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The Priestess Chronicles #1
Call of the Druids
She doesn’t need him to be her hero. But maybe she’s meant to be his.
Ancient Israel. Seventeen-year-old Priestess Ariela hates being treated like a child. Trained to fight evil but kept from action by her uncle King David, the sheltered princess happily flees an arranged marriage by accepting an angel’s mission to save magic from extinction. But she didn’t count on being catapulted forward a thousand years in time… or to catch the eye of a handsome stranger.
The only thing Culaan likes better than drinking is women. So the brash Celtic warrior is immediately infatuated by the naïve girl who nevertheless defends herself against the advances of his power-hungry half-brother. And dazzled by her display of unimaginable powers, he persuades her to accompany him to the safe haven of a druidic village.
Training to master her new abilities to help the Gallic clans survive Roman conquest, Ariela is unsure how to handle the roguish tribesman digging his way into her affections. And Culaan is determined to protect her at any cost, even if he has to take down his sibling.
Can this star-crossed pair defeat an empire and find the love they deserve?
Call of the Druids is the enthralling first book in The Priestess Chronicles YA historical fantasy romance series. If you like fierce heroines, conflicted champions, and slow-burn relationships, then you’ll adore Fiona Tarr’s coming-of-age adventure.
Ancient Israel. Seventeen-year-old Priestess Ariela hates being treated like a child. Trained to fight evil but kept from action by her uncle King David, the sheltered princess happily flees an arranged marriage by accepting an angel’s mission to save magic from extinction. But she didn’t count on being catapulted forward a thousand years in time… or to catch the eye of a handsome stranger.
The only thing Culaan likes better than drinking is women. So the brash Celtic warrior is immediately infatuated by the naïve girl who nevertheless defends herself against the advances of his power-hungry half-brother. And dazzled by her display of unimaginable powers, he persuades her to accompany him to the safe haven of a druidic village.
Training to master her new abilities to help the Gallic clans survive Roman conquest, Ariela is unsure how to handle the roguish tribesman digging his way into her affections. And Culaan is determined to protect her at any cost, even if he has to take down his sibling.
Can this star-crossed pair defeat an empire and find the love they deserve?
Call of the Druids is the enthralling first book in The Priestess Chronicles YA historical fantasy romance series. If you like fierce heroines, conflicted champions, and slow-burn relationships, then you’ll adore Fiona Tarr’s coming-of-age adventure.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
15 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Tarr
55 books128 followersFiona's stories are captivating, bold, suspense reads featuring strong female leads, small, rural town settings and quirky Australian characters.
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 1, 2019
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
History is full of moments when those in power stomped out all mention of magic, but what if the people with such talents teamed up to prevent their elimination? That’s the foundation of Call of the Druids, and I presume The Priestess Chronicles as a whole.
The story begins with a young priestess whose bloodline connection to King David of Israel means she’s assigned a diplomatic marriage rather than allowed to follow her calling. She’s trained her whole life to use her gifts from God to fight evil. Ariela begs God for another path and the angel Raziel sweeps her away to parts unknown. She arrives in Roman-occupied territory where Celtic clans struggle to protect their few remaining druids and their disappearing culture.
While the beginning would be appropriate in any young adult novel, make no mistake. This story delves into the heart of Roman atrocities with their treatment of conquered people, especially women. It also looks at how greed and envy can corrupt a soul. Even without knowing something of the history involved, I had no doubt as to the villains of this piece almost from the moment she lands in a mud-filled alley.
Morrigan, a druid, finds and protects Ariela as she overcomes the disorientation of learning she has jumped not just in space but also some 500-700 years in time to offer the druids hope when they’re all but lost. The druid suspects Ariela is more than the young, vulnerable woman she appears, and she’s right.
Though trained in battle and magic, Ariela is not alone in the battle against the Roman conquerors either. Beyond Morrigan’s help, she’s joined by two friends in the clan, Culaan and Genie, who stand up for Ariela even while they doubt the truth of her accounting.
Druidic power had so faded from the clan memories, even Culaan believes Morrigan nothing more than a mixer of herbs, though her potions are far from simple tinctures. Genie is slower to dismiss the idea, or at least she recognizes the accuracy of Ariela’s accounting of that time. This interest in history is an odd quirk in a woman known as a huntress and tracker extraordinaire.
Culaan has his own specific histories, a mystery shrouding his dead mother and the disdain of his father, who is also clan chieftain. Where another could grow bitter, Culaan is good-hearted and looks out for those around him, the image of his father’s relationships with the clan.
I’m mostly recounting things from the story rather than talking about the themes of the story for two reasons:
First, the theme is pretty straightforward, which does not diminish its strength in any way. The destruction of culture and loss of knowledge in the wake of conquer is something I mourn. It is an atrocity repeated all too often in our histories, and one that has echoes down the timeline to modern day, affecting us still.
The second, though, is because I was swept into the story and the characters until little else mattered. Do not fear I’ve given away all the interesting parts. The above barely scratches the surface of a complex dance between tradition and belief, honor and greed, and fear versus action.
The story has a rotating point of view (POV) that can fall on almost any character in any scene. While this might bother some of you, I suggest you give it a try because I never lost the sense of whose POV I was in no matter how often it moved. This is a well-telegraphed close omniscient voice such that it took me a bit to realize how often it switched. Any other technical issues were minor in comparison to the strength of the narrative and characters as they worked to keep the druidic traditions alive.
At one point, the angel charges Ariela to “Save the magic,” but this is no simple task. She has to find and bring supporters around her, learn to navigate new cultures, and help bring faith back to those who have lost their way if she’s to have any chance of living up to this command. Nor is Ariela left unmolested in her efforts. Her first act upon arriving has consequences stretching further than she could have imagined.
Fiona Tarr made the story come alive through complex characters with their own concerns and histories to drive them. If you’ve been following my reviews, you’ll know story wins out over anything, but a strong story is more than theme and plot. It’s the people contained within the lines and how they become real to the reader. Call of the Druids succeeds in this admirably.
P.S. I received this novel from the author in return for an honest review.
History is full of moments when those in power stomped out all mention of magic, but what if the people with such talents teamed up to prevent their elimination? That’s the foundation of Call of the Druids, and I presume The Priestess Chronicles as a whole.
The story begins with a young priestess whose bloodline connection to King David of Israel means she’s assigned a diplomatic marriage rather than allowed to follow her calling. She’s trained her whole life to use her gifts from God to fight evil. Ariela begs God for another path and the angel Raziel sweeps her away to parts unknown. She arrives in Roman-occupied territory where Celtic clans struggle to protect their few remaining druids and their disappearing culture.
While the beginning would be appropriate in any young adult novel, make no mistake. This story delves into the heart of Roman atrocities with their treatment of conquered people, especially women. It also looks at how greed and envy can corrupt a soul. Even without knowing something of the history involved, I had no doubt as to the villains of this piece almost from the moment she lands in a mud-filled alley.
Morrigan, a druid, finds and protects Ariela as she overcomes the disorientation of learning she has jumped not just in space but also some 500-700 years in time to offer the druids hope when they’re all but lost. The druid suspects Ariela is more than the young, vulnerable woman she appears, and she’s right.
Though trained in battle and magic, Ariela is not alone in the battle against the Roman conquerors either. Beyond Morrigan’s help, she’s joined by two friends in the clan, Culaan and Genie, who stand up for Ariela even while they doubt the truth of her accounting.
Druidic power had so faded from the clan memories, even Culaan believes Morrigan nothing more than a mixer of herbs, though her potions are far from simple tinctures. Genie is slower to dismiss the idea, or at least she recognizes the accuracy of Ariela’s accounting of that time. This interest in history is an odd quirk in a woman known as a huntress and tracker extraordinaire.
Culaan has his own specific histories, a mystery shrouding his dead mother and the disdain of his father, who is also clan chieftain. Where another could grow bitter, Culaan is good-hearted and looks out for those around him, the image of his father’s relationships with the clan.
I’m mostly recounting things from the story rather than talking about the themes of the story for two reasons:
First, the theme is pretty straightforward, which does not diminish its strength in any way. The destruction of culture and loss of knowledge in the wake of conquer is something I mourn. It is an atrocity repeated all too often in our histories, and one that has echoes down the timeline to modern day, affecting us still.
The second, though, is because I was swept into the story and the characters until little else mattered. Do not fear I’ve given away all the interesting parts. The above barely scratches the surface of a complex dance between tradition and belief, honor and greed, and fear versus action.
The story has a rotating point of view (POV) that can fall on almost any character in any scene. While this might bother some of you, I suggest you give it a try because I never lost the sense of whose POV I was in no matter how often it moved. This is a well-telegraphed close omniscient voice such that it took me a bit to realize how often it switched. Any other technical issues were minor in comparison to the strength of the narrative and characters as they worked to keep the druidic traditions alive.
At one point, the angel charges Ariela to “Save the magic,” but this is no simple task. She has to find and bring supporters around her, learn to navigate new cultures, and help bring faith back to those who have lost their way if she’s to have any chance of living up to this command. Nor is Ariela left unmolested in her efforts. Her first act upon arriving has consequences stretching further than she could have imagined.
Fiona Tarr made the story come alive through complex characters with their own concerns and histories to drive them. If you’ve been following my reviews, you’ll know story wins out over anything, but a strong story is more than theme and plot. It’s the people contained within the lines and how they become real to the reader. Call of the Druids succeeds in this admirably.
P.S. I received this novel from the author in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2019
I was excited to see a story with magic ("gifts" as the main character, Ariela, calls it) set in the time of King David. Although the tale doesn't remain there, it still retains elements of this era in the story. The main plot takes place among the Gauls in the time of Roman rule. A great melding of the beliefs about magic and the fear of those who wield it. It seems to send a message that time or place doesn't change people from persecuting those who are different.
The characters are endearing (except for those who are just plain mean and arrogant). Ariela adapts well to all that she's lost in order to avoid living a life she'd come to hate. Morrigan is delightful, and there's certainly more to her than meets the eye. Culaan is a bit of a rogue, but one who can be "trained" by the right woman. Geneviere, ah, I felt a bit sorry for her. More troubles coming her way, I'm sure.
All in all, it's a fun-filled adventure, that lets you travel to another time. (And I see the author has another series set around King David... I'm going to have to check that one out.)
The characters are endearing (except for those who are just plain mean and arrogant). Ariela adapts well to all that she's lost in order to avoid living a life she'd come to hate. Morrigan is delightful, and there's certainly more to her than meets the eye. Culaan is a bit of a rogue, but one who can be "trained" by the right woman. Geneviere, ah, I felt a bit sorry for her. More troubles coming her way, I'm sure.
All in all, it's a fun-filled adventure, that lets you travel to another time. (And I see the author has another series set around King David... I'm going to have to check that one out.)
February 12, 2019
The first in a new series from Fiona Tarr, Call of the Druids gives a much welcome glimpse into the lives of familiar characters Salaman and the Priestess Nina, Kind David's sister. from Covenant of Grace series, and a riveting introduction to their daughter Ariela and new characters Morrigan, Culaan, Genevieve and the Angel Raziel. The Call of the Druids fast forwards in time to another familiar time in religious history, the Roman Empire just after the crucifiction of Jesus, but is not told from the perspective of Jewish or Christian history, but from the point of views of Druids and Gaul clan members. The collision of the two cultures is fascinating and the perfect backdrop for this coming of age story. Tarr's supporting characters make for the perfect clash between good and evil and shed a new light on a pivotal period of history. I can't wait to read book 2 in the Priestess Chronicles!
August 20, 2020
A wonderful, action-packed historical fantasy for the ages!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! So much so that I read it in one sitting! The story revolves around Ariela, an Israeli Princess and a Priestess of Shiloh that has been promised to be married to King David's prince. But fate steps in As the Angel Raziel makes her an offer, which thrusts her 700 years into the future. She learns quickly that she's been tasked to aid the Druids and the different clans escape from the tyranny the the Roman Empire. It's a magical tale, woven beautifully together with plenty of action, intrigue, and plenty of interesting characters that will keep you engrossed in the narrative. I highly recommend this one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! So much so that I read it in one sitting! The story revolves around Ariela, an Israeli Princess and a Priestess of Shiloh that has been promised to be married to King David's prince. But fate steps in As the Angel Raziel makes her an offer, which thrusts her 700 years into the future. She learns quickly that she's been tasked to aid the Druids and the different clans escape from the tyranny the the Roman Empire. It's a magical tale, woven beautifully together with plenty of action, intrigue, and plenty of interesting characters that will keep you engrossed in the narrative. I highly recommend this one!
July 13, 2020
What a fantastic read!
My first read by the talented Fiona Tarr, and it will not be my last.
Ariela is a princess. She prefers to be treated like all the other Priestesses. When Areila is told she will be married, in an arranged marriage – her dreams of being a Priestess will end. When an angel arrives in a brilliant bright light she takes Raziel’s offer and escapes her future husband.
Ariela must survive if she is to help a small town clan overcome the romans.
Fast paced, fabulous characters and a terrific storyline to keep you turning each page.
Recommended.
My first read by the talented Fiona Tarr, and it will not be my last.
Ariela is a princess. She prefers to be treated like all the other Priestesses. When Areila is told she will be married, in an arranged marriage – her dreams of being a Priestess will end. When an angel arrives in a brilliant bright light she takes Raziel’s offer and escapes her future husband.
Ariela must survive if she is to help a small town clan overcome the romans.
Fast paced, fabulous characters and a terrific storyline to keep you turning each page.
Recommended.
November 16, 2018
A well-told epic read. Druids, magic, coming of age, time travel, greed, and power struggles this is a story that keeps you turning pages. It not only entertained, but I enjoyed the depth of lessons of life shown in the telling. Highly recommend.
August 5, 2020
Fabulous book
Couldn’t put this book down! Love the magic and the time travel, really unique book. Powerful ending I highly recommend.
Couldn’t put this book down! Love the magic and the time travel, really unique book. Powerful ending I highly recommend.
October 18, 2020
Right down my alley🤩
Lovable characters, enchanting story, and oh, that ending!...
Highly recommend ❤
Lovable characters, enchanting story, and oh, that ending!...
Highly recommend ❤
September 29, 2024
An excellent opener to Fiona Tarr's new series. Hauled through time from Israel in the reign of King David our feisty heroine is plunged into life among the Gauls and Druids in the early first century.
Great characters on both sides and with a fluid writing style that keeps you reading when you really should be in bed caused me to complete this is one sitting.
I can't wait for book 2
Great characters on both sides and with a fluid writing style that keeps you reading when you really should be in bed caused me to complete this is one sitting.
I can't wait for book 2
Read
February 11, 2019I loved starting this new series. It gave me a chance to try a little light adult or young adult fantasy style.
I'm looking forward to Ariela's next adventure....
I'm looking forward to Ariela's next adventure....
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews