The Book of the Spear

Hallowed Isle #2

by Diana L. Paxson

Destiny lies in the clashing of magic steel. The hope of all Britain rests in the hands of the warrior sons. A Saxon of royal blood, Oesc has fled the drowned, doomed country to which he is heir in order to claim rich lands in Britannia. Though sworn to the spirits of his new home, he truly serves an older god...and a darker the power of the Spear. But the Spear's magic is opposed by that of the Sword of Rome, a weapon now wielded by young King Artor, and before him by Artor's father Uthir. In Uthir's hand, the blade slew Oesc's own father, and now vengeance burns fiercely in Oesc's heart--a lust for revenge that could destroy a greatness before it fully flowers.

Genres: Arthurian, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 1999

About the author

Diana L. Paxson (born 1943) is a novelist and author of nonfiction, primarily in the fields of Paganism and Heathenism. Her published works include fantasy and historical fiction novels, as well as numerous short stories. More recently she has also published nonfiction books about Pagan and Heathen religions and practices.

In addition to her multiple novels and collaborations, she has written over seventy short stories. Her best-known works are the Westria novels, and the later books in the Avalon series, which she first co-wrote with Marion Zimmer Bradley, then took over sole authorship of after Bradley's death.

Paxson was nominated for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards twice, in 1989 for the "White Raven" and in 1983 for "Lady of Light".

Paxson's non-fiction books include Taking Up the Runes, Essential Asatru, and Trance-Portation. She writes a regular column for the women's spirituality magazine, Sagewoman.

Paxson has been active in the leadership of a number of organizations. She hosted the first activities of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and was subsequently among that group's founding Directors and Corporate Officers when it incorporated[1]. She was the western regional director of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, and is a frequent panelist at science fiction conventions, especially Baycon, where she was the 2007 Fantasy Guest of Honor.

A leader in the Neopagan and Heathen revivals, Paxson is the founder of the The Fellowship of the Spiral Path and has served as First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess. She has been Steerswoman of the Heathen group, The Troth, a member of its Board of Directors, and currently edits its journal, Idunna. She is a pioneer in the revival of Oracular Seidh, which she has taught and performed at many Neopagan and heathen festivals and retreats.

She composes and plays music for the harp. She currently lives at her home, Greyhaven, in Berkeley, California.

More can be found on her blog: http://dpaxson.livejournal.com

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, the promised Saxons yet I wasn't satisfied. I didn't feel anything for the characters, not even Artor (Arthur). It wasn't a bad book, but it could have been better. It gets 3 stars for uniqueness.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 of The Hallowed Isle series. Oesc is Hengist’s grandson, brought to Britain as a boy. When he’s 16, he goes to his first battle and is captured by Artor. First a hostage, Oesc and Artor soon become friends. When Hengist dies, Oesc returns to Cantium to be king and Artor’s ally. He marries Rigana, a British princess, and they have a son.

However, when that son is kidnapped by rebel British soldiers, friendships are forgotten and Badon results. Oesc uses Woden’s spear, but destiny sides with Artor. Artor finds Oesc as he lay dying and promises that his wife and son are safe.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing story of the time of Arthur (Artor in this book). Oesc becomes hostage to Artor when his father is killed in battle by Artor's father Uther. Over time, Oesc and Artor become friends and he returns to take his rightful place as king of his small Saxon realm. With a pact of peace, his kingdom is safe and prospers, but all is not well. There are those who resent the high king being friends with a Saxon...this story may have been told many times in many ways, but I find this version to be most enjoyable. All the favorite characters are there, and some most of us don't know. They are well-developed and the author does an excellent job of describing the scenery. Good read.

[Berta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first book in the series by Diana Paxson. I love when authors take a new perspective on a widely known tale and delve into the different aspects of character, blended with history, and enhance the story as she has done with this book. A very good read--and since I am nearly done with the 4th and final book of the series, I can say same for all--very good read and very enjoyable!

[Patrick Bättig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artussage Teil 2: Sachse Oesc wird zum Feind von Arthur