ‘s gentle beauty and element of magical fairytale.
How am I going to go back and read any other book is beyond me...
In this book the tale follows Tindr, the deaf son of the woman that Ceridwen and Sidrock would ultimately befriend after their kidnapping and attempt to protect their respective families from political fallout and war that would have ensued. Tindr lives close to the forest with sincere dedication to the Lady of the Forest, who blesses him for her devotion. Ultimately one might say that Lady Freya brings Ceridwen to the land to answer Ceridwen’s heart, Sidrock’s heart, and the prayers of Ranveig and Tindr that he might find a mate.
I was very impressed by how Tindr’s experience of the world was handled. I enjoyed how internal he was, and seeing the depth of his thoughts. I especially loved Tindr’s story for it ‘s gentle beauty and element of magical fairytale.
How am I going to go back and read any other book is beyond me...
February 26, 2019
The fifth enchanting story in this series; that of Tindr, the deaf son of Rannveig and her late husband, the fisherman Dagr, is a tale touched with the magic of the goddess, Freyja. She, who has guided the youth in his hunting pursuits and chosen him for special favours, even appearing before him in the form of a snow white hind, now plays her part in claiming a wife for him.
I especially loved Tindr’s story for it ‘s gentle beauty and element of magical fairytale. I think it is possibly my favourite in the series so far. I loved it.
One more book. What am I going to do when I have finished reading the sixth and last of this series?
Please write further books in this compelling series Octavia Randolph!
I especially loved Tindr’s story for it ‘s gentle beauty and element of magical fairytale. I think it is possibly my favourite in the series so far. I loved it.
One more book. What am I going to do when I have finished reading the sixth and last of this series?
Please write further books in this compelling series Octavia Randolph!
April 22, 2022
Book 5 of the series was enjoyable but not what I was expecting. I gave it 3 stars only because it was faithful to the saga's era and briefly progressed Ceridwen's story. It begins as a story of Tindr's father, Dagr, his relationship with Rannvieg and Tindr's youth. Ceridwen only appears midway through the story and only then in an incidental way. To me, it read more like a book intended for a youthful reader because of the mystical emphasis and innocence of the character. Not much drama or conflict in this book. I've read every one in series thus far but not sure I will continue if #6 is written in the same fashion. I'll think seriously before making that purchase.
August 26, 2023
Magical!
I have been enjoying the whole Circle of Ceridwen series, but this book may be my favorite thusfar. It’s a bit of a “side trip” from the main story, but it’s so beautiful. Tindr is such a gentle soul, and entering his world and his heart is something really special. The way the narrative weaves the perspectives of many characters to illustrate his life is masterful. The portrayal of a deaf boy and man in medieval times and how he navigates his life is sometimes sad, sometimes scary, but often heartwarming, too. I hope I see more of this character in the coming books.
I have been enjoying the whole Circle of Ceridwen series, but this book may be my favorite thusfar. It’s a bit of a “side trip” from the main story, but it’s so beautiful. Tindr is such a gentle soul, and entering his world and his heart is something really special. The way the narrative weaves the perspectives of many characters to illustrate his life is masterful. The portrayal of a deaf boy and man in medieval times and how he navigates his life is sometimes sad, sometimes scary, but often heartwarming, too. I hope I see more of this character in the coming books.
July 22, 2017
Marvelous read
As I began this book, it first seemed as a bridge between book 4 to book 6, but then I became thoroughly engrossed in this wonderful story. It is a grand history lesson for how folks lived in the ninth century. The last few chapters I read with tears in my eyes. I began by wondering why she wrote this book and ended it embracing it as my favorite in the saga. You could probably read this as a stand alone but you would miss too much. Highly recommend the story, the history and this author
As I began this book, it first seemed as a bridge between book 4 to book 6, but then I became thoroughly engrossed in this wonderful story. It is a grand history lesson for how folks lived in the ninth century. The last few chapters I read with tears in my eyes. I began by wondering why she wrote this book and ended it embracing it as my favorite in the saga. You could probably read this as a stand alone but you would miss too much. Highly recommend the story, the history and this author
November 22, 2018
Although I enjoyed the overall story, I felt this book didn’t exactly belong in the series... The first half should have been a standalone side story. This is also the first book in the series to tell the perspective of almost all of the characters rather than just Ceridwen and the quick couple of chapters of Aelfwyn in book 4. I enjoyed being inside Tindr’s head and liked his story, but felt this book needed some serious editing and possibly a split into two books. Still, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 22, 2017
I began reading this book knowing that it would discuss characters that had played minor parts in the previous four books. Usually, this is never as good as the main characters that I have become familiar with. So this was my mindset going into the book. Halfway through I realized just how involved in this plot I had become. The author weaves a wonderful tale. While the main characters are still my favorites, this book was still a pleasant read. On to book 6.... :)
January 15, 2018
The beginning threw me off for a bit, but once I realized who the characters were I was delighted by the background of a character in book four.
I totally enjoyed this story and how two stories converged. The richness in character development and storytelling transport the reader to another time and place as though one belongs there amongst them.
I can’t wait to immerse myself in the next book in the series.
I totally enjoyed this story and how two stories converged. The richness in character development and storytelling transport the reader to another time and place as though one belongs there amongst them.
I can’t wait to immerse myself in the next book in the series.
December 23, 2023
Such a beautiful instalment in the saga. I was so pleased when I saw Tindr had his own book, he was a favourite character of mine in earlier books and this was a much needed story. It really tied together so many questions I had at the end of the claiming and really embellished the entire fabric of the Circle of Ceridwen Saga.
A little slow to start but from page 200 onwards it was stunning and riveting, a fitting end for such a wonderful kind soul, Tindr.
A little slow to start but from page 200 onwards it was stunning and riveting, a fitting end for such a wonderful kind soul, Tindr.
January 18, 2025
I wondered for about the first half of the book what the purpose of this one is. The story from the first four books becomes stalled and goes back to a couple of characters with whom we are unfamiliar, then progresses to give us the back story of- eventually-Tindr. I didn’t really enjoy it, though the ending was neatly done, and read quickly to get it finished.
If it had been labelled number 4.5 it would have made more sense to me. And I probably wouldn’t have read it.
If it had been labelled number 4.5 it would have made more sense to me. And I probably wouldn’t have read it.
March 10, 2025
This was such a satisfying story. I really enjoyed getting to know some of the characters from Hall of Tyr. Tindr is a great character and I really loved the story of his parents and his younger life. I have found Hall of Tyr and Tindr to be such satisfying books with the description of life on Gotland. I really love Randolph’s writing style. It never feels forced and it makes reading them so easy.
July 4, 2017
What a wonderful book! Enjoyable from the beginning to the end. The author pulled off an amazing feat in having a deaf person as one of the major characters in this particular book. You fell right in to the story and it was believable. This whole series has been interesting and extremely well written and you are always sorry when the book ends.
July 24, 2017
I am currently working on genealogy & have traced family back to the 1100's in the British Isle, & Sweden. This series gave me a a look inside life in this area albeit 300+ years earlier. Took a little while to get into the 1st book but once I did I enjoyed the characters & read all the books back to back.
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