Book Description
The High Druid of Shannara trilogy draws to a thrilling close as a young hero nears completion of his trial by fire, a banished ruler fights for her life in a wilderness of dread, and forces of darkness and light square off in a battle unto death for the right to absolute rule. Prepare to be spellbound by the masterly hand of bestselling legend weaver Terry Brooks, conjuring at the peak of his skills.
For reasons known only to himself, the King of the Silver River has charged young Penderrin Ohmsford, barely more than a boy, with the daunting task of rescuing his aunt, Grianne, Ard Rhys of the Druid order, from her forced exile in the terrifying dimension of all things damned: the Forbidding. With the noble dwarf Tagwen and the prodigal elven princess Khyber Elessedil by his side–and with the outcome of the bloody war between the Federation and the Free-born at stake–Pen has accepted his mission without question. But not without risk . . . or sacrifice.
Because Shadea a’Ru, the ruthless Druid responsible for imprisoning the true Ard Rhys and usurping leadership at Paranor, has sent her agents and assassins in relentless pursuit of Pen and his comrades. And in securing the talisman he needs to breach the Forbidding, Pen has paid a devastating price. Now if the Free-born forces–already decimated by the Federation’s death-dealing new weapon–should fall, Shadea’s domination of the Four Lands will be assured. Nothing short of Pen’s success can turn the tide.
But Pen’s challenge grows greater when he learns that his parents, Bek Ohmsford and Rue Meridian, have fallen into Shadea’s hands. He must try to help them–but once within the walls of Druid’s Keep, where Shadea’s minions and dark magic lurk at every turn, Pen’s survival is far from assured. Yet it will all pale in comparison to the horrors that wait inside the Forbidding–horrors poised to break free upon the Four Lands when the time is right. . . .
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
Praise for Terry Brooks
“A great storyteller, Terry Brooks creates rich epics filled with mystery, magic, and memorable characters. If you haven’t read Terry Brooks, you haven’t read fantasy.”
–Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon
“Terry’s place is at the head of the fantasy world.”
–Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Peace returns to the Four Lands!.......2007-09-28
Jarka Ruus announced Terry Brooks' re-emergence as a master of the fantasy genre. Then Tanequil pushed that envelope further and showcased his skills as a writer that could add realism, extended character development and thoughtful, probing philosophical discussion to an exciting, perfectly-paced action filled plot! Straken is the icing on the cake - the exciting conclusion to a trilogy weaves together the myriad plotlines and allows the reader to turn the final page and sit back with a smile and a satisfied sigh of contentment!
The threads of each of the story lines are gathered up, woven together and brought to a stunning conclusion. Young Pen Ohmsford's quest to enter the Forbidding, discover the magic of the "darkwand" and release his aunt Grianne Ohmsford, Ard Rhys of the lawful Druids and the Straken queen is completed. Grianne, in turn, must face her usurper and arch-foe, Shadea a'Ru in a final cataclysmic confrontation at Paranor, the ancient Druid's keep. The Free Born's struggle against Sen Dunsidan and the forces of the Federation with their unstoppable fire weapon is concluded and peace returns to the Four Lands.
Frankly, I don't think it's a spoiler to let potential readers know all's well that ends well! Most readers of the Shannara universe and this particular trilogy would probably be devastated to discover otherwise. But, you will find the ending to be a superb unexpected twist nonetheless that proves Terry Brooks can still keep a hidden ace up his sleeve to play at an opportune moment. I've only got one question left, Mr Brooks! Where in the world is Weka Dart?
Highly recommended!
Paul Weiss
Excellent read for Sword & Sorcery fans.......2007-08-25
While this book at times felt like it lacked as much substance as previous books, I feel it was a great ending to the trilogy. I really liked the ending which was unexpected, yet brought a good sense of closure to the trilogy.
Aaayyyy (putting hand out flat and twisting it left to right and back).......2007-04-12
Tremendous build up over the first two books than..bleeaah. I got to within 40 pages of the end and couldn't finish, it was like..."yeah. I get it..evil dies, good wins..blaa"
Not nearly as awesome as the trilogy before this one, (Flight of the Jerle Shannara) read that instead, fantastic.
Straken: High Druid of Shannara.......2007-04-10
Not the best of the series. I thought it got a little dry and predictable in parts/
Good book but not Terry's best, by a long shot........2007-04-06
I've read every single Terry Brooks release so far except for the Star Wars one. I read Straken primarily because I'm a fan of the Shannara series, BIG fan.
Without spoiling anything, I will say that if you didn't read the Voyage series, you won't be able to fully appreciate what's going on in the High Druid series. You won't get lost or anything - you just won't have a full appreciation of certain characters and events, and why some things are as they are now.
Straken started off very slow, attempting to pick up the pieces left over from Tanequil, the previous version in the series, due to the mandatory year-long delay between book releases. So it tries really hard to tie up loose threads to bring the story back to a sensible medium. The problem is that this approach feels like fluff, as the first few chapters of the book really don't feel that compelling. The "climax" of this entry doesn't feel climactic at all, as Brooks chose to go a different path than what the reader expected to see. Some might see this as smart writing, I see it as a cop-out. To say any more would spoil it, but trust me...it didn't make me happy when I read it.
That said, the ending was top notch. I'd say the last 5 chapters in particular were very well written, and even a slight plot twist that actually gets you emotionally involved, causing you to express feelings for one particular character. It leads one to question exactly what more could be done at this point in the Shannara series.
Would I recommend this book? ONLY if you've read the Voyage series and ONLY if you've read both Jarka Ruus and Tanequil. If you don't read the Voyage series you won't appreciate what's going on, and if you don't read both Jarka Ruus and Tanequil you will be confused.
Amazon.com
War threatens the Four Lands, and Shannara's only hope lies in Penderrin Ohmsford, but it's a dreadfully slim hope. To save his world, Pen must restore his aunt, the former Ilse Witch, to her rightful position as High Druid of Shannara. But first Pen must free his aunt Grianne from the Forbidding: the world of the demons. To have the slightest chance of freeing her, he must find the mystical tree called the Tanequil, and somehow craft a talisman from its wood. But Shadea a'Ru, the treacherous usurper of his aunt's position, will do anything to stop Pen--and she has already captured Pen's parents and forced them to reveal their son's whereabouts. Sen Dunsidan, the monstrous Prime Minister of the Federation, has armed his greatest airship with a horrible new weapon. And Pen is just a boy, accompanied on his dangerous quest by only a Dwarf, a young Elf, and a blind Rover girl.
Filled with action, treachery, and sacrifice, Tanequil will enthrall Terry Brooks's millions of fans as it roars to a shocking conclusion. However, newcomers to the Shannara series should not begin with Tanequil. It's the middle book of the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, and the thirteenth novel of a complicated high-fantasy series with numerous characters and sentient races. Newcomers should start with Jarka Ruus, the first book of the High Druid trilogy--or, better yet, with The Sword of Shannara, the first book of the series. --Cynthia Ward
Book Description
Dark magic has opened a gateway to the Forbidding and trapped within it Grianne Ohmsford, rightful High Druid of Shannara. Rescuing Grianne will be merely the beginning of the effort to return the Four Lands to some semblance of peace. Only her young nephew, Penderrin, has any hope of returning her to power. But to breach the Forbidding and bring Grianne back to the natural world, Pen must find the fabled Tanequil . . . and the talisman it alone can provide. That means journeying into the Inkrim–a dreaded region thick with shadows and haunted by harrowing legends. And there, Pen will strike a bargain more dire than he could ever imagine.
Download Description
One
Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation, paused to look back over his shoulder as he reached his sleeping chambers.
There was no one there who shouldn¿t be. His personal guard at the bedroom doorway, the sentries on watch at both ends of the hallway¿no one else. There never was. But that didn¿t stop him from checking every night. His eyes scanned the torchlit corridor carefully. It didn¿t hurt to make certain. It only made sense to be careful. He entered and closed the door softly behind him. The warm glow and sweet candle smells that greeted him were reassuring. He was the most powerful man in the Southland, but not the most popular. That hadn¿t bothered him before the coming of the Ilse Witch, but it hadn¿t stopped bothering him since. Even though she was finally gone, banished to a realm of dark madness and bloodlust from which no one had ever escaped, he did not feel safe.
He stood for a moment and regarded his reflection in the full-length mirror that was backed against the wall opposite his bed. The mirror had been placed there for other reasons: for a witnessing of satisfactions and indulgences that might as well have happened in another lifetime, so distant did they seem to him now. He could have them still, of course, but he knew they would give him no pleasure. Hardly anything pleasured him these days. His life had become an exercise conducted with equal measures of grim determination and iron will. Political practicalities and expediencies motivated everything he did. Every act, every word had ramifications that reached beyond the immediate. There was no time or place for anything else. In truth, there was no need.
His reflection stared back at him, and he was mildly shocked to see how old he had become. When had that happened? He was in the prime of his life, sound of mind and body, at the apex of his career, arguably the most important man in the Four Lands. Yet look what he had become. His hair had gon
Customer Reviews:
Supersize paperback book?? C'mon!!.......2006-12-07
Ok, to others, it may be known as the "Trade Paperback."
To me, it's the paperback book that would look out of place with my regularly-sized paperback books on the shelf.
Del Rey, listen up!!! I REFUSE to buy this until it comes out in a regular paperback edition! End of story! I will not settle for this monstrous volume that might feel small in some NBA player's hands.
Does that mean I won't get to see how the story progresses?? OH WELL!!! I'm NOT going to compromise just so you can pocket another $5-$6 on material that cost you far less.
no title.......2006-11-10
I bought this for my grandson. He has read all of the series, and really enjoyed them. He is 21 yrs old. He also has dyslexia, and has never liked to read. So this was special to both of us that, He said he got so into the book that he forgot where he was.
Middle novel of a Terry Brooks story.......2006-07-31
Terry Brooks has made a career out of a complicated fantasy world where magic rules as well as politics and inter-racial warfare keeps the balance of good versus evil in a constant state of flux. In all of his books there are several steady components: The Ohmsford family through all of its generations is imbued with a strong strain of magic that they are regularly called upon to exercise even if they do not wish to do so.
In this installment, we are reading about the adventures of a 14 years boy named Pen Ohmsford, his parents whom we were introduced to in the previous trilogy, his aunt who was a major character in the previous trilogy and the new situation where the Federation is still fighting the Freeborn, there is much conflict amongst the Druids, and the Demons are making their plans to come back from the Forbidding to which they were banished thousands of years ago.
If all this seems too convoluted for a single book of about 350 pages in length, you are correct! Terry Brooks writes complex stories and to help resolve the plots, he actually needs about 1000 pages and so the story gets cut up into three volumes. This leads always to a silly device in which at the end of each volume, there is a cliffhanging plot development (this volume is no different). As a longtime reader of this series, I find this little affectation rather annoying, but I suppose the author and the publishers want to ensure that you do not hesitate to purchase the next volume.
Anyway, this book is the middle volume which means that none of the plot lines gets resolved but instead, the world seems headed for the dumpster. As is standard in Terry Brooks stories, this is the time in which things are at their darkest and most splintered. In this one, Grianne Ohsmford is struggling to understand why she is in the Forbidding and what are the plans that the Demon Lord has for her; Penn Ohmsford manages to fulfill the first part of his quest and loses much of what is dear to him in the process; Rue and Bek find out about the plot and try to save Penn only to be caught in the Druid machinations and are imprisoned in Paranor Keep; The Federation discovers a new weapon and uses it to defeat the Elf army while killing its king and causing them to retreat; as well as other smaller sub-plots that are too numerous to detail here.
Suffice it to say, that I trust Terry Brooks to bring all the threads together in the final volume and resolve the situation for this generation.
If you are new to Shannara and Terry Brooks DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK! you MUST have the background provided by Jarka Ruus and the previous series' to make any sense out of this and understand the flow of what is going on. If you are a fan of Terry's and have read Jarka Ruus, then you MUST buy this book to be prepared for Straken.
The only improvement I would wish for would be for these three volumes to be combined into one book that contains the complete story. One thousand page fantasy books are out there and would contain the complete story from start to finish which would be an improvement. But perhaps that is too much to ask for?
series in decline.......2006-07-10
Although I loved the first Shannara series, something of the magic has departed the more recent books. Picking up where Book I left off, Tanequil tells the stories of what has happened to the world since Griane Ohmsford's betrayal. As her enemies work to solidify their rule, her family tries to find her. Spurred by the words of the King of the Silver River, her nephew, Pen, searches for the Tanequil, a magical tree, somewhat like the Ellcrys, to craft a dark wand so he can journey into the Forbidding to rescue her, but he did not count to cost before setting out, and it is dear. Meanwhile, Griane's plight is more desperate than she can imagine. Now the prisoner of the Straken Lord, she is forced to call upon her own evil to survive, risking losing herself in the process.
Though a good story, too much of it revolves around politics. Had the focus remained on the Ohmsfords, it would have been more engaging. Still, Terry Brooks is a safe bet to read.
A great story with some re-used ideas.......2006-07-03
I'm definitely an avid Brooks fan, and this book is not a disappointment. There are some very similar elements between Tanequil and the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara series (
a girl with special sight who sacrifices herself for her airship companions, e.g. ). Even so, it kept me up at night, wanting to finish. I can't wait start Straken!
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. . . .
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic!!.......2007-08-28
I really enjoyed everything this book has to offer. The only fault I find is that it is quite long in getting to the inevitable downfall of the druidical society of Gauls and says very little about how they end up escaping. Other than that, this is a wonderful novel!
Listening Down the Wind.......2007-07-27
My review's title paraphrases a reference made in the book, I think by Ainvar, regarding the verbal transmission of all the lore and knowledge of the Celts which may be lost, and much was. The classical, written references to the druids (made by Romans and Greeks) comprise about ten pages. So I am thankful for Llywelyn's "channeling" of this tale, her "listening down the wind". I think she did a creditable job with most of what she took on in this book, and her telling of the earth connection, the extension of the senses to all that lives, and the philosophy that Menua taught young Ainvar resonated in some old part of my bones. Most of my complaints have more to do with her characterizations.
Some of the things that unfold between Ainvar and Briga, his first wife made me scratch my head. Her previously described feisty nature didn't lead me to think she would share Ainvar with Lakutu so easily, and the series of events that lead to the loss of Maia seemed flimsy, and I was disappointed no resolution to that surfaced by the end of the book. Well, at least I didn't have to wait 16 years to find out if it's taken up in the new book, The Greener Shore, since I only bought a used copy in 2003 and finally read it a couple months ago.
I also am unsure of her purpose in naming human Celts after deDannans, such as Dian Cecht, who was the Dannan god of medicine, and Crom Daral, who must be modelled after Crom Dubh, who, Mara Freeman says in Kindling the Celtic Spirit, was a small dark hump-backed agricultural god, who may bear a resemblence to Kokopeli of the SW American Indians. Crom Dubh, according to a Sligo legend, taught the people to sew and reap, and advised them about weather conditions. Even if we are reading of characters who may come down mythologized through the eons, the Crom described as a person in this novel seems a far cry from any helpful agricultural deity. Likewise, his father, Ogmios, described in the novel as "stupid as a barrel of hair" is based on a son of the Dagda, the Good God, of the deDannans, and is Ogma in Ireland. He is cognate with the Continental god Ogmios. Ogma is the god of eloquence and literature, so here again, I do not understand or find, the fit in naming characters so different from their originals. Maybe I'm nit-picking, but it lent an inconsistency to the narrative I couldn't put aside as I read it. Still, I plan on giving Greener Shore a go, just to see how she does deal with the Dannans, and if Maia ever shows up.
Lastly, I decided to read this novel while I was watching the HBO series Rome on DVD, to get the perspective of the Celtic side, which she does give quite eloquently. Again, because the Celtic peoples did not write their wisdom, much had to have been lost, and though this novel is total reconstructionism, it does give one a feeling of connection to an important and pivotal time in western civilization. Lately I've been going about saying, if you hate the I.R.S., you have the Romans to thank!
Intelligent, sensitive, evocative historical fiction.......2007-05-21
Not sure what book some of the other reviewers here had read, but this, like all of Llywelyn's prolific oeurve, is written with vibrancy and an epic literacy that few others can match. Bernard Cornwell, Marion Bradley, and Stephen Lawhead do come close. Llywelyn's characters are fully and properly heroic without unpleasantly swollen machismo. Not only is this a highly literate novel, it's also a grand romping adventure. This author has a special knack for capturing the humanity without slighting the history and this dramatic, yet quiet sensitivity is always compelling and soul-satisfying. If you enjoy the works of those authors mentioned above, you'll like this one too.
Otherwhen.......2006-11-16
This is a strong historical novel about a little-known episode. Ainvar, Chief Druid of a tribe in Gaul, comes of age during the era when the Celtic peoples of Gaul were being wiped out by Julius Caesar. Of special interest is Ainvar's friend Vercingetorix, who was a real historical personage and is reconstructed here as a valiant freedom fighter, in a doomed struggle to save his people and their way of life, rather than as a simple barbarian guerilla fighter, as in the Roman version of history. (The place names and tribal names here are authentic too.) Ainvar and Vercingetorix are two fascinating characters with great chemistry, and both are defined by a hopeless struggle against overwhelming power. Morgan Llywelyn does a great job exploring the mysterious culture of the ancient Celts, plus the religious beliefs and supposed magical powers of the Druids (who were not an ethnic group as is sometimes believed). Another advantage of this novel is that Llywelyn makes strong points about imperialism and war, with Caesar's use of fractious politics and false promises of freedom and progress in the drive to create empire, which have been used to destroy less powerful peoples ever since.
Unfortunately, there are several underlying problems that keep this novel from total greatness. Ainvar achieves the office of Chief Druid at a miraculously young age, but has little trouble assuming authority and utilizing his powers. Most of the subplots concerning Ainvar's personal life are messily constructed and of little usefulness, either for the plot or the development of his character. Ainvar also has a book-long grudge against a personal enemy, which is left hanging and unresolved. Meanwhile, the final quarter of the book becomes tedious and overblown, as Llywelyn bites off way more than she can chew in the final war for the freedom of Gaul. Huge armies travel immense distances in very little time and engage in one bombastic battle after another. Fans of battle fiction will probably find the depictions here to be highly implausible. A potentially interesting character, Caesar, has almost no definition whatsoever, and the Romans and Germans, as the enemies of Gaul, are depicted as soulless machines of slaughter, as opposed to the virtuous Celts. Still, this is a generally compelling historical novel, but just not quite a classic. [~doomsdayer520~]
Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.......2006-07-10
Overall, the book is o.k. Her technique is good but it's a little slow at developing a plot. What I found hard to buy into was the fact that Ainvar, the main character, becomes the "Chief Druid" (a position that, supposedly, normally takes 20+ years to achieve) by the age of 16 or 17. The same thing with Vercengetorix, becoming king at 16 or 17 and becoming leader of all the Guals before the age of 20. I mean, come on.
Vercengetorix is reduced to a kind of side-kick to the teenage super-Druid and the portrayal of the Roman is flat and one-dimensional. Everything the Romans do is vile; everything Celtic is virtuous. The Gallic War is handled almost as an afterthought and I thought the Battle of Alesia (the climax of the book) was very disappointing. Ainvar makes a contrived escape from Alesia (I suspect the author wrote herself into a corner) and lives happily ever after.
Personally, I like my "historical fiction" to have a little more history and a little less fiction but, if you're not too picky, "Druids" is an o.k. book. If you're looking for a book about Vercengetorix (as I was) then forget about it.
Book Description
A living tradition of nature spirituality rooted in Celtic antiquity and revived to meet the challenges of contemporary life, Druidry offers people a path of harmony through reconnection with the green Earth. The Druidry Handbook is the first hands-on manual of traditional British Druid practice that explores the Sun Path of seasonal celebration, the Moon Path of meditation, and the Earth Path of living in harmony with nature as tools for crafting an earth-honoring life here and now. From ritual and meditation to nature awareness and ecological action, John Michael Greer opens the door to a spirituality rooted in the living Earth.
Featuring a mix of philosophy, rituals, spiritual practice, and lifestyle issues, The Druidry Handbook is one-stop shopping for those seriously interested in practicing a traditional form of Druidry. It offers equal value to eclectics and solitary practitioners eager to incorporate more earth-spirituality into their own belief system; it also appeals to the merely curious
Customer Reviews:
Depends how you define "Druidry".......2007-09-02
This book is based on the Revival Druidry of the 18th & 19th centuries, including many of Iolo Morganwg's fraudulent inventions & the Albans as holidays (there's not much evidence that any but the Summer solstice were celebrated by the Celts.) Of course, the foreward by Philip Carr-Gomm is written in a way to romanticize Revival Druidry, but he has a clear agenda in doing so (to help sell books.) The author states that "ogham served as a magical alphabet," but this is nonsense. Most frequently, archaeological evidence of ogham writings tend toward mundania; boundary markers, gravestone inscriptions. Although there are some good things in the book, the title should have been "The Revival Druidry Handbook," in which case I wouldn't have purchased it.
The Druidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living Earth.......2007-07-17
The Druidry Handbook is a beginner's text for those interested in finding out more about Druidry (past and present) as well as those individuals who think they might want to become a Druid, either as a solitary or part of an organized study group. This book is divided into three parts.
Part one looks at the history of Druidry. I was quite impressed with this section as the author was not intimidated to discuss the lack of substantial resources about the Druids of ancient times nor did the author shy away from discussing the complexities associated with the Revival Druidry period. I was also pleased that the author looked to the Celtic myths for answers as many scholars tend to ignore these important resources completely.
Part two and three of this book look at specific aspects of Druidry. Part two introduces the reader to basic concepts such as the importance of triads in this belief system. Part three goes into more detail on general Druidic beliefs including a very good explanation of proposed calendar cycles and their associated ceremonies. The author also includes a very well thought out initiate program for those wanting to try on the Druid lifestyle.
Excellent information about a way of life........2007-01-29
Mr. Greer, once again, provides the reader with an in-depth look at Druidry as a way of life and a religion. His information comes from a long history within the path that he writes about. Excellent information, well thought out and well laid out.
Easy read and great resource.......2006-09-02
I found this book to be an excellent resource for those starting out on the Druidic path, or just interested in learning about it. The break down of the various practices, sample material, and exercises included are wonderful and will definately help those interested into starting on thier path into the woods. For those who are all ready on the path it can put some things into perspective and open your eyes about other aspects.
Though presented in the A.O.D.A. format this does lend itself well to other organizations and works well with the O.B.O.D. teachings.
Excellent Introduction to the Druid Path.......2006-08-11
I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. First off, it is written in such a way that you can be virtually any religion and still take some knowledge and advice away from it. Second, it is extremely well-organized and is a massive amount of information to absorb and use. It gives priceless advice on meditation as well. One thing I was surprised to find was a little section on how to plant trees! That was a pleasant surprise to come across, and ties in cohesively with the section on the Earth Path. If you want to learn about modern Druidry, or know about it already and want to add to your library, I highly recommend reading this book!
Amazon.com
Popular demand for this clear-sighted compendium of information about the rebirth of Pagan religions hasn't waned since its initial publication in 1979. Distinguished by the journalism of National Public Radio columnist Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon explains this diverse and burgeoning religion's philosophies and activities while dispelling stereotypes that have long been associated with it. Most people don't realize that pagan simply refers to pre-Christian polytheistic nature religions, such as the various Native American creeds, Japanese Shinto, Celtic Druid, and Western European Wicca. Originally, the word pagan meant "country dweller" and was a derogatory term in Rome in the third century A.D., not unlike calling someone a hick today. If you find yourself feeling queasy when you hear the words witch or pagan, a healthy dose of reeducation via Drawing Down the Moon could be the cure. --P. Randall Cohan
Book Description
Now fully revised—the classic study of Neo-Paganism
Almost thirty years since its original publication, Drawing Down the Moon continues to be the only detailed history of the burgeoning but still widely misunderstood Neo-Pagan subculture. Margot Adler attended ritual gatherings and interviewed a diverse, colorful gallery of people across the United States, people who find inspiration in ancient deities, nature, myth, even science fiction. In this new edition featuring an updated resource guide of newsletters, journals, books, groups, and festivals, Margot Adler takes a fascinating and honest look at the religious experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles of modern America's Pagan groups.
Customer Reviews:
Still the best.......2007-08-13
Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon is still the best coverage of the contemporary Western pagan community in America. With substantial revisions and additions, Adler has surveyed the changes that have occurred since the original publication and its subsequent revision. Always written in a clear, lucid and easily digestible style, this work remains a pleasure to read.
A Must read..........2007-07-13
I felt a sense of accomplishment when I finished this book. Yes, some of the material was dated or rather dry, but it is so full of important information that it's one book that every Wiccan should read. These book really explains the diffrent traditions and sects, and gives an honest look at our history. I loved the updated section at the end that listed pagan publications and organizations. This isn't a book for the total newbie, but it can definilty be appreciated from the novice to the high priestess.
A must-read for anyone new to Paganism!.......2007-05-23
Adler has updated this book throughout the years to keep up with developments in the American Pagan community. Her latest update was in 2006, so be sure to read the most current as much has changed since it was first published.
Drawing Down the Moon is objective and informative. Adler gives us "the big picture" in this book. She does a great job explaining the differences between the traditions and introduces us to the most influential people involved in this movement. I recommend anyone considering a Pagan path read this book...and the sooner the better since doing so will help one decide which direction to go in.
An Important Examination of a Worldview.......2007-02-12
First let me explain something that might be, or maybe not be, depending on various factors I guess, a surprise. I am a Christian who has had a background in paganism. I was a practitioner of paganism (solitary paganism) for several years before coming to Christ. I come to this book and I recommend this book not because I agree with the theology that is expressed by the Pagan/Wiccan/etc movement, but because I believe that being informed is better than being ignorant. Let me explain. When trying to tell people of my background, I usually find that people tend to jump into Hollywood/Stephen Kingesque views toward witchcraft/paganism/etc. They think of the woman with a wart on her nose living off in the woods. That, or they think of some chap wearing a hockey mask running around chasing teens. When actually Wiccans and Pagans et cetera are lawyers, nurses, teachers, police officers, soldiers, to name a few. These are people with families, with jobs, who pay taxes, who deal with mortgage payments, who have good days and who inevitably have bad days. Thus the reason why I like this book so much, it offers a realistic (at least in my humble opinion) view of who pagans/etc are and what the pagan movement is about. It isn't the best book, simply because when dealing with such an eclectic movement as paganism is, one source is not always "the" source. Still, this book helps people to understand what background I have and, as I express my coming to Christ, what I may agree (still) and what I may disagree with the pagan movement of my background adult years (from around 89-2002 give or take ). Of course I disagree with the main (generalized, again because there's so many various views and expressions of pagan faith) theological output of paganism, nor am I one of those chaps who says "it's all the same," still I have respect for those though I differ in belief with them. For me, when I explain my life, I believe in having a clear and presenting a clear and in-depth understanding of worldviews, in this case paganism. If you wish to have a generalized introduction to the movements within paganism (from Solitary Wicca to Feminist Goddess Worship Paganism) this is the book. Adler has an intrinsic explanation of the movements, of the reasons behind said movements, of what is done, of what ISN'T done (by pagans). Her views are her own views, of course, we all have views, but still Adler goes deep into explaining and examining. Thus when an open-minded Christian who wishes to know the realistic worldview that I had before becoming to Christ, this is the book I strive to point to.
Not a light read but informative.......2007-01-19
It's considered part of the standard literature in the study of Wicca.
Book Description
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 world: 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.
Customer Reviews:
Historic Fiction.......2007-10-06
This book kept my interest and helped me to understand the many cultures that influenced Irish life before Chrisitanity. Very interesting!
Llyweylyn does it again.......2007-08-07
The Greener Shore, the anticipated sequel to Druids, answers questions and continues the journey. Beautifully written, Llywelyn's style captures the poetry, the music, the tragedy, the heart and the soul of this druid's journey.
A Richly Distillled Tale.......2007-07-26
Whatever I found lacking in this novel's predecessor,Druids, has been aged to perfection in the years since the first novels appearance. This one was so well told and well formed, I can only say I just kept dreading the end. It felt like a story becoming myth as it was unfolding for me. I could go on for pages about what I liked in this book, but surely one thing I ought to mention is how wonderfully Llywelyn weaves the ancient Celtic teachings into the narrative as it is being related. Ainvar proves a worthy vehicle (as a character) to transmit this knowledge. Knowledge still, and perhaps even more,useful to us in the dark days of the 21st century as we come ever closer to paying the awful price for our separation from nature, the greatest teacher of them all.
There is much truth in fiction if you know where to look, and though she does not burden the reader with these gems, they are there to be pondered. Though I rarely say this, this book is too good to be read only once. I really, really hope she continues this tale into the next generation, though that would mean parting with characters to dear to consider having to say goodbye to! Very highly recommended.
THE GREENER SHORE.......2007-01-04
Fantastic! A story told in the Celtic tradition of teaching and entertaining. I'm usually a fast reader, but I had to put this one down a few times just to absorb the spirit behind the words. More than just fiction --- this book/author channels the past to the present.
THE GREENER SHORE Is a Tale Spun By a True Bard!.......2006-11-05
Wow, it's been over 15 years to get a sequel to DRUIDS! I really never expected it; however I'm glad this one finally surfaced.
This novel continues the adventures of Ainvar, High Druid, along with his three wives, Briga, Onuava (widow of great albeit defeated Vercingetorix), with Lakutu and a small contingent of others as they journey to a new land after Caesar destroys their people, the Carnutes of Gaul and their Sacred Grove. They eventually end up in Eire or Hibernia as it's known to travelers. Ainvar and his people discover it's a land of many kingdoms and warlike tribes and struggles to find their own place among them. Ainvar wants their settlement to become permanent and reasons that they are among Celts even though they are different in many ways.
He additionally discovers that the true forces of the land are older than the druid's magic and comes to an understanding with the original inhabitants, the Túatha Dé Dannans, the true spirit(s) of Eire.
Although the story started out slow, it eventually increased to a swift pace and became a genuine page turner until the very end. This novel was penned by a true bard!
Book Description
These Forces of Nature Can Weather Any Storm
Barbarians, druids, and rangers are the rugged and noble champions of untamed lands. This book teems with new ways to customize even the most seasoned characters, including:
New feats, weapons, spells, and magic items.
Improved, more detailed rules for the wild shape ability.
New prestige classes such as the frenzied berserker, the windrider, and the oozemaster.
A new type of magic item -- the infusion.
Dungeon Masters and players who want to add a new dimension to their barbarians, druids, and rangers will uncover a cache of indispensable material within these pages.
To use this accessory, a Dungeon Master also needs the Player's Handbook, the
Dungeon Master's Guide, and the Monster Manual. A player needs only the Player's Handbook.
Customer Reviews:
Masters of the Wild.......2005-09-21
Offers excellent updates for the greatest classes in the D&D Game! My favourites are the new Druid spells! Excellent resource for expanding my campaign! Just don't forget to put the book down and sleep once in a while!
weak for barbarians, pretty ok for druids and rangers.......2004-12-03
This booklet was disappointing. There was very little new information or cool prestige classes for barbarians. If druids or rangers are your thing, they have slightly more interesting content here, so take a look.
Barbarians, druids, and rangers........2003-04-02
3 classes noticably underplayed in the d&d world are represented here.
The barbarian comes out the poorest in this book, because much of it focuses on the druid. But all in all, it's a good book for me, because I play druids and bards best.
The new classes are interesting variations on the way the game works. Queen of the woods, beastmaster . . . it's most interesting to say the least.
If you play druids and rangers, buy the book. You might want to buy the book if you're playing a barbarian and are stumped for ideas.
For DMs not players.......2003-01-10
The bread and butter of any guidebook is to (a) flesh out classes in rich detail (b)have new/cool feats (c)have really new/cool prestige classes. Unfortunately, this book fails on two fronts. Any player, except for the very new, would consider the information plebian. My biggest disappointment is in the prestige classes, which are geared for NPC's or, at best, solo adventures. For example, Deep Woods Sniper, Geomancer, Bloodhound, Foe Hunter, Verdant Lord, Forsaker, Windrider, Watch Detective, are all too specialized, requiring a severe limitation of campaigns. And don't get me started on the Oozemaster (what were they thinking?). I did like a couple of the prestige classes (Tempest, Animal Lord). Finally, the feats are solid, but favoring barbarian classes, which is good because barbarians were ignored for prestige classes.
Highly useful.......2002-11-06
This book is very useful, especially for rangers and druids. Barbarians won't gain as much from it, but overall it's worth the money.
Average customer rating:
- my favorite book
- This is NOT a kids book--or shouldn't be, anyway
- Remarkable Reading
- Not Harry Potter, but an engaging journey
- The Terrific Sea of Trolls
|
The Sea of Trolls
Nancy Farmer
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Europe | Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Exploration & Discoveries | Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Norse | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Siblings | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Norse | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Norse | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
Historical Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
Europe | Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Exploration & Discoveries | Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Norse | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Fiction | Siblings | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Norse | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Historical Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
-
The House of the Scorpion
-
The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm
-
Airborn
-
Inkspell
-
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
ASIN: 0689867468 |
Amazon.com
Three time Newbery honor author Nancy Farmer's epic fantasy, The Sea of Trolls, is gigantic in every way. There are big Vikings and bigger trolls. There are big themes--hope, despair, life and death. At a substantial 450+ pages, the sheer size of this hefty tome is impressive. But, like all of Farmer's fine work, the large scale has room for enormous quantities of heart and humor. At the center of this massive adventure is a small Saxon boy named Jack, who's never been much good at anything until the Bard of his medieval village makes him an apprentice. Then, just as Jack is learning to tap into and control his power, he is kidnapped (along with his little sister, Lucy) and taken to the court of King Ivar the Boneless and his half troll queen Frith. When one of Jack's amateur spells causes the evil queen's beautiful hair to fall out, he is forced to undertake a dangerous quest across the Sea of Trolls to make things right, or suffer the consequences--the sacrifice of his beloved sister to Frith's patron goddess, Freya. Along the way Jack faces everything from giant golden troll-bears to man-eating spiders, yet each frightening encounter brings wisdom and understanding to the budding young Bard. No quester who enters these pages with Jack will go away unsatisfied. Farmer's skillful melding of history, mythology, and humor, is reminiscent of both Tamora Pierce and Terry Pratchett's medieval fantasies, and will no doubt be HUGELY enjoyed by fantasy readers of all ages. --Jennifer Hubert
Book Description
Jack was eleven when the berserkers loomed out of the fog and nabbed him. "It seems that things are stirring across the water," the Bard had warned. "Ships are being built, swords are being forged."
"Is that bad?" Jack had asked, for his Saxon village had never before seen berserkers.
"Of course. People don't make ships and swords unless they intend to use them."
The year is A.D. 793. In the next months, Jack and his little sister, Lucy, are enslaved by Olaf One-Brow and his fierce young shipmate, Thorgil. With a crow named Bold Heart for mysterious company, they are swept up into an adventure-quest in the spirit of The Lord of the Rings.
Award-winner Nancy Farmer has never told a richer, funnier tale, nor offered more timeless encouragement to young seekers than "Just say no to pillaging."
Download Description
"Jack was eleven when the berserkers loomed out of the fog and nabbed him. ""It seems that things are stirring across the water,"" the Bard had warned. ""Ships are being built, swords are being forged."" ""Is that bad?"" Jack had asked, for his Saxon village had never before seen berserkers. ""Of course. People don't make ships and swords unless they intend to use them."" The year is A.D. 793. In the next months, Jack and his little sister, Lucy, are enslaved by Olaf One-Brow and his fierce young shipmate, Thorgil. With a crow named Bold Heart for mysterious company, they are swept up into an adventure-quest that follows in the spirit of The Lord of the Rings. Other threats include a willful mother Dragon, a giant spider, and a troll-boar with a surprising personality -- to say nothing of Ivar the Boneless and his wife, Queen Frith, a shape-shifting half-troll, and several eight foot tall, orange-haired, full-time trolls. But in stories by award-winner Nancy Farmer, appearances do deceive. She has never told a richer, funnier tale, nor offered more timeless encouragement to young seekers than ""Just say no to pillaging."" "
Customer Reviews:
my favorite book.......2007-09-06
i am 13 and i have read a lot of books and this is my favorite one ever. i cant wait to read the land of the silver apples.
This is NOT a kids book--or shouldn't be, anyway.......2007-07-10
I enjoyed reading this book and thought it was imaginitive and fun, if not exactly bursting with originality. But I'm in my 30's and passages were too disturbing for me. Parents beware--it contains extreme violence, atrocities really, and I would not let any kid under 16 read it. Examples of the violence I'm talking about--a woman having her throat slit and her body casually thrown over the side of a boat. Monks being massacred, with the killings described in detail. Lots of gruesome descriptions of other killings, lots of blood. If I want my child to read about mass murder and casual violence, I'll let him watch the news.
Remarkable Reading.......2007-07-06
I first encountered Nancy Farmer's writing in the House of the Scorpion and then The Ear, The Eye and The Arm. Both of these books were amazingly inventive and told terrific stories. While I don't feel that The Sea of Trolls resonates as well as these books, I still think it displayed remarkable writing and gave a charming insight into the world of ancient Nordic culture. It's very easy to follow Jack on his travels across the water into the kingdom of trolls, and everything ties up in such a neat little package, I had to laugh out loud. It tells a great story without falling into melodramatics or taking on a condescending tone. I'd recommend this to any child, or any adult for that matter.
Not Harry Potter, but an engaging journey.......2007-06-20
I found Sea of Trolls fascinating. I have to preface this by saying I'm not a fantasy adventure or whatever this genre is fan. I wasn't too enthusiastic about reading it, but I was totally taken in by all the details about life in this time as well as the fantasy elements. Other readers of this genre may have anticipated a lot of the turns that were new to me. I agree with the one-star reveiwer who mentioned how violent it was. Certainly it is true to the era which I imagine was a great deal more violent than Farmer depicted. I was aware, especially at the beginning that the language was somewhat simplistic, but as I read I got accustomed to that. This does have a lot of the characteristics of Harry Potter, but this books is not as rich and imaginative as Potter. I've been reading a lot of young adult books this summer in preparation for a class I will teach. This was one of the most enjoyable and satisfying. If other novels by Nancy Farmer are better, I certainly would like to try those.
The Terrific Sea of Trolls.......2007-04-12
The Terrific Sea of Trolls
The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer is an adventurous book that I would recommend to kids ten and up. Over the next few months Jack and his sister Lucy will be enslaved by a fierce warrior named Olaf one-brow and his adopted daughter Thorgil. Jack, Thorgil, and Olaf set off to Jotunheim and encounter a troll bear, a dragon, a troll boar, a crow named Bold Heart, a giant spider, a troll queen, and TROLLS! This book reminds me of a kid version of The lord of the Rings.
Thorgil was born from a thrall (servant) named Alison. Thorgil's father was the greatest berserker ever to live. When Thorgrim (thorgil's father) died he was put on his ship with his wife (that was still alive) and the ship sailed away while it was on fire. Before Thorgrim died he gave Thorgil to the second greatest warrior Olaf one-brow. Jack was born from a middle class family that lives on a farm. His family and the rest of the town has to take care of an old barb nicknamed the Dragon Tongue. The Dragon Tongue was thrown off a boat and floated 50 miles to Jack village.
You should read this book even if you are a slow reader because all in all, it is one of the best books I have ever read.
Customer Reviews:
Solitary Druid.......2007-05-13
Interesting fantasy. The actual druidic beliefs are unknown since they left no written accounts of their ceremonies & beliefs.
Not for the beginning Druid researcher.......2006-11-19
I found this book to be quite narrow in its perspective of Druidry, and if I was new to the study of the Druid path, I think it might have even turned me away. I feel that Ellison promotes his style of practice as a doctrine - that this is "the best" way to do everything. I also found his presentation of historic Celtic lifestyles, such as homosexuality and polyamory to be interesting, but inappropriately placed at the very beginning of the book. I am not new to these lifestyles by any means, but it almost gave a feeling like he was recruiting/promoting them. I don't think of the ADF as a sex cult, but presenting this as early as he did, with several links included, made me wonder.
If you are looking for an entry-level book on the modern revival druid movement, I think you would gain more unbiased information in a more readable format from Greer's "The Druidry Handbook".
Many blessings on your quest.
Good Book for Pagan Personal Communion through Druidry . .......2006-09-17
This book is very good one concerning the Druid outlook, and the personal keltic relationship one has with Earth-Worship.I would use it in addition to your Druid knowledge already.It's an interesting look into one man's Keltic journey and his own credo concerning Druidry.It's not the weightiest book on the solitudinarian Druid topic,yet it's a good companion book.This druid high-priest has not handed-down a "venire facias" ,allowing an ADF clerical review of this unique work.Yet,I think such a study, by the druid sacerdotalists, would approve of its publication 100% .Good book! -Updated-Dec.17.06.+ I would also say that this book is by a Southern Anglo-Irish gentelman ,who has a profound keen interest and sound understanding of 'Druidry'.There are not that many personal accounts about the 'Solitary Druid' out-there.This is a fine story,albeit somewhat hastily organised.People who mock it,haven't tried reading it first.When is 'Ian Corrigan' writing his book,and if he is what will the title be? Ian does indeed have some useful booklets published,www.rosencomet.com + Bright Blessings for Yule!
Some good information, but not extremely organized. . . .......2006-08-11
I did enjoy this books section on the Druid holidays and ritual. Although the ritual format is a tad dry, it gives many solitary practitioner's a starting point, which I'm sure was the author's intention. The reason I give it only three stars is because the rest of the book was laid out and organized kind of poorly, and I didn't walk away from this book with a huge amount of new information. It also covers only the ADF perspective, which is one of many. I would recommend reading it though, if you are interested in ADF style Druidry.
intresting book.......2006-07-28
A little to out in left field for my taste but I used it to write my druid paper with
Average customer rating:
- lovely adventure for the open minded
- Not worth the paper
- The Book that Launched a Million Neo-Druid Ships.
- Wow
- Don't buy this book!
|
The 21 Lessons of Merlyn: A Study in Druid Magic and Lore
Douglas Monroe
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books | Adolescent Psychology | Applied Psychology | By Topic | Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Cognitive | Counseling | Creativity & Genius | Developmental Psychology | Education & Training | Ethnopsychology | Experimental Psychology | Forensic Psychology | General | History | Hypnosis | Industrial Psychology | Logotherapy | Medicine & Psychology | Mental Illness | Movements | Neuropsychology | Occupational & Organizational | Pathologies | Personality | Philosophy of Psychology | Physical Illness & Psychiatry | Physiological Aspects | Psychiatry | Psychoanalysis | Psychobiology | Psychopharmacology | Psychosomatic Medicine | Psychotherapy, TA & NLP | Reference | Research | Sexuality | Social Psychology & Interactions | Statistics | Suicide | Testing & Measurement
Druidism | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Wicca | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Witchcraft | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Celtic | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Occultism | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Parapsychology | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Alchemy | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
Lost Books Of Merlyn: Druid Magic from the Age of Arthur
-
Druid Magic: The Practice of Celtic Wisdom
-
By Oak, Ash, & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism (Llewellyn's Celtic Wisdom)
-
Celtic Magic (Llewellyn's World Magic Series)
-
Celtic Myth & Magick: Harness the Power of the Gods and Goddesses (Llewellyn's World Religion and Magic Series) (Llewellyn's World Religion and Magic Series)
ASIN: 0875424961 |
Customer Reviews:
lovely adventure for the open minded.......2007-05-19
It never ceases to amaze me, the level of anger and resentment this book elicits from some while others are of my frame of mind in adoring the creativity here. I am a Pagan and a student of a Mystery School (which, by the way, lists this among recommended reading) but when I read this I didn't find anything offensive, sexist or so outrageous about it at all. It became my favorite pre-bedtime reading because it's beautifully written and I didn't take any of it completely literally. I find it magickally inspiring, but I didn't even think to take the rituals outlined at the end of each chapter (and what a fun idea that was!) and actually do them. It just seemed like great detail in a lovely novel to me. But at the same time some fundamental ideologies and philosophies inherent to the Pagan/Druidic way of life are preset here. It blows me away that Monroe has become such a target of animosity for what I see as a really fun, sweet, imaginative book. I mean, I love Harry Potter but I'm not about to jump off a building on a broom. Let's have a little common sense here. But I also have to add that a teacher of mine I greatly admire shed a little light on why this book comes under such intense attack; when someone exposes things and makes certain discoveries that might not be welcome just yet, it can cause a reactive approach rather than a responsive one. That doens't make it right or wrong, we're all entitled to our opinions, but if you are considering reading this book please pick it up and give it a chance for your own benefit. As with anything, be your own judge; don't love it or hate it, buy it or not, based on anyone else's experience. A book is, to me, a living, breathing being and it's worth giving it the chance to see if it connects to you. If you're here thinking about it, maybe there is something within for you. We all see and experience things through our own subjective filters, right? So let it be what it is for YOU.
As for my experience of it...I keep it next to the bed along with a host of other favorites and it's often a pre-bedtime treat. I find it to be a lovely adventure.
Not worth the paper.......2006-10-27
I sell books for a living. Metaphysical, druid, occult, wiccan books.
I won't even carry this one.
Complete drivel. Historically innacurate. Theosophically unsound. A blemish on the face of Paganism in general and an outright insult to druids.
Merlin and Arthur stop along their journey to eat . . .CORN AND PUMPKINS?
Even as a work of fiction it falls short, as it stomps "suspension of belief" into the ground!
Obviously a simple ploy to make money off naive individuals desperate for druid lore, or very gullible readers who simply don't care about what their practicing so long as they get to "play druid". Author has no conscience or ethics in writing this complete piece of crap.
Would personally love to introduce the author to authentic old-school druid practices.
If you absolutely want to see for yourself, check it out at the library. DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON THIS BOOK. You'll be angered and disappointed if you do, and you'll be supporting an ignorant unethical author.
The Book that Launched a Million Neo-Druid Ships........2006-09-12
This was one ,of the many Neo-Druid books,i have ever read.It firstly sparked my imagination in the pagan area.Now,if you look at who has been complaining the loudest,about Douglas Monroe,it's the Wiccan Elite segment .They are claiming ,that they're also "Druid Experts,because it's a sub-set of our Wicca-Paganism".
Remember:Good fences,make good Pagans.You can graze ,on my pagan global heath,but don't[...] on my Druid path.How do you true-blue Wiccans really know what the ancient Druids ,accepted and practised,anymore than what the English Witches had done two thousand years ago??The segment of know-all Wiccan elitists belong in the obliette,for awhile,to cool off a bit.Remember-Pliny,Caesar and Tacitus wrote little ,if anything,about the British Witches.So, you have to keep an open-mind and tap into this imaginative presentation here.It's an enjoyable read ,for anyone's journey into Druidry.
Wow.......2006-08-09
This book was actually reccommended to me by one of my Druid friends!
I loved the story and the information and theories provided in it. Without taking everything as absolute fact but keeping an open mind about the information presented, I was able to learn SO much about myself and perhaps even the world around me.
I will admit that we need to assume that the information presented is fictional, since Druids have no "How To" books -- however, what was presented in this book was presented well, AND it makes the STORY wonderful to read.
But that's basically all it is. A story.
If you're one of the folks that took the book at face value and drugged yourself with mistletoe (which, by the way, is not nearly as toxic as people think, when made into a tincture), then I'll say you need to do a little bit of your own thinking for a change.
Take what's presented in this book with a grain of salt, and read it as the FICTION it's intended to be.
And by the way, Belladonna (aka "Deadly Nightshade") is safe for human consumption in small amounts, and is frequently used as a sleeping aid. Keep in mind that just because a whole plant is toxic, it doesn't follow that tinctures and teas will be deadly, in correct doses.
So...
Even if you don't believe in Magick and Wizards and Druids, this book is still absolutely lovely. It's a good read and provides a little more flesh to the well known King Arthur stories. Enjoy!
Don't buy this book!.......2006-03-29
If one is actually using this book as a reference, they show their ignorance to anything Celt or Druid related. In this book he references pumpkins being indigineous to Ireland (which they were not) and female priests as "dryads" which was a greek term for wood nymph. Along with his basically telling readers "Go ahead, suck on some mistletoe, it can't hurt you," he is basically giving them an excuse to remain ignorant to anything Celt or Druid related simply because they can site this one book as a reference. Anyone who is truly interested in learning ANYTHING would know to compare sources before you take anything as 'fact.' If one were to take the time to compare this book to other scholarly works out there they would quickly be clued into the fact that what Monroe has written is lies.
Sadly, he is laughing all the way to the bank, however, not with my money in his pocket. As a Druid, I take offense to any piece of literature that uses our title to back lies. I would say, as the reviews clearly show, anyone recommending this book is in the minority.
Books:
- Sunlight and Shadow (Once Upon a Time)
- Sword of Truth, Boxed Set III, Books 7-9: The Pillars of Creation, Naked Empire, Chainfire (Sword Of Truth)
- Taking Flight
- Teaching with Fire: Poetry That Sustains the Courage to Teach
- The Art & Craft of Stonework: Dry-Stacking, Mortaring, Paving, Carving, Gardenscaping
- The Atrocity Archives
- The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain)
- The Documentary Film Makers Handbook: A Guerilla Guide
- The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets from a Cruise Director for a Perfect Cruise Vacation
- The Fifty-Year Wound: How America's Cold War Victory Has Shaped Our World
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Nixon and Mao: The Week That Changed the World
- Endymion
- Town House: Architecture and Material Life in the Early American City, 1780-1830
- World Enough and Time: The Life of Andrew Marvell
- Barbie Fashion, 1959-1967
- Casarett & Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons
- Beneath the Underdog: His World as Composed by Mingus
- Wristwatch Annual 2003: The Catalog of Producers, Models, and Specifications
- Vivir para crecer
- Winston Churchill: A Biographical Companion
High Druid of Shannara: Tanequil (High Druid of Shannara)
Jarka Ruus (High Druid of Shannara, Book 1)
Armageddon's Children (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 1)
Morgawr (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 3)
Angel Fire East (The Word and the Void Trilogy, Book 3)
