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Druid's Daughter
Gwyneth knows her family is different than the others in her village in the northern reaches of the Tireoghain. The old ways are slowly fading, but she still believes in the Tuathe De, the Sidhe, even though many scoff at the ancient legends as children's stories. When she finds a wounded man in the forest just before Beltane, Gwyneth must choose between an ordinary life in her village or a chance to train as a daughter of the Blood as the veil thins between the mortal world and the Fae world...
- GenresFantasyEbooksYoung Adult
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2018
224 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Jocelyn A. Fox
17 books127 followersStep into worlds of dark magic, warrior queens, and dangerous bargains. Jocelyn A. Fox writes the kind of epic fantasy she always wanted to read—fast-paced adventures with fierce heroines, a touch of romance, and plenty of monsters to slay. Author of The Fae War Chronicles and the Athena Ellison series, Jocelyn believes every reader deserves to lose themselves in a story that feels like stepping through a portal. Come join the fight—you just might discover your new favorite world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 20, 2018
I stumbled upon Jocelyn's first book The Iron Sword through a book recommendation app and gave it a chance. I was initially pleasantly surprised at the quality of the story and writing. I have been continually surprised that this series of books has been chugging along from book to book with no real weakness and fresh ideas for each book.
Druid's Daughter is the first book in a trilogy providing some prehistory to the Fae series. This book is an origin story surrounding Gwyneth and transitional times in Ireland. While some folks are moving towards Christianity and more "modern" ways, Gwyneth remains grounded in the old ways. Miss Fox does a nice job of developing her protagonist and sharing the mindset and thought processes of Gwyneth. We journey along with Gwyneth as she is pulled into the foreign environment of the fae and begins to learn of her possible destiny.
Give this book a chance. It is a wonderful read. Then read all the others Miss Fox has published. You won't be disappointed.
Druid's Daughter is the first book in a trilogy providing some prehistory to the Fae series. This book is an origin story surrounding Gwyneth and transitional times in Ireland. While some folks are moving towards Christianity and more "modern" ways, Gwyneth remains grounded in the old ways. Miss Fox does a nice job of developing her protagonist and sharing the mindset and thought processes of Gwyneth. We journey along with Gwyneth as she is pulled into the foreign environment of the fae and begins to learn of her possible destiny.
Give this book a chance. It is a wonderful read. Then read all the others Miss Fox has published. You won't be disappointed.
January 30, 2023
a nonstop read
This is a prequel to the Fae wars series. At first I thought it should be read first, but I think it may spoil some of the surprises of the Fae Wars. Either way it’s a great read.
This is a prequel to the Fae wars series. At first I thought it should be read first, but I think it may spoil some of the surprises of the Fae Wars. Either way it’s a great read.
August 11, 2020
Great fantasy read
This story is well put together, progressing in logical fashion. Love, destiny, learning from books, people, trainers in battle, all await Gwyneth, a girl from a small Irish village at the time when there was a great conversion attempt by the Roman Catholic church that succeeds with some but not with others. Her family still believes in the old gods. Gwyneth is more interested in hunting than sewing. She knows enough to read recipes for complex mixes of herbs for healing, because her mother is a healer. She is apprenticed to her mother & has tended those who need a healer or a midwife by herself. She still likes to hunt and has kept up those skills, as well as her skills with knife and bow, longer than most girls do. She rides bareback, and when younger, had accompanied her father on trading trips, and has tended their sheep.
0ne day, when she is out hunting and checking her traps, she hears nothing in the forest except a quiet rustling, which turns out to be a young man from the village, one whom she believed to be studying in Dublin. He is badly hurt. She runs for herbs after making a crude pressure bandage for his wound, grabs some bandages, and takes a horse back. She refuses to let him die as he requested. The wound, made by a type of creature akin to a vampire, won't stop bleeding. She rebandages him and gets him onn the horse, whom she has taught to kneel, gets on behind him to hold him, and takes him to the cottage. Soon she sees 2 small fairies who introduce themselves and tell her the only remedy that will stop the bleeding. They obtain it for her and she again rebandages him. Another of the vampire-like creatures appears, first as a snake (yet there are no snakes in Ireland), then transforms into the vampire-like creature. She fights the creature, but her dagger melts on entry and the young man kills the creature as it attmepts to strangle her. Another woman shows up, one she knows is beyond human. This starts an adventure as, given the choice, the young woman (who has harbored a desire to follow in the footsteps of druid women in her lineage and is unsure what to do with some of the sensations she is increasingly having), goes with the woman (after the woman heals her wounds) and the now-mostly recovered paladin, the young man she helped. She is entering training late but soon catches up then surpasses her young classmates, joining successively older girls. She makes a dear friend, endures an attack and holds yet another baleful spirit at bay until more experienced warriors can help. She learns from others as well. And at the end, finds herself entrusted with a responsibility for which she feels unready.
This is the first in a trilogy, but doesn't have a cliffhanger ending. It can stand alone IMO, but if the next 2 books are as good as this one, it would be a shame to miss out on them. There is some snogging and hints at more, but anything beyond snogging is handled discreetly.
An enjoyable tale.
This story is well put together, progressing in logical fashion. Love, destiny, learning from books, people, trainers in battle, all await Gwyneth, a girl from a small Irish village at the time when there was a great conversion attempt by the Roman Catholic church that succeeds with some but not with others. Her family still believes in the old gods. Gwyneth is more interested in hunting than sewing. She knows enough to read recipes for complex mixes of herbs for healing, because her mother is a healer. She is apprenticed to her mother & has tended those who need a healer or a midwife by herself. She still likes to hunt and has kept up those skills, as well as her skills with knife and bow, longer than most girls do. She rides bareback, and when younger, had accompanied her father on trading trips, and has tended their sheep.
0ne day, when she is out hunting and checking her traps, she hears nothing in the forest except a quiet rustling, which turns out to be a young man from the village, one whom she believed to be studying in Dublin. He is badly hurt. She runs for herbs after making a crude pressure bandage for his wound, grabs some bandages, and takes a horse back. She refuses to let him die as he requested. The wound, made by a type of creature akin to a vampire, won't stop bleeding. She rebandages him and gets him onn the horse, whom she has taught to kneel, gets on behind him to hold him, and takes him to the cottage. Soon she sees 2 small fairies who introduce themselves and tell her the only remedy that will stop the bleeding. They obtain it for her and she again rebandages him. Another of the vampire-like creatures appears, first as a snake (yet there are no snakes in Ireland), then transforms into the vampire-like creature. She fights the creature, but her dagger melts on entry and the young man kills the creature as it attmepts to strangle her. Another woman shows up, one she knows is beyond human. This starts an adventure as, given the choice, the young woman (who has harbored a desire to follow in the footsteps of druid women in her lineage and is unsure what to do with some of the sensations she is increasingly having), goes with the woman (after the woman heals her wounds) and the now-mostly recovered paladin, the young man she helped. She is entering training late but soon catches up then surpasses her young classmates, joining successively older girls. She makes a dear friend, endures an attack and holds yet another baleful spirit at bay until more experienced warriors can help. She learns from others as well. And at the end, finds herself entrusted with a responsibility for which she feels unready.
This is the first in a trilogy, but doesn't have a cliffhanger ending. It can stand alone IMO, but if the next 2 books are as good as this one, it would be a shame to miss out on them. There is some snogging and hints at more, but anything beyond snogging is handled discreetly.
An enjoyable tale.
January 27, 2022
Author Jocelyn A. Fox is continuing her Fae War Chronicles series with Druid’s Daughter. The first book in The Old World Trilogy introduces readers to the world of the Fae at a different time in history. It’s filled with rich new characters, non-stop adventure, and a touch of romance.
Druid’s Daughter introduces readers to Gwyneth. She knows her family is different than others in the small Irish village of Tireoghain. It’s not until she ignores her mother’s advice to stay away from strangers does Gwen’s quiet life suddenly changes.
While others believe the old ways are fairy tales, Gwen disagrees. She still believes in the ancient Tuathe De. She learns they are not legends when she stops to help an elderly stranger in the forest before Beltane. It wasn’t an ordinary man she found injured in the forest and now she must make a choice. Should she return to her familiar life in the village or train as a daughter of the blood? The veil is starting to thin between the mortal world and the Fae realm, and Gwen is starting to find out some surprising truths.
“Togha bowed from the waist, her aura dimming and flickering around her. “Aye, my lady.” She straightened and looked down at Rhys. “We are here because the trees told us that a Paladin had been gravely wounded.” Gwyneth lowered her dagger and sheathed it. Perhaps she was hallucinating – perhaps she was really lying on the ground beside Rhys, asleep and dreaming. But her mind brushed aside those thoughts. She knew with a calm clarity that these small creatures were real. “I should be alarmed,” she murmured to herself.
Druid’s Daughter is a compelling read, even for those new to the World of Fae. The characters are well-developed and richly drawn making it easy to love and hate some of them. The story is fast-paced from the beginning and it’s fun watching Gwen mature as she works to earn her destiny as a bearer.
Readers familiar with the Fae War Chronicles will recognize Gwen from her presence with Tess. Questions left unanswered from the first series are answered in Druid’s Daughter. Even though these series same similarities, The Old World Trilogy is a fresh and unique look at the Fae.
Author Jocelyn A. Fox has written a compelling story that is promising to be the start of a fun and exciting trilogy. She’s bringing readers back to her amazing world of Fae and introducing new ones.
Druid’s Daughter introduces readers to Gwyneth. She knows her family is different than others in the small Irish village of Tireoghain. It’s not until she ignores her mother’s advice to stay away from strangers does Gwen’s quiet life suddenly changes.
While others believe the old ways are fairy tales, Gwen disagrees. She still believes in the ancient Tuathe De. She learns they are not legends when she stops to help an elderly stranger in the forest before Beltane. It wasn’t an ordinary man she found injured in the forest and now she must make a choice. Should she return to her familiar life in the village or train as a daughter of the blood? The veil is starting to thin between the mortal world and the Fae realm, and Gwen is starting to find out some surprising truths.
“Togha bowed from the waist, her aura dimming and flickering around her. “Aye, my lady.” She straightened and looked down at Rhys. “We are here because the trees told us that a Paladin had been gravely wounded.” Gwyneth lowered her dagger and sheathed it. Perhaps she was hallucinating – perhaps she was really lying on the ground beside Rhys, asleep and dreaming. But her mind brushed aside those thoughts. She knew with a calm clarity that these small creatures were real. “I should be alarmed,” she murmured to herself.
Druid’s Daughter is a compelling read, even for those new to the World of Fae. The characters are well-developed and richly drawn making it easy to love and hate some of them. The story is fast-paced from the beginning and it’s fun watching Gwen mature as she works to earn her destiny as a bearer.
Readers familiar with the Fae War Chronicles will recognize Gwen from her presence with Tess. Questions left unanswered from the first series are answered in Druid’s Daughter. Even though these series same similarities, The Old World Trilogy is a fresh and unique look at the Fae.
Author Jocelyn A. Fox has written a compelling story that is promising to be the start of a fun and exciting trilogy. She’s bringing readers back to her amazing world of Fae and introducing new ones.
March 11, 2020
Beautiful prose and even more beautiful world-building
I loved this story. Such a refreshing step back into the world of fantasy for me - too much sameness and bleak undertones pushed me into other genres but my love of fantasy defines so much of me.
This story beautifully weaved classic fantasy prose with Celtic mythology, abandoning the farmboy-saves-the-world trope for an original plot following a young girl as she is pulled into the other world of the Sidhe. Her journey simply revolves around taking up the mantle of her Druidess ancestor and discovering her place as a leader in a near-immortal world that balances with our own.
Druid's Daughter reminded me why I fell in love with Celtic-based fantasy in the first place and I'm anxious to continue the rest of the series. If the writer's other works are as well done as this one, she will definitely earn a place as one of my favorites.
I loved this story. Such a refreshing step back into the world of fantasy for me - too much sameness and bleak undertones pushed me into other genres but my love of fantasy defines so much of me.
This story beautifully weaved classic fantasy prose with Celtic mythology, abandoning the farmboy-saves-the-world trope for an original plot following a young girl as she is pulled into the other world of the Sidhe. Her journey simply revolves around taking up the mantle of her Druidess ancestor and discovering her place as a leader in a near-immortal world that balances with our own.
Druid's Daughter reminded me why I fell in love with Celtic-based fantasy in the first place and I'm anxious to continue the rest of the series. If the writer's other works are as well done as this one, she will definitely earn a place as one of my favorites.
December 26, 2018
The start of another great series from an independent author. This novel does a wonderful job of filling in concepts from the previous series, though, frankly, not quite sure why this was not placed first in the reading order. Though Tess's journey does indeed mirror Gwyneth's in many ways, seemingly Gwyneth's story is written as if the reader will recognize all of the concepts. I get a feeling of catching up through portions of it, though at the same time, still makes for a good story. Amazing, once again.
April 19, 2023
I’m puzzled as to why an Irish girl would be given a welsh name… according to Goodreads this is book one , if so where is the rest?…. There’s a borrowing of ideas, situations etc from Harry Potter, worse witch and twilight books. Some parts were thick and not easy to understand what was occurring… no indication of time passing except in passing. The bed scene wasn’t necessary and turned a decent book into a smut fest. The narrator mispronounced brazier instead of bray ze err it was braz e er which is a bra !
December 19, 2018
Great book - I couldn't put it down
I loved this book about Gwyneth!! It's fresh and original. I loved that Gwyneth's development as a person made sense and it felt very real. I read this book in a day - I literally did not put it down. I appreciate the author's skill in showing another world, but in a more minimalist and thoughtful way unlike some rambling fantasy books (if that makes sense). -AEH
I loved this book about Gwyneth!! It's fresh and original. I loved that Gwyneth's development as a person made sense and it felt very real. I read this book in a day - I literally did not put it down. I appreciate the author's skill in showing another world, but in a more minimalist and thoughtful way unlike some rambling fantasy books (if that makes sense). -AEH
April 27, 2019
Great read!
This book gives fans a chance to put more meaning to the role of the bearer. Jocelyn Fox knows how to write in a way that makes readers turn the page again and again! Fantasy at its finest! The character development is just as exciting as the plot, written so readers can lose themselves in the fae world. A writer who makes you believe there might be magic in this world!! Thank you for all of your books
This book gives fans a chance to put more meaning to the role of the bearer. Jocelyn Fox knows how to write in a way that makes readers turn the page again and again! Fantasy at its finest! The character development is just as exciting as the plot, written so readers can lose themselves in the fae world. A writer who makes you believe there might be magic in this world!! Thank you for all of your books
August 23, 2020
This excellent fantasy draws on Celtic legends, weaving a beautiful tale of education, ambition and leadership in the old ways. Gwyneth is taken from her home because she is a direct descendent of the Lady Bearer of the Iron Sword, destined with other teenaged female descendants to train in the Fae realm until the next Bearer is chosen. Her journey touches on friendship, love and loss before its end.
June 12, 2021
Not what I expected!
Although at first it surprised me that the focus and hero of this tale was a unassuming young girl. ( A prejudice I freely admit and annoyingly find fault with my advanced years of exposing myself myopic ally to stereotypical fantasy tales). I was gifted by this author Jocelyn A Fox to a wonderful story with a fast paced tempo of action, witty banter, thoughtful, strong, endearing characters! Can't wait to order book 2 of this series!
Although at first it surprised me that the focus and hero of this tale was a unassuming young girl. ( A prejudice I freely admit and annoyingly find fault with my advanced years of exposing myself myopic ally to stereotypical fantasy tales). I was gifted by this author Jocelyn A Fox to a wonderful story with a fast paced tempo of action, witty banter, thoughtful, strong, endearing characters! Can't wait to order book 2 of this series!
June 25, 2025
I am not quite sure what to think about this book honestly. An Irish girl with a Welsh name and powers far more than a druid is usually associated with, leaves everything she has known and loved with a warrior druid that claims to be family. Lot's of fey thrown in and of course a boy, and the decision of going off and finding her destiny is settled. I doubt I will read anymore books in this series. While an OK read it just did not get me interested enough.
December 26, 2018
I loved this book as l have loved all of Jocelyn fox novels ,they are unique very well written ,and very entertaining,if you are reading this review ,and are curious,then start with book one ,THE IRON SWORD ,and if you love fantasy adventure and a bit of romance ,and excitement,then get going and get your copy NOW ,thankyou Jocelyn for your commitment to writing such great books for us to read .
August 4, 2020
Druid’s Daughter
Begin a journey of delight & adventure with Gwyneth. A journey filled with new beginnings for her that brings some sadness, happiness and above how to learning to be who you truly are. The author brings her characters to life with great skill. It is a fantastic story woven with care, thought and love.
Begin a journey of delight & adventure with Gwyneth. A journey filled with new beginnings for her that brings some sadness, happiness and above how to learning to be who you truly are. The author brings her characters to life with great skill. It is a fantastic story woven with care, thought and love.
November 26, 2020
Some structural plot issues/odd word use but my personal enjoyment was very high. LOVE the amount of Celtic mythos that was incorporated; would love to see the world expanded with all the different races and cultures we were introduced to. A quick read that’s perfect for fans of Naomi Novik or T Kingfisher!
November 13, 2020
Can’t wait to start the next one!
LOVED this book. It was very long, but kept me interested all the way through. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next part of the story. Characters are well described, no cliff hanger ending, excellent plot line, and lots of adventure. A true epic fantasy! Highly recommend this book and this author.
LOVED this book. It was very long, but kept me interested all the way through. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next part of the story. Characters are well described, no cliff hanger ending, excellent plot line, and lots of adventure. A true epic fantasy! Highly recommend this book and this author.
July 17, 2021
I found myself immersed in this book immediately and could not put it down. I found the characters interesting and well described. It was great to watch the protagonist develop as the story progressed. The scenes and place-settings are vivid and place you at the center of the action. I found the plot compelling and raced through the book to see how it turned out!
June 7, 2020
Tantalizing introduction to the mystery of the Bearer
Loved the world building and blend of old and new. What world will unfold to Gweneth and Rhys? This adventure is bound to thrill
Loved the world building and blend of old and new. What world will unfold to Gweneth and Rhys? This adventure is bound to thrill
August 4, 2020
Tremendous story of growth to greatness
This book has been a pleasure to read from start to finish. Following the heroine from her childhood home to her dazzling role as the sword bearer has been a great adventure.
This book has been a pleasure to read from start to finish. Following the heroine from her childhood home to her dazzling role as the sword bearer has been a great adventure.
August 8, 2020
Magnificent
Simply splendid adventure. Excellent author...adventure, magic, romance, power and otherworldly beings presented with respect. Elegant and noble tale of ruling in a mighty way with utmost respect
Simply splendid adventure. Excellent author...adventure, magic, romance, power and otherworldly beings presented with respect. Elegant and noble tale of ruling in a mighty way with utmost respect
April 9, 2025
Interesting Fantasy
After saving the life of a young man known to her, Gwen chooses to leave the modern world to live in the world of the Fae. Well developed characters and fast pacing made this a quick read. Novel needs some editing.
After saving the life of a young man known to her, Gwen chooses to leave the modern world to live in the world of the Fae. Well developed characters and fast pacing made this a quick read. Novel needs some editing.
August 9, 2019
I'm only mad it was longer....
I can't even describe how much I love...adore...these books. Again, thank you for creating a world for me, us, to escape to.
I can't even describe how much I love...adore...these books. Again, thank you for creating a world for me, us, to escape to.
November 24, 2019
This story intrigued me but I wasn't sure I was prepared to read a period piece since I have been all about mysteries lately. I loved it!
March 13, 2020
Druids Daughter Book 1
This was an excellent story. I felt like I was in it. I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I have.Find yourself in other worlds and cultures.
This was an excellent story. I felt like I was in it. I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I have.Find yourself in other worlds and cultures.
April 4, 2020
Amazing book
Very well written book! Starts off fast and stays that way . Want the next book now please!!!!! Will read more of hers until the next book in this series is out
Very well written book! Starts off fast and stays that way . Want the next book now please!!!!! Will read more of hers until the next book in this series is out
August 10, 2020
I enjoyed this book and finished it in a few days.
December 22, 2020
Beautifully written, loved the celtic and norse mythologies mixed in. I definitely will read more from this talented author!!
February 10, 2021
Great read
This is the 1st book by Jocelyn Fox that I have read and it most definitely will not be the last! A new and exciting twist on old celtic lore about the sidhe.
This is the 1st book by Jocelyn Fox that I have read and it most definitely will not be the last! A new and exciting twist on old celtic lore about the sidhe.
June 19, 2023
A Girl following her path
Adventure, magic and love. A wonderful book. Growing into a bigger world. A girl of 16 follows her great grandma the Bearer into the new world of the fae.
Adventure, magic and love. A wonderful book. Growing into a bigger world. A girl of 16 follows her great grandma the Bearer into the new world of the fae.
May 13, 2024
Great story
I really enjoy Fox's writing. The characters are well drawn and relatable even though they are fantasy creatures. I am looking forward to this series.
I really enjoy Fox's writing. The characters are well drawn and relatable even though they are fantasy creatures. I am looking forward to this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews