Books matching: celtic folklore
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- #1
Save:The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier is the first book in the Warrior Bards series, set in a Celtic-inspired world. The story follows three protagonists - Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau - who are training to be warriors on Swan Island. When the harp of kings goes missing, they are given a mission to find out who took it and return it before the new king's coronation. The book is filled with Celtic folklore, mystical elements, and a blend of magic, set in an old world with a strong focus on character growth and development. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the three main characters, each bringing a unique voice to the story.
The plot of The Harp of Kings is filled with twists and turns, keeping the readers engaged at every chapter. Juliet Marillier's writing style is described as beautiful, building strong female characters and weaving in elements of folklore, mythology, and character development seamlessly. The book also explores themes of friendship, trust, and personal growth, creating a rich and immersive reading experience for fans of fantasy and historical fiction.
A pox on Archu! Why must we fight in a wretched downpour? I hook my left leg around Brocc’s right and throw my full weight backwards, toppling us both to the ground. We roll, coating ourselves with mu... - #2
Save:'Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country' by Rosalind Miles is a retelling of the Arthurian legends from Guenevere's perspective. It explores Guenevere's journey as she becomes queen of the Summer Country after the unexpected death of her mother. The story delves into the complex relationships between Guenevere, King Arthur, and Lancelot, as well as the power struggles and plots involving Merlin and Morgan. The writing style is described as descriptive and interesting, with a slightly different slant on the Arthurian tale compared to other retellings.
The old man shivered and leaned forward to warm his hands on his horse’s neck. White fingers of mist were feeling their way down from the mountains ahead, and the short April day was drawing toward ni... - #3
Save:A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene is a magical retelling of The Swan Maiden, delving into the journey of the protagonist, Fia, a rare changeling abandoned by the wicked Fair Folk. Raised by the queen as a spy, Fia is tasked with a mission to retrieve a hidden gate to the realm and break a princess's curse. Along this quest, she finds herself attracted to the princess's capture, Irian. The book weaves a fantastical world with strong characters, dark romance elements, and a compelling storyline filled with twists and turns that slowly reveal mysteries.
Fia, a blend of two warring worlds, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates through love triangles and complex relationships. The book explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the struggle to find one's place in a magical realm. With elements of high fantasy and romance, A Feather So Black captures the reader's attention with its engaging plot and likable characters, offering a unique and enchanting reading experience.
- #4
Save:Heart of the Fae by Emma Hamm is a fantasy novel based on Irish mythology, featuring a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a Mythological Irish twist. The story follows the heroine Sorcha, a strong-willed character reminiscent of Merida from Brave, with long ringlets of fire-orange hair. Set in a world filled with Seelie Fae, brownies, dwarfs, and pixies, the book weaves in folklore and mythology, enveloping readers in a new tale while evoking the original fairytale feels. Emma Hamm's writing style paints whimsical and beautiful lands that transport readers out of reality into a luscious fantasy world.
Blood covered her hands. The metallic smell burned her nostrils and overwhelmed her senses. Although she’d finished the surgery an hour ago, she still saw the gaping wound, the splayed open flesh, and... - #5
Save:'The Man in the Moss' by Phil Rickman is a Celtic-themed horror story set in a small English village in the Pennines. The discovery of a mummified body, known as The Man in the Moss, leads to a series of supernatural events and a fundamental fight between good and evil. The villagers believe that the bogman needs to be reburied before Samhain to prevent a supernatural evil from taking over the village. The book is filled with rich folklore, eerie atmosphere, and a slow, sinister build-up to a climax where the lines between the living and the dead become blurred.
The writing style of Phil Rickman in 'The Man in the Moss' is described as excellent, captivating, and atmospheric. The author seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, supernatural, and Celtic lore, creating a story that keeps readers engaged and on edge. The characters are well-developed, the plot is intricate, and the setting of the isolated village adds to the overall sense of unease and tension.
In early summer, Bridelow hopefully dolls herself up, puts on a bit of make-up and an obliging smile for the sun. But the sun doesn’t linger. On warm, cloudless evenings like this it saves its final p... - #6
Save:'Highland Raven' in 'The Celtic Blood Series' by Melanie Karsak is a historical fantasy novel set in 1026 Scotland, combining elements of magic, romance, and political intrigue. The story follows the main character, Gruoch, as she navigates the cultural and political landscape of her time, facing challenges related to fading pagan beliefs and the rise of Christianity. intricately weaves together historical facts with fantastical elements, drawing readers into a world filled with ancient Highland traditions and the struggles of strong female characters.
The writing style of 'Highland Raven' is described as beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions that transport readers back in time to the ancient Highlands of Scotland. The author, Melanie Karsak, is praised for her poetic language and ability to create an immersive reading experience that evokes the history of the Goddess and her priestesses. Despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects like the magic system and romantic plotlines, the book is commended for its detailed world-building and well-developed characters.
Little Corbie. All my life she had called me Little Corbie, her little raven, on account of my looks: raven-black hair and pale skin. My blueish, almost lavender-colored eyes, added to my midnight pal... - #7
Save:'Becoming Leidah' by Michelle Grierson is a magical realism tale set in 19th century Norway, blending Norse folklore with a unique story of a mermaid named Leidah trying to live among humans. The narrative weaves seamlessly between past, present, and future, exploring the clash between Norse Paganism and Christianity, while delving into the lives of characters like Maeve, Pieter, and their magically gifted daughter, Leidah. Grierson's writing style is described as beautiful, vivid, and lyrical, creating a mesmerizing and haunting story that lingers in the reader's imagination.
The book unfolds as a family drama, focusing on themes of acceptance, love, and the struggle for belonging in a small Norwegian town where superstition and fear reign. Through the perspectives of various characters, including the Norns of Norse Mythology, the story explores the complexities of fate and time, as well as the magical elements intertwined with the characters' lives. Grierson's non-linear narrative style, filled with sensory descriptions and poetic imagery, invites readers on a journey of transformation, magic, and self-reflection.
- #8
Save:'A Sweet Sting of Salt' by Rose Sutherland is a reimagining of the Scottish folktale the Selkie Wife, blending elements of a forbidden love story, a sweet sapphic romance, and a touch of Scottish folklore. The novel follows Jean, a compassionate midwife in a secluded village in nineteenth-century Nova Scotia, who becomes entangled in the mysterious circumstances surrounding a young woman named Muirin. As Jean uncovers the secrets and struggles of Muirin's life, she navigates themes of friendship, loyalty, and love in a harsh yet atmospheric setting. The book combines lush language, humor, and vivid descriptions to immerse readers in a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and the bonds that tie people together.
- #9
Save:"The Wild Hunt" is set on a small Scottish island shortly after World War II, where Leigh Welles returns home following her father's unexpected death. The island is shrouded in grief, haunted not only by the loss of its men during the war but also by the eerie presence of the sluagh, crow-like creatures that embody the spirits of the dead. As Leigh grapples with her own losses, including her mother and brother, she finds herself entangled in the islanders' struggles against both the supernatural and their own haunting memories. The narrative unfolds with a haunting atmosphere, weaving together themes of grief, myth, and the heavy weight of history.
Emma Seckel's writing style is atmospheric and cinematic, painting vivid imagery that draws readers into the island's eerie landscape. The story is rich with folklore, superstitions, and emotional depth, as it explores the interconnectedness of Leigh's life and the island's troubled past. The plot intricately alternates between characters and timelines, creating a layered narrative that builds suspense and captures the essence of the community's shared trauma. The haunting beauty of the prose complements the dark themes, making for a compelling reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the last page.
- #10
Save:'Daughter of the Forest' by Juliet Marillier is a retelling of the fairy tale 'The Six Swans' set in 12th century Ireland. The story follows Sorcha of Sevenwaters, the seventh child of a seventh son and the only daughter, as she embarks on a journey filled with family, faith, and a touch of magic. Sorcha must overcome arduous tasks and remain silent to save her cursed brothers, all while navigating complex relationships and battling against evil forces.
Three children lay on the rocks at the water’s edge. A dark-haired little girl. Two boys, slightly older. This image is caught forever in my memory, like some fragile creature preserved in amber. Myse...
