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Druids #2
The Greener Shore
At last, the haunting sequel to Morgan Llywelyn’s phenomenal epic Druids. The Greener Shore unfurls the story of a brave and mystical people who learned to manipulate the forces of nature–in order to control magic.
As druids in Celtic Gaul, they had been the harmonious soul of their tribe, the Carnutes. But when Julius Caesar and his army invaded and conquered their homeland, the great druid Ainvar and his clan fled for their lives, taking with them the ancient knowledge. Guided by a strange destiny, they found themselves drawn to a green island at the very rim of the Hibernia, home of the Gael.
Here they would depend for survival on an embittered man who had lost his faith–and a remarkable woman who would find hers. Burning with hatred of the Romans, Ainvar can no longer command his magic. But his mantle falls on unexpected shoulders. In a beautiful, war-torn land of numerous kingdoms and belligerent tribes, Ainvar and his beloved wife, Briga, struggle toward an uncertain future. Their companions include the volatile Onuava, widow of their fallen chieftain; Lakutu, Ainvar’s dark and mysterious second wife; Ainvar’s son, Dara, who seems more drawn to poetry than to combat; and the “Red Wolf,” the young warrior who is as close as kin and is determined to find Ainvar’s missing daughter.
Other forces are at work in Hibernia as well–the spirits that haunt the island, forces older than even the magic of the druids. Through them Ainvar seeks his redemption . . . as Briga seeks her rendezvous with history.
Filled with the deep feeling, stunning detail, and rich characters that made Druids a masterwork, The Greener Shore is a superb saga of an amazing world and its wondrous ways–a much-awaited novel that will delight all the devotees of this admired author.
As druids in Celtic Gaul, they had been the harmonious soul of their tribe, the Carnutes. But when Julius Caesar and his army invaded and conquered their homeland, the great druid Ainvar and his clan fled for their lives, taking with them the ancient knowledge. Guided by a strange destiny, they found themselves drawn to a green island at the very rim of the Hibernia, home of the Gael.
Here they would depend for survival on an embittered man who had lost his faith–and a remarkable woman who would find hers. Burning with hatred of the Romans, Ainvar can no longer command his magic. But his mantle falls on unexpected shoulders. In a beautiful, war-torn land of numerous kingdoms and belligerent tribes, Ainvar and his beloved wife, Briga, struggle toward an uncertain future. Their companions include the volatile Onuava, widow of their fallen chieftain; Lakutu, Ainvar’s dark and mysterious second wife; Ainvar’s son, Dara, who seems more drawn to poetry than to combat; and the “Red Wolf,” the young warrior who is as close as kin and is determined to find Ainvar’s missing daughter.
Other forces are at work in Hibernia as well–the spirits that haunt the island, forces older than even the magic of the druids. Through them Ainvar seeks his redemption . . . as Briga seeks her rendezvous with history.
Filled with the deep feeling, stunning detail, and rich characters that made Druids a masterwork, The Greener Shore is a superb saga of an amazing world and its wondrous ways–a much-awaited novel that will delight all the devotees of this admired author.
301 pages, Hardcover
Published May 30, 2006
84 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Llywelyn
77 books996 followersMorgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 6, 2017
This sequel to Druids is much more compelling, more personal, and more magical. We rejoin Ainvar some years after the conclusion to Druids, during a journey in search of a new home, one which has not been spoiled by the presence of Romans.
Ainvar is bitter and defeated, but still with the responsibilities of a chief druid, even though he no longer feels like one. His people still look to him for answers. Will he find them in the magical green land they settle in? Will he find answers for himself as well?
I got to know Ainvar better here, he seemed more real. And even though I did get annoyed with his attitude at times, I understood his despair as well as his attempts to deal with it.
I don't always find that sequels are better than first books, but for me this one definitely was. It would not be absolutely necessary to read Druids before The Greener Shore; but without reading that history you would not have a full appreciation for everything that happens in Hibernia.
Ainvar is bitter and defeated, but still with the responsibilities of a chief druid, even though he no longer feels like one. His people still look to him for answers. Will he find them in the magical green land they settle in? Will he find answers for himself as well?
I got to know Ainvar better here, he seemed more real. And even though I did get annoyed with his attitude at times, I understood his despair as well as his attempts to deal with it.
I don't always find that sequels are better than first books, but for me this one definitely was. It would not be absolutely necessary to read Druids before The Greener Shore; but without reading that history you would not have a full appreciation for everything that happens in Hibernia.
July 25, 2011
Over the past 20 years, I've read several of Morgan Llewellyn's books, including "Lion of Ireland," "Bard," "Grania,""1916," "1921," and the companion novel to "The Greener Shore," the book "Druids." I have always admired her ability to weave fact and fiction, using the latter to flesh out the former into compelling reads that really make you feel as if you're there and can understand the characters, the landscape, and the times.
This novel, however, disappointed me. There is material in this that is drawn from historical, archaeological, scholarly, and literary sources. However, there's also MUCH poetic license taken. Please don't read this thinking you're getting any kind of accurate portrayal of the ancient druids. This is a fantasy story, like "Mists of Avalon" or "Lord of the Rings."
And, even as stories go, it was less a story and more a spiritual credo. It had a kind of "Celestine Prophecy" "Bridge Across Forever" quality to it, as if the novel were simply a vehicle for expressing a particular set of (very modern New Age) beliefs. The writing was saturated with repetitious talk about "the pattern," "the Source," the sanctity of nature, the experience of death, reincarnation, etc., not in a way which engaged the reader nor furthered any plot, but as an end in itself.
The novel is written in the first person, from Ainvar's point of view, and most of it takes place entirely in his head as he ruminates over past failures, current failures, possible future failures, the nature of the universe, the perfection of nature, the magic which has seemingly abandoned him, crises of belief, and the hatred he has for Caesar and the Romans. But very little actually HAPPENS. Ainvar is little more than a spectator watching as various, disconnected activities, triumphs and tragedies, swirl around him. There are characters who seem terribly important to him -- such as Red Wolf, his wife Briga, his lost daughter Maia, and the fairy spirit woman of Ireland -- but these characters are mostly absent from the novel and the promise of their importance never plays out, other than as macguffins for sparking Ainvar's metaphysical and mental meanderings.
This novel, however, disappointed me. There is material in this that is drawn from historical, archaeological, scholarly, and literary sources. However, there's also MUCH poetic license taken. Please don't read this thinking you're getting any kind of accurate portrayal of the ancient druids. This is a fantasy story, like "Mists of Avalon" or "Lord of the Rings."
And, even as stories go, it was less a story and more a spiritual credo. It had a kind of "Celestine Prophecy" "Bridge Across Forever" quality to it, as if the novel were simply a vehicle for expressing a particular set of (very modern New Age) beliefs. The writing was saturated with repetitious talk about "the pattern," "the Source," the sanctity of nature, the experience of death, reincarnation, etc., not in a way which engaged the reader nor furthered any plot, but as an end in itself.
The novel is written in the first person, from Ainvar's point of view, and most of it takes place entirely in his head as he ruminates over past failures, current failures, possible future failures, the nature of the universe, the perfection of nature, the magic which has seemingly abandoned him, crises of belief, and the hatred he has for Caesar and the Romans. But very little actually HAPPENS. Ainvar is little more than a spectator watching as various, disconnected activities, triumphs and tragedies, swirl around him. There are characters who seem terribly important to him -- such as Red Wolf, his wife Briga, his lost daughter Maia, and the fairy spirit woman of Ireland -- but these characters are mostly absent from the novel and the promise of their importance never plays out, other than as macguffins for sparking Ainvar's metaphysical and mental meanderings.
September 5, 2009
Druids was one of my favorite books so this long-awaited sequel was a must-read. I was not disappointed. The writing was fluid and the story so interesting I never wanted to pause my reading. At the end I was not ready to leave that world. I want more! There was just enough "magic" to give it that mythic feeling but what was most enjoyable was watching the practical blending of the technologies and cultures that came together and seeing the "roots" of the customs, laws, place names and legends that we know today.
October 30, 2023
Worth the read, I enjoyed this actually more than the first book.
December 24, 2010
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.
Chief Druid Ainvar, his three wives and their children, and about 15 other survivors from their Celtic clan are sailing west to Hibernia after years of hiding in the forests of Gaul after the Romans destroyed their clan and Julius Caesar murdered their charismatic leader, Vercingetorix.
Ainvar, who relates their adventure in the first person, expended his druid magic in their last fight against the Romans and he knows how weak his tribe, the Carnutes, is. But the Romans are determined to wipe them out, so their only hope for salvation is to leave Gaul. When their little band arrives in Hibernia, they are at the sufferance and mercy of the Celtic clans who already inhabit the island. They must find a way to fit in with these Celts who have different beliefs and customs.
The Greener Shore is a beautifully told historical fantasy. Morgan Llywelyn's language and characters are deep and vivid. Her female characters are particularly strong, wise, and believable. Ainvar himself is a thinker (we are often privy to his interesting inner musings on the nature of man and society) and he’s gentle except when the subject is Julius Caesar. Then he suddenly spouts delicious thoughts like these:
* The Romans kept coming. Tendrils of a poisonous weed, they extended their reach until at
last we realized their true and deadly intent. Led by someone called Gaius Julius Caesar — a
figure of walking excrement that needs three names to make it feel like a man — the Romans
meant to steal everything from us, even the land on which we lived.
* With the splendid and shining Vercingetorix leading the united tribes of Free Gaul, we defied
the despicable Caesar and his army of clanking dwarfs, and very nearly won.
* Druids read the future in entrails. The odious Caesar was only interested in spilling entrails
for personal gain. He left the bloody ruin of an entire nation strewn across the lovely face of Gaul.
* As far as I was concerned, they were all Romans and equally guilty — maggots swarming over
the corpse of Gaul
Morgan Llywelyn’s language is most beautiful when describing the events that came before the Carnutes’ exodus: the shining glory of Vercingetorix and the horror of Roman ambition. Thus, The Greener Shore reads like an extended epilogue — all of the tension, action, and excitement have already happened and this is the last section that usually just explains whether or not they lived happily ever after. So I found myself thinking that Ms. Llywelyn should have written about Vercingetorix and the Romans instead. The Greener Shore is beautiful stuff, but it’s anti-climactic. The infrequent bouts of tension are quickly resolved and it feels like things are constantly winding down.
When I went to post this review on the page I made two years ago for Morgan Llywelyn’s historical fantasies, I realized my mistake. The Greener Shore is an epilogue. It’s the sequel to Druids, which is a story about — you guessed it — how Vercingetorix and the Celtic clans of Gaul almost defeated Julius Caesar. I found The Greener Shore at Audible.com and incorrectly assumed, since it was the only Llywelyn book available, that it was a stand-alone.
So I’m happy to report that The Greener Shore is a gorgeous novel that’s completely readable by itself, but it is the last act of what was likely a better story. I will read Druids someday and hope that it features less frequent reflections on The Source of All Being, The Pattern, The Balance, and Sacred Mother Earth, and will instead be full of dynamic characters, lots of action, and plenty of Morgan Llywelyn’s lovely language.
Chief Druid Ainvar, his three wives and their children, and about 15 other survivors from their Celtic clan are sailing west to Hibernia after years of hiding in the forests of Gaul after the Romans destroyed their clan and Julius Caesar murdered their charismatic leader, Vercingetorix.
Ainvar, who relates their adventure in the first person, expended his druid magic in their last fight against the Romans and he knows how weak his tribe, the Carnutes, is. But the Romans are determined to wipe them out, so their only hope for salvation is to leave Gaul. When their little band arrives in Hibernia, they are at the sufferance and mercy of the Celtic clans who already inhabit the island. They must find a way to fit in with these Celts who have different beliefs and customs.
The Greener Shore is a beautifully told historical fantasy. Morgan Llywelyn's language and characters are deep and vivid. Her female characters are particularly strong, wise, and believable. Ainvar himself is a thinker (we are often privy to his interesting inner musings on the nature of man and society) and he’s gentle except when the subject is Julius Caesar. Then he suddenly spouts delicious thoughts like these:
* The Romans kept coming. Tendrils of a poisonous weed, they extended their reach until at
last we realized their true and deadly intent. Led by someone called Gaius Julius Caesar — a
figure of walking excrement that needs three names to make it feel like a man — the Romans
meant to steal everything from us, even the land on which we lived.
* With the splendid and shining Vercingetorix leading the united tribes of Free Gaul, we defied
the despicable Caesar and his army of clanking dwarfs, and very nearly won.
* Druids read the future in entrails. The odious Caesar was only interested in spilling entrails
for personal gain. He left the bloody ruin of an entire nation strewn across the lovely face of Gaul.
* As far as I was concerned, they were all Romans and equally guilty — maggots swarming over
the corpse of Gaul
Morgan Llywelyn’s language is most beautiful when describing the events that came before the Carnutes’ exodus: the shining glory of Vercingetorix and the horror of Roman ambition. Thus, The Greener Shore reads like an extended epilogue — all of the tension, action, and excitement have already happened and this is the last section that usually just explains whether or not they lived happily ever after. So I found myself thinking that Ms. Llywelyn should have written about Vercingetorix and the Romans instead. The Greener Shore is beautiful stuff, but it’s anti-climactic. The infrequent bouts of tension are quickly resolved and it feels like things are constantly winding down.
When I went to post this review on the page I made two years ago for Morgan Llywelyn’s historical fantasies, I realized my mistake. The Greener Shore is an epilogue. It’s the sequel to Druids, which is a story about — you guessed it — how Vercingetorix and the Celtic clans of Gaul almost defeated Julius Caesar. I found The Greener Shore at Audible.com and incorrectly assumed, since it was the only Llywelyn book available, that it was a stand-alone.
So I’m happy to report that The Greener Shore is a gorgeous novel that’s completely readable by itself, but it is the last act of what was likely a better story. I will read Druids someday and hope that it features less frequent reflections on The Source of All Being, The Pattern, The Balance, and Sacred Mother Earth, and will instead be full of dynamic characters, lots of action, and plenty of Morgan Llywelyn’s lovely language.
September 7, 2017
Enjoyed this one more than the first (Druids). It gave me a similar sense of magic, but lacked the elements I disliked most in Druids - well worth the read!
September 16, 2018
Began slowly for me. Then began to captivate me. In the end, it humored, charmed and reminded me. A good tale!
November 18, 2015
I love Morgan Llywelyn books, but this was not one of my favorites. The Greener Shore is comprised of far too much philosophy for my taste. The philosophy of the ancient Druids is used as the main subject that the book is built around. I would have been fine with a little philosophy thrown in, but not as 95% of the subject matter of the book. The book tended to meander and get very long-winded as well.
I picked up The Greener Shore thinking it would be more about the day-to-day lives of this group of individuals who fled their home country of Celtic Gaul to make a new life in Hibernia (present day Ireland). Although the book does touch on the basics of that relocation and settlement, The part is told almost as an aside. It's very clear that the main purpose of the book is to expound on the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that I wasn't looking for an in-depth philosophical read at the moment.
But . . . I do feel this is a good book if philosophy of the ancients is what you are looking to read. It's filled with pearls of wisdom. Had I not been listening to the audio version, I would have highlighted and saved many of the sentences and phrases I came across in The Greener Shore.
So The Greener Shore is a great book if you are looking for this type of subject matter. Morgan Llywelyn is an excellent author. But just make sure you know what you are getting into when you choose this book.
I picked up The Greener Shore thinking it would be more about the day-to-day lives of this group of individuals who fled their home country of Celtic Gaul to make a new life in Hibernia (present day Ireland). Although the book does touch on the basics of that relocation and settlement, The part is told almost as an aside. It's very clear that the main purpose of the book is to expound on the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that I wasn't looking for an in-depth philosophical read at the moment.
But . . . I do feel this is a good book if philosophy of the ancients is what you are looking to read. It's filled with pearls of wisdom. Had I not been listening to the audio version, I would have highlighted and saved many of the sentences and phrases I came across in The Greener Shore.
So The Greener Shore is a great book if you are looking for this type of subject matter. Morgan Llywelyn is an excellent author. But just make sure you know what you are getting into when you choose this book.
June 2, 2008
I was really going with this story until the end. I enjoyed the author's take on the Druids and their magic. And the characters were well-drawn and believable. Unfortunately, the POV shift in the final pages was incongruous and disturbing.
February 9, 2020
Love this sequel to the first book, DRUIDS. I am looking forward to reading other books by Morgan Llywelyn.
May 30, 2023
Having read the first 'Druids' book by Llywelyn when it was originally published some 30 years ago, I was happy to find that a follow-up had been written. I found my hardcover copy recently in a used bookstore and was delighted to have it finally.
After finishing 'The Greener Shore' I immediately wanted to go back and read 'Druids'. Ainvar's journey and life is difficult to define and Llywelyn writes in a way that is honest about merely being able to skim the surface of a persons life. What we see in this second book is a wizened Ainvar, seasoned, a middle-aged man who has been exposed to life.
Ainvar carries a burden that I think many modern 'mystical' leaning folk are familiar with - the challenge of living in two worlds at once. Llywelyn uses the effigy of the two-faced god to represent a constant reminder that polarities exist in a complicated world, that sometimes two principles are in play, and that usually one wins over the other.
Ainvar questions himself in this book. He questions whether the Source is out there, whether Magic is something tangible, whether his senses are true - but it is never to heavy handed and never the focus, it is one of the many threads that Llewelyn plays out to portray a life lived.
There were many memorable quotes, and my copy is dog-eared from the words I want to carry with me...after I finished I thumbed through them as a reminder of what I had experienced.
Far and away one of the few books, in the last few years, that kept my attention to the last word. I would have gladly read another 500 pages.
After finishing 'The Greener Shore' I immediately wanted to go back and read 'Druids'. Ainvar's journey and life is difficult to define and Llywelyn writes in a way that is honest about merely being able to skim the surface of a persons life. What we see in this second book is a wizened Ainvar, seasoned, a middle-aged man who has been exposed to life.
Ainvar carries a burden that I think many modern 'mystical' leaning folk are familiar with - the challenge of living in two worlds at once. Llywelyn uses the effigy of the two-faced god to represent a constant reminder that polarities exist in a complicated world, that sometimes two principles are in play, and that usually one wins over the other.
Ainvar questions himself in this book. He questions whether the Source is out there, whether Magic is something tangible, whether his senses are true - but it is never to heavy handed and never the focus, it is one of the many threads that Llewelyn plays out to portray a life lived.
There were many memorable quotes, and my copy is dog-eared from the words I want to carry with me...after I finished I thumbed through them as a reminder of what I had experienced.
Far and away one of the few books, in the last few years, that kept my attention to the last word. I would have gladly read another 500 pages.
March 25, 2024
This book was quite a let down for me. I’ve only read one other by Morgan Llywelyn: Red Branch, and I thought it was fantastic, a great retelling of the mythology involving the Irish hero, Cú Chulainn. But this book—The Greener Shore—reads more like a New Age wet dream about ancient Celtic culture than anything else.
The book is apparently a sequel to Druids (which I have never read) but this is not made clear by the publisher. It doesn’t much matter though as the book works fine as a stand-alone. The main problem is that not much of interest happens in its entire 300 pages. The most interesting action occurs offstage and is then related as dialogue to the first person narrator in the book’s final 30 pages. I will wholeheartedly admit that I thought the ending was good, but it was a slog to get there. Aside from the general boringness of the book, there is also a relentless commentary about how great the Celts are and how awful the Romans are. Fine, perhaps that’s part of setting the stage, but it is done in a manner that veers into overkill and comes across more as the author’s opinion rather than the narrator’s, so it is distracting more than anything else. And as I mentioned in the first paragraph above, there is a New Age element to the book, and it is likewise very heavy handed. That all said, Llywelyn does a fine job interweaving Irish and Gaulish legend into her original plot (if you can call it that) and building a believable ancient world, but her efforts on those matters don’t salvage the overall work.
The book is apparently a sequel to Druids (which I have never read) but this is not made clear by the publisher. It doesn’t much matter though as the book works fine as a stand-alone. The main problem is that not much of interest happens in its entire 300 pages. The most interesting action occurs offstage and is then related as dialogue to the first person narrator in the book’s final 30 pages. I will wholeheartedly admit that I thought the ending was good, but it was a slog to get there. Aside from the general boringness of the book, there is also a relentless commentary about how great the Celts are and how awful the Romans are. Fine, perhaps that’s part of setting the stage, but it is done in a manner that veers into overkill and comes across more as the author’s opinion rather than the narrator’s, so it is distracting more than anything else. And as I mentioned in the first paragraph above, there is a New Age element to the book, and it is likewise very heavy handed. That all said, Llywelyn does a fine job interweaving Irish and Gaulish legend into her original plot (if you can call it that) and building a believable ancient world, but her efforts on those matters don’t salvage the overall work.
May 17, 2022
What a sequel!
I read "Druid" by Morgan Llywelyn & recently finished "The Greener Shore." The chief Druid is Ainvar & this continues his tale of being a Druid in the time where Roman conquered their lands.
He has grown in power & confidence. He marries several women, including Briga, his true love. She is a gifted healer & Ainvar teaches & brings her gifts out of her for their community. He teaches the young who show a vocation to become a Druid.
Meanwhile, their world is torn apart with fighting other tribes & Rome's control over their society. The Druid & followers are on the move to find a new area where they can have some peace. Ainvar continues his role as chief Druid, battling his doubts about the future for their community.
This book is a must for those who read "Druid." Excellent.
I read "Druid" by Morgan Llywelyn & recently finished "The Greener Shore." The chief Druid is Ainvar & this continues his tale of being a Druid in the time where Roman conquered their lands.
He has grown in power & confidence. He marries several women, including Briga, his true love. She is a gifted healer & Ainvar teaches & brings her gifts out of her for their community. He teaches the young who show a vocation to become a Druid.
Meanwhile, their world is torn apart with fighting other tribes & Rome's control over their society. The Druid & followers are on the move to find a new area where they can have some peace. Ainvar continues his role as chief Druid, battling his doubts about the future for their community.
This book is a must for those who read "Druid." Excellent.
August 31, 2020
Rather disappointed in this book. One of the reasons I dislike giving books reviews. But I'll do it. It's running like a bored , plodding slow ending to a Druid's life. Nowhere near as exiting as Druids. Probably a good thing why it's not saying Druid's book 2 anywhere on it. Just everyone likes a Game of Thrones ending on everything. Coulda left Druids alone. Hope she leaves Elementals alone. That's my favourite book of Morgan's. I can't explain why. It was just unique is all I can say. That and Druids is OOP so reading the first for many isn't possible. As I read it just before I turned 19, I'm 45 next month.. memories of the first book still ring with me. This one probably won't. I also liked the cover on the first...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
A slow burn. The book takes several chapters to get going. And takes much time pontificating the authors vision of what historical Druidry might have been. The book offers a vision of how the Druidry of Gaul might have come to influence that of Ireland. This novel of course is a sequel and one I didn't know I wanted. The first novel Druid had a tragic ending, I thought I was happy ending it there. The Greener Shore paints a beautiful and fulling narrative of survival, healing, and the patterns of life. I saw much of myself in the patterns of these books as well as what I was going through when I read them. To be sure, both novels are beautiful tear jerkers and should be read with tissue at hand.
July 17, 2023
The band of druids that were driven from their grove at the end of the last book have fled to the coast. They take a real risk hiring a boat to take them to an island they cannot verify exists. Of course, they find it. What's more, there are druids there as well. The interesting part is how they determine if this is a suitable place for them, and if they are suitable for the location, in terms of magic and getting on with the druids already there.
The action moves at a steady pace, and is an easy read. It's hard to put down, as it's interesting to see how things end. Yes, it does end. If you worked at it, you could create another sequel with successive generations, but this feels completed.
The action moves at a steady pace, and is an easy read. It's hard to put down, as it's interesting to see how things end. Yes, it does end. If you worked at it, you could create another sequel with successive generations, but this feels completed.
August 1, 2023
It is a captivating historical fantasy novel that transports readers to a time and place filled with magic, adventure, and the spirit of the Celts. The historical characters and events are brought to life. The author vividly describes ancient Celtic life and their interaction with the new and unfamiliar environment. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easier for readers to invest in their journeys and struggles.
The novel combines elements of historical accuracy with fantasy elements, creating an engaging and immersive narrative, Although some readers might find that the blending of historical and fantasy elements is not to their taste.
The novel combines elements of historical accuracy with fantasy elements, creating an engaging and immersive narrative, Although some readers might find that the blending of historical and fantasy elements is not to their taste.
May 27, 2018
It touches you
While being totally entranced by what I was reading, I discovered myself in those very same pages. I shouldn't have been surprised. I was reading Llewellyn, after all. Then the fog lifted and I recalled the same thing happened to me when I first started reading Llewellyn's other works. I think it was Druids, that started it all. I believe the time to reread them all again has arrived.
While being totally entranced by what I was reading, I discovered myself in those very same pages. I shouldn't have been surprised. I was reading Llewellyn, after all. Then the fog lifted and I recalled the same thing happened to me when I first started reading Llewellyn's other works. I think it was Druids, that started it all. I believe the time to reread them all again has arrived.
December 20, 2025
This is like reading a history book at times, all thick and dense with lots of information about the ancient Druids who came to Ireland. I enjoyed reading the background of how they made the island their home and how they built a sense of belonging. I docked it one point just because it was a bit dense with a whole lot of exposition which made it feel like a lyrical textbook at times and less a novel. Very beautiful though, very Irish.
June 7, 2018
A beautiful book!
I deeply enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful celebration of an ancient culture. The characters were believable and endearing. The pace kept me engaged with plenty of twists and turns. If you love well-honed characters, beautifully -,crafted relationships, an adept understanding of the human condition, and an engaging story line, you will enjoy this book.
I deeply enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful celebration of an ancient culture. The characters were believable and endearing. The pace kept me engaged with plenty of twists and turns. If you love well-honed characters, beautifully -,crafted relationships, an adept understanding of the human condition, and an engaging story line, you will enjoy this book.
November 15, 2019
I liked this story well enough, but something felt lacking. Besides getting his people to relative safety the main character seems to have no aim and "stuff" simply happens to him. Granted, the "stuff" is interesting and at no point did I want to give up on the book, but I wouldn't list it among Llywelyn's top work.
September 28, 2020
I have absolutely loved every book that Morgan Llywelyn has written but this was a great sequel to Druids, a book I read many years ago. I can't believe it took me this long to find it and read it. If you love stories of ancient Ireland, Druids and the beginnings of the 5 kingdoms this is a great novel that takes up that story.
April 7, 2021
A true Bard herself....
I have been reading this Authors books since I was a child and continue to regularly re-read them. Every time I do, I find another aspect of the stories and history, the cultures and their people, that makes me grateful that They have been so lovingly and beautifully Remembered.
I have been reading this Authors books since I was a child and continue to regularly re-read them. Every time I do, I find another aspect of the stories and history, the cultures and their people, that makes me grateful that They have been so lovingly and beautifully Remembered.
August 6, 2021
This book may be better than Druids, and that's saying something! It describes the journey from Gaul to Hibernia (Eriu). We learn Maia's fate. There is some fighting, but there is more adventure, politics, culture, and contemplation. Loose ends are ties up neatly. This book was hard to put down. This will be a re-read, just like the prior novel has.
August 15, 2018
For fans (or those just interested in) druids and the druidic life, this is an excellent novel. Well written and engaging. For those who aren't as interested, it is still a really good book, but it lacks a little something. I enjoyed it, but...
Thus the 4 and not 5 stars.
Thus the 4 and not 5 stars.
December 20, 2017
Reading this book makes me want to read the first book - "Druids". In this novel, the few surviving members of the Celtic clan sailed to Hibernia from Gaul after the Romans destroyed their clan.
March 10, 2018
This book is a good listen to catch up on my Irish history before I travel to the Emerald Isle
June 10, 2018
Enchanting story
I loved most all of this book.It told the story of a people long ago.It was a beautiful love story as well. I highly recommend it.
I loved most all of this book.It told the story of a people long ago.It was a beautiful love story as well. I highly recommend it.
June 15, 2019
Freaking terrible. Druids was horrible, and this was no better. Pointless characters, useless storylines, dead end plots. Worst of the worst.
August 19, 2019
Celtic Druids immigrate to Ireland
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