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The Stone Stories #1
The Walrus Mutterer
Northern Britain, Iron Age.
Rian, a carefree young woman and promising apprentice healer, is enslaved by a spiteful trader and forced aboard a vessel to embark on a perilous sea voyage. They are in search of the fabled hunter known as the Walrus Mutterer, to recover something once stolen. The limits of Rian’s endurance are tested not only by the cruelty of her captor, but their mysterious fellow passenger Pytheas The Greek – and the mercilous sea that constantly endangers both their mission and their lives.
A visceral evocation of ancient folklore and ritual, The Walrus Mutterer introduces an unforgettable cast of characters in an extraordinary, vividly imagined Celtic world.
Rian, a carefree young woman and promising apprentice healer, is enslaved by a spiteful trader and forced aboard a vessel to embark on a perilous sea voyage. They are in search of the fabled hunter known as the Walrus Mutterer, to recover something once stolen. The limits of Rian’s endurance are tested not only by the cruelty of her captor, but their mysterious fellow passenger Pytheas The Greek – and the mercilous sea that constantly endangers both their mission and their lives.
A visceral evocation of ancient folklore and ritual, The Walrus Mutterer introduces an unforgettable cast of characters in an extraordinary, vividly imagined Celtic world.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2018
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172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 20, 2021
A masterclass in nature writing - the prose is exquisite, lean and poetic. The characters are nuanced, interesting and never anachronistic. Such an imaginative, convincing rendering of prehistoric lives. Wonderful!
September 2, 2018
A brilliant read for those who are fans of books such as The Gracekeepers for example. One of the main themes running throughout the course of the novel is hope in the face of adversity. The fact that the main character can endure so much strife and upheaval, yet still carry on makes her such an endearing character. Courage in the face of adversity, tenacity and upstanding moral values are all traits many great heroins of novels past and present possess and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. Rian is one of the most well written, likeable characters I've encountered between the pages of a good novel in a while.
December 26, 2018
When a ship sails into Assynt harbour, fifteen-year-old Rian is as excited as anyone. Little does she suspect how much her life is about to change. When the boat leaves, she’ll be forced to go with it, her foster father having gambled away her freedom to become the trader’s slave.
Full review
In ancient times: The Walrus Mutterer & The Legend of Vortigern https://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post...
Full review
In ancient times: The Walrus Mutterer & The Legend of Vortigern https://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post...
April 30, 2019
The Walrus Mutterer, set in Northern Britain in the Iron Age, tells the story of Rian, a spirited young woman sold into slavery by her feckless foster father. Rian’s subsequent journey on the open sea is fraught with peril and trauma as she suffers at the hands of Ussa, her captor, and Pytheas the Greek, a character based on a real traveller known to have mapped Britain in the Iron Age. Their journey follows Ussa’s quest to track down a mysterious figure known as the Walrus Mutterer, famed for his hunting prowess.
In The Walrus Mutterer, Mandy Haggith succeeds both in painting a vivid picture of life in the Iron Age and maintaining a fast-paced story. Unfamiliar details are revealed through the natural actions and interactions of characters. When myths of the age are re-told, they are done so with lightness and humour, with Rian in one scene interrupting to suggest that a storyteller should get to the point. The result is a compelling novel in which Haggith’s obvious wealth of knowledge is imparted in ways that bring to life rather than slow down the story.
The novel offers an interpretation of the role of women in the Iron Age. There are descriptions of women’s healing activities and rituals, and Danuta, a medicine woman and family elder, initially appears to be a highly respected figure; however, she is powerless to undo the decisions made by her son. Similarly, Ussa, the trader, is depicted as powerful, but relies on her sexuality in many of her dealings with men, and displays cruelty towards women she perceives to be of lower status.
Part one of a trilogy, The Walrus Mutterer introduces a strong cast of characters, a fascinating setting and the early story of the likeable Rian, while planting the seeds of mysteries yet to be explored.
In The Walrus Mutterer, Mandy Haggith succeeds both in painting a vivid picture of life in the Iron Age and maintaining a fast-paced story. Unfamiliar details are revealed through the natural actions and interactions of characters. When myths of the age are re-told, they are done so with lightness and humour, with Rian in one scene interrupting to suggest that a storyteller should get to the point. The result is a compelling novel in which Haggith’s obvious wealth of knowledge is imparted in ways that bring to life rather than slow down the story.
The novel offers an interpretation of the role of women in the Iron Age. There are descriptions of women’s healing activities and rituals, and Danuta, a medicine woman and family elder, initially appears to be a highly respected figure; however, she is powerless to undo the decisions made by her son. Similarly, Ussa, the trader, is depicted as powerful, but relies on her sexuality in many of her dealings with men, and displays cruelty towards women she perceives to be of lower status.
Part one of a trilogy, The Walrus Mutterer introduces a strong cast of characters, a fascinating setting and the early story of the likeable Rian, while planting the seeds of mysteries yet to be explored.
October 7, 2023
The first, The Walrus Mutterer, told from the point of view of Rian, a teenager living in Great Britain during the Iron Age (circa 320 BC) and being trained to become a priestess. She is loved, by at least some people in her foster family, though her foster father sells her to a greedy trader, Ussa, in exchange for a sword. Rian is branded, taken away, and placed on Ussa’s boat Ron. The crew goes off in search of the Walrus Mutterer, a great hunter of the big beasts. Rian is sold almost immediately to a fellow traveler. Rian’s owner is Pytheas, a Greek from Massalia (Marseilles). She remains a strong independent woman despite her enslavement and eventually meets and falls in love with the Walrus Mutterer.
The second, The Amber Seeker, is told from the point of view of Pytheas, starting when he leaves his home and follows him through his journeys in search of sources for tin, amber, and ivory. We see his interactions with his slave, Rian, from his point of view. Pytheas returns home. He is a rather ambivalent character, not evil, so much as confused by his own behavior with Rian, and he is, of course, rather self-aggrandizing and in denial of the reality of his behaviors.
The Lyre Dancers completes the series, and is told from the points of view of a middle-aged Rian, her daughters Soyea (by Pytheas) and Rona (by the Walrus Mutterer). It completes the love story between Rian and the Walrus Mutterer.
These books provide insight into women’s role in the Iron age and into ancient rituals and folklore as well as the Mother Earth religion. More than that, Mandy Haggith’s descriptions of the land, its harshness and beauty, are lyrical and sweeping; beyond that, her images of the sea, its currents, sky, and inhabitants (whales, walruses, fish, and seabirds) are truly moving. I’d classify this historical eco-fiction, beautifully written, and tugging modern hearts into a long-denied oneness with nature.
The second, The Amber Seeker, is told from the point of view of Pytheas, starting when he leaves his home and follows him through his journeys in search of sources for tin, amber, and ivory. We see his interactions with his slave, Rian, from his point of view. Pytheas returns home. He is a rather ambivalent character, not evil, so much as confused by his own behavior with Rian, and he is, of course, rather self-aggrandizing and in denial of the reality of his behaviors.
The Lyre Dancers completes the series, and is told from the points of view of a middle-aged Rian, her daughters Soyea (by Pytheas) and Rona (by the Walrus Mutterer). It completes the love story between Rian and the Walrus Mutterer.
These books provide insight into women’s role in the Iron age and into ancient rituals and folklore as well as the Mother Earth religion. More than that, Mandy Haggith’s descriptions of the land, its harshness and beauty, are lyrical and sweeping; beyond that, her images of the sea, its currents, sky, and inhabitants (whales, walruses, fish, and seabirds) are truly moving. I’d classify this historical eco-fiction, beautifully written, and tugging modern hearts into a long-denied oneness with nature.
November 13, 2025
This is a really sweet little book, bought primarily for the title and kept for the familiarity of writing about Iron Age Scotland and the Celts as a thing of wonder.
As a narrative this book is very linear and felt at times like I was having a list recited to me. This could be taken as a face value account of what Rian was facing in her voyage, but it did feel a bit superficial at times when I was craving more detail about the rich world being built. That being said, the detail that was provided was wonderful and beautifully explored, using language in a gorgeous, poetic way. It gently probed at Celtic rituals and beliefs and the ways of a healing woman.
It was a slow burn but worth a read.
One of my favourite quotes:
“They were the Bear clan although they never called themselves that as they had a superstition about never using the name of the animal. It’s a bit like us and the walrus: when we are hunting, it is considered disrespectful to call him that. Imagine if someone said to you “hey human,” it’s not nice, is it?”
“What do you call them?”
“Oh anything polite. Whiskery One, or Mister Tusker, or just Old Gentleman. Anyway, back to the Clan of the Furry Paws.”
As a narrative this book is very linear and felt at times like I was having a list recited to me. This could be taken as a face value account of what Rian was facing in her voyage, but it did feel a bit superficial at times when I was craving more detail about the rich world being built. That being said, the detail that was provided was wonderful and beautifully explored, using language in a gorgeous, poetic way. It gently probed at Celtic rituals and beliefs and the ways of a healing woman.
It was a slow burn but worth a read.
One of my favourite quotes:
“They were the Bear clan although they never called themselves that as they had a superstition about never using the name of the animal. It’s a bit like us and the walrus: when we are hunting, it is considered disrespectful to call him that. Imagine if someone said to you “hey human,” it’s not nice, is it?”
“What do you call them?”
“Oh anything polite. Whiskery One, or Mister Tusker, or just Old Gentleman. Anyway, back to the Clan of the Furry Paws.”
April 4, 2019
Fantastic title! Intriguingly, this starts off in a broch, a kind of fortified tower house, in the north of Scotland in probably Pictish times. When Rian is sold by her foster brother to a warrior-like merchant, then on to a Greek traveller (the real-life figure whose account of his travels seems to have inspired this book), her journeys begin. The merchant wants to find the walrus mutterer, a man who can charm walruses, while the Greek is keeping a diary of his adventures. Rian fortunately has healing skills which make her useful in their travels. I had had this recommended to me as being beautifully written and at first I doubted, but the author’s language when it comes to the sea and their voyages really is stunning. Rian’s confusion in the face of people with beliefs and priorities far from her own is heartfelt: she is a woman of her time, and there is very little that breaks one’s willing suspension of disbelief here.
January 13, 2022
Based on the cover, title and a quick glance at the blurb, I was expecting a light-hearted adventure story mixing ancient Celtic and Greek legends. It turned out to be a much darker affair, with quite a dose of misery for the first two thirds or so. I kept going because of the main character and her ability to somehow see the faintest of hope in the direst of times; she is certainly no Mary Sue character and when things eventually turn around for her, I really felt she had earned every bit of it and suddenly the grim trudge through the start seemed a necessary part of our journey. I fully expected the last few pages to have some grim twist back to the threat from the start, but the end was upbeat and left me looking forward to her further adventures and answers to some of those dangling threads. Already ordered the next two books and looking forward to returning to this world.
I'm still waiting for that Greco-celtic mythfest from some other source, now that I've thought of it!
I'm still waiting for that Greco-celtic mythfest from some other source, now that I've thought of it!
June 29, 2022
Rian has been sold as a slave by her heartless Laird in a fit of pique to a trades woman who ranks alongside Cruella de Ville for her ruthlessness. How can Rian escape and where can she go when all trade is conducted by sea, everyone knows everyone and they all fear her new owner? Feisty Rian didn’t know anything of her parents but Haggith gives just enough hints to tell us that she is someone special and we are all routing for her. An intriguing glimpse into life in Iron Age Scotland and such wonderful descriptions of the sea voyages that I almost felt seasick! A tale that races along, wonderfully told with great characters especially strong women characters – heroes and villains.
November 25, 2018
This is one of the best books I have read all year. A gripping, and at times, visceral story of Iron Age Scotland, with finely drawn characters and a fast moving plot. The author’s research is impeccable, and she brings this distant world to life with her beautiful, poetic writing style. Highly recommended.
December 8, 2024
An enjoyable story in a fairly untouched setting. It is bleak for most of it, especially early on, but it lends to the setting well and manages to not be hampered too much by it. It's clearly designed as a series and the ending definitely shows that, but I didn't hate it, mostly due to its more unique setting and intriguing characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
3.5 stars - Interesting perspective on what it may have been like be a slave in Iron Age Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed this view on what it must have been like to pull up at a broch, full of life and warmth, and how the spirits may have helped direct the lives of some, but not always all.
September 9, 2020
Utterly compelling - so few books are set during the Iron Age. Having visited Brochs and the area of Assynt, I adored this lyrical and beautifully written book. The characters with their strange rituals and unique way of seeing the world, really leaped off the page for me.
April 7, 2022
A wonderful read, and a fast-moving story set in the Iron Age of northern Britain. The author obviously has done great research to be able to create such original characters and stories. This title is the first book of The Stone Stories Trilogy. I look forward to reading further.
May 1, 2022
Really liked this one! The sense of time and place was incredibly strong and it was fascinating to read about the cultural side of ancient Britain. Liked Rian and can’t wait to see how she grows - I think she is going to kick some ass.
July 24, 2025
A very interesting novel that is based on some fascinating historical accounts. I wasn't really in the mood for the book but it featured some wonderful descriptions of Scotland's past and I liked our main protagonist.
November 7, 2021
YA. This book was a delight from start to finish. Historical fiction centring around the trials and tribulations of a young girl living in the north west coastal region of Scotland around 320BC. This book compares well with the Clan of the Cave Bear Series by Jean M Auel but is of greater interest to me due to the location in the book. Looking forward to reading book two, highly recommended for young and old.
August 12, 2024
rtc rian i would die for you
October 23, 2024
Loved it. A great story well written.
August 8, 2019
This was a good book with lovely descriptive writing, though be prepared for the slow build of the plot - the walrus mutterer only really appears properly over half way through. There were also a lot of loose ends and half told stories that I hope we hear more about in future books. Mostly I enjoyed an insight into Iron Age Scotland - having worked on the archaeological excavation at Clachtoll it was great to see the site brought to life!
July 5, 2018
Absorbing story set in Iron Age Britain about a young woman who becomes a slave. Refreshing to read a novel written from a woman's perspective. i was fascinated by the herbal lore and descriptions of plants and their medicinal uses. I also liked the sea voyages and the detail about life at that time.
reminiscent of Reindeer Moon by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas.
reminiscent of Reindeer Moon by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews