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Age of Magic: Tales of the Feisty Druid #1
The Arcadian Druid
Born an Arcadian, but raised as an exile among the Druids, Arryn has trained hard her whole life to bring justice to the man who destroyed her life. The problem? Some girl from the Boulevard beat her to it… With Adrien dead, and his ashes scattered to the wind, Arryn can finally return to the city she once called home to learn the truth about her family. But powerful forces work in the shadows, carrying on Adrien’s evil vision, and threatening to draw Arcadia back into the darkness. Arryn might just get to fulfill that vow for vengeance after all...
Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, The Arcadian Druid tells an entirely new story in the Age of Magic--and of the heroes and villains who battle for control of its destiny.
Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, The Arcadian Druid tells an entirely new story in the Age of Magic--and of the heroes and villains who battle for control of its destiny.
372 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2018
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368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 11, 2024
For a fantasy story, the Arcadian Druid ticks all the right boxes. The hero's journey is a common trope with the gathering of heroes coming in as a close second. These two tropes are the spine of what the entire fantasy genre is comprised.
Arryn is a fascinating character and I quite like her. She fled her home with the assassinations of those close to her and has lived with the Druids for ten years, but she has always believed she would return to seek revenge on those that would still to this day, seek to do her harm. (See it's a pretty standard story, and if you love sword and sorcery, you will probably like this. I did.)
There is a problem here though. When we would read Conan's swearing it was "By Crom and Mitra!" Here we have the actual f-bombs that caused me some concern. I don't usually care about expletives in my literature or even sex. I'm an adult and use profanity almost daily, but somehow in the Tales of the Feisty Druid the expletives were jarring. I wouldn't have even minded if it was a personality quirk. Arryn is of course feisty, but she was interviewing for a job and she's swearing.
Then, her potential boss (the principal of the school) swears, as well. "Effing this, and effing that." My principal NEVER swore in front of his teachers or students. It really bothered me because a professional environment requires restraint, especially in a SCHOOL. So, I like the story, but the expositional parts could use a little work.
Arryn is a fascinating character and I quite like her. She fled her home with the assassinations of those close to her and has lived with the Druids for ten years, but she has always believed she would return to seek revenge on those that would still to this day, seek to do her harm. (See it's a pretty standard story, and if you love sword and sorcery, you will probably like this. I did.)
There is a problem here though. When we would read Conan's swearing it was "By Crom and Mitra!" Here we have the actual f-bombs that caused me some concern. I don't usually care about expletives in my literature or even sex. I'm an adult and use profanity almost daily, but somehow in the Tales of the Feisty Druid the expletives were jarring. I wouldn't have even minded if it was a personality quirk. Arryn is of course feisty, but she was interviewing for a job and she's swearing.
Then, her potential boss (the principal of the school) swears, as well. "Effing this, and effing that." My principal NEVER swore in front of his teachers or students. It really bothered me because a professional environment requires restraint, especially in a SCHOOL. So, I like the story, but the expositional parts could use a little work.
July 24, 2017
Druidic fun
I enjoyed meeting our feisty druid and enjoyed seeing life w/in the dark forest. However being introduced to I would think one of 2 villains my first thought was aww f**k I thought we were done with this cr*p and to find out that the nut really doesn't fall very far from the tree. I admit I glossed over a few pages of said villain and hope she is not a long term problem... I would hate to drop the book because it carries on way longer than they should have. People who loved the Ris of Magic series will no doubt love the whole story here.
I enjoyed meeting our feisty druid and enjoyed seeing life w/in the dark forest. However being introduced to I would think one of 2 villains my first thought was aww f**k I thought we were done with this cr*p and to find out that the nut really doesn't fall very far from the tree. I admit I glossed over a few pages of said villain and hope she is not a long term problem... I would hate to drop the book because it carries on way longer than they should have. People who loved the Ris of Magic series will no doubt love the whole story here.
August 15, 2017
A good read!
I have to say I picked this book simply because it was set in the Kurtherian universe. I soon found it stood on it's own merits. Well done.
I have to say I picked this book simply because it was set in the Kurtherian universe. I soon found it stood on it's own merits. Well done.
March 28, 2019
thunderstorms and fireballs
Arryn left Arcadia under terrifying conditions, ten years ago. since then, she has lived with the druids, learning natural magic and caring for the land. but she never stopped wanting to go home. now that she has learned that it is safe to return, she can't get there fast enough. but getting there and having her fairytale ending are two different things.
Arryn left Arcadia under terrifying conditions, ten years ago. since then, she has lived with the druids, learning natural magic and caring for the land. but she never stopped wanting to go home. now that she has learned that it is safe to return, she can't get there fast enough. but getting there and having her fairytale ending are two different things.
October 19, 2021
This book started off well enough, however things just kind of fell apart the further into the book we went. To help explain what I'm talking about without giving anything away, and the reason why I was disappointed in this book lets break it down into the three-act story structure. Act One: The Setup - This part of the book goes off well enough we are introduced to the protagonist of the story & the world she lives in. Act Two: Confrontation - The first of half of this goes off well enough our hero learns that the city she was exiled from as a little girl is free from oppressive rule, and wants to go back however she has to undergo a trial for the Druids to let her leave the forest. We are also getting different points of view from other characters in said city and are introduced to the antagonist of the story. The Second part of Act 2 is where things start to fall apart things start to drag a little bit and as the ending of the book becomes closer and closer I became worried about how all of this ascending action was going to even reach its climax, being 3/4ths of the way into the book and having our protagonist and antagonist yet to even encounter each other. Act Three: The Resolution - Sure enough here we are and my fears have come true. Second to last chapter our hero meets the villain then our hero is immediately pulled aside at the end of the chapter by a side character and told about some other "bad dude" who we only know about from a couple of off-handed references of said character throughout the book, which were probably only put there, to begin with for this moment.... So here we are the final chapter the Climax of the book and it has nothing to do with the novel we have just read, our hero goes off and fights some random bad guy the end. For this reason, I can not recommend this book. I purchased the Omnibus of the seven novels of the series but I am hesitant to continue - to those who have read the other books, do they get better and should I continue on or is it just more of the same and a complete bust?
July 23, 2017
Talia must die!!!
Excellent book and I am happy to read about Arcadia being rebuilt but I think I prefer villains like Adrian. At least with him you know he is evil but Talia is the worst kind. I absolutely do not like two faced people and I hope she meets her marker really, really soon. Would like more background on the Druids tough. Their magic sounds totally awesome. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Excellent book and I am happy to read about Arcadia being rebuilt but I think I prefer villains like Adrian. At least with him you know he is evil but Talia is the worst kind. I absolutely do not like two faced people and I hope she meets her marker really, really soon. Would like more background on the Druids tough. Their magic sounds totally awesome. Looking forward to reading the next book.
December 25, 2017
What I did Xmas eve
I have had this series on my to read list since it came out. I am a trucker and I am on a long haul from TX to OR over the holiday. I have just finished the audio for Arcadian Druid . This book along with all those the KGU or excellent and I am going to spend the next few days on the listening either by Audible or text to speech on my kindle the rest of this series. Bravo to Candy !!!!!!!!!!
I have had this series on my to read list since it came out. I am a trucker and I am on a long haul from TX to OR over the holiday. I have just finished the audio for Arcadian Druid . This book along with all those the KGU or excellent and I am going to spend the next few days on the listening either by Audible or text to speech on my kindle the rest of this series. Bravo to Candy !!!!!!!!!!
November 13, 2017
Another great Kurtherian Gambit series. I read this book #1 and soon after finishing bought the next 3 in the series. Currently reading #2. I believe that I will continue reading other series in this same Kurtherian setting until I run across some duds then I will get more picky.
The characters are sassy with witty comebacks but this is only the second series I have read in this setting.
The characters are sassy with witty comebacks but this is only the second series I have read in this setting.
May 21, 2018
Another winner
Candy is growing strong with this new series, and I'm excited to see where she will take our Arcadian Druid. So many exciting things! If you've stumbled across this book without having discovered the Kurtherian Gambit as a whole, then do yourself a favour and read Death Becomes Her and take it from there.
Candy is growing strong with this new series, and I'm excited to see where she will take our Arcadian Druid. So many exciting things! If you've stumbled across this book without having discovered the Kurtherian Gambit as a whole, then do yourself a favour and read Death Becomes Her and take it from there.
July 24, 2017
Another beautiful addition to the universe
Truly wish they let you do have stars this book is at least a 4 1/2 . Love the new author it's joining the universe. A good storyline that helps continue on from the other agent magic books . Looking forward to the next one
Truly wish they let you do have stars this book is at least a 4 1/2 . Love the new author it's joining the universe. A good storyline that helps continue on from the other agent magic books . Looking forward to the next one
August 9, 2017
Possibly a good read
I found the characters a little thin, and repeatedly so. That Tallia wanted vengeance was clearly stated, no need to repeat it continuously nor her disdain for the under class. Might be a good Y A read.
I found the characters a little thin, and repeatedly so. That Tallia wanted vengeance was clearly stated, no need to repeat it continuously nor her disdain for the under class. Might be a good Y A read.
December 21, 2017
Candy on Halloween!!!!!!! LMAO
Great work!!! I love exclamation points as well...I use them very liberally!!
After this series by Candy I am going to dive into her original series...sorry KGU, i may cheat once and a while but I always come back to you!
Great work!!! I love exclamation points as well...I use them very liberally!!
After this series by Candy I am going to dive into her original series...sorry KGU, i may cheat once and a while but I always come back to you!
February 28, 2018
Very good start to a series
This book is a side story to the other series about Hannah and Parker. I didn't know until half way through the book. It hooked me so I am enjoying the series very much. Hope to write more reviews on the other books of the series.
This book is a side story to the other series about Hannah and Parker. I didn't know until half way through the book. It hooked me so I am enjoying the series very much. Hope to write more reviews on the other books of the series.
March 3, 2018
Another great addition to the Kurtherian World
Wow, these stories are great. I have enjoyed ever series so far in the Kurtherian Gambit world. The authors are awesome and I love the characters that they have created. I can't wait to start the next book in this series.
Wow, these stories are great. I have enjoyed ever series so far in the Kurtherian Gambit world. The authors are awesome and I love the characters that they have created. I can't wait to start the next book in this series.
December 8, 2018
Great read!
This is just what I was looking for! I wanted to know what was going on in Arcadia while Hannah and her friends were off on their adventures. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is just what I was looking for! I wanted to know what was going on in Arcadia while Hannah and her friends were off on their adventures. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 23, 2017
Great story
Loved it. So much excitement, adventure, and danger. Two stories in one, what in happening in the Dark Forest and what is happening at the academy. Interesting
Loved it. So much excitement, adventure, and danger. Two stories in one, what in happening in the Dark Forest and what is happening at the academy. Interesting
July 23, 2017
Can't wait for more!!
Loved this new one. Wait with baited breath for the next ones!! Love the interaction between the two main characters!!
Loved this new one. Wait with baited breath for the next ones!! Love the interaction between the two main characters!!
July 26, 2017
Great Read
Loved the characters with their witty banter back and forth. Always something happening in this book and I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one!
Loved the characters with their witty banter back and forth. Always something happening in this book and I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one!
August 3, 2017
Moving saga
Disappointed in the use of profanity throughout the st o otherwise the story grew as th I began to know the characters.
Disappointed in the use of profanity throughout the st o otherwise the story grew as th I began to know the characters.
August 24, 2017
Back to Arcadia shortly after the revolt. Hannah ha gone on another adventure and here comes a new hero and a new villian
August 24, 2017
Awesome
I expected nothing less than awesome and I got it! The fact that I have read other books about this story only helped make the story that much better! On to the next!
I expected nothing less than awesome and I got it! The fact that I have read other books about this story only helped make the story that much better! On to the next!
October 30, 2017
Will never be mistaken for "great" literature. Great characters, good storyline, hard to put down.
November 25, 2017
Slooooooooooow. DNF. Even skipping ahead, I couldn’t finish this book. I’m I huge fan of Michael Anderle’s work, but I just couldn’t get into this story.
August 2, 2022
I really loved this book. It actually feels like a great follow on from book four of the Rise of Magic series: Revolution, which was, of course, my previously read book. I guess that's not surprising, as Michael Anderle has picked some wicked writers for this Arc of his Kurtherian Universe
The story in this book follows along closely with Revolution. Although Hannah has gone off with Ezekiel in this series, Amanda has taken over running the Academy, while all of those who fought Adrien's forces, are back in the city of Arcadia, and are trying to clear the rubble, to start building back all that was lost.
Unfortunately, there's a fly in the ointment. Talia, Adrien's secret lovechild, has come to the city to gain revenge on her father's killers, and seems to be even more psychotic than he was - but without his impatience, and with a vast store of anger issues, that she plans on taking out on those who did the deed!
In the meantime, Arryn, a girl who escaped Arcadia as a child of nine, and was brought up by the Druids of the Dark Forest, learns that Adrien is now dead and, although she can't take revenge on the one who caused her parent's deaths, she wants to go back to Arcadia, to see if her father really is dead, and to join the Academy, to learn more of her traditional magic, as the Druids had brought her up, learning Nature Magic.
So Arryn, and her best friend, the Druid Warrior Cathillian, travel to Arcadia, where Arryn finds more than she'd hoped for, and ends up enrolled at the Academy as both student, and teacher.
This is basically where this first book finishes - I'm not going to spoil it for any new readers of both book, and series, as there's a ton more detail that you'll thoroughly enjoy reading in this story, without me spoiling it for you!
Fortunately for me, my reading list tells me that I can go straight on to book two of this series: The Undying Illusionist, so I'm off there now, as I really want to know what's going to happen next!
The story in this book follows along closely with Revolution. Although Hannah has gone off with Ezekiel in this series, Amanda has taken over running the Academy, while all of those who fought Adrien's forces, are back in the city of Arcadia, and are trying to clear the rubble, to start building back all that was lost.
Unfortunately, there's a fly in the ointment. Talia, Adrien's secret lovechild, has come to the city to gain revenge on her father's killers, and seems to be even more psychotic than he was - but without his impatience, and with a vast store of anger issues, that she plans on taking out on those who did the deed!
In the meantime, Arryn, a girl who escaped Arcadia as a child of nine, and was brought up by the Druids of the Dark Forest, learns that Adrien is now dead and, although she can't take revenge on the one who caused her parent's deaths, she wants to go back to Arcadia, to see if her father really is dead, and to join the Academy, to learn more of her traditional magic, as the Druids had brought her up, learning Nature Magic.
So Arryn, and her best friend, the Druid Warrior Cathillian, travel to Arcadia, where Arryn finds more than she'd hoped for, and ends up enrolled at the Academy as both student, and teacher.
This is basically where this first book finishes - I'm not going to spoil it for any new readers of both book, and series, as there's a ton more detail that you'll thoroughly enjoy reading in this story, without me spoiling it for you!
Fortunately for me, my reading list tells me that I can go straight on to book two of this series: The Undying Illusionist, so I'm off there now, as I really want to know what's going to happen next!
September 28, 2020
Arryn escaped from Arcadia and its megalomaniacal ruler when she was 9 years old. Her father was captured helping Arryn and her mother get out of the house. Her mom was killed in the Dark Forest getting away.
Ten years passed with Arryn being raised and trained by the druids of the woods. Upon saving the life of a woodsman she finds out the old ruler was defeated and killed.
Arryn feels that she needs to return to Arcadia and her "stepbrother" decides to accompany her. She is greeted warmly by the new ruler and ends up going to the magic academy. All seems well but of course there's a snake in the grass.
Good character development and I am interested to see how the series goes
Ten years passed with Arryn being raised and trained by the druids of the woods. Upon saving the life of a woodsman she finds out the old ruler was defeated and killed.
Arryn feels that she needs to return to Arcadia and her "stepbrother" decides to accompany her. She is greeted warmly by the new ruler and ends up going to the magic academy. All seems well but of course there's a snake in the grass.
Good character development and I am interested to see how the series goes
July 2, 2019
The book that started my journey through KGU!!!
Finally!!! I found your book and was enticed by the cover and title. My ocd approach to reading had me searching to see if the series was finished. Wow, what a shock it was to discover the Kurtherian Gambit Universe!!! Of course I had to read them in order. And now I've finally gotten to read the book that started my adventure. Happy to say it was worth it!!! Love the book and your characters. Off to the next one!!!
Finally!!! I found your book and was enticed by the cover and title. My ocd approach to reading had me searching to see if the series was finished. Wow, what a shock it was to discover the Kurtherian Gambit Universe!!! Of course I had to read them in order. And now I've finally gotten to read the book that started my adventure. Happy to say it was worth it!!! Love the book and your characters. Off to the next one!!!
April 21, 2020
Pretty Good Start
Though an exciting start turns a bit slow, all in all the book is interesting and the main characters very likable, smart, and astute. A non-Druid child raised by the Druids, after her mother’s death, learns to be a Druid and warrior while harboring revenge against those who killed her family is finally given an opportunity to take action. Very clearly written and interesting enough to continue the series. I highly recommend this excellent story.
Though an exciting start turns a bit slow, all in all the book is interesting and the main characters very likable, smart, and astute. A non-Druid child raised by the Druids, after her mother’s death, learns to be a Druid and warrior while harboring revenge against those who killed her family is finally given an opportunity to take action. Very clearly written and interesting enough to continue the series. I highly recommend this excellent story.
August 22, 2019
Great start
Can't wait to reAd next book in series. I strongly recommend reading The Rise of Magic books 1-4 as this leads up to the start of this book and while you could read this as a standalone series as some of the events are briefly covered your get a more rounded view of what has happened in Arcadia lead in up to chapter 1 of this book.
Can't wait to reAd next book in series. I strongly recommend reading The Rise of Magic books 1-4 as this leads up to the start of this book and while you could read this as a standalone series as some of the events are briefly covered your get a more rounded view of what has happened in Arcadia lead in up to chapter 1 of this book.
June 6, 2020
Derivative, repetitive, true to previous patterns
The spelling and editing was good. The plot and character were sadly familiar. Apparently they’ve formed a club and set up a world and rules. Then every gets to rewrite the same story and change the names of the main characters. Nice plan for generating income for many folks off one plot. Ho him. I’m done.
The spelling and editing was good. The plot and character were sadly familiar. Apparently they’ve formed a club and set up a world and rules. Then every gets to rewrite the same story and change the names of the main characters. Nice plan for generating income for many folks off one plot. Ho him. I’m done.
October 5, 2020
First Book from Anderle’s Universe I Didn’t Finish
I don’t think I made it halfway through book one before I closed it out. The premise of the story is good. The modern language and banter from druids was annoying. Profanity is no problem for me but it sounded like something I’d watch on HBO. I enjoy Anderle’s universe. Crum’s addition to was unimpressive.
I don’t think I made it halfway through book one before I closed it out. The premise of the story is good. The modern language and banter from druids was annoying. Profanity is no problem for me but it sounded like something I’d watch on HBO. I enjoy Anderle’s universe. Crum’s addition to was unimpressive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews