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Circle of Ceridwen Saga #6

Silver Hammer, Golden Cross

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A Peace which must be defended. A vow which must be broken. It is the final decade of the ninth century. The Peace between Wessex and the Danes long-settled in the Danelaw erodes. A new onslaught of Danes attacks Angle-land, trying once and for all to destroy Ælfred.

Ceric of Kilton, now a young man, travels across Kingdoms to visit his friend, Hrald of Four Stones - and to see Ashild, who he desires for his wife. But renewed hostilities threaten Ceric's hopes for deeper ties between strongholds.

And hundreds of leagues away on the Baltic island of Gotland, Hrald's father Sidroc the Dane must defy his Gods.

The revered Hammer of Thor. The sacred Cross of the Christians. And the conflict that pits two beliefs, two great war-chiefs, and three young people against each other.

A New Generation Beckons You...

660 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2017

416 people are currently reading
600 people want to read

About the author

Octavia Randolph

24 books595 followers
I write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. In addition to the Circle Saga, I've written the novella Ride, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, and The Tale of Melkorka, based on the Icelandic Sagas. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe.
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for farR.
185 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2017
An exciting latest installment

Wow, after a sweet heartwarming story of Tindr in Book 5 this latest installment of the saga knocks you off balance, would not let you settle comfortably in your seat but keeps you constantly at the edge of it and would not allow you to even breathe properly.

The death of the Danelaw King and the landing of a new force of Danes warlords on the shores of Angel-land threatens the peace between the long settled Danes and the Saxons in Agle-land. It threatens to pitch friends, brothers, sisters and lovers against each other from across the divide. And we readers are left breathless to find out from page to page if loyalty, love and friendship would hold and for how long.

This series now spans two generations. I have read each and every book in the series and now I wish the next book was available today, now.
90 reviews
June 30, 2017
This was another amazing book in the series. Strong women that stitch too. What a great combo. I am so sad book 7 is not ready. I have to say, I stayed up most of the night with this book because I had to know what happened. I can't tell you when the last time I did that. Be sure to read these books in order. But READ THEM. they are all fabulous.
350 reviews
January 10, 2018
I can never say enough wonderful things about Octavia Randolph books and I am always sad to see them end. What a fantastic series this has been, so well written and thought out. The books leave you wanting more. I have loved this whole series. If you enjoy history, you need to read these books.
Profile Image for Brooke Ryan.
64 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2025
What an epic. The first and second of this series were SO captivating but this book comes close to their level. Introducing "new" characters can be hard when we've been following certain ones for so long, but Randolph does this effortlessly. I felt like I was reading a movie-like saga, imagining the different "Lord of the Rings"-esque scenes play out in my mind. My heart was racing at certain points, just trying to read fast enough to quench my curiosity of what might happen! Such a well written slow burn that has a very satisfying pay off in the end. Once you read the first one in the series, you’re hooked for life. It has so many surprising twists and turns and each book gets deeper and deeper into the character’s lives. I am SO glad I found this series!!
Profile Image for Emily.
60 reviews
February 19, 2024
This book, like every installment of the Circle of Ceridwen series so far, is excellently researched, full of interesting characters, and plots a great story. It is a bit slow, and feels like a transition book, but even a slow book from Randolph is entertaining.

I think I’ve mentioned in all of my reviews for this series that Randolph is devoted to presenting this time period of the late 800s as accurately and interestingly as possible, and Silver Hammer, Golden Cross is no exception. Many of the historical elements are well-trodden ground at this point in the series, but the depictions of war camps and war were fresh elements in this novel. Following Ceric in particular as a young person in charge of men much older than himself was really intriguing.

As this series goes on, the characters and all of the tangled webs they weave have even more depth. The Ceridwen and Ælfwyn mixed family at this point has a lot of great dynamics to be explored, especially Ashlid and Hrald’s views about Sidroc staying away in Gotland for so long. The reader knows through everyone’s POVs that Ælfwyn and Ceridwen hold no animosity towards each other, but it’s nice to see their children grapple with the strange ties that bind them all together.

This book also focuses heavily on Ashlid, and while some of the things she does are really frustrating, it’s nice to finally have a main female character who isn’t just flat out beautiful. She’s endearing and engaging in her own way, but pretty much every POV states she’s not classically beautiful. Almost all the other named female characters of any importance in this series are described as beautiful – Ceridwen, Ælfwyn, Rannveig, Begu, Modwyn, Eirian, Astrid, Deer, Æanflad, Æalswith, Edgyth – and more I’m probably missing. They are beautiful in different ways, but all beautiful, and the only ones who aren’t are the serving women and the cooks. Which is fine, but it’s just refreshing to have a main character who isn’t.

The further I get in this series, it feels more and more like this really is just an extended saga, with no clear end points for each book. They feel a bit arbitrary at best, but always leave you wanting to continue with the rest of the story.
Profile Image for C.W..
158 reviews7 followers
September 14, 2021
This series hasn’t let me down yet. Mesmerizing… so well done.
Profile Image for Caprice.
278 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2017
Book Six is as good as all the other books in the series

Silver Hammer, Golden Cross by Octavia Randolph is the sixth book in the Circle of Ceridwen Series. This book deals more with Ceridwen and Sidroc's children in Angleland rather than with Ceridwen and Sidroc in Gotland. It follows Ceric, Ceridwen's older son, that she had with Gyric, and Sidroc's son Hrald and his sister Ashild, both children of AElfwyn. Ashild, who's father was Yrling, AElfwyn's first husband, is old enough to get married, but she doesn't want to leave Four Stones. Both Ceric and her neighbor to the north wish to wed her, but she can't decide which one she wants. Meanwhile, the peace between Wessex and the area held by the Danes is fracturing. The Danish King has died, and many of the jarls holding land in the northern part of Angleand want to take Wessex. Ceric of Kilton is fighting with the king of Wessex, while his best friend Hrald is committed to honoring the peace that was signed between Wessex and the Danes. They both fear that they will face each other on a battlefield.

I enjoyed this book very much. The story is very well researched and developed, and the complex characters are relatable. It was interesting to get to know the characters while learning more about a time period I know very little about. As with all the other books in the series, there is action and adventure, plenty of danger to the characters, but also a lot of family relationships and interaction between the family members. I think Ashild is my favorite character, because she is a strong young woman who wants to live her life differently than most other women in this time period. She wants to make her own decisions and not be forced to leave her home just because it is what is expected of her. However that changes when she is faced with the choice to benefit Four Stones by marrying or put her beloved home in great danger. She reminded me of Ceridwen in the first book of the series.

Although this book is an excellent read, there were a few things I didn't like. The first was that there were few chapters that followed Ceridwen, who is my favorite character in this series. Another was that the story focused more on Hrald and Ashild than it did on Ceric. I would have liked for it to more balanced between Wessex and Four Stones. Finally, I am still struggling with the pronunciation of some of the terms used from the ninth century. There is a glossary in the back of the book which tells the meaning of the words, and it would be nice if the pronunciation was added.

I definitely recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys sweeping sagas with strong female characters. Octavia's painstaking research makes this series one of the best I've read. There is quite a bit of violence, as well as some sexual scenes, but the sexual situations are not in graphic detail. It is more suitable for older teens or adults than for younger teens.
73 reviews
February 22, 2017
Such a great read.

This book catches up on the lives of the children. Most of the other characters are here too so it is like drifting into a family reunion. As always this author develops her characters to such a degree that we KNOW them We care. Such a difficult time to live. So well presented. I am looking forward to anything this author writes.
183 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2020
This is, up to now, my favorite of the series. It is so well written. Ms. Randolph was able to convey so many emotions in her writing. The excitement, the sadness, the loss, the adventure, all the emotions experienced when a country realizes war is coming. This was so well written I could actually visualize the scenes as if I was watching on a movie screen.

I am sad I don't have a book 8 yet to continue reading immediately, so I am going to go back and start over and reread and enjoy the experience all over again.
Profile Image for Kelsey.
180 reviews
January 7, 2019
Not was I was hoping for. The ending felt pretty abrupt and I missed Ceridwen throughout since most of the scenes we did get with her didn't seem to have their normal depth. I will definitely continue the series but this one was probably my least favorite so far.
Profile Image for Shereen Lang.
604 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2019
This entire series has been a pleasant surprise.... anyone that enjoys historical fiction on this time period will never want to put these books down! Intense! Octavia is amazing in her research and her historical accuracy.
This series now spans two generations.
The death of the Danelaw King and the landing of a new force of Danes warlords on the shores of Angel-land threaten’s the peace between the long settled Danes and the Saxons in Agle-land. It threatens to pitch friends, brothers, sisters and lovers against each other from across the divide. And we readers are left breathless to find out from page to page if loyalty, love and friendship would hold and for how long.
With Ceridwen and Sidroc's children in Angleland rather than with Ceridwen and Sidroc in Gotland the pace changes. It follows Ceric, Ceridwen's older son that she had with Gyric, and Sidroc's son Hrald and his sister Ashild, both children of AElfwyn. Ashild, who's father was Yrling, AElfwyn's first husband, is old enough to get married, but she doesn't want to leave Four Stones. Both Ceric and her neighbor to the north wish to wed her, but she can't decide which one she wants. Meanwhile, the peace between Wessex and the area held by the Danes is fracturing. The Danish King has died, and many of the jarls holding land in the northern part of Angleand want to take Wessex. Ceric of Kilton is fighting with the king of Wessex, while his best friend Hrald is committed to honoring the peace that was signed between Wessex and the Danes. They both fear that they will face each other on a battlefield.
Profile Image for Nat Cabrera.
249 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2017
Reading this was SO pleasant and entertaining!
I honestly thought this was the end of the saga, but I recently found out that there will be a book 7 coming. Even though the next book excites me a lot and I truly want to know what happens, if this had been the ending I would be pleased with it. It leaves you with a "so, what's next" feeling, but it could be an open ending. I really enjoyed the way it is narrated, we can know the PoV's of many characters. It was incredible that Randolph decided to center the story in Angle-land; I obviously missed Ceridwen, but now that Ceric and Hrald have grown, it was awesome to know what was going on with their lives. Ashild became one of my favorites characters within this saga, she's bold, rebel but has a kind heart, I really liked knowing her better. Hrald and Ceric I love, I absolutely adore their friendship, they're very cute. I still admire how much investigation Octavia must have done in order to achieve such perfect books. She hasn't disappoint me, and I doubt she ever will. Once again, highly recommended!!
Profile Image for Suzanne Sheppard.
7 reviews
April 12, 2018
Randolph is at the top of her game!
I am absolutely convinced Octavia Randolph is a time traveler! Her ease at the descriptions of everyday life in Medieval England is beyond any author I have read. She’s done it! She’s lived it, walked it, made it, and tasted it! Randolph’s experiences have transformed an amazingly intense series of novels into a sensual delight to the reader. Her plot twists will continue to confound and have you sitting up at night wondering how she will manage to get her characters out of the ‘mess’ she has created!
I highly recommend this series, if you haven’t already started it. Ceridwen’s journey is addictive. It is a wild ride through Anglo-Saxon England, surviving Viking raids and Turkish kidnappings. Randolph is at the top of her game and her followers, worldwide, are rejoicing for this newest release!
Profile Image for Neill Smith.
1,138 reviews39 followers
February 23, 2020
The Saga continues!

This book tells the story of Cedric of Kilton, son of Ceridwen and Garlic; Hrald of Four Stones, son of AElfwyn and and Sidroc; and Ashlid of Four Stone, daughter of AElfwyn and Yrling; and children of Four Stones as they grow to be adults and fulfill their lives as true descendants of their parents. It outlines the battles between the invading Danes and the earlier occupiers of Angleland and the melding and dissolving of alliances between those two great groups of people. It is an incredible blend of lifestyles, beliefs, and competition between the forces of 9th Century Britain nd a satisfying possible conclusion to the epic of Ceredwin, Sidroc, and the people of AElfred, King of Wessex. I say possible because we are all hoping for another volume. I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Brie.
58 reviews
February 15, 2019
I love Octavia Randolph and this series. So glad she's decided to keep writing with the next generation, while not wholly leaving behind her original characters. The story is so rich with detail and beautifully crafted. It's also woven well into the historical fabric of real events, which is a two-in-one deal for me as a huge history buff. My one and only complaint, which isn't necessarily a negative for all readers, is that sometimes she's TOO detailed. I find page long descriptions of certain items or practices distracting from the plot when they aren't central to the character or story-line. It's wonderful writing for sure, but at times it seems superfluous. Never-the-less, there isn't a book in this series I would hesitate to pick up and read.
Profile Image for Michelle DeCarlo.
1 review
February 26, 2018
OH MY GOSH I cannot say enough about this series!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! If I have to put the book down for any reason, I find myself thinking about the characters and wondering how they are doing, much like I do my own friends and family. In truth, I feel like I am sitting right there with them experiencing all of their joys, sorrows, and complex daily emotions. If Ceridwen and Aelfwyn walked into my room right now, I am confident that I could pour us some good ale and sit down and carry on like AD890 was just yesterday. I have never had a time period come to life so beautifully vibrant as Octavia has so masterfully done in this series. Octavia's story telling is superb!!
Profile Image for Anita.
604 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2019
A wonderful sixth story in this enthralling Viking series. I am so glad that Sidroc lives to imbue another tale with his unique personality traits of strength, passion and gentleness combined in a male character increasingly endearing to the readers. And, of course, not forgetting Ceridwen awaiting his safe return on Gotland.
This is a hint to the author to continue the story of his sons and daughters in the future! It would be sad to wish these characters “goodbye” forever.
This is a compelling series, as well as being educational. I have learnt a great deal about the Vikings and their way of life.
Highly recommended.

Profile Image for Anne.
26 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2017
This is the kind of series I love, heavily character driven, rooted in actual world history, packed with
characters I care about and would enjoy knowing, plenty of dramatic situations and a fascinating window into the pleasures, challenges and dangers of ninth century life. Highly recommended for people who enjoy the Outlander series.
This book tells of danger and strife returning to the lives of the series characters.
14 reviews
September 3, 2018
I found this book less interesting than the previous ones. and at times it dragged - particularly during the battle scenes. Too much tedious information. I guess this is due to the deep research and understanding Ms Randolph has undertaken. But honestly there are times during most of her books where I felt a bit like I was in a history lecture.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the book, and will purchase the next in the continuing saga.
Profile Image for Kate.
10 reviews
August 19, 2019
The only negative is that I’ve finished and the next in the series is not yet complete. I enjoyed the emergence of the female protagonist - no miss mousy. The detailing of differences in world view between Danes and christianised Saxons continues, and is quite good. No taking sides, just well articulated. Now with the christianised Danes the life outlook conflicts are realistic - at least from a remove of 1,000+ years. Bring on the next book!
6 reviews
May 30, 2017
Loved the continuation of the Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Story is great, historical information is fascinating. Wish the publisher was a little better at catching grammical errors before printing, but that is my only objection. Super story, and fits well with The Last Kingdom broadcast in 2016. E-mails from the author are an unexpected delightful surprise!
261 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2017
I missed them....So glad to be back in the world of Ceridwen. It felt like putting on my most comfortable clothes to be back amongst these characters. Getting to know the next generation was a pleasure. I can't wait to be back with them all again. I want to know what happens to Cedric and Hrald next.
31 reviews
February 11, 2018
Outstanding saga of love and war

Read the book twice, first time around my heart was in my throat! Not knowing what would happen to Sidroc; not knowing what would happen to Ceric; not knowing what would happen to Harld. Second time around, I took my time reading, savoring each event: the sea, at Locke and at Four Stones. Highly recommend the six books of the Circle of Ceridwen
7 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2018
Second time around

This is my second reading of this full saga. It is very than the first. The details, stories and characters grow in each reading. I am waiting to see what happens next! Definitely ready Sidroc the Dane, it will make you ache to read all the books again. Best series to date! Anxiously awaiting the next book...
Profile Image for Lori Greenlee.
439 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2018
Love this series

This is a different kind of book series. The writing style matches the time period it's written in . Them story continues with the offspring of sidrok, ceredwen, and alfewyn. It may not be for everyone , but if you like historical fiction regarding the danes and Saxons , with a little love story mixed in , it's for you.
1 review
August 24, 2019
Great story and characters

Could be made even better with a severe editing for typos and consistency of language. The medieval voice is self conscious and inauthentic. Did the author think her story and characters would be less believable without it? I think they could stand on their own merit.
Profile Image for Sharon.
389 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2019
Book 6 has Randolph back to the caliber of book 1 and so I enjoyed it immensely. The book dwells much on Ashild's two suitors, Ceric the Saxon and Thorfast the Dane. Peace between Wessex and the Danes is unravelling and Sidroc travels back to Four Stones as war is imminent. Book 7 will finish the saga off.
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