What do you think?
Rate this book
Partholon #3
Divine By Blood
Morrigan Christine Parker finds that turning 18 carries a heavy weight when you're the only daughter of Rhiannon MacCallan, disgraced high priestess to the goddess Epona, in Cast's down-home follow-up to 2006's Divine by Choice. After Rhiannon betrayed Epona, the goddess bestowed her favor on Rhiannon's look-alike, Shannon Parker. Rhiannon promised her allegiance to the evil god Pryderi, but recanted after Morrigan's birth, giving the child over to Epona's protection and the care of Shannon's parents. Now Morrigan comes of age and learns more about her heritage from her adoptive grandparents and the wind-borne whispers of Pryderi and Epona. While visiting the Alabaster Caverns State Park and exploring her power over rocks and crystals, Morrigan is unexpectedly transported to the mystical realm of Partholon, where she must find Shannon and fulfill her destiny.
443 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
151 people are currently reading
6074 people want to read
About the author
P.C. Cast
163 books28.2k followersPC was born in the Midwest, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. PC is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today Best-Selling author and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. PC is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. Ms. Cast lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses. House of Night Other World, book 4, FOUND, releases July 7th, 2020. More info to come soon about the HoN TV series!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
August 17, 2012
kinda slow
Edit: June 18, 2013
The first 2 novels in the series where more entertaining ....
Edit: June 18, 2013
The first 2 novels in the series where more entertaining ....
May 24, 2020
P.C. Cast came into my life through the House of Night novels. I was addicted to those suckers for years, and my goodness did I love them back in my high school days. I figured I could jump into some of P.C. Cast's books as an adult and find that high school joy and nostalgia I've been seeking... Unfortunately I didn't.
Maybe it was because I started three books into this series, or maybe I've just outgrown P.C.'s writing style. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I didn't enjoy this book. It was very close to a DNF for me, if I'm being brutally honest. I couldn't connect with the characters and I found myself putting the book down and not wanting to go back to it.
Overall, this book was not for me. I wish I would have loved it, but I'm sure other readers will enjoy it more than me.
Maybe it was because I started three books into this series, or maybe I've just outgrown P.C.'s writing style. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I didn't enjoy this book. It was very close to a DNF for me, if I'm being brutally honest. I couldn't connect with the characters and I found myself putting the book down and not wanting to go back to it.
Overall, this book was not for me. I wish I would have loved it, but I'm sure other readers will enjoy it more than me.
December 3, 2010
The good:
• Even though there were several sections in the middle where I almost gave up on Divine by Blood, I eventually managed to finish this book.
• The last few pages were cute and made me smile, though I must admit that the miracle didn’t exactly mesh with the pervious mythology explored in the series.
The bad:
• Morrigan, Divine by Blood’s main character, is extremely annoying and spoiled, especially after she arrives in Partholon. I can only read about a pampered priestess for so many pages before I want something substantial to happen. However, when the “something substantial” does get around to happening it is basically a rehash of Shannon’s adventures from the first book with only a few original details thrown in to prevent self-plagiarism.
• It feels as if the author is creating the rules of this world as she goes along. After the first book, gods and goddesses are added then subtracted to Partholon’s mythology (Pryderi, Adsagsona) and magic becomes much more prominent. I never liked the sudden discovery that trees and rocks could “talk.” Such a large issue should either had been addressed in the first book or never included in the series at all.
• The dialogue is often unrealistic and even though almost two decades passed since the second book in the series, the unnecessary cultural references (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, House, etc.) stick Divine by Blood in the same very specific time frame as the previous books.
• Much like in Divine by Choice, the author freely and for very little reason kills one copy of several mirror images. Not only does this prevent character development and plot conflict, but it simply doesn’t make sense. If you kill off one man but let his double live to have children, how could there be mirror images in the next generation? With the rate Ms. Cast disposes of these doubles there wouldn’t be a single mirror image left after a handful of generations. I know this is light fantasy and not supposed to be taken seriously, but how difficult could it be to incorporate a little common sense? For example, if one double is killed the other dies of a heart attack or in a freak accident.
• The climax feels sudden and rushed. The side story that leads to the climax was barely given any pages, especially in the latter section of the book. It’s as if the author decided while reading over a draft to add an action-packed scene to reach her ending, but she was either too lazy or too pressed for time to edit the entire book to fit her changes.
The verdict:
• Some books should never develop into a series, and unfortunately this is one of those cases. Though the first book in the Patholon series was a light escape, the qualities of the subsequent books have discouraged me from ever again picking up a novel by P.C. Cast.
• Even though there were several sections in the middle where I almost gave up on Divine by Blood, I eventually managed to finish this book.
• The last few pages were cute and made me smile, though I must admit that the miracle didn’t exactly mesh with the pervious mythology explored in the series.
The bad:
• Morrigan, Divine by Blood’s main character, is extremely annoying and spoiled, especially after she arrives in Partholon. I can only read about a pampered priestess for so many pages before I want something substantial to happen. However, when the “something substantial” does get around to happening it is basically a rehash of Shannon’s adventures from the first book with only a few original details thrown in to prevent self-plagiarism.
• It feels as if the author is creating the rules of this world as she goes along. After the first book, gods and goddesses are added then subtracted to Partholon’s mythology (Pryderi, Adsagsona) and magic becomes much more prominent. I never liked the sudden discovery that trees and rocks could “talk.” Such a large issue should either had been addressed in the first book or never included in the series at all.
• The dialogue is often unrealistic and even though almost two decades passed since the second book in the series, the unnecessary cultural references (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, House, etc.) stick Divine by Blood in the same very specific time frame as the previous books.
• Much like in Divine by Choice, the author freely and for very little reason kills one copy of several mirror images. Not only does this prevent character development and plot conflict, but it simply doesn’t make sense. If you kill off one man but let his double live to have children, how could there be mirror images in the next generation? With the rate Ms. Cast disposes of these doubles there wouldn’t be a single mirror image left after a handful of generations. I know this is light fantasy and not supposed to be taken seriously, but how difficult could it be to incorporate a little common sense? For example, if one double is killed the other dies of a heart attack or in a freak accident.
• The climax feels sudden and rushed. The side story that leads to the climax was barely given any pages, especially in the latter section of the book. It’s as if the author decided while reading over a draft to add an action-packed scene to reach her ending, but she was either too lazy or too pressed for time to edit the entire book to fit her changes.
The verdict:
• Some books should never develop into a series, and unfortunately this is one of those cases. Though the first book in the Patholon series was a light escape, the qualities of the subsequent books have discouraged me from ever again picking up a novel by P.C. Cast.
January 17, 2008
The third in the Partholon series by P.C. Cast. I gave the first one a four, the second a three, and this one a two. In this one, the "two Rhiannons," one in Partholon, one in Oklahoma, have both had daughters (on the same day, naturally). Morrigan grows up in Oklahoma, raised by Shannon's parents. At age 18, they tell her her heritage, and that it was the "real" Rhiannon, not Shannon, who had been her mother. Rhiannon had renounced the dark powers as she died giving birth to Morrigan, but the grandparents always warned Morrigan to be careful which voices she listened to. She ends up in Partholon, as the Light Bringer... but she's not the unselfish, strong leader that Shannon is (as the Beloved of Epona).
I just couldn't like her. Spoiled, temperamental, power-hungry teenager, not a strong and deeply interesting character. Barely any of Shannon's story, and her daughter. Things happened too neatly, too "patly," though I did sort of like the way they resolved the two mirror-images of the men meant for Morrigan in Oklahoma and Partholon, though even that may have been a little too neat.
There are two more books, not technically part of the series, taking place a couple of hundred years later than these. I think I'll give the first one a try, and see if the lead character is someone as interesting as Shannon was.
I just couldn't like her. Spoiled, temperamental, power-hungry teenager, not a strong and deeply interesting character. Barely any of Shannon's story, and her daughter. Things happened too neatly, too "patly," though I did sort of like the way they resolved the two mirror-images of the men meant for Morrigan in Oklahoma and Partholon, though even that may have been a little too neat.
There are two more books, not technically part of the series, taking place a couple of hundred years later than these. I think I'll give the first one a try, and see if the lead character is someone as interesting as Shannon was.
September 14, 2018
I love Shannon and ClanFintan but we hardly got to see them in this book. Morrigan was a bratty teenager who was hard to connect with. Not the best of the series by far.
July 11, 2011
For my full review please visit my blog: From the Shadows I Review
This book isn't as bad as the previous effort in the series, although I'm not sure it's actually possible for a book to be that bad. Saying that though this book was screaming "edit me!" the whole time I was reading it. There are some pretty simple spelling and grammar issues (I think you mean 'very pleased' not 'well pleased'.) unless of course P.C. Cast wanted to come across as a chav (I'm not sure if there are chavs anywhere but Britain though.) I think this 'trilogy' (why would you add more books to a trilogy?) should have stayed locked away.
I still didn't find a character I could relate to and as this was the final part of a trilogy I find that diabolical. Morrigan was incredibly stupid throughout the novel. I found her entire storyline to be obvious so either I am exceptionally clever and need to be monitored by fellow geniuses or this story was badly written. I think it might be the latter (unfortunately.) None of the other characters stood out for me, they were dull fading into the back of my mind the second I closed the book. Also just because this amused me, I was reading the front of the book where the copyright info is and it mentioned that none of the characters are based on real people. I thought fair enough but then on the next page P.C. Cast says that the characters are based on friends and family. I wish they'd make up their bloomin' minds, they're giving me a headache.
Overall I'm wondering why I wasted my money on these. The only thing going for this book is the fact that Morrigan isn't as annoying as Shannon, who thankfully doesn't appear in this one much. The story was predictable, the ending was rushed, the characters unbelievable, I could go on all night but I won't, I have better things to do with my time.
This book isn't as bad as the previous effort in the series, although I'm not sure it's actually possible for a book to be that bad. Saying that though this book was screaming "edit me!" the whole time I was reading it. There are some pretty simple spelling and grammar issues (I think you mean 'very pleased' not 'well pleased'.) unless of course P.C. Cast wanted to come across as a chav (I'm not sure if there are chavs anywhere but Britain though.) I think this 'trilogy' (why would you add more books to a trilogy?) should have stayed locked away.
I still didn't find a character I could relate to and as this was the final part of a trilogy I find that diabolical. Morrigan was incredibly stupid throughout the novel. I found her entire storyline to be obvious so either I am exceptionally clever and need to be monitored by fellow geniuses or this story was badly written. I think it might be the latter (unfortunately.) None of the other characters stood out for me, they were dull fading into the back of my mind the second I closed the book. Also just because this amused me, I was reading the front of the book where the copyright info is and it mentioned that none of the characters are based on real people. I thought fair enough but then on the next page P.C. Cast says that the characters are based on friends and family. I wish they'd make up their bloomin' minds, they're giving me a headache.
Overall I'm wondering why I wasted my money on these. The only thing going for this book is the fact that Morrigan isn't as annoying as Shannon, who thankfully doesn't appear in this one much. The story was predictable, the ending was rushed, the characters unbelievable, I could go on all night but I won't, I have better things to do with my time.
April 6, 2010
This time around we find that even with Clint's sacrifice Rhiannon managed to survive. With the help of the evil spirit that has been chasing her she breaks free and finds herself about ready to give birth. At the last minute Rhiannon finally does the right thing and rejects the evil to save her daughter at the expense of herself. With her dying words she asks the Native American men to take her daughter to Richard Parker her pseudo father. Back in the Partholon Shannon is giving birth to her own daughter and all is well with them.
Fast forward 18 years and the daughters are now grown women. Shannon's daughter, Myrna, is plowing her own path by marrying a human man, the result being she will not follow in her mother's path as the Chosen. While Rhiannon daughter, Morrigan has always felt like she didn't belong in OK. During a chance trip with friends at a cave Morrigan discovers some of what she was missing. As she explains to her Grandparents they decide to come 100% clean with her about her heritage. The result is Morrigan freaking out and running for the only safe place she knows, the cave. Here her life takes a turn she never expected as she is transported to the Partholon.
While in the Partholon Morrigan discovers many new things about herself, her family, and both worlds that she lives in. With the darkness still chasing her, having never really given up she must face the same battle that Rhiannon and Shannon have, while still remaining true to herself and what she believes in.
This was a great way to wrap up the fate of 2 women and their families that have been so closely woven together in whatever world they were in.
Fast forward 18 years and the daughters are now grown women. Shannon's daughter, Myrna, is plowing her own path by marrying a human man, the result being she will not follow in her mother's path as the Chosen. While Rhiannon daughter, Morrigan has always felt like she didn't belong in OK. During a chance trip with friends at a cave Morrigan discovers some of what she was missing. As she explains to her Grandparents they decide to come 100% clean with her about her heritage. The result is Morrigan freaking out and running for the only safe place she knows, the cave. Here her life takes a turn she never expected as she is transported to the Partholon.
While in the Partholon Morrigan discovers many new things about herself, her family, and both worlds that she lives in. With the darkness still chasing her, having never really given up she must face the same battle that Rhiannon and Shannon have, while still remaining true to herself and what she believes in.
This was a great way to wrap up the fate of 2 women and their families that have been so closely woven together in whatever world they were in.
February 16, 2010
This book, to me was not as good as the first two. It was still enjobable and the authors writing style stayed the same so it was fairly fast paced but I guess I got addicted to Shannon/Rhea and ClanFinten and there was not nearly enough of them in it for me. As far as the story goes it was interesting and well written, but if you buy this book thinking you are going to read more into the lives of Shannon and ClanFinten you are going to be disappointed.
August 22, 2016
A wonderful continuation of this wonderful and unique story!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the ride with all these fascinated charterers that I got so invested in and loved. I didn't know where the ending was going, but was pleasantly surprised!!! Great series!!!
May 29, 2023
Bien, he terminado de leer todos los libros que tengo de esta saga "Las diosas de Partholon" y debo insistir en que me han gustado todos y cada uno de los libros. Aunque como ya expliqué en otra reseña anterior, empecé a leer por el cuarto libro porqué lo tenía mal y no me había enterado que existían otros libros delante de este que yo no tenía, así que los compré y los he ido leyendo, por el orden correcto aunque yo ya sabía el final. Pero de todas maneras los he disfrutado todos y cada uno de ellos; me ha sabido a poco ya que yo continuaría con la lectura de las vidas de las nuevas generaciones si es que a P. C. Cast se le ocurriera continuar escribiendo de estos otros mundos con su gran imaginación y su manera de describirlo todo tan detalladamente que te parece que estás allí. Bien, creo que ya no tengo que añadir nada más, solamente que la recomiendo al cien por cien.
January 1, 2023
First review of the year and also the first disappointment.
Overall, the first two books were quite good: Shannon is brilliant and a very interesting character who is easy to connect with. In this third book, the narrative is focused on the next generation - Shannon and Rhiannon's daughters - and the lifes that they were not 100% happy with.
I found this book very slow paced, Morrigan is very annoying, very self centered and I could not connect with her enough to root for her at any point of the story.
Without giving any spoilers: for me the story should have ended before the first epilogue - it was very tragic and sad but a more dignified ending for such a narrative. This was kind of a sad ending to a story that was quite good and, honestly, I was hoping for something else.
Overall, the first two books were quite good: Shannon is brilliant and a very interesting character who is easy to connect with. In this third book, the narrative is focused on the next generation - Shannon and Rhiannon's daughters - and the lifes that they were not 100% happy with.
I found this book very slow paced, Morrigan is very annoying, very self centered and I could not connect with her enough to root for her at any point of the story.
Without giving any spoilers: for me the story should have ended before the first epilogue - it was very tragic and sad but a more dignified ending for such a narrative. This was kind of a sad ending to a story that was quite good and, honestly, I was hoping for something else.
June 28, 2020
I enjoyed this third instalment of the Partholon series. I didn’t realise there was more to the series until finishing this book. Maybe one day I’ll continue the series but I’m not desperate to right now. While I did enjoy this book I did find it slow at times and dragging slightly in places so I sometimes just couldn’t be bothered to pick it up but overall was a good book. The new main character made it interesting and gave a new angle to the series.
July 17, 2022
A fitting end to the series. I am sad that they ended as I had fallen in love with Partholon 🥰 Myrna's death was horrible. I am glad Morrigan got a chance in Partholon and then her HEA back in Oklahoma 🥺 Getting glimpses of Shannon's life was wonderful. I hope to read more by P.C. Cast as her writing is fantastic and I have loved all her books I've read 😍
October 17, 2012
Die "Tales of Partholon"-Reihe ist so eine Reihe, die man entweder liebt oder hasst. Da ich mich bislang noch nicht entscheiden konnte, auf welcher Seite ich stehe, habe ich auch dem dritten Band "Gekrönt" eine Chance geben und es stellt sich immer mehr heraus, zu welcher Seite ich dabei tendiere.
Nachdem ich den zweiten Band gelobt habe, muss ich nun leider wieder einen Gang runter schrauben, denn leider hat mich der dritte Band an vielen Stellen enttäuscht. Es sieht stellenweise sehr danach aus, als würde sich die Autorin auf ihrem Schreibstil ausruhen und versuche erst gar nicht, diesen weiterhin zu verbessern.
Die Sprache bleibt weiterhin sehr salopp und stellenweise sarkastisch, dabei liest sich die Geschichte weiterhin flüssig. Allerdings fehlt mir einfach die Entwicklung, die ich immer wieder schmerzlich bei ihr vermisse. Dies war schon bei der "House of Night"-Reihe so und bei "Tales of Partholon" geht es genauso weiter. Wirklich schade, denn da ist noch einige Luft nach oben.
Was im dritten Band "Gekrönt" geschieht, ist stellenweise ganz nett und unvorhersehbar, dennoch habe ich das Gefühl, dass mir P.C. Cast einfach nichts mehr Neues präsentiert. Das Thema Hohepriesterin wurde bereits (bis zum Erbrechen) bei "House of Night" thematisiert und die Frau wird weiterhin als das höchste Wesen präsentiert. Dies mag wie gesagt ganz nett sein, meinen Geschmack trifft dies allerdings nicht (mehr).
Mir fehlten an so vielen Stellen die Emotionen, sodass ich einfach nicht mit den Charakteren mitfiebern konnte. Der Witz, der die Reihe bislang ausmachte, war kaum noch spürbar, genauso wie die Herzlichkeit, die stellenweise ausgestrahlt wurde. Vielleicht hat das Ganze auch nicht unbedingt zum Thema gepasst, aber dennoch habe ich es vermisst.
Mit Morrigan lernt man eine neue Protagonistin kennen. Sie wird an ihrem achtzehnten Lebensjahr neue Hohepriesterin, nachdem ihre Mutter Rhiannon bei der Geburt gestorben ist. Obwohl P.C. Cast versucht hat, Morrigan glaubwürdig in die Geschichte einzubinden, konnte ich leider nicht mit ihr warm werden. Zwar ist sie durchaus sympathisch, allerdings hat mir einfach zu viel an ihr gefehlt. Sie hat nicht den nötigen Biss wie ihre Mutter und dadurch, dass ich nicht mit ihr warm werden konnte, konnte ich auch kaum mit ihr mitfühlen und mitfiebern. Sehr schade, denn das Potential war definitiv vorhanden, vor allem, weil ich mich - bei besserer Beschreibung der Protagonistin - sicherlich auch in sie hätte hineinversetzen können. Durch ihr junges Alter hat sie noch die typischen Teenagerprobleme. Sie weiß nicht, wohin sie gehört und sie will mehr über sich und ihr Leben erfahren und Entscheidungen treffen. Allerdings wird das so dermaßen holprig rüber gebracht, dass eine Verbindung zwischen ihr und mir nicht entstehen konnte.
Obwohl mit Morrigan ein neuer Abschnitt beginnt, geschieht dennoch nicht viel Neues. Die Autorin hält lange an dem fest, was in den ersten beiden Bänden passiert ist und somit habe ich viel zu oft an die Vorbände gedacht als an die eigentliche Geschichte.
Wunderschön und ein großer Pluspunkt ist das Cover, was mir sehr gut gefällt. Es ist das bislang schönste Cover der Reihe, da mir die Farben gefallen und der Mund, bzw. die komplette Darstellung sehr sinnlich wirkt. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung liest sich sehr gut und enthält die wichtigsten Themen, ohne zu spoilern.
Insgesamt hat mich "Gekrönt" an vielen Stellen enttäuscht und ich finde es schade, wie wenig Weiterentwicklung bei der Autorin stattfindet. Zwar werden neue Charaktere eingeführt, aber diese konnten mich nur wenig von sich überzeugen. Manchmal soll es einfach nicht sein, von daher überlege ich nun, ob ich diese Reihe abbrechen werde.
Nachdem ich den zweiten Band gelobt habe, muss ich nun leider wieder einen Gang runter schrauben, denn leider hat mich der dritte Band an vielen Stellen enttäuscht. Es sieht stellenweise sehr danach aus, als würde sich die Autorin auf ihrem Schreibstil ausruhen und versuche erst gar nicht, diesen weiterhin zu verbessern.
Die Sprache bleibt weiterhin sehr salopp und stellenweise sarkastisch, dabei liest sich die Geschichte weiterhin flüssig. Allerdings fehlt mir einfach die Entwicklung, die ich immer wieder schmerzlich bei ihr vermisse. Dies war schon bei der "House of Night"-Reihe so und bei "Tales of Partholon" geht es genauso weiter. Wirklich schade, denn da ist noch einige Luft nach oben.
Was im dritten Band "Gekrönt" geschieht, ist stellenweise ganz nett und unvorhersehbar, dennoch habe ich das Gefühl, dass mir P.C. Cast einfach nichts mehr Neues präsentiert. Das Thema Hohepriesterin wurde bereits (bis zum Erbrechen) bei "House of Night" thematisiert und die Frau wird weiterhin als das höchste Wesen präsentiert. Dies mag wie gesagt ganz nett sein, meinen Geschmack trifft dies allerdings nicht (mehr).
Mir fehlten an so vielen Stellen die Emotionen, sodass ich einfach nicht mit den Charakteren mitfiebern konnte. Der Witz, der die Reihe bislang ausmachte, war kaum noch spürbar, genauso wie die Herzlichkeit, die stellenweise ausgestrahlt wurde. Vielleicht hat das Ganze auch nicht unbedingt zum Thema gepasst, aber dennoch habe ich es vermisst.
Mit Morrigan lernt man eine neue Protagonistin kennen. Sie wird an ihrem achtzehnten Lebensjahr neue Hohepriesterin, nachdem ihre Mutter Rhiannon bei der Geburt gestorben ist. Obwohl P.C. Cast versucht hat, Morrigan glaubwürdig in die Geschichte einzubinden, konnte ich leider nicht mit ihr warm werden. Zwar ist sie durchaus sympathisch, allerdings hat mir einfach zu viel an ihr gefehlt. Sie hat nicht den nötigen Biss wie ihre Mutter und dadurch, dass ich nicht mit ihr warm werden konnte, konnte ich auch kaum mit ihr mitfühlen und mitfiebern. Sehr schade, denn das Potential war definitiv vorhanden, vor allem, weil ich mich - bei besserer Beschreibung der Protagonistin - sicherlich auch in sie hätte hineinversetzen können. Durch ihr junges Alter hat sie noch die typischen Teenagerprobleme. Sie weiß nicht, wohin sie gehört und sie will mehr über sich und ihr Leben erfahren und Entscheidungen treffen. Allerdings wird das so dermaßen holprig rüber gebracht, dass eine Verbindung zwischen ihr und mir nicht entstehen konnte.
Obwohl mit Morrigan ein neuer Abschnitt beginnt, geschieht dennoch nicht viel Neues. Die Autorin hält lange an dem fest, was in den ersten beiden Bänden passiert ist und somit habe ich viel zu oft an die Vorbände gedacht als an die eigentliche Geschichte.
Wunderschön und ein großer Pluspunkt ist das Cover, was mir sehr gut gefällt. Es ist das bislang schönste Cover der Reihe, da mir die Farben gefallen und der Mund, bzw. die komplette Darstellung sehr sinnlich wirkt. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung liest sich sehr gut und enthält die wichtigsten Themen, ohne zu spoilern.
Insgesamt hat mich "Gekrönt" an vielen Stellen enttäuscht und ich finde es schade, wie wenig Weiterentwicklung bei der Autorin stattfindet. Zwar werden neue Charaktere eingeführt, aber diese konnten mich nur wenig von sich überzeugen. Manchmal soll es einfach nicht sein, von daher überlege ich nun, ob ich diese Reihe abbrechen werde.
June 3, 2013
The third entry into Partholon takes the story away from Shannon and focuses on Rihannon’s daughter, Morrigan. It’s time for the Oklahoma raised Chosen to head over to Partholon and embrace her destiny.
Morrigan is an excellent heir to Shannnon’s story. Though at times melodramatic, even for a teenager, her story is full of what any reader wants: intrigue, action, redemption, love, and a world that gets more real as the story progresses.
Old characters are back and given a chance to shine, while new characters give Morrigan’s story the chance to stand on its own.
One thing I particularly liked was how Rihannon’s part of the story is fully fleshed out. The previous book gave the reader an understanding of how and why she turned out as she did, and that forced one to feel some empathy for her. This book closes the circle of Rihannon’s life by giving her a chance at redemption and making her an integral part of her daughter’s final choice.
The one detail that kept me from giving this book a full five stars is how blood thirsty the author got at the end. Was everything that happened towards the end really necessary? Perhaps. The author fixes some of it at the very end, but it became a bit too much for this reader.
Morrigan is an excellent heir to Shannnon’s story. Though at times melodramatic, even for a teenager, her story is full of what any reader wants: intrigue, action, redemption, love, and a world that gets more real as the story progresses.
Old characters are back and given a chance to shine, while new characters give Morrigan’s story the chance to stand on its own.
One thing I particularly liked was how Rihannon’s part of the story is fully fleshed out. The previous book gave the reader an understanding of how and why she turned out as she did, and that forced one to feel some empathy for her. This book closes the circle of Rihannon’s life by giving her a chance at redemption and making her an integral part of her daughter’s final choice.
The one detail that kept me from giving this book a full five stars is how blood thirsty the author got at the end. Was everything that happened towards the end really necessary? Perhaps. The author fixes some of it at the very end, but it became a bit too much for this reader.
October 5, 2014
18 years after the events of Divine by Choice, Morrigan and Myrna have grown into lovely young ladies. Shannon is displeased that Myrna shows no signs of being the new goddess incarnate, Epona's Chosen. Morrigan, however, living with Shannon's parents in Oklahoma, and having no knowledge that her mother was Rhiannon instead of Shannon, finds that she can talk to stones. They call her the Light Bringer and want her to come harness her destiny in Parholon. Unfortunately, the Dark God Pryderi also wants Morrigan for his own and joins his whispers to those of Epona, the goddess Adsagsona, and Rhiannon in Morrigan's mind. Not knowing which voices to trust and being unfamiliar with the ways of Parthalon, Morrigan must make her own choices and decide for herself what her destiny will be.
Morrigan's dilemma was quite compelling; it was difficult even for the reader to tell which voices Morrigan should be trusting. It was disappointing that Shannon did not figure as much in this story, but her tale has been told. The introduction of the cave people, the Sidetha, was unexpected, but also interesting. A good wrap-up for the trilogy, although I guess there are two more books set in Partholon, I don't believe they feature the same characters.
Morrigan's dilemma was quite compelling; it was difficult even for the reader to tell which voices Morrigan should be trusting. It was disappointing that Shannon did not figure as much in this story, but her tale has been told. The introduction of the cave people, the Sidetha, was unexpected, but also interesting. A good wrap-up for the trilogy, although I guess there are two more books set in Partholon, I don't believe they feature the same characters.
June 2, 2010
Beautiful book! It's a tragic thing that this series has come to an end, but it was beautiful from the beginning to end.
With this book in particular, however, I can say that there were only two things that I missed or didn't particularly like.
One: I can't say much without spoilers, but I will say there was too much of a certain thing for me and the fact that it happened in the span of about three chapters hurt just a little more.
Two: I missed the initial perspective of the first two books. For some reason, I am more partial to that one.
This does not change that, P.C. Cast I ABSOLUTELY LOOOOOOOOVED the book!!!! Proof of this is evident in the fact that I am still really happy and shedding tears!
Trust love, honor, loyalty. Trust hope.
With this book in particular, however, I can say that there were only two things that I missed or didn't particularly like.
One: I can't say much without spoilers, but I will say there was too much of a certain thing for me and the fact that it happened in the span of about three chapters hurt just a little more.
Two: I missed the initial perspective of the first two books. For some reason, I am more partial to that one.
This does not change that, P.C. Cast I ABSOLUTELY LOOOOOOOOVED the book!!!! Proof of this is evident in the fact that I am still really happy and shedding tears!
Trust love, honor, loyalty. Trust hope.
October 11, 2017
Did not like this much. I felt that the story should have ended after the second one and this story did not need to be told. I did not connect to Morrigan at all and i only felt for the character in the last few chapters but aside from that, I did not like her. I felt that the Shannon side of the story was dropped for too long, I would have liked to know about how the tragedy affected her and Clanfintan before the end of the book. The book didn't really sink in for me and I don't remember much of it, which is a shame as I do usually like P.C. Cast stories.
December 23, 2009
I enjoyed this series, but I was disappointed with this book because it focuses more on the daughters than on the characters I really wanted to read about. I would have liked to read one more book about Shannon and Rhiannon and I think the stories of their daughters could have been a sequel series or some other sort of extension. That being said, Shannon is one of the funniest fantasy characters I have ever read about!
January 28, 2013
This was by far the best of the three books. I couldn't put it down!
A page turner from start to finish. A very emotional book, I laughed,
I cried. I didn't want this book to end.
I think there could be so much more to be told. I hope one day P.C. Cast
will come back and revisit the characters and tell us what happens with
Rhea and ClanFintan, with Keagan and Morrigan.
Fantastic series, I highly recommend it.
A page turner from start to finish. A very emotional book, I laughed,
I cried. I didn't want this book to end.
I think there could be so much more to be told. I hope one day P.C. Cast
will come back and revisit the characters and tell us what happens with
Rhea and ClanFintan, with Keagan and Morrigan.
Fantastic series, I highly recommend it.
January 1, 2011
The book was intersting but i love when the book went back and forth between the two worlds...but after a while I wanted to know more about what Shannon was going through when she lost her daughter to childbirth...even though i know the book wasn't all about shannon and it was about morrigan it would have been interesting to know more about what was going on.
September 13, 2019
Divine By Blood is the only book in the Partholon series that I just can't get into no matter how hard I try and I find it hard to connect with Morrigan for some reason but despite that, I still find this book enjoyable
September 21, 2015
I had decided to reread some of my favorite series from P.C. Cast. In this book we get Morrigan's story. She is the daughter of Rhiannon the disgraced Chosen. I enjoyed the glimpse of Shannon's life now. I enjoyed it a great deal.
February 22, 2010
I liked this series alot... The first and second Divine books were much better then this one im not exactly sure but i think i just missed shannon in this one..
August 14, 2017
Not as good as the previous books in this series, however all lose ends have been tied and therefore I am satisfied.
June 7, 2025
I love the Partholon series, but Divine by Blood is certainly my least favorite. Morrigan is the main character of this book and I truly do not enjoy her. The story is great and well written but I frequently found myself wanting to escape the book just because I didn't want to be around Morrigan. I know there are two more books in this series that also don't focus on Shannon/Rhea. I will read them because I love Partholon and P.C. Cast, but after this book I'm honestly not excited to get to them so I might take a break from the series for a bit.
Morgie is dynamic. I do have to give her that. She brings touches of the good and the bad. We know that would happen due to her being the daughter of the very bad Rhiannon. She was raised by Shannon's dad and Mama Parker so she has plenty of good in her as well. However this book really does look at the balance between nature and nurture. Morrigan is certainly no Shannon. She is quick to temper and often quite selfish. She is much like her birth mother despite being raised with love and respect.
The story in Divine by Blood was interesting and fast paced. The three faced god of Darkness who always lead Rhiannon astray has been whispering to Morgie her whole life. Until the day that she gets pulled to Partholon, shortly after turning 18. There she has to make the choice of listening to that darkness or giving herself fully to the Goddess who has called her to service. While she is in Partholon she is not at the temple of Epona. Instead she is across that lands in the caves that give service to another beloved Goddess; Adsagsona.
While they are not the main focus of the story we do still get to touch in with Shannon and Clan Fenton as well as Epona and their circle of loved ones. Beloved characters are far from forgotten, they are just not the focus of this book. I think as a whole I am actually ok with that. I would have just liked it a lot better if I had enjoyed Morrigan more.
Because most of this story takes place in an area of Partholon we have not seen before we meet a lot of new people in this book. Many of which do stand out. There is also an 18 year time jump from Divine by Choice to Divine by Blood. In this area the people are called the Sidetha. They live in caves and praise the land that gives them shelter and bounty. Their social order is interesting and when Morrigan gets thrust into she is not at the top like Shannon was when she joined Partholon. As such we learn about the people and the social order from a slightly different perspective. That is actually a lot of fun. I sorta hope one of the other Partholon books I have not yet read are from the perspective of a more common person, maybe one rising up, but one who at least starts at the bottom.
Over all this was an enjoyable book and I defiantly recommend the series as a whole.
Morgie is dynamic. I do have to give her that. She brings touches of the good and the bad. We know that would happen due to her being the daughter of the very bad Rhiannon. She was raised by Shannon's dad and Mama Parker so she has plenty of good in her as well. However this book really does look at the balance between nature and nurture. Morrigan is certainly no Shannon. She is quick to temper and often quite selfish. She is much like her birth mother despite being raised with love and respect.
The story in Divine by Blood was interesting and fast paced. The three faced god of Darkness who always lead Rhiannon astray has been whispering to Morgie her whole life. Until the day that she gets pulled to Partholon, shortly after turning 18. There she has to make the choice of listening to that darkness or giving herself fully to the Goddess who has called her to service. While she is in Partholon she is not at the temple of Epona. Instead she is across that lands in the caves that give service to another beloved Goddess; Adsagsona.
While they are not the main focus of the story we do still get to touch in with Shannon and Clan Fenton as well as Epona and their circle of loved ones. Beloved characters are far from forgotten, they are just not the focus of this book. I think as a whole I am actually ok with that. I would have just liked it a lot better if I had enjoyed Morrigan more.
Because most of this story takes place in an area of Partholon we have not seen before we meet a lot of new people in this book. Many of which do stand out. There is also an 18 year time jump from Divine by Choice to Divine by Blood. In this area the people are called the Sidetha. They live in caves and praise the land that gives them shelter and bounty. Their social order is interesting and when Morrigan gets thrust into she is not at the top like Shannon was when she joined Partholon. As such we learn about the people and the social order from a slightly different perspective. That is actually a lot of fun. I sorta hope one of the other Partholon books I have not yet read are from the perspective of a more common person, maybe one rising up, but one who at least starts at the bottom.
Over all this was an enjoyable book and I defiantly recommend the series as a whole.
April 5, 2019
Dit deel borduurt voort op hetzelfde thema als de eerdere boeken uit deze trilogie, alleen nu met Morrigan als hoofdpersonage.
Morrigan is de in Oklahoma geboren dochter van de in deel 1 uit Partholon gevluchte Rhiannon McCallan, die bij Morrigans geboorte is overleden, en wordt opgevoed door de ouders van Shannon Parker, die in deel 1 met Rhiannon van plaats wisselde en als hogepriesteres van de godin Epona in Partholon terechtkwam. Ook Shannon schonk in Partholon het leven aan een dochter: Myrna.
Op 18-jarige leeftijd hoort Morrigan van haar (pleeg)grootouders haar ware afkomst en is zo overstuur, dat ze midden in de nacht vertrekt naar een grottencomplex dat ze eerder die dag samen met enkele vriendinnen had bezocht en waar ze zich wonderlijk thuis voelde en een connectie met de stenen ervoer. Als de grot instort, wordt ze via een grote kristalsteen naar dezelfde spiegelwereld getransporteerd als waarin Shannon een kleine 20 jaar eerder belandde en wordt ze bij het grottenvolk Sidetha onthaald als 'Lichtbrenger'. Ze blijkt grote krachten te bezitten en kan de verschillende kristalstenen die zich in de grotten bevinden verzoeken/bevelen op te lichten. Maar Morrigan hoort ook al sinds haar jeugd stemmen: in de wind, in haar hoofd... en weet niet zeker of dit alleen goede raadgevers zijn of dat er ook een stem van het kwaad bij zit... er wordt voortdurend herhaald dat ze haar lotsbestemming moet volgen en haar erfenis moet omarmen...
Na een aantal tragische sterfgevallen blijkt dat Morrigan een allesbeslissende keuze moet maken: kiest ze ervoor om de 'dierbare' te worden van de duistere god Pryderi of wordt ze de 'geliefde' en 'lichtbrenger' van de godin Adsagsona?
3½ ster
Morrigan is de in Oklahoma geboren dochter van de in deel 1 uit Partholon gevluchte Rhiannon McCallan, die bij Morrigans geboorte is overleden, en wordt opgevoed door de ouders van Shannon Parker, die in deel 1 met Rhiannon van plaats wisselde en als hogepriesteres van de godin Epona in Partholon terechtkwam. Ook Shannon schonk in Partholon het leven aan een dochter: Myrna.
Op 18-jarige leeftijd hoort Morrigan van haar (pleeg)grootouders haar ware afkomst en is zo overstuur, dat ze midden in de nacht vertrekt naar een grottencomplex dat ze eerder die dag samen met enkele vriendinnen had bezocht en waar ze zich wonderlijk thuis voelde en een connectie met de stenen ervoer. Als de grot instort, wordt ze via een grote kristalsteen naar dezelfde spiegelwereld getransporteerd als waarin Shannon een kleine 20 jaar eerder belandde en wordt ze bij het grottenvolk Sidetha onthaald als 'Lichtbrenger'. Ze blijkt grote krachten te bezitten en kan de verschillende kristalstenen die zich in de grotten bevinden verzoeken/bevelen op te lichten. Maar Morrigan hoort ook al sinds haar jeugd stemmen: in de wind, in haar hoofd... en weet niet zeker of dit alleen goede raadgevers zijn of dat er ook een stem van het kwaad bij zit... er wordt voortdurend herhaald dat ze haar lotsbestemming moet volgen en haar erfenis moet omarmen...
Na een aantal tragische sterfgevallen blijkt dat Morrigan een allesbeslissende keuze moet maken: kiest ze ervoor om de 'dierbare' te worden van de duistere god Pryderi of wordt ze de 'geliefde' en 'lichtbrenger' van de godin Adsagsona?
3½ ster
January 25, 2017
(This review may contain spoilers).
While I did enjoy this book and found it read better than the second in this series, I did find it somewhat harder to read at times due to a constant switching between first person POV and third.
I found it easy to care about Morrigan and how she felt like she didn't fit in, even though those kinds of feelings are a common trope in young adult books. I did enjoy seeing her relationship with her grandparents and even though she had a mother who made some really bad choices, it was good to see Rhiannon redeem herself at the birth of her daughter.
There was quite a bit of telling rather than showing going on, especially when it came to Morrigan's friends, who seemed indistinguishable from each other, and Shannon's relationship with her daughter.
It was good to see that Morrigan's life upon entering Partholon didn't automatically become perfect. Even though her awakening did seem very similar to Shannon's in book one, she had conflicts Shannon didn't have to deal with, considering the master and mistress and how they reacted to her.
Speaking of other characters' reactions... while it was good to see Morrigan and Kegan get to know each other, it was also a bit irritating to see Kegan's constant references to Myrna. I was disappointed that there were no chances for conflict between the two mirror images in Morrigan and Myrna. While Kegan and Kai both noticed their identical appearances, I felt they were both at different extremes. And after Kai's interaction with Morrigan, along with the details of his relationship with Shayla, I didn't really like him very much.
I was a bit disappointed in how the goddesses acted and even though there were certain things revealed at the end, those revelations didn't really endear them to me.
I would have liked to see the entire book focus on either Morrigan and her experiences in the world her mother had been born into or have it focus entirely on Shannon and her loss and gain in Myrna and Morrigan. While I did enjoy reading this book as part of a world I found engaging the first time I read about it, I thought this was a bit too jerky in POVs.
While I did enjoy this book and found it read better than the second in this series, I did find it somewhat harder to read at times due to a constant switching between first person POV and third.
I found it easy to care about Morrigan and how she felt like she didn't fit in, even though those kinds of feelings are a common trope in young adult books. I did enjoy seeing her relationship with her grandparents and even though she had a mother who made some really bad choices, it was good to see Rhiannon redeem herself at the birth of her daughter.
There was quite a bit of telling rather than showing going on, especially when it came to Morrigan's friends, who seemed indistinguishable from each other, and Shannon's relationship with her daughter.
It was good to see that Morrigan's life upon entering Partholon didn't automatically become perfect. Even though her awakening did seem very similar to Shannon's in book one, she had conflicts Shannon didn't have to deal with, considering the master and mistress and how they reacted to her.
Speaking of other characters' reactions... while it was good to see Morrigan and Kegan get to know each other, it was also a bit irritating to see Kegan's constant references to Myrna. I was disappointed that there were no chances for conflict between the two mirror images in Morrigan and Myrna. While Kegan and Kai both noticed their identical appearances, I felt they were both at different extremes. And after Kai's interaction with Morrigan, along with the details of his relationship with Shayla, I didn't really like him very much.
I was a bit disappointed in how the goddesses acted and even though there were certain things revealed at the end, those revelations didn't really endear them to me.
I would have liked to see the entire book focus on either Morrigan and her experiences in the world her mother had been born into or have it focus entirely on Shannon and her loss and gain in Myrna and Morrigan. While I did enjoy reading this book as part of a world I found engaging the first time I read about it, I thought this was a bit too jerky in POVs.
November 28, 2020
I liked this one more than the second but I still scanned and skipped through 80%.
The beginning deals with Rhiannon and I really liked that,as much as she's mentioned in the first books,we never got her inward thoughts or who She really was. I preferred her a million times to Shannon.
Then we dive into the daughters stories and immediately I felt more relief about how much more likable Morrigan is than Shannon. This felt more like PC's other books,the ones I love.
So,why only 2 stars? Even though it was a vast improvement in writing style and character likability,it just didn't seem to really go anywhere... I liked the stuff about hearing nature and the glowing crystals,but then it seemed to be just endless glowing crystals and caves.
It was also a bit of a rehash of the first book's storyline, Morrigan goes to a new world,sees doubles of people she knows,meets centaurs,adapts to the new situation... But I dunno,there was no problem or worry,no climax really,it was just odd.
The original characters really only get cameos and it's sort of on the fence of being more of a YA novel than adult like the others. Interested to read the next which is classed as YA and see if it regains itself further.
Sidenote: My little troll-obsessed heart was annoyed by Shannon's description of trolls, which she thinks are short with squeaky voices,flat heads and underbites. Um no,that is Not what trolls look like in folklore,this is like a dwarf/goblin/ogre hybrid. 🙄
The beginning deals with Rhiannon and I really liked that,as much as she's mentioned in the first books,we never got her inward thoughts or who She really was. I preferred her a million times to Shannon.
Then we dive into the daughters stories and immediately I felt more relief about how much more likable Morrigan is than Shannon. This felt more like PC's other books,the ones I love.
So,why only 2 stars? Even though it was a vast improvement in writing style and character likability,it just didn't seem to really go anywhere... I liked the stuff about hearing nature and the glowing crystals,but then it seemed to be just endless glowing crystals and caves.
It was also a bit of a rehash of the first book's storyline, Morrigan goes to a new world,sees doubles of people she knows,meets centaurs,adapts to the new situation... But I dunno,there was no problem or worry,no climax really,it was just odd.
The original characters really only get cameos and it's sort of on the fence of being more of a YA novel than adult like the others. Interested to read the next which is classed as YA and see if it regains itself further.
Sidenote: My little troll-obsessed heart was annoyed by Shannon's description of trolls, which she thinks are short with squeaky voices,flat heads and underbites. Um no,that is Not what trolls look like in folklore,this is like a dwarf/goblin/ogre hybrid. 🙄
January 27, 2019
https://guerradoslivrosblog.blogspot....
Já tinha lido a Saga da Noite, Divina por Engano e Divina por Escolha da autora e Divina segui o mesmo rumo mitológico dos restantes livros.
Trouxe este livro da biblioteca a pensar que seria um livro pertencente a Divina por Engano, mas apesar de ser noutra dimensão, a história não pertence ao mesmo universo das personagens.
Mikki é a personagem principal em Divina. Uma mulher dos tempos atuais, bem sucedida a nível Professional mas infeliz com a sua vida amorosa. Ela esconde um segredo que lhe foi passado pelas mulheres da sua família, ela tem o poder de curar as rosas com o seu sangue. Certo dia o seu sangue desperta uma estátua no parque que a leva para o Mundo das Rosas, um reino encantado que serve a Deusa Hécate. Nesse reino o trabalho de Mikki é cuidar das rosas que ficaram doentes. A estátua do parque afinal era o guardião desse reino que foi castigado pela Deusa.
Ao longo do livro não sabemos o que aconteceu para ele ser condenado mas que todas as mulheres o desprezam pelo seu aspeto. Mikki está determinada a ser amiga do Guardião. Os livros da P. C. Cast são compostos por uma magia muito particular que faz acreditar nestes mundos paralelos e singulares.
Já tinha lido a Saga da Noite, Divina por Engano e Divina por Escolha da autora e Divina segui o mesmo rumo mitológico dos restantes livros.
Trouxe este livro da biblioteca a pensar que seria um livro pertencente a Divina por Engano, mas apesar de ser noutra dimensão, a história não pertence ao mesmo universo das personagens.
Mikki é a personagem principal em Divina. Uma mulher dos tempos atuais, bem sucedida a nível Professional mas infeliz com a sua vida amorosa. Ela esconde um segredo que lhe foi passado pelas mulheres da sua família, ela tem o poder de curar as rosas com o seu sangue. Certo dia o seu sangue desperta uma estátua no parque que a leva para o Mundo das Rosas, um reino encantado que serve a Deusa Hécate. Nesse reino o trabalho de Mikki é cuidar das rosas que ficaram doentes. A estátua do parque afinal era o guardião desse reino que foi castigado pela Deusa.
Ao longo do livro não sabemos o que aconteceu para ele ser condenado mas que todas as mulheres o desprezam pelo seu aspeto. Mikki está determinada a ser amiga do Guardião. Os livros da P. C. Cast são compostos por uma magia muito particular que faz acreditar nestes mundos paralelos e singulares.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews