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Druids
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Druids
Author: Morgan Llywelyn

Book Information
Publisher: Del Rey
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780804108447 - ISBN-10: 0804108447
Publication Date: 11/23/1992
Pages: 416


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover

Book Description:
“Mine was the vast dark sky and the spaces between the stars that called out to me; mine was the promise of magic.”

So spoke the young Celt Ainvar, centuries before the enchanted age of Arthur and Merlin. An orphan taken in by the chief druid of the Carnutes in Gaul, Ainvar possessed talents that would lead him to master the druid mysteries of thought, healing, magic, and battle— talents that would make him a soul friend to the Prince Vercingetorix . . . though the two youths were as different as fire and ice.

Yet Ainvar’s destiny lay with Vercingetorix, the sun-bright warrior-king. Together they traveled through bitter winters and starlit summers in Gaul, rallying the splintered Celtic tribes against the encroaching might of Julius Caesar and the soulless legions of Rome. . . .

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Red BranchLion of Ireland (Celtic World of Morgan Llywelyn)The Last Prince of Ireland (Celtic World of Morgan Llywelyn)Bard: The Odyssey of the Irish (Celtic World of Morgan Llywelyn)


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Top Member Book Reviews

Mary S. (gradiel) wrote on 9/4/2005...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

As every Latin student knows, ancient Gaul was divided into three parts, all conquered by Caesar. Llywelyn tells of that conquest from the viewpoint of the defeated Gauls. Her story is told by the Druid Ainvar, whose"soul friend" Vercingetorix leads the Gauls in their doomed defense of freedom. Llywelyn is most successful in her evocation of Celtic culture and Druidic beliefs, based on harmony with nature. Once Caesar and Vercingetorix join battle, however, the story bogs down in endless marches, raids, and battles. The characters serve the needs of the plot admirably but are never fully fleshed out and compelling in their own right. Less successful than Llywelyn's earlier novels (e.g. Grania: She-King of the Irish Seas , LJ 3/1/86), this one is still likely to please those who enjoy meticulously crafted historical fiction.

Rachel R. (tangledgarlands) wrote on 4/10/2006...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

my favorite book EVER. ainvar is such a captivating character as a young, cocky pre-teen, and his steady transformation from sudden orphan to chief of the druids is fascinating, because he still retains that mindset - he refuses to do what is expected of him, and both he and the tribe come out better for it. the ending is simply heartbreaking, even though you know it's coming. a fabulous mix of history and fiction.

Damaris D. (Erinyes) wrote on 12/28/2005...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

It is like watching the Roman invasion of Gaul from the Gaul point of view. I couldn't put it down. If you are interested at all in druids or Vercingetorix. A must read!


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Francis M. (roslight) wrote on 5/2/2007...


Great fictional tale of druid priest. Very enjoyable.

Camilla M. wrote on 4/16/2007...


Llywelyn imaginatively and vividly portrays the Druid rituals and their close ties to nature, and authentically depicts daily life among the Celts as well.
Publishers Weekly

Tasha H. (SenecaWoman) wrote on 5/13/2006...


A tale that imagines the life of Celtic druid in the midsts of Roman invasion.

Kristi J. (midwinter) wrote on 8/29/2005...


From Library Journal
As every Latin student knows, ancient Gaul was divided into three parts, all conquered by Caesar. Llywelyn tells of that conquest from the viewpoint of the defeated Gauls. Her story is told by the Druid Ainvar, whose"soul friend" Vercingetorix leads the Gauls in their doomed defense of freedom. Llywelyn is most successful in her evocation of Celtic culture and Druidic beliefs, based on harmony with nature. Once Caesar and Vercingetorix join battle, however, the story bogs down in endless marches, raids, and battles. The characters serve the needs of the plot admirably but are never fully fleshed out and compelling in their own right. Less successful than Llywelyn's earlier novels (e.g. Grania: She-King of the Irish Seas , LJ 3/1/86), this one is still likely to please those who enjoy meticulously crafted historical fiction.
- Beth Ann Mills, New Rochelle P.L., N.Y.

Peggy H. (Clarinda) wrote on 7/13/2005...


Fascinating novel about the ancient Celts.


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