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The One True Child #2
Carling
The spirit of Carling is reborn and she finds herself in the heart of enemy territory. Stolen as a child to be a slave in a Roman Fort, she is taken under the protection and wing of the Commander's wife. When her abilities come in late she is sent away from the only life she knows and must learn quickly to master them and who to trust. But life has a way of turning itself upside down and her fate does not lie where she first thought.
275 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 15, 2018
This historical tale from the early days of Great Britain and Rome involve a golden haired maiden by the name of Carling who was captured from her people and enslaved by the Romans as a child who held on to her bitter memories of her family members being slain by her captors as she grew up. She will never forgive the commander’s son, Marcus who ordered those slayings even as she was treated with respect and love by him in his household. In her mind, he was a heartless monster and should pay for his crimes. However, Carling had friends in her mistress and teacher who raised her and taught her the ways and the language of the Romans. She had a very lovely musical talent and she grew up to be quite a beautiful woman. A brief horrific encounter with the Roman commander made her realize that she had a gift, one that enabled her to communicate with others through her mind and her dreams. Upon this discovery, her teacher/mother figure and mistress arranged for her to be set freed and to seek out her people to help hone her mystical talent.
I found this story to be interesting because I have always been fond of European history and mythology. I thought it was enjoyable and fast-paced because the way its author wrote it was so riveting and compelling I kept turning the pages, eager to find out what will happen next because well, it had to do with the old druidic religion and mentioned the name of one of Rome’s famous mythical deities, Athena. I found her journey with her people as quite relatable and a lot of fun. I liked how her uncle and aunty had a lot of children because it made me think of my own family. I also loved it that she could talk to animals because it is indeed a universal thing. Her wolf-friend reminded me of a beloved former family dog named Bruni who seemed to understand what I was saying to her in my soft voice while she would look at me with those adorable doggy eyes of hers. Sighs. I also seem to see myself in Carling a lot because when I was back in the islands I would venture out into the mountains behind my home there and sing to the trees there as well as talk to birds that were in the trees. I was such an “environmental” person growing up that Carling’s doings with her friends of nature made me think back to those days in the islands. Haha.
So my final verdict of this book is that it was quite a page-turner. I usually would read a book of its length for a week but Carling’s story was so eventful it held my attention throughout. I would recommend it to those who appreciate tales of old religion and European history. I would also recommend it to lovers of fantasy and mystical tales because there is magic (even though in the book it is called a gift/talent) and a bear and a wolf that communicates with humans. I also would suggest it to those who love a book with a strong female lead character. My only concern is that it is the second book in a budding series and I hope that I will read volumes 1 to find out the beginnings of Carling and 3 to discover the stories of Carling’s descendants. So there you have it, my thoughts on this adventurous and intriguing book sure to keep you up all day or night when/if you get the chance to read it. Have a great day and get your copy now!
I found this story to be interesting because I have always been fond of European history and mythology. I thought it was enjoyable and fast-paced because the way its author wrote it was so riveting and compelling I kept turning the pages, eager to find out what will happen next because well, it had to do with the old druidic religion and mentioned the name of one of Rome’s famous mythical deities, Athena. I found her journey with her people as quite relatable and a lot of fun. I liked how her uncle and aunty had a lot of children because it made me think of my own family. I also loved it that she could talk to animals because it is indeed a universal thing. Her wolf-friend reminded me of a beloved former family dog named Bruni who seemed to understand what I was saying to her in my soft voice while she would look at me with those adorable doggy eyes of hers. Sighs. I also seem to see myself in Carling a lot because when I was back in the islands I would venture out into the mountains behind my home there and sing to the trees there as well as talk to birds that were in the trees. I was such an “environmental” person growing up that Carling’s doings with her friends of nature made me think back to those days in the islands. Haha.
So my final verdict of this book is that it was quite a page-turner. I usually would read a book of its length for a week but Carling’s story was so eventful it held my attention throughout. I would recommend it to those who appreciate tales of old religion and European history. I would also recommend it to lovers of fantasy and mystical tales because there is magic (even though in the book it is called a gift/talent) and a bear and a wolf that communicates with humans. I also would suggest it to those who love a book with a strong female lead character. My only concern is that it is the second book in a budding series and I hope that I will read volumes 1 to find out the beginnings of Carling and 3 to discover the stories of Carling’s descendants. So there you have it, my thoughts on this adventurous and intriguing book sure to keep you up all day or night when/if you get the chance to read it. Have a great day and get your copy now!
November 11, 2018
“It doesn’t really have a name; we just call it The Community.”
New Zealand born Australian author L.C. Conn has discovered that cosmic glow that allows her reader to make sense of the order of the universe, all in the format of a coming of age story. L.C. is a mother who is battling breast cancer and has transformed her life situation into a significant epic - the One True Child Series - which proves to be not only a sensitive examination of the coming of age time of each of our lives, but takes that discovery/recognition sequence into the realm of philosophy, a survey of good versus evil/chaos versus order and the permutations those poles have on each of us. And she manages to tie this all together in the form of young lass Carling.
After grasping our attention with Book1 of THE ONE TRUE CHILD series L.C continues to make fine use of artistic covers that draw us into the epic. Stepping into Book 2 we again appreciate the polished quality of her prose and while this book is shorter than Book 1 the manner in which the story is related grows with Caring.
We follow the path of this portion of the story as follows: ‘Carling is only six when her family is slain by invading Romans. She is taken back to their fort as slave to the commander's wife. There she clings to her memories and her hatred. Carling discovers unexpected friends while avoiding the attentive eye of the commander's son. When her abilities start to emerge, she is swiftly sent away. Just as she begins to settle into herself, her life again is upended. She is forced to leave her new found love, Galen, and return to the Roman fort. Once again no longer free, she uncovers secrets, discovers her own strength, and battles evil foretold generations before.’
And we remain committed to following this exceptional opening to a world that seduces our imagination and provides sensitivity to that state of awakening.
New Zealand born Australian author L.C. Conn has discovered that cosmic glow that allows her reader to make sense of the order of the universe, all in the format of a coming of age story. L.C. is a mother who is battling breast cancer and has transformed her life situation into a significant epic - the One True Child Series - which proves to be not only a sensitive examination of the coming of age time of each of our lives, but takes that discovery/recognition sequence into the realm of philosophy, a survey of good versus evil/chaos versus order and the permutations those poles have on each of us. And she manages to tie this all together in the form of young lass Carling.
After grasping our attention with Book1 of THE ONE TRUE CHILD series L.C continues to make fine use of artistic covers that draw us into the epic. Stepping into Book 2 we again appreciate the polished quality of her prose and while this book is shorter than Book 1 the manner in which the story is related grows with Caring.
We follow the path of this portion of the story as follows: ‘Carling is only six when her family is slain by invading Romans. She is taken back to their fort as slave to the commander's wife. There she clings to her memories and her hatred. Carling discovers unexpected friends while avoiding the attentive eye of the commander's son. When her abilities start to emerge, she is swiftly sent away. Just as she begins to settle into herself, her life again is upended. She is forced to leave her new found love, Galen, and return to the Roman fort. Once again no longer free, she uncovers secrets, discovers her own strength, and battles evil foretold generations before.’
And we remain committed to following this exceptional opening to a world that seduces our imagination and provides sensitivity to that state of awakening.
May 16, 2018
LC Conn is definitely a rising star in fantasy fiction, and I'm sure her One True Child series is set to become a firm favourite with fantasy fans. The One True Child saga appealed to me as I have a fondness for historical fiction, and I love the idea of it being blended with fantasy, and the second instalment 'Carling', certainly did not disappoint. LC Conn has a real gift for drawing the reader into her world from the first few pages, and keeping you enthralled and invested right up to the last page. Carling spends her childhood enslaved by the very people that kills her parents. When she finally gains her freedom, she believes her life can begin anew. But despite her mystical abilities, she cannot prevent what comes next for her. Will she escape her captors for a second time?
I had previously read 'Sentinals' the first novel in the series, but I don't think it is all that necessary to do so before picking up 'Carling', because it is an engaging enough tale on its own. If you have an interest in Ancient European History and Roman Mythology, this book is definitely one for you. There is plenty of action, a little bit of romance, with plenty of the supernatural fantasy thrown in. I hope Book is as well-written as books 1 and 2.
I had previously read 'Sentinals' the first novel in the series, but I don't think it is all that necessary to do so before picking up 'Carling', because it is an engaging enough tale on its own. If you have an interest in Ancient European History and Roman Mythology, this book is definitely one for you. There is plenty of action, a little bit of romance, with plenty of the supernatural fantasy thrown in. I hope Book is as well-written as books 1 and 2.
May 8, 2018
The 'One True Child' and heroine Carling is back for a second adventure in Volume 2 of the one True Child Series by LC Conn. She may have had a very tough start in life, with the brutal murder of her parents, but she has strength within her, that her Roman captors didn't account for. She spends her childhood as a slave to the very family that brought about the destruction of her own, but Carling does not let this beat her. Supernatural powers develop and once she finally gains her freedom as an adult, she learns more about what dwells within her, whilst falling in love. But, the Roman's are not finished with her yet, particularly the Commander's son. There are worse forms of slavery than being a handmaiden...
This is how fantasy fiction should be done. I really enjoyed how the fantasy elements were woven into the real historical event of the Roman invasion. Carling is such a compelling protagonist, she is strong and brave, and has so much life in her, despite suffering so much. I raced though this novel, desperate to know if she will fulfil her destiny as the 'One True Child', but Carling's story is not over yet, and I can't wait to pick it up in Volume 3.
This is how fantasy fiction should be done. I really enjoyed how the fantasy elements were woven into the real historical event of the Roman invasion. Carling is such a compelling protagonist, she is strong and brave, and has so much life in her, despite suffering so much. I raced though this novel, desperate to know if she will fulfil her destiny as the 'One True Child', but Carling's story is not over yet, and I can't wait to pick it up in Volume 3.
May 10, 2018
Carling (The One True Child Book 2) by LC Conn is a riveting fantasy tale that takes on history, and the way in which the characters within faces their respective fates. Carling as a young child was kidnapped and has never quite gotten over it. This tale is the story of Carling and her quest for justice in tumultuous times. If you like history, this book is full of it, with the Romans, and the early days of Great Britain. Carling is a strong female lead character, and with all of the twists and turns in this story, you will certainly be entertained. With fantastical animals, mythology, magic, and great beauty mixed in, this is a a book that is not only riveting, but wonderfully written with evocative descriptions, and great characterization. Adventure awaits the reader in this creative tale, and though it might be helpful to read book one in the series, this title works well enough to stand on it's own.
December 27, 2018
Right from the very first paragraph this story has the power to capture and intrigue. The reader is taken on the journey of the main character, Carling, from her childhood and throughout her growing up and into her adulthood. This is a story set in a time and place of Romans, cloaks, armour, spears, clans and slaves. It is fantasy at its best and really brings the world of the past to life.
We discover that Carling has a gift, that of being a ‘dream walker’, in which she is to be coached, at the same time as becoming free of slavery. This special ability, along with the capacity to communicate with animals, add an element of the magical to the story.
According to visions, Carling’s children will begin a line who will overcome the Romans and in fact overcome evil. An epic undertaking!
Let LC Conn whisk you away in her atmospheric evocation of living in another world!
We discover that Carling has a gift, that of being a ‘dream walker’, in which she is to be coached, at the same time as becoming free of slavery. This special ability, along with the capacity to communicate with animals, add an element of the magical to the story.
According to visions, Carling’s children will begin a line who will overcome the Romans and in fact overcome evil. An epic undertaking!
Let LC Conn whisk you away in her atmospheric evocation of living in another world!
December 19, 2018
I’d already begun reading when I realised this wasn’t the first in the series, entirely my fault for not paying attention, but I have to say it didn’t detract one bit from my enjoyment in the book. LC Conn has a real flair for character-driven writing, and her ability to paint scenes in a vivid way that you feel pulled right into them is something special.
While reading I was reminded at times of a TV series I saw about a year ago called Britannia. No small feat as the attention to detail in that was exceptional, and Carling was every bit as enjoyable for me.
I’ll definitely go on and read the other books in the series now. I’m hooked.
While reading I was reminded at times of a TV series I saw about a year ago called Britannia. No small feat as the attention to detail in that was exceptional, and Carling was every bit as enjoyable for me.
I’ll definitely go on and read the other books in the series now. I’m hooked.
November 14, 2018
Carling by - L.C. Conn - she made it! Usually an authors are unable keep the same high level from previous book but ,,Carling'' did not disappointed me and I am sure won't disappoint other readers. Energy enthusiasm, imaginative and even more magic and great tales- all together in one book. Before you realise it is 3 am in the morning and you can't stop reading.
April 22, 2018
Another book that can’t be put down
Although this book was quite different in tone to the first in the series, I still fell into the world LC has created and couldn’t put it down. It was, once again, moving and compelling.
Although this book was quite different in tone to the first in the series, I still fell into the world LC has created and couldn’t put it down. It was, once again, moving and compelling.
December 17, 2018
Again it was a good read, but it did take me awhile to get into it. It took me awhile to get into the whole series. I can't say it was one of my favorites, but the world building is absolutely fantastic as where the characters. I could almost connect with some of them.
November 1, 2020
Coming of Age Can be a Hurtful Process
Since the end of the first volume of The One True Child series, the Romans are stationary in Britain. Romans kill Carling’s parents and brother get killed in a raid. On the way to their camp, Carling witnesses the Roman commander killing her grandmother. At the settlement, she becomes a slave but finds unexpected friends.
It is no wonder that Carling grows up full of hate against her oppressors. That doesn’t change the fact that she must learn to accept her situation to survive. For this, she gets help through learning the Roman language. Her hardest task is to avoid the unwanted attention, given to her by her granny’s killer. As she nears maturity, her powers slowly emerge.
Ms Conn develops her fantasy sage with polished prose and great imagination. It is a delight to follow Carling’s development and the intricacies of the plot. Throughout this fantasy series, with elements of Celtic and Roman mythology, Ms Conn puts in her word for humanity.
Since the end of the first volume of The One True Child series, the Romans are stationary in Britain. Romans kill Carling’s parents and brother get killed in a raid. On the way to their camp, Carling witnesses the Roman commander killing her grandmother. At the settlement, she becomes a slave but finds unexpected friends.
It is no wonder that Carling grows up full of hate against her oppressors. That doesn’t change the fact that she must learn to accept her situation to survive. For this, she gets help through learning the Roman language. Her hardest task is to avoid the unwanted attention, given to her by her granny’s killer. As she nears maturity, her powers slowly emerge.
Ms Conn develops her fantasy sage with polished prose and great imagination. It is a delight to follow Carling’s development and the intricacies of the plot. Throughout this fantasy series, with elements of Celtic and Roman mythology, Ms Conn puts in her word for humanity.
March 14, 2020
In book two, Carling has found love, but it's fate is like Carling's destiny at the best, unsettled. The second book in the series uncovers secrets and takes readers further into the adventure. Great book for all ages.
May 18, 2018
Review to come!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews