The English Adventure loved by over 100,000 readers in 125 countries…
The historical realism of Bernard Cornwell and the mesmerizing atmosphere of Marion Zimmer Bradley: The Circle of Ceridwen.
Young women with courage. Swords with names. Vikings with tattoos. Warfare. Passion. Survival. Sheep. And Other Good Things…
It is the year 871, when England was Angle-Land. Of seven Anglo-Saxon … when England was Angle-Land. Of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, five have fallen to the invading Vikings. No trait is more valued than loyalty, and no possession more precious than one’s steel. Across this war-torn landscape travels fifteen year old Ceridwen, now thrust into the lives of the conquerors.
Lost in the frozen woods, Ceridwen is discovered by the warriors accompanying young Ælfwyn, daughter of a Saxon lord, sold against her will in marriage as part of a peace treaty with a marauding Viking war chief. Their destination is the captured fortress of Four Stones, a ruin holding glittering treasure. There Ælfwyn must keep her vow and wed Yrling — and Ceridwen must do all she can to support her new friend in the rebuilding of the ravaged village and great hall.
But living with the enemy affords Ceridwen unusual freedoms — and unlooked-for conflicts. Amongst them she explores again her own heathen past, and learns to judge each man on his own merits. Yrling’s nephews Sidroc and Toki, both formidable warriors yet as different as night and day, compete to win Ceridwen for their own.
Through both guile and goodness Ceridwen and Ælfwyn begin transforming the world of Four Stones. But the threat of full-scale war escalates, and a midnight party of furtive Danes delivers someone to Four Stones who destroys the girls’ hopes of peace and contentment. Now Ceridwen must summon all her courage — a courage which will be sorely tested as she defies both Saxon and Dane and undertakes an extraordinary adventure to save a man she has never met.
The first book of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga, the historical adventure saga enjoyed by thousands of readers in over 125 nations. With illustrations by Marta Roselló.
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Interesting premise, set in a time period I was unfamiliar with, that being the Danish conquests. A recommended read from a historical perspective.
I first saw this book advertised as such: “If you like Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, you’ll love this series!” While there isn’t any time traveling in these books, they are fantastic historical fiction romance novels, with incredibly characterizations, and just as finely detailed and researched as the Outlander books.
Set in the 9th century …
Finished the series and really enjoyed them all…waiting for the next one to come out…this was the first of Octavia Randolph’s that I had read and have added her to fav list…enjoy
I enjoyed book 1 and look forward to the next 5. Very unique as it is written in an old world style. Good characters, story and gets you involved from the first page.
Fifteen-year-old Ceridwen faces a plight common to most girls of her age: the unpalatable choice between taking a man she finds repulsive as a husband, or taking the veil and living a life she may not be called to. Like most people of that time, her parents are dead. She has lost her uncle some years before. She has been brought up by the local …
Imagine going back in time to a period when no man or woman could call their lives their own. That sums up Ceridwen’s life. She is accompanying a young girl who is the means to peace with a warring Viking leader with her father using her as the traveling companion to his pawn. The changes in fortunes carry Ceridwenfrom one potential disaster to …
This is a most wonderful series. Great characters, great story, wonderful setting.
I’ve enjoyed this book so much! This series has turned me into a big fan of Octavia Randolph’s.
Loved it – left me wanting more, so I’ve continued with the series….
You will want to read all of the books in this saga.
I absolutely loved this book! Wonderful characters and a time period with which I was not familiar.
Talk about a fabulous read!!!! Historically intriguing and what amazing knowledge of The Viking culture!!! Highly highly recommend this book series! I have read them all and am sad the series ended for me!!!
Well written by a scholar of the period! If you like good writing, well-rounded characters, Danes & Saxons ascultures clash in the 9th century, plus romance, you’ll love this book, the first of a series.
The first book in the series had me from page one. I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. The characters were well-rounded and deep. Life during the medieval period was acurately depicted. I guarantee you will be thrilled with this book!
Sidroc is so romantic! Good things come to those who wait!!! I love the series!!!
Love this whole series