What do you think?
Rate this book
Circle of Ceridwen Saga #8
For Me Fate Wove This
In an Angle-land riven by contesting Danes…
Hrald of Four Stones has fallen in love with Dagmar, the daughter of dead King Guthrum, who once ruled all Anglia. Dagmar is beautiful and poised; very much a King's daughter. Yet she owns nothing but the jewels about her neck – and the secrets she carries with her.
“Are you always fighting Fate and the will of the Gods? Then you will be thwarted at every turn…” Ashild has not forgotten this advice given her by her step-father Sidroc before he sailed for Gotland. Her own desires are contrary to the goals of those who love her best – how much more difficult to make decisions for two?
Ceric of Kilton is now a proven warrior, and made second in command to Prince Eadward of Wessex. In the ceaseless attempt to bring the marauding Danish interloper Haesten to heel, the Prince’s small troop crosses into enemy territory. There they are pushed beyond the point of endurance. Deep into Lindisse, both Hrald and Ceric become enmeshed in a fearsome struggle between the marauding Danes and the warriors of Four Stones. The result changes both men forever.
Hrald of Four Stones has fallen in love with Dagmar, the daughter of dead King Guthrum, who once ruled all Anglia. Dagmar is beautiful and poised; very much a King's daughter. Yet she owns nothing but the jewels about her neck – and the secrets she carries with her.
“Are you always fighting Fate and the will of the Gods? Then you will be thwarted at every turn…” Ashild has not forgotten this advice given her by her step-father Sidroc before he sailed for Gotland. Her own desires are contrary to the goals of those who love her best – how much more difficult to make decisions for two?
Ceric of Kilton is now a proven warrior, and made second in command to Prince Eadward of Wessex. In the ceaseless attempt to bring the marauding Danish interloper Haesten to heel, the Prince’s small troop crosses into enemy territory. There they are pushed beyond the point of endurance. Deep into Lindisse, both Hrald and Ceric become enmeshed in a fearsome struggle between the marauding Danes and the warriors of Four Stones. The result changes both men forever.
463 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2021
177 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Randolph
24 books595 followersI write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. In addition to the Circle Saga, I've written the novella Ride, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, and The Tale of Melkorka, based on the Icelandic Sagas. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe.
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 28, 2021
Incredible continuation of the Saga! Book 8 carries us more deeply into the lives of the 2nd generation. Prepare for a roller coaster ride from new love highs to the depths of sorrow. War and weddings. Birth and bravery. If you've read all of the Saga books up till now prepare to pick your jaw up from the floor. Truly a masterpiece!
June 29, 2021
For Me Fate Wove This’ is a phenomenal book and a riveting continuation of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga series. From the first page I experienced such a breadth of responses as events unfold in the lives of the characters we read about as the wheel of time turns, as with all the books in the series I have come to love and invest my heart and soul in. It is like you are living it with them. The writing is superb, the story interlaced with such intricacy and complexity in how the story unfolds in both time and place. Octavia Randolph’s ability to bring to life to this turbulent time in the 9th Century in Anglo-Saxon and Viking history continues to intrigue and surprise. What always captures my imagination is the description of day to day living in these times such as the comfort and necessity of food and appropriate clothing, the value and importance given to fine things needed for special occasions or to mark the coming of age such as jewellery and personal possessions, the art, and craft of learning to read and write. Octavia Randolph is the ultimate word weaver in how she just brings these to life in what might be considered the minutiae of experience. This all takes place amid warfare and sudden skirmishes, and the tactical skills of fighting and allegiances needed to keep people and property safe. This is in parallel to adherence to the duties required and personal sacrifice by those trying to protect all that King Alfred had tried for so long to achieve in maintaining peace with the Vikings since Guthrum’s death and how this is constantly being challenged by different factions as more Vikings enter the fray and threaten the safety of those in places like the monastery at Oundle, Kilton and Four Stones. The cost of this being immeasurable to so many. Religion and the importance of faith whether it be Christian belief, or the old Gods is a constant throughout and plays such an important part in this book. So much happens in Gotland as well even if life is still safer and a haven for those who live there or take comfort in visiting, although to travel by sea is still a risk for all.
As the story unfolds the reader is taken on a journey of such magnitude be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions and marvel at the strength of family ties and new challenges being faced all the time. I honestly believe this Saga novel will stay in your memory long after you reach the last page and then if you are like me you will want to read it again and again. If I could give this book more than five stars I would.
As the story unfolds the reader is taken on a journey of such magnitude be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions and marvel at the strength of family ties and new challenges being faced all the time. I honestly believe this Saga novel will stay in your memory long after you reach the last page and then if you are like me you will want to read it again and again. If I could give this book more than five stars I would.
September 20, 2021
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This entire series.. I simply cannot think right now. This latest one has me a bit speechless/unable to put into words, so anything more will need to wait. To be continued…
May 26, 2024
Ashild’s death shook me.
This would have been a 5 star book for me, but there’s some decision that characters make that Randolph doesn’t really build up to very well. For example, when Ashild decides to ride out into battle, after now having a child, I feel like it was reckless and Ashild isn’t reckless. She’s very calculated and thoughtful. She left behind her child that she loved, but any calculated mother would have seen how unnecessary it was for her involvement in the war that was going on, and would have chosen to stay home with their child over risking their life for no reason in a battle. The reasoning was silly: so that she could send a message back to Four Stones if Hrald needed her to. Wait, what? Literally made no sense and went against her character. It would have been one thing if Hrald said he was so short of warriors that he literally couldn’t even spare his sister, who knew a thing or two about spear throwing and could kill if needed. But no, she literally went just to be a messenger IF needed. lol. Seemed so ridiculously dumb.
There’s 2 additional things I’m wondering if fellow readers also felt during this book:
1 - When Ashild died, did anyone else feel like she *might* come back to life, just initially as Ceric was holding her on the battle field? I know this series doesn’t go into magic at all, but I couldn’t help but feel like some type of Jon Snow action was going to happen.
2 - When Sidroc discovered his father, and realized the pain he was causing his son to be apart from him because of the pain he felt from his own father leaving him, did anyone else think Sidroc would decide to sail back with Hrald when he departed?
Anyways. I did love this book, but was sooooo mad when Ashild died. Just felt like she went to battle for no reason and then died for no reason. All happening right after it seemed she was turning a leaf and might have a happily ever after with Ceric. It felt like the biggest let down. But I do think that makes for the best books when the writers aren’t scared for their characters to die, when they ought to, or rather when it realistically makes sense. A young woman on the battlefield amongst rage-filled warriors? Of course an accident like that would happen. It’s just heart wrenching that the one who did it was the man who loved her. Tragically poetic.
A great series, looking forward to the next.
This would have been a 5 star book for me, but there’s some decision that characters make that Randolph doesn’t really build up to very well. For example, when Ashild decides to ride out into battle, after now having a child, I feel like it was reckless and Ashild isn’t reckless. She’s very calculated and thoughtful. She left behind her child that she loved, but any calculated mother would have seen how unnecessary it was for her involvement in the war that was going on, and would have chosen to stay home with their child over risking their life for no reason in a battle. The reasoning was silly: so that she could send a message back to Four Stones if Hrald needed her to. Wait, what? Literally made no sense and went against her character. It would have been one thing if Hrald said he was so short of warriors that he literally couldn’t even spare his sister, who knew a thing or two about spear throwing and could kill if needed. But no, she literally went just to be a messenger IF needed. lol. Seemed so ridiculously dumb.
There’s 2 additional things I’m wondering if fellow readers also felt during this book:
1 - When Ashild died, did anyone else feel like she *might* come back to life, just initially as Ceric was holding her on the battle field? I know this series doesn’t go into magic at all, but I couldn’t help but feel like some type of Jon Snow action was going to happen.
2 - When Sidroc discovered his father, and realized the pain he was causing his son to be apart from him because of the pain he felt from his own father leaving him, did anyone else think Sidroc would decide to sail back with Hrald when he departed?
Anyways. I did love this book, but was sooooo mad when Ashild died. Just felt like she went to battle for no reason and then died for no reason. All happening right after it seemed she was turning a leaf and might have a happily ever after with Ceric. It felt like the biggest let down. But I do think that makes for the best books when the writers aren’t scared for their characters to die, when they ought to, or rather when it realistically makes sense. A young woman on the battlefield amongst rage-filled warriors? Of course an accident like that would happen. It’s just heart wrenching that the one who did it was the man who loved her. Tragically poetic.
A great series, looking forward to the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
So good and I cried . . . A lot.
Octavia again doesn't disappoint. I swear each time I finish one of her books I hug it to my chest and am just filled with a heartwarming comfort. Then I usually then reread it almost right away.
At the end of the 7th book I still had a feeling of comfort but I was also so worried for Ceric and what the future held for all of Ceridwen, Ælfwyn and Sidroc's children. In this instalment we are more on in Angle-Land with the "next generation"
In the last book When Ashiild told Ceric the curse she threw at him as a child I knew the curse would come back to haunt them somehow. . . And now we will see if Ceric can find his way back to himself.
I think we learn a lesson in this book and we had warning but it doesn't hurt any less now.
With Hrald I am hopeful of his future and I am also curious for what his future will bring because we were given the front seat of a particular character this book who ends up not with us in the end which is very curious and I wonder if she will come back in the future or maybe we just learned a lesson along with Hrald and it was done to be shocking and so we felt the strong hurt.
Near the end we are given answers to a few mysteries from previous books some which I never thought we would learn. It felt like being given a special gift.
I hope the next in series is a bit happier. Ceridwen says something which makes me think she might just be ready to venture back home and see her other children. I think I had lost all hope in the last few that she would never go back and I understood it but at the same time my heart ached.
I see a marriage in the future but one that might create more unintended pain. That's how life is though isn't it? some have it easier than others and seem to skate through life. I how for one maybe even two the dark path will lighten and someone who has been long gone right be the one to spark that light.
I am excited to see the People of Four Stones to meet their coming guest and all that they will do there. I feel big things could be in store.
Octavia again doesn't disappoint. I swear each time I finish one of her books I hug it to my chest and am just filled with a heartwarming comfort. Then I usually then reread it almost right away.
At the end of the 7th book I still had a feeling of comfort but I was also so worried for Ceric and what the future held for all of Ceridwen, Ælfwyn and Sidroc's children. In this instalment we are more on in Angle-Land with the "next generation"
In the last book When Ashiild told Ceric the curse she threw at him as a child I knew the curse would come back to haunt them somehow. . . And now we will see if Ceric can find his way back to himself.
I think we learn a lesson in this book and we had warning but it doesn't hurt any less now.
With Hrald I am hopeful of his future and I am also curious for what his future will bring because we were given the front seat of a particular character this book who ends up not with us in the end which is very curious and I wonder if she will come back in the future or maybe we just learned a lesson along with Hrald and it was done to be shocking and so we felt the strong hurt.
Near the end we are given answers to a few mysteries from previous books some which I never thought we would learn. It felt like being given a special gift.
I hope the next in series is a bit happier. Ceridwen says something which makes me think she might just be ready to venture back home and see her other children. I think I had lost all hope in the last few that she would never go back and I understood it but at the same time my heart ached.
I see a marriage in the future but one that might create more unintended pain. That's how life is though isn't it? some have it easier than others and seem to skate through life. I how for one maybe even two the dark path will lighten and someone who has been long gone right be the one to spark that light.
I am excited to see the People of Four Stones to meet their coming guest and all that they will do there. I feel big things could be in store.
February 20, 2022
My hopes weren't real high as I felt "Windswept" was a real letdown after the first 6 (and Sidroc) This book was an even worse letdown although I did force myself to finish it. All those five star reviews couldn't possibly be wrong, could they? (yes) My biggest complaint is the endless tedious detail and description that was just plain boring and uninteresting. Perhaps some of it was intended to be exposition, but mostly it caused me to skip to the next scene of interaction. The battle scenes were the absolute worst. Perhaps I've read too much really excellent military historical fiction and have a high bar. I skipped entire chapters due to the irksome nature of the action scenes. The other irritating piece (stop here if you care about spoilers) was the way it ended with Ashilde. That could have used some exposition. Why was she doing what she was and where she was? It felt like the author had zero ideas for how to set up that incident and said, "oh I guess Ceric should kill her with a spear". What the actual F? It was completely incidental and downplayed her character and role in the story.
Unlike the parents that started the series, I felt zero connection with these characters. There is a set up for a follow up, but I probably won't be reading it.
Unlike the parents that started the series, I felt zero connection with these characters. There is a set up for a follow up, but I probably won't be reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2021
Wonderful book! This is probably one of the best series I have ever read. Like all of the other books in the series, this one was hard to put down. I must admit, I was not as much invested in Ceric, Hrald and Aschild as I was in Ceridwen, Sidroc and Aelfwyn. But this book really changed that for me. This book turned out to be a hugely emotional read for me with all of the ups and downs in the story. Definitely a 3 hanky book.
The characters all seem very real to me and the writing is superb. Even the passages where the author is talking about the day to day tasks that people of that time did are interesting to me. The author has vast knowledge about this time period and it shows.
My ability as a reviewer can't do this book justice. Suffice it to say that I could find nothing negative to say about this book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope it won't be too long a wait.
The characters all seem very real to me and the writing is superb. Even the passages where the author is talking about the day to day tasks that people of that time did are interesting to me. The author has vast knowledge about this time period and it shows.
My ability as a reviewer can't do this book justice. Suffice it to say that I could find nothing negative to say about this book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope it won't be too long a wait.
July 6, 2024
My GodWow, I'm still reeling from the whirlwind of this. I just finished the book and I'm left breathless, wondering what's to come next. This story has every word carefully crafted and every moment expertly woven together. There's no fluff, no filler - just pure, unadulterated storytelling that left me on the edge of my seat. I only have two more left 😭 what will I do with my heart. Though I know the other one is coming out soon!
I can't wait to see what Octavia has in store for us next.
I can't wait to see what Octavia has in store for us next.
December 3, 2025
I have not been so emotionally affected by a book in a long time. This was so Shakespearean - fraught with tragedy, but poignant and beautifully written. I doubt I will ever recover!
July 3, 2021
Fantastic
Thank you Octavia, this a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down.
I love all the depth of the characters and the knowledge you share in the details.
Can't wait #9
Thank you Octavia, this a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down.
I love all the depth of the characters and the knowledge you share in the details.
Can't wait #9
November 11, 2021
Love this series. So many years she'd while reading this one.
June 24, 2021
For Me Fate Wove This is the 8th book in the Circle of Ceridwen series by Octavia Randolph. In Fate we continue the saga of the characters we are familiar with, but this one tells mostly of the younger generation. We still learn more. and spend time with our beloved characters including Sidroc and Ceridwen on Gotland, but life is subtly moving forward as it does. Hrald is struggling with finding his way, being Jarl, finding a suitable wife, and being settled into the life that Fate has woven for him. Ashild continues to struggle against Fate. She doesn't want to leave her beloved home of Four Stones, although she loves Ceric, she doesn't want to marry him meaning she would be taken to Kilton. Being a woman, how much control over the Norns and their weaving of her fate does she have? Ceric is away on the battlefield begging Fate to send him to Four Stones, but in war, it rarely goes the way we want it to. I highly recommend this deeply researched and well written series. You will come to love these characters if you step into their world.
July 18, 2021
I am old and mushy, and I shed lots of tears. I love the way she writes, and each step in the
series gets better than the last. Long live Octavia!
S. Jones
series gets better than the last. Long live Octavia!
S. Jones
November 1, 2021
phenomenal
This is book 8 in one of my favorite series. In this book and all of the others you will come to appreciate and even love some of the characters. Fate has its way with them and some of it is not kind. I can’t say too much without ruining the book but parts were heartbreaking and I cried - more than once. But just like in real life, the characters move on as best they can from tragedy.
This is book 8 in one of my favorite series. In this book and all of the others you will come to appreciate and even love some of the characters. Fate has its way with them and some of it is not kind. I can’t say too much without ruining the book but parts were heartbreaking and I cried - more than once. But just like in real life, the characters move on as best they can from tragedy.
June 28, 2022
Love, friendship, duty, joy and sorrow - the latest addition to Octavia Randolph’s meticulously researched and visualized ‘Circle of Ceridwen Saga’ series. Buy it, read it, recommend it and rejoice, for ‘Book Nine’ is already underway. ‘
June 22, 2022
I loved this book so much! I think I may have cried more during this one than any in the series. The characters have become so special to me as I have read each book. 100% recommend this series!
August 30, 2021
Another wonderful book in the Circle of Ceridwen Saga. This author never fails
to delight with her tales of two families whose lives are inextricably entwined, despite their divergent backgrounds.
In this particular book, the lives of the second generation of the families from Danish Four Stones and those from Anglo-Saxon Kilton take prominence. Will Ceric of Kilton finally wed his beloved Ashild of Four Stones? Will young Hrald, left by his father to be Jarl at Four Stones, prove to be a strong and capable leader; following in the footsteps of Sidroc himself? You will have to read this book to discover the answers.
Be warned, there are many sorrows and setbacks awaiting the members of both families in this eighth book.
I was very happy towards the conclusion to be reunited with Sidroc, - my favourite Viking, - his wife Ceridwen; and also Tindr; and their growing families.
The story is beautifully paced, and as usual the research is such that the reader lives with the characters during the duration of the book. The detailed descriptions of the landscape, the vegetation, the food and the way of life transport you straight to Anglo Saxon England and Gotland.
5 shining Stars. I can’t wait for the next book!
to delight with her tales of two families whose lives are inextricably entwined, despite their divergent backgrounds.
In this particular book, the lives of the second generation of the families from Danish Four Stones and those from Anglo-Saxon Kilton take prominence. Will Ceric of Kilton finally wed his beloved Ashild of Four Stones? Will young Hrald, left by his father to be Jarl at Four Stones, prove to be a strong and capable leader; following in the footsteps of Sidroc himself? You will have to read this book to discover the answers.
Be warned, there are many sorrows and setbacks awaiting the members of both families in this eighth book.
I was very happy towards the conclusion to be reunited with Sidroc, - my favourite Viking, - his wife Ceridwen; and also Tindr; and their growing families.
The story is beautifully paced, and as usual the research is such that the reader lives with the characters during the duration of the book. The detailed descriptions of the landscape, the vegetation, the food and the way of life transport you straight to Anglo Saxon England and Gotland.
5 shining Stars. I can’t wait for the next book!
July 3, 2021
Love and loss, spoilers ......l.l..........
Wow Octavia, I’m already finished this book, didn’t realize I was at the end til I was at the end. Hrald, terrible to be hurt in his first love, but he will love again, a true love, this time, I hope. I kind of felt sorry for Dagmar, but in the end she got her love. And for him and the family, the loss of Ashild, I was shocked at first, feeling very very sad for Ceric. How very sad for him, and for Kilton. I teared up when he had to go home. And then to have the loss of his grandmother, Modwynn . Such sadness. But then the love of a child Cerd. Now what will happen, will the two houses be joined. And then Hrarld going to Gotland to see his father and finding a grandfather and father to Sidroc. That was wonderful. And life goes on in Gotland, great to revisit With the families there and to know how they fare.
Wow Octavia, I’m already finished this book, didn’t realize I was at the end til I was at the end. Hrald, terrible to be hurt in his first love, but he will love again, a true love, this time, I hope. I kind of felt sorry for Dagmar, but in the end she got her love. And for him and the family, the loss of Ashild, I was shocked at first, feeling very very sad for Ceric. How very sad for him, and for Kilton. I teared up when he had to go home. And then to have the loss of his grandmother, Modwynn . Such sadness. But then the love of a child Cerd. Now what will happen, will the two houses be joined. And then Hrarld going to Gotland to see his father and finding a grandfather and father to Sidroc. That was wonderful. And life goes on in Gotland, great to revisit With the families there and to know how they fare.
July 11, 2021
Never disappoints!
Octavia spins her tales with all the wizardry of the most exquisite spider web. Once into the perfect maze, you don’t even want to find your way out. These characters have become my loved ones, their stories break my heart, make me proud beyond reason, snd enthrall me like few others. I loose myself as in my minds eyes and ears I hear Octavia telling this beloved tale to me personally as a child listens attentively to their own family’s saga. Sometimes the turns of events shatter my heart, other times make me cry tears of joy. If you think my reactions are too emotionally attached, come join the ‘Circle’ and see if it doesn’t take you on a journey unlike any other you’ve had before. This only comes along a few times in a readers lifetime. You will be richly rewarded!
Octavia spins her tales with all the wizardry of the most exquisite spider web. Once into the perfect maze, you don’t even want to find your way out. These characters have become my loved ones, their stories break my heart, make me proud beyond reason, snd enthrall me like few others. I loose myself as in my minds eyes and ears I hear Octavia telling this beloved tale to me personally as a child listens attentively to their own family’s saga. Sometimes the turns of events shatter my heart, other times make me cry tears of joy. If you think my reactions are too emotionally attached, come join the ‘Circle’ and see if it doesn’t take you on a journey unlike any other you’ve had before. This only comes along a few times in a readers lifetime. You will be richly rewarded!
August 9, 2021
An excellent extension to the series
Hrald is extremely interested in Dagmar, daughter of Guthrun, the late king of the Danes in Anglia. As they grow closer a wedding was inevitable and the first months were idyllic as they grew into each other’s thoughts and values and Dagmar was cherished by the people of Four Stones. As her past caught up with her their lives changed. Danes moved in to attack and the warriors of Four Stones and from Wessex united against them. At the end of the battle Ceric’s response to the appearance of an enemy flag changed his life and that of the people for Four Stones forever. Meanwhile Hrald decided to travel to meet Sidroc, his father, in Gotland, and the family members discovered family members unseen foe decades. This is a very moving book and I highly recommend it.
Hrald is extremely interested in Dagmar, daughter of Guthrun, the late king of the Danes in Anglia. As they grow closer a wedding was inevitable and the first months were idyllic as they grew into each other’s thoughts and values and Dagmar was cherished by the people of Four Stones. As her past caught up with her their lives changed. Danes moved in to attack and the warriors of Four Stones and from Wessex united against them. At the end of the battle Ceric’s response to the appearance of an enemy flag changed his life and that of the people for Four Stones forever. Meanwhile Hrald decided to travel to meet Sidroc, his father, in Gotland, and the family members discovered family members unseen foe decades. This is a very moving book and I highly recommend it.
September 13, 2021
Wow...just wow.
Once again Ms. Randolph has delivered an amazing and beautifully written page-turning, nail-biting, poignant story of war, power, struggle, heartbreak, betrayal, tragedy, loss, friendship, discovery, joy, family, loyalty, and love. It was wonderful to be back at Four Stones, Kilton and Gotland.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I sobbed, I smiled, and sometimes smiled through the tears, too. This book was well worth the wait and I eagerly await the next!
I've said it before and I'll say it again...thank you, Ms. Randolph, for bringing this wonderful and beloved story to life and for continuing on with the characters that I love so much. It is, without a doubt, the best historical fiction series I've ever read.
ETA: I read the paperback edition not the digital edition.
Once again Ms. Randolph has delivered an amazing and beautifully written page-turning, nail-biting, poignant story of war, power, struggle, heartbreak, betrayal, tragedy, loss, friendship, discovery, joy, family, loyalty, and love. It was wonderful to be back at Four Stones, Kilton and Gotland.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I sobbed, I smiled, and sometimes smiled through the tears, too. This book was well worth the wait and I eagerly await the next!
I've said it before and I'll say it again...thank you, Ms. Randolph, for bringing this wonderful and beloved story to life and for continuing on with the characters that I love so much. It is, without a doubt, the best historical fiction series I've ever read.
ETA: I read the paperback edition not the digital edition.
July 15, 2021
Nothing compares
I love and have read everything I can find about dark age Viking and anglo-saxon history and nothing, absolutely NOTHING, compares to The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Octavia Randolph is a true scald. She weaves words into a saga that allows you to hear steel clashing on steel, feel thread woven into linen, and see waves spreading before the bow of drakars. I love that she actually moved to Gotland after visiting to research her stories. She is a wonder and a treasure and I hope she never runs out of stories to enchant her readers with. Wes Thu hal Octavia and Wryd beth ful arad Ceric. I can't wait to read what happens next!
I love and have read everything I can find about dark age Viking and anglo-saxon history and nothing, absolutely NOTHING, compares to The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Octavia Randolph is a true scald. She weaves words into a saga that allows you to hear steel clashing on steel, feel thread woven into linen, and see waves spreading before the bow of drakars. I love that she actually moved to Gotland after visiting to research her stories. She is a wonder and a treasure and I hope she never runs out of stories to enchant her readers with. Wes Thu hal Octavia and Wryd beth ful arad Ceric. I can't wait to read what happens next!
August 27, 2021
How could you do to us!
Oh, I can't believe that you-know-who dies! This person has such an impact on the storyline. Not as much as Ceridwen, but still...! I do appreciate how Sidroc finds who-know-who, but still...
Actually, this story is as good as the others! I await, anxiously, for the next saga. Whenever you release another, I re-read the others. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with yours, and Ceridwen's life.
Oh, I can't believe that you-know-who dies! This person has such an impact on the storyline. Not as much as Ceridwen, but still...! I do appreciate how Sidroc finds who-know-who, but still...
Actually, this story is as good as the others! I await, anxiously, for the next saga. Whenever you release another, I re-read the others. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with yours, and Ceridwen's life.
January 20, 2022
Truly Incredible Novel
It was impossible for me to put down once I started reading! I have loved all of Octavia Randolph's previous novels in this series. I have grown to love many of the characters. I wept & laughed during this last installment, I mean really sobbed! I appreciate all her historical research in the Circle novels, it's like reading history books you can enjoy! I can't wait for book 9!!
It was impossible for me to put down once I started reading! I have loved all of Octavia Randolph's previous novels in this series. I have grown to love many of the characters. I wept & laughed during this last installment, I mean really sobbed! I appreciate all her historical research in the Circle novels, it's like reading history books you can enjoy! I can't wait for book 9!!
March 13, 2022
is it 1 star or 5?
i was re-reading the series awaiting the next chapter of the saga. in chapter 2 i realized i had not finished reading this book! (oh the horrors!) another fabulous telling of a tale that could have happened in history. the heart-wrenching details of the devastating event that occurs mid-way had me reaching for the tissue box.
there is nothing but to await book 9…
i was re-reading the series awaiting the next chapter of the saga. in chapter 2 i realized i had not finished reading this book! (oh the horrors!) another fabulous telling of a tale that could have happened in history. the heart-wrenching details of the devastating event that occurs mid-way had me reaching for the tissue box.
there is nothing but to await book 9…
Read
February 29, 2024Ashild Tragedy
Awful. I still get very emotional at the circumstances that caused her end and how it impacted so many lives, including my own. She epitomizes the woman I can only wish I had the courage to be; and Ceric, that he should have to live knowing how much he loved and was willing to sacrifice for her only to have been her executioner instead of her lifelong partner. One of the best and the worst character development sagas of the series; legendary.
Awful. I still get very emotional at the circumstances that caused her end and how it impacted so many lives, including my own. She epitomizes the woman I can only wish I had the courage to be; and Ceric, that he should have to live knowing how much he loved and was willing to sacrifice for her only to have been her executioner instead of her lifelong partner. One of the best and the worst character development sagas of the series; legendary.
July 7, 2021
Not to be missed.
I was as surprised and satisfied by this installment in the saga as in any that preceded it. Even though the characters are fictional, you feel as if their fates are as bound by history as the historical members of the cast. I will not miss the next book in this series.
I was as surprised and satisfied by this installment in the saga as in any that preceded it. Even though the characters are fictional, you feel as if their fates are as bound by history as the historical members of the cast. I will not miss the next book in this series.
July 9, 2021
Another masterpiece
This was another excellent installment of the saga. The more that is told the harder it gets to avoid spoilers. Tissues are going to be needed at a few points as indicated by the broken loom runes on the cover. Overall it is a very well crafted tale that was worth waiting for.
This was another excellent installment of the saga. The more that is told the harder it gets to avoid spoilers. Tissues are going to be needed at a few points as indicated by the broken loom runes on the cover. Overall it is a very well crafted tale that was worth waiting for.
July 17, 2021
Very nice to visit these characters again
As usual, I really enjoyed the visit with these characters again. The descriptions of the places the book takes place make me want to visit them myself. I also love the mix of nationalities the author uses. I will now be looking forward to the next book in this series.
As usual, I really enjoyed the visit with these characters again. The descriptions of the places the book takes place make me want to visit them myself. I also love the mix of nationalities the author uses. I will now be looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 24, 2021
The Compelling Saga Continues
This Saga, meant to be read in order, continues to fascinate me with the way the family’s storyline is intertwined. There I are so many historical facts and descriptions so beautifully written that I feel that I am with the characters as their lives proceed. Octavia Randolph has another winner here and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This Saga, meant to be read in order, continues to fascinate me with the way the family’s storyline is intertwined. There I are so many historical facts and descriptions so beautifully written that I feel that I am with the characters as their lives proceed. Octavia Randolph has another winner here and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews