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Dalriada Trilogy #2
The Dawn Stag
The second book in the epic Dalriada trilogy, The Dawn Stag spans three centuries and spectacularly recreates Celtic Britain at the momentous time of the Roman invasion. The year is AD 81, and Agricola, the ruthless governor of Roman Britain, is intent on capturing the last unconquered Alba, Scotland. Rhiann, an Alban priestess and princess, submits to a marriage of political necessity to Eremon, an exiled Irish prince. Out of duty grows a powerful and desperate love that will bind them together through conflict and betrayal. On these lovers now rests the hope of a nation. To the people of Alba, Agricola's army is a wall of steel and fire advancing across their homeland, bringing with it desolation. Rhiann searches for guidance in the spirit world, little realizing how big a part she will play in this endgame. Eremon knows only that he must risk--and sacrifice--many lives, perhaps even his own. In this rich and vivid follow-up to The White Mare, Jules Watson enchants with a fantastical novelistic imagination that makes a claim on the hundreds of thousands of readers who enjoy fantasy and historical fiction alike.
552 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
34 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Jules Watson
13 books155 followersJules Watson was born in Australia to English parents. She came to fiction via archaeology and public relations, working most recently as a freelance writer in England. She and her Scottish husband divide their time between the United Kingdom and Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 20, 2012
Having finished the second book in the Dalriada trilogy, I find myself confused. Not because the novel left anything up in the air. Not because I did not see how there would be a further book (which I am eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on). But how is it that I enjoy this novel so much?
Often when I choose a book, it is because of a strong heroine who is both physically strong and uniquely clever. A protagonist who not only helps plan battles, but takes part in them as well. A novel with suspense and action, more than romance.
However I find that the Dawn Stag, as well as it's predecessor the White Mare, enamor me with characters that do not need to be perfectly clever or perfectly strong. Rather they are very imperfect--very human. They are relatable, struggling with similar situations and emotions to what many deal with today. They are fully explicated, with dynamic personalities and backgrounds. So dynamic in fact, that I doubt I have ever come across so many fully developed characters in any other novel.
Although there were some great action scenes, those were clearly not the focus of the novel. The developing relationships, growth in determination of the Alban people, and set-up for the concluding book in the trilogy dominated the plot.
As I finally finished this novel, amongst many tears, I realized that after two books and over 1000 pages of the Dalriada trilogy, it was not yet over. The White Mare and the Dawn Stag, though amazing in and of themselves, are merely meant to build a more thorough back story for the next novel.
Which of course, makes me all the more eager to find Song of the North as soon as possible. :)
Often when I choose a book, it is because of a strong heroine who is both physically strong and uniquely clever. A protagonist who not only helps plan battles, but takes part in them as well. A novel with suspense and action, more than romance.
However I find that the Dawn Stag, as well as it's predecessor the White Mare, enamor me with characters that do not need to be perfectly clever or perfectly strong. Rather they are very imperfect--very human. They are relatable, struggling with similar situations and emotions to what many deal with today. They are fully explicated, with dynamic personalities and backgrounds. So dynamic in fact, that I doubt I have ever come across so many fully developed characters in any other novel.
Although there were some great action scenes, those were clearly not the focus of the novel. The developing relationships, growth in determination of the Alban people, and set-up for the concluding book in the trilogy dominated the plot.
As I finally finished this novel, amongst many tears, I realized that after two books and over 1000 pages of the Dalriada trilogy, it was not yet over. The White Mare and the Dawn Stag, though amazing in and of themselves, are merely meant to build a more thorough back story for the next novel.
Which of course, makes me all the more eager to find Song of the North as soon as possible. :)
Read
December 5, 2024A heart wrenching, and at times heart breaking read, but one thing that really struck me about this book was how Jules Watson gets you to care about the characters. By the end of book one, I was invested enough in the characters of this story that I had to see them them through the events of The Dawn Stag, no matter how hard things were at times for each of them. I was much more connected with Eremon in this book and seeing the ups and downs of he and Rhiann struggling through their life as partners/a married couple was an engaging aspect to explore.
Once again, Jules Watson’s archeological background shone through with her incredible details of life on early Britain/Scotland as well as Roman life. I loved the richness those details brought to the narrative. It felt like as a reader, I had been on such a journey with the characters at the end of the book and for me, that always leaves a lasting impact on me as a reader. This is an excellent series if you’re looking for a gritty Celtic historical fantasy with a strong romance.
CW: Assault, Violence
Once again, Jules Watson’s archeological background shone through with her incredible details of life on early Britain/Scotland as well as Roman life. I loved the richness those details brought to the narrative. It felt like as a reader, I had been on such a journey with the characters at the end of the book and for me, that always leaves a lasting impact on me as a reader. This is an excellent series if you’re looking for a gritty Celtic historical fantasy with a strong romance.
CW: Assault, Violence
September 4, 2012
Oh my goodness, I was so excited about this book since I couldn't put down the first of the series, The White Mare. However, the author did not convince me of the undieing love between the lead characters, which is desperately needed to get you through all the battles and war strategy pages. There were so many details left out, too many moments missed between the couple. It needed more good, intimate moments in order for it to tear my heart out in the bad times. Others were profoundly moved by this book, but I just didn't leave the experience connected to the female hero.
September 29, 2017
It's rare that I don't like books endings, but I am giving this one 3 stars because of it.Whereas I had an enjoyable reading with the White Mare, I found myself skimming some chapters, as the ideas repeat many times.The ending is just sad. I could stand an assumed sad end, but I felt really angry at the author for giving us a sad ending disguised as epiphany. All that suffering, all the losses were for nothingI am very disappointed, but I am still going to read the third book and see if I can have some closure.
December 15, 2017
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Note: This is the 2nd book in the Dalriada trilogy so this will not be a comphernsive review.
Recently, I discovered a whole new sub-genre of the fantasy genre called historical fantasy. I have a great love of history, so much so, that I have a favorite time period (although I am pretty much a stickler for any historical time period, especially the more ancient/classical time periods), and it is the period around the Roman conquest of the British Isles all the way to the rise of feudalism so when I realized that there are fantasies set in that time span that still retain the historical accuracy, I got very excited. The 1st author who I found was Juliet Marillier, but since then, I have found many others, including Jules Watson. Watson is the author of the Dalriada trilogy, which includes the book we are about to discuss, The Dawn Stag. The Dawn Stag tells the continuation of Eremon and Rhiann’s story as they try to protect home and country against the Roman onslaught of Agricola and his 9th Legion.
Obviously, the best thing about this book is the time period that it is set in and the historical accuracy that Watson weaves into her story (The amount of accuracy probably comes from the fact that Watson has a background in archaeology.) One part that I especially enjoyed was learning about the practice of Goddess worship amongst this culture. Many cultures around the world have at one point or another developed some form of Goddess worship, especially the more ancient ones (This is where the concept of a Grandmother spirit or Mother Earth comes from.) Ancient peoples noticed that the seasons and changes that the world around them goes through are similar to what a woman goes through in her life, and I believe this is the reason why they felt that the celestial hand that guided all things was a woman. I really loved learning about their beliefs and how it played such a critical role in their everyday lives (They would not make any momentous decisions without consulting the Sisterhood of the Goddess). The Goddess was such an integral part of these peoples’ lives that it actually affected the morale of Eremon’s soldiers if they thought that the Goddess was against them in any way (Side note, I also loved how ancient peoples were feminists, maybe if we had stuck to those beliefs, we wouldn’t be in the shape we are now.) I just really enjoyed learning about these people’s ideology and how it affected every single aspect of their society.
The one thing that I felt was slightly off about this story was how the fantasy aspect comes into it. Most of the story reads like your traditional historical fiction until the last 150 pages or so of the book. As the penultimate battle between Agricola and Eremon looms, Rhiann starts having dreams/visions/snippets of events that don’t make any sense to her- events that seem to come from different times and places. However, after the battle and the events that happen around it, Rhiann receives a “message” from the Goddess explaining that what she is seeing is her past lives/future lives. Rhiann realizes that the dream of a man holding a sword and fighting off eagles while his woman stands beside him holding the power of the Goddess does not involve her and Eremon as she originally thought, but involves their future selves (The Goddess is trying to tell her that they will be reincarnated into this world at a later date and the dream describes in parable what they will do when they come back. People at this time believed when a soul dies, it goes to reside in the “Otherworld” until it is time for them to be re-born. A prime example of this phenomenon shows up in the King Arthur legend, which is set and was written within the same time span as this story. When Arthur dies, Merlin says that he will sleep until the world needs a ruler like him again, and then he will awaken.) I thought this aspect of the story was very thought-provoking, but I feel like it should have been mentioned sooner than it was as it was a little jarring being thrown in at the end. This is the reason why I am rating it 4.5 stars instead of 5 (will show up as 5 because Goodreads does not allow ½ stars). All in all, a solid read especially if you like history.
Note: This is the 2nd book in the Dalriada trilogy so this will not be a comphernsive review.
Recently, I discovered a whole new sub-genre of the fantasy genre called historical fantasy. I have a great love of history, so much so, that I have a favorite time period (although I am pretty much a stickler for any historical time period, especially the more ancient/classical time periods), and it is the period around the Roman conquest of the British Isles all the way to the rise of feudalism so when I realized that there are fantasies set in that time span that still retain the historical accuracy, I got very excited. The 1st author who I found was Juliet Marillier, but since then, I have found many others, including Jules Watson. Watson is the author of the Dalriada trilogy, which includes the book we are about to discuss, The Dawn Stag. The Dawn Stag tells the continuation of Eremon and Rhiann’s story as they try to protect home and country against the Roman onslaught of Agricola and his 9th Legion.
Obviously, the best thing about this book is the time period that it is set in and the historical accuracy that Watson weaves into her story (The amount of accuracy probably comes from the fact that Watson has a background in archaeology.) One part that I especially enjoyed was learning about the practice of Goddess worship amongst this culture. Many cultures around the world have at one point or another developed some form of Goddess worship, especially the more ancient ones (This is where the concept of a Grandmother spirit or Mother Earth comes from.) Ancient peoples noticed that the seasons and changes that the world around them goes through are similar to what a woman goes through in her life, and I believe this is the reason why they felt that the celestial hand that guided all things was a woman. I really loved learning about their beliefs and how it played such a critical role in their everyday lives (They would not make any momentous decisions without consulting the Sisterhood of the Goddess). The Goddess was such an integral part of these peoples’ lives that it actually affected the morale of Eremon’s soldiers if they thought that the Goddess was against them in any way (Side note, I also loved how ancient peoples were feminists, maybe if we had stuck to those beliefs, we wouldn’t be in the shape we are now.) I just really enjoyed learning about these people’s ideology and how it affected every single aspect of their society.
The one thing that I felt was slightly off about this story was how the fantasy aspect comes into it. Most of the story reads like your traditional historical fiction until the last 150 pages or so of the book. As the penultimate battle between Agricola and Eremon looms, Rhiann starts having dreams/visions/snippets of events that don’t make any sense to her- events that seem to come from different times and places. However, after the battle and the events that happen around it, Rhiann receives a “message” from the Goddess explaining that what she is seeing is her past lives/future lives. Rhiann realizes that the dream of a man holding a sword and fighting off eagles while his woman stands beside him holding the power of the Goddess does not involve her and Eremon as she originally thought, but involves their future selves (The Goddess is trying to tell her that they will be reincarnated into this world at a later date and the dream describes in parable what they will do when they come back. People at this time believed when a soul dies, it goes to reside in the “Otherworld” until it is time for them to be re-born. A prime example of this phenomenon shows up in the King Arthur legend, which is set and was written within the same time span as this story. When Arthur dies, Merlin says that he will sleep until the world needs a ruler like him again, and then he will awaken.) I thought this aspect of the story was very thought-provoking, but I feel like it should have been mentioned sooner than it was as it was a little jarring being thrown in at the end. This is the reason why I am rating it 4.5 stars instead of 5 (will show up as 5 because Goodreads does not allow ½ stars). All in all, a solid read especially if you like history.
November 21, 2025
700 pagina’s in slechts zes dagen uitlezen zegt eigenlijk al genoeg: dit vervolg op De Witte Merrie is vanaf de eerste bladzijde meeslepend. Het verhaal grijpt je vast en laat je niet meer los. De auteur weet opnieuw een epische wereld neer te zetten waarin Romeinen en Keltische stammen op elkaar botsen, en doet dat met zo’n vaart en sfeer dat je steeds maar verder wilt lezen.
De veldslag aan het einde van het boek is absoluut een hoogtepunt. Groots, rauw en filmisch geschreven — echt het soort climax waar je nog even van moet bijkomen. Juist daardoor komt het ook extra hard binnen dat er zoveel geliefde personages het niet overleven. Pijnlijk, maar wel geloofwaardig en passend bij de harde realiteit van de tijd waarin het verhaal zich afspeelt.
Ondanks het verlies van die personages smaakt dit boek naar meer. Het universum voelt rijk en levendig, de spanning blijft hoog, en de opbouw richting het slot maakt buitengewoon nieuwsgierig naar het derde deel. Als dit vervolg iets bewijst, dan is het dat de auteur perfect weet hoe je epische historische fictie moet schrijven.
De veldslag aan het einde van het boek is absoluut een hoogtepunt. Groots, rauw en filmisch geschreven — echt het soort climax waar je nog even van moet bijkomen. Juist daardoor komt het ook extra hard binnen dat er zoveel geliefde personages het niet overleven. Pijnlijk, maar wel geloofwaardig en passend bij de harde realiteit van de tijd waarin het verhaal zich afspeelt.
Ondanks het verlies van die personages smaakt dit boek naar meer. Het universum voelt rijk en levendig, de spanning blijft hoog, en de opbouw richting het slot maakt buitengewoon nieuwsgierig naar het derde deel. Als dit vervolg iets bewijst, dan is het dat de auteur perfect weet hoe je epische historische fictie moet schrijven.
April 11, 2020
I struggled to get into this book at first, i guess i thought it would be more historical fiction than celtic mythology. I hadnt read the first part of the trilogy and i think that counted against me.
However the second half of the book the story clicked for me and it was wonderful, dripping with celtic motifs with the backdrop of the albans struggle against roman invasion.
The last passages of the book were beautifully written and had me in tears several times as we find out what fate becomes the main characters.
The last half dozen pages were an interesting historical note - did you know the romans were so keen on a particular herb with contraceptive properties that it went extinct.
Nice touches.
I will read the last of the trilogy definitely.
However the second half of the book the story clicked for me and it was wonderful, dripping with celtic motifs with the backdrop of the albans struggle against roman invasion.
The last passages of the book were beautifully written and had me in tears several times as we find out what fate becomes the main characters.
The last half dozen pages were an interesting historical note - did you know the romans were so keen on a particular herb with contraceptive properties that it went extinct.
Nice touches.
I will read the last of the trilogy definitely.
December 22, 2025
I enjoyed parts of this book, but it was slow going. It felt like it went on forever and I had a hard time sticking with it. The chapters near the ending made me want to stop reading the series all together. One of my biggest issues with this author is that she puts more detail into the rape scenes than in the love making scenes. It is an odd choice, that feels like it is glamorizing rape. At this moment I don't really feel a burning urge to read the third book, but I've already purchased it, so maybe I will in the future.
October 14, 2019
Often I find the second book in a trilogy just a medium to get to the third. This book however made me a believer in second books. I loved the characters. I laughed I cried. I loved an hated the story often both at the same. I’m interested to see how the story line unfolds in book number 3.
September 3, 2020
Jules Watson is a favourite author of mine. Her Dalriada trilogy covering a vision of Britain at the time of the Roman conquest is written brilliantly, get ready to become lost in another world of war, chaos and Celts.
March 15, 2023
Mesmerizing and tedious grief stricken yet full of joy and an enlightened poetical concept. A wonderful ride in antiquity set during the Roman invasion of Scotland. Steeped in mysticism and war, love and loss.
January 26, 2023
😢🥰😢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
A new favourite series.
June 1, 2024
So good. I just wish the ending didn't have me in tears on transit.
September 20, 2024
Well written! Made me want to track down both # 1 and #3
January 17, 2025
I just finished the second book of the Dalriada Trilogy and all I can say is wow. If you like historical fiction, you will probably love this book.
March 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and was transferred to the time and place. I loved Rhiann's contemplations. After reading the historical notes it's obvious that the material was very well researched.
July 20, 2011
Die keltische Prinzessin Rihann und der irische Prinz Eremon haben endlich zueinander gefunden und sich ihre Liebe gestanden. Die ersten Stämme haben sich mit Eremon nun gegen Agricola verbündet und führen erfolgreiche Schläge gegen die Römer, doch dies kann nur eine kurze Atempause sein. Denn Agricola ist mehr denn je entschlossen Alba zu erobern, daran ändern auch ein paar für ihm verlustreiche Überfälle nichts. Auch die anderen alten Feinde sind noch nicht geschlagen und sinnen auf Rache. Alles läuft auf die finale Schlacht um Schottlands Freiheit hinaus…
Der zweite Band der Dalriada-Trilogie schließt direkt an den ersten Band an. Doch während der erste Teil eine erfreuliche Zukunft verhieß, hängen hier von Anfang an düstere Schatten über der Ehe von Rihann und Eremon sowie den Erfolgsaussichten im Freiheitskampf. Ihre Feinde sind unerbittlich und so ertrinkt die Geschichte und vor allem Rihann selbst in Blut, Schuld und Sühne.
Dieses Buch lag mir ziemlich schwer im Magen aufgrund seiner Hoffnungslosigkeit auf ein gutes Ende – gut, es war mein Fehler, darauf vorzublättern – und Rihanns Halsstarrigkeit belastet die Beziehung zwischen ihr und Eremon extrem. Und wer sich grad fragt, wie das mit dem Kind, dass Schottland in die Freiheit führen wird, zusammenpasst: Diese Prophezeihung erfolgt erst auf den letzten Seiten und ist Inhalt des dritten Buchs, das mehrere hundert Jahre später spielt. Teil 2 endet in einer Katastrophe - mit kaum einem Hoffnungsschimmer, bis auf besagte Prophezeihung. Der Weg dahin ist wie das Zurasen auf eine Wand mit geöffneten Augen. Zur Ausführung des Buches ist zu sagen, dass die Übersetzung mir etwas liebloser und die Figuren generell im ersten Band oftmals sympathischer erschienen. Wer damit klarkommt, dass am Ende nur Tod und Verderben sowie gebrochene Menschen warten und erträgt, dass dies sich schon durch das ganze Buch zieht – obwohl sich die Beteiligten verzweifelt dagegen stemmen – der könnte mit dieser Fortsetzung durchaus glücklich werden. Ich für meinen Teil wäre lieber bei Band 1 geblieben. Band 3 wurde noch nicht wieder neu aufgelegt und ist nur überteuert zu erstehen, daher erspart es mir die Frage, ob ich nun hoffen soll, dass Band 3 mich wieder aufmuntern kann.
Wer wirklich wissen will, wie es mit Eremon und Rihann weitergeht, kann hier weiterlesen. Ansonsten vielleicht lieber drauf verzichten.
Der zweite Band der Dalriada-Trilogie schließt direkt an den ersten Band an. Doch während der erste Teil eine erfreuliche Zukunft verhieß, hängen hier von Anfang an düstere Schatten über der Ehe von Rihann und Eremon sowie den Erfolgsaussichten im Freiheitskampf. Ihre Feinde sind unerbittlich und so ertrinkt die Geschichte und vor allem Rihann selbst in Blut, Schuld und Sühne.
Dieses Buch lag mir ziemlich schwer im Magen aufgrund seiner Hoffnungslosigkeit auf ein gutes Ende – gut, es war mein Fehler, darauf vorzublättern – und Rihanns Halsstarrigkeit belastet die Beziehung zwischen ihr und Eremon extrem. Und wer sich grad fragt, wie das mit dem Kind, dass Schottland in die Freiheit führen wird, zusammenpasst: Diese Prophezeihung erfolgt erst auf den letzten Seiten und ist Inhalt des dritten Buchs, das mehrere hundert Jahre später spielt. Teil 2 endet in einer Katastrophe - mit kaum einem Hoffnungsschimmer, bis auf besagte Prophezeihung. Der Weg dahin ist wie das Zurasen auf eine Wand mit geöffneten Augen. Zur Ausführung des Buches ist zu sagen, dass die Übersetzung mir etwas liebloser und die Figuren generell im ersten Band oftmals sympathischer erschienen. Wer damit klarkommt, dass am Ende nur Tod und Verderben sowie gebrochene Menschen warten und erträgt, dass dies sich schon durch das ganze Buch zieht – obwohl sich die Beteiligten verzweifelt dagegen stemmen – der könnte mit dieser Fortsetzung durchaus glücklich werden. Ich für meinen Teil wäre lieber bei Band 1 geblieben. Band 3 wurde noch nicht wieder neu aufgelegt und ist nur überteuert zu erstehen, daher erspart es mir die Frage, ob ich nun hoffen soll, dass Band 3 mich wieder aufmuntern kann.
Wer wirklich wissen will, wie es mit Eremon und Rihann weitergeht, kann hier weiterlesen. Ansonsten vielleicht lieber drauf verzichten.
November 12, 2014
there are simply no words to express how much this book is amazing. I'm usually a really really fast reader but when a book takes me a while to complete, its because im going to slowly to savour all that is in it.
This book was definitely one of those books where I needed frequent breaks because my emotions where everywhere! at a point I was filled with fear, then anger, the love and then sadness/grief and shock so strong that I cried!!!
It was simply marvelous and that little bit towards the end, oh man! beautiful absolutely wonderful follow up to white mare.
Jules watson is amazing, talk about controlling your emotions, truly one of the best writers! I was sooo captivated throughout this historical fiction and I just absolutely adore the characters! Eremon and Rhiann, watson wrote their characters so vividly that I felt like I could see everything that was going on as though I were there!
im usually a no-nonsense kind of person and if a book can make me feel so strongly and me having to walk away because of the shock of various twists then I guarantee it must be good. And yea there were some scenes where I was like okay, move on please but trust me when I say you needed the breaks! and lets face it back in the days they had some strange morals which the author had to include for authenticity sake else it wouldn't be that believable! oh and did i mention how wonderfully descriptive (of scenes) this writer is! you could basically smell the dirt and the feel the wind against the waves as you read! oh and yea there were some scenes which might make you uncomfortable but they weren't as intense as that of white mare which I was glad!
This book was definitely one of those books where I needed frequent breaks because my emotions where everywhere! at a point I was filled with fear, then anger, the love and then sadness/grief and shock so strong that I cried!!!
It was simply marvelous and that little bit towards the end, oh man! beautiful absolutely wonderful follow up to white mare.
Jules watson is amazing, talk about controlling your emotions, truly one of the best writers! I was sooo captivated throughout this historical fiction and I just absolutely adore the characters! Eremon and Rhiann, watson wrote their characters so vividly that I felt like I could see everything that was going on as though I were there!
im usually a no-nonsense kind of person and if a book can make me feel so strongly and me having to walk away because of the shock of various twists then I guarantee it must be good. And yea there were some scenes where I was like okay, move on please but trust me when I say you needed the breaks! and lets face it back in the days they had some strange morals which the author had to include for authenticity sake else it wouldn't be that believable! oh and did i mention how wonderfully descriptive (of scenes) this writer is! you could basically smell the dirt and the feel the wind against the waves as you read! oh and yea there were some scenes which might make you uncomfortable but they weren't as intense as that of white mare which I was glad!
December 1, 2019
SPOILER ALERT
I slowly made my way through this second instalment and unfortunately it did not pay off in the end, wrapping up with one of the lamest endings I've read in recent memory. I can't believe both this book and the one before it built up to a battle between the Albans and the Romans over the course of TWO books...and then the Albans LOSE the epic battle. Not only that, but the epilogue spends all of five minutes on the fate of main characters Rhiann and Eremon (with no mention of what became of the supporting characters) and how they escape to Erin to live somewhat happily ever after. And don't worry about that whole Romans-invading-Alba thing, Rhiann has one of her spiritual new-agey epiphanies and Alba will be just fine...some day. Talk about an anti-climactic ending!
Just like some fantasy series are very much geared towards men, this one is geared too much towards women, stearing into clichéd territory with way too much emphasis placed on spiritual priestess visions (God, I hate reading entire chapters about visions and dreams), and idolizing of motherhood. I took issue with Rhiann beating herself up over the fact that she delays getting knocked up by taking Iron-Age birth control herbs. Enough with the guilt trip.
I won't be reading the third book in the trilogy. Honestly I don't know where it could go from here. I'd rather be reading Juliet Marillier.
I slowly made my way through this second instalment and unfortunately it did not pay off in the end, wrapping up with one of the lamest endings I've read in recent memory. I can't believe both this book and the one before it built up to a battle between the Albans and the Romans over the course of TWO books...and then the Albans LOSE the epic battle. Not only that, but the epilogue spends all of five minutes on the fate of main characters Rhiann and Eremon (with no mention of what became of the supporting characters) and how they escape to Erin to live somewhat happily ever after. And don't worry about that whole Romans-invading-Alba thing, Rhiann has one of her spiritual new-agey epiphanies and Alba will be just fine...some day. Talk about an anti-climactic ending!
Just like some fantasy series are very much geared towards men, this one is geared too much towards women, stearing into clichéd territory with way too much emphasis placed on spiritual priestess visions (God, I hate reading entire chapters about visions and dreams), and idolizing of motherhood. I took issue with Rhiann beating herself up over the fact that she delays getting knocked up by taking Iron-Age birth control herbs. Enough with the guilt trip.
I won't be reading the third book in the trilogy. Honestly I don't know where it could go from here. I'd rather be reading Juliet Marillier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2009
After a while this book just seemed to drag on and on. Same characters, same motivations, with only a slight escalation in the plot and an even bigger sense of doom. I actually skipped over the big event at the end. I already knew the outcome, so reading those chapters is akin to watching Titanic and reading the Silmarillion while rooting for the boat and elves. After that it's just a dragged out wrap up with a tie to the next book thrown in. The revelations for the characters are not earth-shattering (at least, not to the reader) but their responses are in character.
Still, as a completist, I had to read the book so I could read the third. I doubt I would have missed much, but I haven't read much into the third book yet. The book isn't horrible and if you are invested in the characters, it is worth reading. I guess I just miss Juliet Marillier's writing style and/or a more magical feeling.
Still, as a completist, I had to read the book so I could read the third. I doubt I would have missed much, but I haven't read much into the third book yet. The book isn't horrible and if you are invested in the characters, it is worth reading. I guess I just miss Juliet Marillier's writing style and/or a more magical feeling.
March 23, 2011
I gave this one three stars, because I can't give it three and a half.
I liked the first book better, this one was a bit slow for my taste at certain points. Nevertheless, there were some parts where I couldn't put it down as well. Another positive thing about The Dawn Stag is that it has a HUGE ending. The grande finale takes up a whole lot of pages, which makes you dead curious to find out how it's going to end. And best of all, it's a satisfying ending, too.
I've just started Song of the North, the third book in the Dalriada trilogy. That book is another reason why I can't in all honesty give The Dawn Stag four stars: the third is the best one yet! But more on that once I've finished it.
I liked the first book better, this one was a bit slow for my taste at certain points. Nevertheless, there were some parts where I couldn't put it down as well. Another positive thing about The Dawn Stag is that it has a HUGE ending. The grande finale takes up a whole lot of pages, which makes you dead curious to find out how it's going to end. And best of all, it's a satisfying ending, too.
I've just started Song of the North, the third book in the Dalriada trilogy. That book is another reason why I can't in all honesty give The Dawn Stag four stars: the third is the best one yet! But more on that once I've finished it.
August 17, 2013
The second book of Watson's trilogy is, amazingly, better than the first. Here, the Roman invasion is unstoppable and Rhiann and Eremon must face the coming war, each having important roles to play.
Watson's descriptions of Alba and the invading Roman army are wonderful. Her fluid writing brings her well-researched details to life in a lovely way and is a real pleasure to read.
I've so enjoyed reading about the travails of the Alban peoples during this time. Some of Rhiann's decisions drove me insane - and, Eremon's subsequent actions were extremely frustrating - but, all in all, I think they both matured in this book.
This is a great novel for anyone interested in Rome, the British Isles, or well-written historical fiction.
Watson's descriptions of Alba and the invading Roman army are wonderful. Her fluid writing brings her well-researched details to life in a lovely way and is a real pleasure to read.
I've so enjoyed reading about the travails of the Alban peoples during this time. Some of Rhiann's decisions drove me insane - and, Eremon's subsequent actions were extremely frustrating - but, all in all, I think they both matured in this book.
This is a great novel for anyone interested in Rome, the British Isles, or well-written historical fiction.
August 4, 2015
I guess I'm going against the grain but I loved this book more than the first.
Our MC's are in love and now have to face one of the biggest battle ever- the roman invasion.
They must first to keep their culture alive against people who want to rule. They must fight against superior opponents to save their land. Its so action packed I just couldn't put it down.
I loved the supporting cast. Getting to know the men in the army and to see the MC's interact more with the people around them was great. This book made me cry and laugh. I was anxious for the MC and their friends and cheered for their victories.
I admit I'm less excited about the third book since the MC I have grown to love aren't in it, but I will continue the series for sure.
Our MC's are in love and now have to face one of the biggest battle ever- the roman invasion.
They must first to keep their culture alive against people who want to rule. They must fight against superior opponents to save their land. Its so action packed I just couldn't put it down.
I loved the supporting cast. Getting to know the men in the army and to see the MC's interact more with the people around them was great. This book made me cry and laugh. I was anxious for the MC and their friends and cheered for their victories.
I admit I'm less excited about the third book since the MC I have grown to love aren't in it, but I will continue the series for sure.
April 30, 2010
I'm torn between giving this book 3 or 4 stars! I really liked The White Mare in that the relationship between Eremon and Rhiann had so much possibility! I was sure that The Dawn Stag would have that relationship take center stage, while the rich historical details completed the story. Unfortunately, I found the book a little lacking in the relationship department. There were parts that I loved (The story line with Malcheon), but I just wanted more. It is true, however, that I may have been expecting too much as I picked up the Dalriada Series to fill the void that Jamie and Claire of Outlander left. 3.5 stars.
July 15, 2011
I purchased this book in 2008 and didn't get around to it until this year. Realizing when I started my read that I was on the second book of a series and, briefly, wondered if I should put it aside until I had read the first book...but, it was snowing outside and I had nothing left on my nightstand.
I appreciate that the author, Jules Watson, realized there would be readers such as I and paid careful attention to detail...at the end of the book I found there were no gaping holes in a story that I enjoyed to the fullest, plus learning about a culture I knew little about.
I appreciate that the author, Jules Watson, realized there would be readers such as I and paid careful attention to detail...at the end of the book I found there were no gaping holes in a story that I enjoyed to the fullest, plus learning about a culture I knew little about.
May 28, 2013
It's rare that I don't like books endings, but I am giving this one 3 stars because of it.
Whereas I had an enjoyable reading with the White Mare, I found myself skimming some chapters, as the ideas repeat many times.
The ending is just sad. I could stand an assumed sad end, but I felt really angry at the author for giving us a sad ending disguised as epiphany. All that suffering, all the losses were for nothing
I am very disappointed, but I am still going to read the third book and see if I can have some closure.
Whereas I had an enjoyable reading with the White Mare, I found myself skimming some chapters, as the ideas repeat many times.
The ending is just sad. I could stand an assumed sad end, but I felt really angry at the author for giving us a sad ending disguised as epiphany. All that suffering, all the losses were for nothing
I am very disappointed, but I am still going to read the third book and see if I can have some closure.
November 10, 2008
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to Julie Watson writing more heroine centric novels. She does a good job of blending true human emotion with historical fiction - in this case, a mother goddess religious based society. Both entertaining and truly touching tale. I advise reading the first of the series White Mare before reading this one. You will be more aware of the deeper struggles that she explores in her characters if you read them in order.
February 21, 2012
I enjoyed this second in the series almost as much as the first ..... a little more magic in this one, I think, and a little more sex but I guess the sex was part of the journey. Unlike some books, the sex was part of the story not the whole story. The love that developed between the two main characters and their love for Alba and the fulfilment of the prophetic dreams and visions were what made the book so enjoyable and enthralling.
March 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The first book was all of the build up around the roman invasion and their relationship... but this book was more about the journey once they got there. I love Eremon and Rhiann's relationship and that was the glue that kept me reading and reading, but at times the story dragged a bit. I'm not as fond of books that break up the POV's to also include the antagonist's view.
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