Since being marked as the heir apparent I’ve been stabbed, kidnapped, black-listed, tortured, targeted, and accused of being the cause of pretty much every magical mishap that’s hit the streets of Toronto.
To some, I’m a nuisance, to others a curiosity, and others still—a problem to be eliminated.
Whatevs, haters gotta hate.
But when a mushroom cloud of dark and dangerous falls over my family and friends, there is nothing to be done but answer the call and fight. Who’s manipulating things behind the scenes? Who’s coming after the people I care about?
And who the hell is stupid enough to think resurrecting the evil Morgan le Fey is a good idea?
Yeah-no, it’s not.
With evil brewing, enemies running rampant, and The Lakeshore Guild of Empowered Ones ineffective at policing its members, my family and cool new friends set out to right the wrongs of our world.
Be the change, am I right?
Fiona brings you more druid adventure, family shenanigans, and mythical tales of magic and mystery in the third installment of the Chronicles of the Urban Druid.
About Auburn Tempest Auburn Tempest is a pen name for JL Madore, a multi-genre novelist giving life to Fantasy, Paranormal, and Sci-Fi Romance. Under the pen name, Auburn Tempest, she writes Urban Fantasy without the sexy-steamy. But whether Romance or not, she loves to twist Alpha heroes and kick-ass heroines into chaotic, hilarious, fast-paced, magical situations and make them really work for their happy endings.
She lives outside of Toronto, Canada with her love of over 35 years and a menagerie of family, friends, and animals.
Third book in the series and what a ride. Sloan and FI made small strides in their relationship. FI goes on a venture with her ancestor to rescuer a spell book, the necromancies are determined to challenge and wipe out the Flanigans and that just won’t do. FI makes a new friend, Nixon, who I hope will not betray her because he is funny and their interactions are seriously hilarious. FI and her family continue to learn and grow on their Druid powers as they fight for their place in the Toronto magical society whether they’re wanted or not!!
Book was going along fine until exactly what I didn't want to see showed up. The magical jerk and the MC get together. Best way to ruin a good UF is to make it halfway to a romance novel
Fiona and Clan Cumhaill are living as Urban Druids in Toronto, the ambient Fae magic is spreading, their grove is doing well. But, we are talking about Fiona here, and trouble seems to coalesce around her! When her boss is attacked and left for dead, it is up to Fiona to figure out what happened and why. Meeting with the governors, a trip with Fionn, evil Druids, naughty wizards... she’s a very busy woman!
This series is pure entertainment. Fast paced and action packed, it’s an enjoyable urban fantasy with minimum angst (thank you authors) and perfect escapism for reading during tough times.
If you enjoy urban fantasy and Celtic mythology, you’ll probably enjoy this book!
Ah, now this book I really enjoyed. The dialogue is much, much better and I really enjoyed the more detailed time travel element where Fiana goes back to the Arthurian 5th century with her many times great-grandfather, Fiann, and meets Merlin.
The character building is also more developed, I had tears (a good sign) as Sloan is holding her hands while Dora does her magic. I also laughed at loud at the much more sophisticated retorts while speaking to Guild members on the boat. There is also a greater understanding of the other important characters like Sloan, Garnet and Myra. So kudos for that.
Many series go downhill as the books progress, this one travels in the opposite direction and the stories get better and better.
I’ve been reading these books for the last two days I am about to start the fourth book immediately after this one. it’s such a pleasure to read such a well developed world with great characters, family values, mythical powers, all the works. Great job Author!!!!
4 Cluck! Cluck! Not My Circus, No My Naked Monkeys Stars
A Family Oath is the third book in the Chronicles of an Urban Druid series by Michael Anderle and Auburn Tempest.
This series keeps me pleasantly surprised the further within I find myself. Fiona manages to continue attracting all sorts of unsavory attention. Further realizes the burden she places being empowered on the normal humans in her life. Connects to old and new friends (one that may be a god?). All while holding fast to the tenets of her Druid ancestry and doing many generations of mac Cumhaill proud.
Yay! For romance! Finally we get to see Sloan and Fiona’s simmering relationship rise to the surface. Only in small doses and testing the waters types of scenes, but I for one am glad to know we can expect their relationship to bloom the further along we go.
Aiden and his family are adorable, I’m falling for little Jackson. Callum and Kevin are honestly perfection, Kevin is such a sweetie. Emmett is the cherry on top with his hilarity. All in all, her brothers liven up the story with their antics and I adore them. I only wish this author duo felt Kady and Dillan would make the long haul. Too bad, I say.
I wonder if we’ll see a western dragon in the city of Seattle in the future? Or if we will have to wait for the end of this series to see Dart and Fi finally living in the same place. The little rascal would sure add extra excitement to an already lively atmosphere.
Frankly, this series comes off as cringey Mary-Sue fanfic rather than good urban fantasy. The heroine (written, tellingly, in the first person) is a just a tad too snarky, a tad too glib, to the point of obnoxiousness, she of course is the object of desire for nearly every male who isn't a relative, and she's astonishingly precocious in everything magical that she turns her hand to. But as off-putting as the heroine is, the amount of PC pandering is even more so. Here be spoilers: in this tale, the venerable, immortal Arthurian wizard Merlin is revealed to have never truly found himself until he entered the 21st century and - get this - transitioned into a female and - oh brother - became a drag queen calling "herself" Pan Dora. Holy crap. Talk about checking all the boxes. Add to this drivel the heroine's habit of saying tripe like "Thank you, baby Yoda" and Thank you, baby Groot" (because saying "Thank you, God" may offend somebody, or something), and the cringe is off the chart. I'm Irish, and initially, I enjoyed the book's references to Celtic mythology and so on, but in time the dreck overpowered the enjoyment, and as such I can't recommend this series. Erin Go Braugh.
3.5 but rounded down because it was an adventure that didn’t light my fire but was still good all the same.
This book centers around one beloved character, so that was nice. Many more were involved, obvs, but it’s clear their story wanted to be told. It was sweet. I think it’s funny that the guild governing Toronto can be such a JOKE but no one laughs at them (yet). I honestly don’t know how the Cool Clan can deal with them and not roll their eyes. They just don’t come off that important to me when the “good” guy is constantly saying “trust us” and someone goes and bogs it up. And it kept. On. Happening.
Love Sloan and Fi. The traveling wasn’t expected and I’m fully invested in the present so the past wasn’t exactly a joy ride but it was necessary and added a cool layer to the whole “welcome to the magical world” thing going on.
I wish the dragons showed up more, I love them. I love the grandparents and I felt their smaller presence. Overall entertaining and obviously good enough for me to finish til after 1 in the morning.
So the MC is a way over the top cutsie and immature Mary Sue. We're all supposed to love her sticking her tongue out at people and judging other human women (who are all evil bitches - every single one).
The pacing is a problem. There is so much happening to this woman every day. She's kidnapped innumerable times. Apparently many preternaturals can transport, so she's back and forth constantly getting medical help near death.
There's also a problem with wee details ("wee" is Irish, cute right? I'm joining in). She's in a fight and says her spirit bear can't help because there's no room, then a couple of pages later says he's off screwing real bears so can't participate. Might want to take a day to read your work over before publishing. Also, while I'm okay with Merlin becoming a Drag Queen, how did she have a child?
There is a family of cute boys with witty banter, although they're pretty sketchy, mostly one liners from a bunch of characters whose names I can't remember and who aren't really delineated.
The stories in this series are pretty good and the characters are great. The writing is really good.
My reasons for three stars is the immature dialog. The FMC uses words like “hundy,” “probs,” and a few other abbreviated words that a tween would use. Strategically used, it would be cute. Used all the time it gets annoying.
The other problem I have is that a bunch of twenty and thirty-somethings who are gainfully employed still live with their dad and share bedrooms. To include bringing home “guests” when the whole family can hear the action. Gross. But, considering they are all a bunch of immature alcoholics, I guess that lifestyle fits them…?
I get the premise. They are supposed to be a close family. It’s just so weird that to express that they are portrayed as if they are teens or tweens with the immature dialog and a lack of independence by still living with dad.
Fiona Cumhaill is the youngest of a family of 5 boys and one girl who, at this point in the story, are 5 men and one woman. Then there is her da, Niall. Fi’s powers as a Druid are growing daily and it’s difficult to believe that she only found out that she was a Druid a few months before. In that time she has fought Barghest, a group of necromancers, gone back in time to meet her predecessor and the original leader of the Fianna warriors, and planted a blessed Fae grove of her own in Toronto. Now, she and her brothers have restored the ley magic that they unknowingly took for the grove, but what other challenges lay ahead of this young Druid family? Their da may have given up his roots once but he still brought his family up to live by the Druid tenets. A brilliant series.
The main danger to the Cumhaill Clan mages is settled and the ambient magic is restored. Now Fiona has to confront the Lakeshore Guild of Empowered Ones, sort out the power groups, try to kick out the Droghun and make alliances. Surprisingly, her first sponsor is her recent opponent, the Grand Governor Garnet Grant.
Fiona’s been either battling or handling one type of super after another. Now it’s the vampires turn.
And she takes another trip to the past with Fionn which is cool way for her get her druid history first hand while taking care of one of her present-day problems. Including finally taking care of those pesky Droghun.
Fave scenes: Dart getting his food, Gran’s magic care book, taking the Book out and the druid duel.
Anderle and Tempeste have done it again, another brilliant book that’s hooks you within the first few paragraphs and doesn’t let go until the very end. Fast paced action, jokes and laughter galore, intrigue and mystery has made this a must read book. Love how we see the characters grow and in particular the bond between Fiona and Sloan. Fiona without a filter just makes my day, I can just see her in my mind when she lets loose and doesn’t filter what she is saying. Bring on book 4!!
Seriously. Constantly surprised and laughing throughout this book. Poor Fiona is still in the middle of chaos, still kill in it. The brothers are still a bunch of… well… brothers. We have time travel, Merlin, weres, witches, immortals and more. Fi fights for good and in the end is rewarded for it. Also, Fi and Sloan, fiiinally.
And just so you know how funny, I was reading while putting my boys to bed and tried to hold in a laugh. Ended up like a choked gargled sound and woke up my little guy 🤣
I thought this book was just as good as previous books. It didn’t seem that Fi was trying to get murdered as much as she had been in previous books, but she had a lot of other things going on instead. She ended up getting pulled back into the past again to help find a book of evil black magic. She got to meet her friend Dora, but she was a lot different in the past than she is in Fi’s normal time. She also had a showdown with one of the people from the black dog to show them who is the better Druid. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
This is the first book in this series that hasn’t felt like two connected stories. The previous books in the series had one story that took place in Ireland and another that took place in Toronto. In this one although the story does include parts that take place in Ireland it takes place primarily in Toronto. It was fast-paced with a number of twists and turns. Some characters who in previous books have sounded vaguely like enemies, in this book are more allies to the main characters. I was quite pleased that it only had one story and I think it resulted in a better book.
Yep, I am thoroughly enchanted by this series. Having a lot of fun seeing what these characters are up to, and seeing how the storyline is getting a little more complex, yet still staying on track (for the most part). Love Bruin, and Fionn is a character I’d love to see more of. Still no real romance in the series and thank God as it is refreshing to have an UF series not bogged down by the love/sex factor.
A clan of druids, with a red headed woman, in the lead.
I love a good fantasy story, one that picks up thr druids and moves them from Erie to another country, with strong characters that pull you into their adventure, and is written with sarcasm, whit, and joy...that's like fine chocolate to be savored and enjoyed. My sis and I agree, it's a grand adventure. I'm lucky to have found these stories, and look forward to reading the next one forthwith.
The action and snark continues as Fiona, Sloan, family and newly acquired allies fight of necromancers, wicked wizards and Fionna's "flight" back to the late 500's with her great + a lot of greats grandfather Fionn. And Fiona and family continue to learn of their abilities and never forget to back each other and kick butt agains the bad guys. Hilarious at just the right times and serious at all the right times. So much fun.
Fionna has only been a druid for a few months, but has lived years of action in those few months. She interacts with the guild and attracts the attention of the immortal Nikon of Rhodes. Myra has issues with dark wizards and the story continues at a lightning pace.
Well worth the read and eagerly awaiting the next.
No I don’t reference the clan that is the racist refuge. The Irish clan of Druids is entrenching their foothold and grove in Toronto. Their presence has been pivotal, repairing the blockaded key lines and providing access to the magic within. A good read.
I grew up in Toronto and this series has brought back many great memories. This book and then others are full of action, crap and blunt honesty in a way I've not experienced in a long time. You have a true gift Auburn Tempest and I very much look forward to more. Well done!!
Another Enchanting story in this Series, The McCol family does have a tendency for puns and this book is no exception. Fiona continues to end up in more trouble as is usual for her and brings her siblings along for part of the ride. Narrator Continues to be a Wonderful narrator and does lovely with the characters voices and the entire storyline. I highly recommend this book.
I am enjoying the series and how complicated Fi's life is. I would like some rest between the big actions....catch up a little more with the "garden" magic and the regular peeps. But not happening. I love the family head, "Fionne", dragging Fi into the past. That was totally unexpected and a lot of fun. Love her friends and family!!
I did not finish this book and gave up on the series. I want more romance with my paranormal adventure. Instead of forward motion with one of the other two romantic interests, ANOTHER character is introduced to flirt with the main character. I was afraid that I might get to the last book and find out she still hasn't gone on date with anyone.
A Family Oath is the third book in the Urban Druid series and, like its predecessors, is an engrossing read. I particularly love the family dynamics and the way the authors have developed all the characters. I feel as though they have become friends. And the Toronto setting is fun since Toronto is one of my favorite cities. Definitely a book I’d recommend!
For the love of Pete, somebody please teach the audio narrator how to say Toronto like a native and also explain to the author that even children know how to use respectful language in the right situations. Our lead uses slang in ways and with frequency that nobody uses them in real life. Calm down.
I really like this series! The family values combined with the druidic values make for an enthusiastic over plot, along with great characters. I highly recommend this book and series. In my opinion, you need to read the books in order.
Love this series the family togetherness is really awesome. How they look out for each other and look other for others they add to their clan. This is a very exciting story full of adventures and new discoveries.
I highly recommend this magical book, and the spectacular series in which it is to all who love entertaining Urban Fantasy. I adore the sacred groves and the magical creatures in these amazing books. I'm eager for the next book in this series. Enjoy!