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Circle of Ceridwen Saga #1-3
The Circle of Ceridwen Saga Box Set: Books One - Three
Over 1800 Amazon Five Star Reviews. Over 1200 pages of action and adventure. The first three novels in the celebrated Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Enter the Ninth Century.The Circle of Book OneIt is the year 871. Of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, five have fallen to the invading Vikings. No trait is more valued than loyalty, and no possession more precious than one's steel. Across this war-torn landscape travels fifteen year old Ceridwen, now thrust into the lives of the conquerors.
Epic...immensely satisfying...an impressive achievement - Historical Novel Society The Historical Adventure loved by over 100,000 readers in 125 countries...
˃˃˃ Ceridwen of Book TwoAn uncontrolled passion. A heart-breaking decision. A battle that seals the Fate of all.
˃˃˃ The Book ThreeHow long can you fight Fate? How far must you go to claim what is yours?
Enter the Ninth Century...
Epic...immensely satisfying...an impressive achievement - Historical Novel Society The Historical Adventure loved by over 100,000 readers in 125 countries...
˃˃˃ Ceridwen of Book TwoAn uncontrolled passion. A heart-breaking decision. A battle that seals the Fate of all.
˃˃˃ The Book ThreeHow long can you fight Fate? How far must you go to claim what is yours?
Enter the Ninth Century...
1100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2016
421 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Randolph
24 books598 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 32 reviews
May 27, 2024
Epic Saga worthy of a binge read
This is my third reading of the Circle of Cerridwen series. In books one through three, Cerridwen leaves her home with the black monks in Mercia and comes upon the road, a noble woman sent to wed a Dane as a peace gift. As she joins her train, they travel to Four Stones near Lindesse where Cerridwen meets the nephew of the Jarl Yrling, Sidroc. As things happen in 9th century Britain, Cerridwen travels in flight with Gyric, son of the Ealderman of Kilton to Wessex, where her life takes a turn as his wife. By book three she travels back to Four Stones with her son Ceric to spend time with her old friend, who is under the care of Sidroc. Again, the fates weave their tales, when Sidroc and Cerridwen are abducted and therein begin their journey across seas and foreign lands, fighting with sea marauders, freeing slaves, and pesky priests. Until finally they reach Gotland, the home they’ve been searching for. Highly recommend this to anyone who loves Melanie Karsak or Bernard Cornwall. This is a 6 star read!
This is my third reading of the Circle of Cerridwen series. In books one through three, Cerridwen leaves her home with the black monks in Mercia and comes upon the road, a noble woman sent to wed a Dane as a peace gift. As she joins her train, they travel to Four Stones near Lindesse where Cerridwen meets the nephew of the Jarl Yrling, Sidroc. As things happen in 9th century Britain, Cerridwen travels in flight with Gyric, son of the Ealderman of Kilton to Wessex, where her life takes a turn as his wife. By book three she travels back to Four Stones with her son Ceric to spend time with her old friend, who is under the care of Sidroc. Again, the fates weave their tales, when Sidroc and Cerridwen are abducted and therein begin their journey across seas and foreign lands, fighting with sea marauders, freeing slaves, and pesky priests. Until finally they reach Gotland, the home they’ve been searching for. Highly recommend this to anyone who loves Melanie Karsak or Bernard Cornwall. This is a 6 star read!
October 27, 2016
Good grief. It took me FOREVER to read these three books. I gave them a 4-star because it was well written with very few errors but that's the only reason.
I read these books because a lot of people told me if I was a fan of the Outlander series (I am a HUGE fan), I would love this series. Boy were they wrong.
I haven't really studied this far back in English history so I do not know how accurate these books are in that respect. These books were just a "snore-fest" for me. They seemed to go on and on and on. And Ceridwen is just...blech. Not a heroine I can understand or like.
I'm not wasting any more of my money to find out what happens to these people. Lesson learned. I won't be buying any more "like Outlander" books anytime soon.
I read these books because a lot of people told me if I was a fan of the Outlander series (I am a HUGE fan), I would love this series. Boy were they wrong.
I haven't really studied this far back in English history so I do not know how accurate these books are in that respect. These books were just a "snore-fest" for me. They seemed to go on and on and on. And Ceridwen is just...blech. Not a heroine I can understand or like.
I'm not wasting any more of my money to find out what happens to these people. Lesson learned. I won't be buying any more "like Outlander" books anytime soon.
July 27, 2016
The point
I like lots of things about the book.
Mainly what I did not like was taking too long to get to the point of what she was trying to say. The characters were not believable in so far as you already knew how they felt but it was as if the author just dragged it out.
I like lots of things about the book.
Mainly what I did not like was taking too long to get to the point of what she was trying to say. The characters were not believable in so far as you already knew how they felt but it was as if the author just dragged it out.
January 15, 2017
Keep on reading
Story continues...keep on reading. Go onto the next two as well. Nice detail about how life existed during that time in history.
Story continues...keep on reading. Go onto the next two as well. Nice detail about how life existed during that time in history.
August 5, 2017
Ceridwen journeys to a new homeland
Ceridwen is snatched from her homeland, to be sold as a slave. The raiders themselves are attacked, freeing her, but released far from home across the ocean. She endures rough conditions, longs for home, but that is not to be. Finally, accepts that a new life course must be made.
I liked the authenticity of conditions at that time and the realistic dangers she faced. As with the first two books, there is love but without the raw sex so prevalent in other books today. Always, the plot and character development are the main foci. The unusual terms happily send me to the dictionary for clarification from time to time. I feel enriched by Ms. Randolph's writings, and will move on to book 4 next.
Ceridwen is snatched from her homeland, to be sold as a slave. The raiders themselves are attacked, freeing her, but released far from home across the ocean. She endures rough conditions, longs for home, but that is not to be. Finally, accepts that a new life course must be made.
I liked the authenticity of conditions at that time and the realistic dangers she faced. As with the first two books, there is love but without the raw sex so prevalent in other books today. Always, the plot and character development are the main foci. The unusual terms happily send me to the dictionary for clarification from time to time. I feel enriched by Ms. Randolph's writings, and will move on to book 4 next.
December 23, 2018
I enjoyed this historical walk through the 800s in Angle-Land. Following the orphan Ceridwen as she leaves the Priory at age fifteen to find her own way in the world allows Butler to explain the landscape, customs, food, and history of the time, as well as explore the struggle between the pagan gods and the Christian influx of beliefs. Best of all, the conflict inside the heroine as she meets the Dane Sidroc, who swears she will be his; engineers the escape of the captured and blinded Gyric, and accedes to the wish of Gyric's brother Godwin to have a son imbues the story with significant romantic conflict in addition to the overarching, constant fear of invasion. For those who enjoy sweeping history and strong characters, this saga fits the bill nicely.
September 17, 2017
As close as we can come to the 9th century.
This is a well written account of a young woman's life in the 9th century in Northern Europe. I loved the details of day to day life, the hardships, dangers, and uncertainties. The author's firsthand knowledge of sheep, spinning, weaving, and of horsemanship is evident. Her knowledge of the laws, customs, and beliefs of this time period also give a verisimilitude to the story that many historical novels lack. Well done! Please write more like this!
This is a well written account of a young woman's life in the 9th century in Northern Europe. I loved the details of day to day life, the hardships, dangers, and uncertainties. The author's firsthand knowledge of sheep, spinning, weaving, and of horsemanship is evident. Her knowledge of the laws, customs, and beliefs of this time period also give a verisimilitude to the story that many historical novels lack. Well done! Please write more like this!
April 19, 2019
Obsessed... I've never been a reader of this genre, someone on FB recommended this series and I'm so glad I started them. I can't read them fast enough to find out what happens next. I really enjoy a historical type of fiction loosely based on actual history and Ms. Randolph captures that place in time. I'm addicted, keep them coming... tlc
July 26, 2019
Don’t miss this series!!
I will be sad when I finish reading this series. My lineage harkens back to this place in history. Some ancestor managed to make it through those turbulent times. I have read three books in a little over a week so that says a great deal. Love this authors well written books.
I will be sad when I finish reading this series. My lineage harkens back to this place in history. Some ancestor managed to make it through those turbulent times. I have read three books in a little over a week so that says a great deal. Love this authors well written books.
November 13, 2016
Committed
I was hooked after the first quarter of the first book. Loved the series. Some interesting and frustrating twists and turns, but these books were worth the read. The central character was relatable, and the male characters in these books are definitely unique.
I was hooked after the first quarter of the first book. Loved the series. Some interesting and frustrating twists and turns, but these books were worth the read. The central character was relatable, and the male characters in these books are definitely unique.
October 14, 2018
I truly loved gonig on this journey with Ceridwen! She is an amazing, brave woman.
Very eye-opening into the history of Anglo-Saxon people. Interesting how the Norsemen and AnglioSaxons morphed into the English they are today.i loved taking my journey along with Ceridwen.
Very eye-opening into the history of Anglo-Saxon people. Interesting how the Norsemen and AnglioSaxons morphed into the English they are today.i loved taking my journey along with Ceridwen.
July 30, 2019
So Good!
I have always been fascinated with tales of the Vikings. This book gives so much insight into the Danes way of life and how the world views them. A great read, I’m ready for number 4!
I have always been fascinated with tales of the Vikings. This book gives so much insight into the Danes way of life and how the world views them. A great read, I’m ready for number 4!
November 24, 2021
A wonderful saga
I thoroughly enjoyed and became deeply immersed in the world of Ceridwen. The pages flew as I followed her on her journeys and through each of her trials. If you enjoy historical fiction you will be entranced by this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed and became deeply immersed in the world of Ceridwen. The pages flew as I followed her on her journeys and through each of her trials. If you enjoy historical fiction you will be entranced by this story.
May 21, 2022
A new favorite storyteller
Finally I have found another rare author who weaves a historically researched and informed subject with gifted storytelling. You now rank with Rutherford and Follett as a favorite author in my library.
Finally I have found another rare author who weaves a historically researched and informed subject with gifted storytelling. You now rank with Rutherford and Follett as a favorite author in my library.
April 26, 2018
Can’t put it down.
Amazing even the second time through! Take the journey again and again. You will fall in love with the characters.
Amazing even the second time through! Take the journey again and again. You will fall in love with the characters.
July 17, 2018
Recommend!
I felt as though I was there along with Ceridwin! I’m sad to be finished now, I’ll miss the characters. That’s how you know it’s a good book!
I felt as though I was there along with Ceridwin! I’m sad to be finished now, I’ll miss the characters. That’s how you know it’s a good book!
October 20, 2018
I'm hooked, loved this story of the brave young woman in the 9th century. Looking forward to sharing Ceridwen's next adventure.
February 4, 2019
Entertaining - lots of historical references which I love. The Viking hordes pillage through Anglia, Wessex & Mercia during the time of Alfred the Great.
June 18, 2019
Engrossing and Captivating
Very well written * exceptionally captivating and all consuming. I immensely enjoyed these three books, found myself wanting to continually read on.
Very well written * exceptionally captivating and all consuming. I immensely enjoyed these three books, found myself wanting to continually read on.
July 10, 2019
Good Read.
Perfect book for forgetting the weather outside. Getting ready to get the fifth book. Wondering if I should have started with Sidroc
Perfect book for forgetting the weather outside. Getting ready to get the fifth book. Wondering if I should have started with Sidroc
October 9, 2019
Great read love the lot
April 5, 2020
Destiny!
Highly recommend this read. Characters and settings are well developed. Though there are battles of all kinds, it's a beautiful love story.
Highly recommend this read. Characters and settings are well developed. Though there are battles of all kinds, it's a beautiful love story.
October 31, 2020
Fabulous writing. Octavia Randolph is an excellent writer with descriptions that you can see everything and feel you are really there I. Highly recommend The Circle of Ceridwen series!
May 5, 2022
excellent!
Loved this book. Story lines is relatable. Exciting action that makes you constantly want to read one more page. Great book!
Loved this book. Story lines is relatable. Exciting action that makes you constantly want to read one more page. Great book!
September 26, 2022
Book 1 - 3 beautifully written..looking forward to reading the remaining 7 books
July 21, 2024
Loving this series
Can’t wait to read the next book (no. 4). ! Great historical fiction and incredibly descriptive detail. Lots of twists and turns.
Can’t wait to read the next book (no. 4). ! Great historical fiction and incredibly descriptive detail. Lots of twists and turns.
January 21, 2018
This reminded me of the Bernard Cornwall books (The Last Kingdom), same time period but a bit less bloody (just a bit). I loved the characters, their complexity and depth and I do love the time period.
February 21, 2017
Love suspense thrill historical romance
Idk y but i love these books! I love Ceridwenshes authentic real. I love Sirodric his strength and commitment! I had to have all these books in my library I'm hooked on Octavia Randolph
Idk y but i love these books! I love Ceridwenshes authentic real. I love Sirodric his strength and commitment! I had to have all these books in my library I'm hooked on Octavia Randolph
October 17, 2016
This was supposedly the series lovers of Outlander were flocking to. It doesn't even compare. The characters were okay but nothing to go crazy over. It definitely wasn't the love story of Jamie and Claire. Another okay read.
January 23, 2017
Kept me engrossed thru out
Started reading to fill in gap after finishing outlander series and kept me steadily reading the series for days... waiting to see what happens to Ceridwen next.
Started reading to fill in gap after finishing outlander series and kept me steadily reading the series for days... waiting to see what happens to Ceridwen next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews