On his deathbed, Conall’s father makes him promise to always take care of his little sister, Lainn. With her laughter, she can sing the bees from their hives and make the morning sun sparkle in the winter. He loves Lainn with all his heart, and will do anything to protect her, even without a promise to his father.He failed.Between an abusive step-father, a powerful Faerie Queen, and a maddened … Queen, and a maddened Fae Lord, every decision Conall makes seems to be the wrong one. Starvation, imprisonment, madness, and disfigurement plagues them. Even when he tries following his heart, it turns to disaster.
Can Conall correct his mistakes and save Lainn’s life and soul?
Will it cost him his own?
more
A great read about protection. Conall lives his life as a mason apprentice who hasa secret, a magical brooch given to him by his father. He lived a normal life until his world is turned upside down when his stepfather tries to hurt his little sister Lainn. Fleeing from him, they find themselves on an adventure filled with dangers and wonders alike. Can they find safety somewhere?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Conall trying to look out for his family no matter what or Lainns carefree spirit or the gentle old wise man of Adhna. A great villainous figure in Setna, cruel but believable.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of the ancient world like with the little wooden houses in the forest with the hearth fire and stables as if you were actually there. Or the sense of nature like with Adhnas house small and thatched but full of moss and flowers with bee hives and ravens and locally resources.
Or the sense of ancient lore and fantasy with the druids and the standing stones. And its sense of wonder with the arch of trees and the glade and the waterfalls for the sense of a hidden and sacred world full of magic and song as if you had stepped back in time. Also loved the use of irish language and pronounciations at the start which was a lovely touch added to the character of the novel. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.
Age of Saints is the seventh book in Christy Nicholas’ Druid’s Brooch Series. The series consists of stories following the same family at different points in history, and a magical heirloom which plays a significant role in each of their stories. The books are not chronological, jumping between different centuries, and can be read as standalones or as part of the series.
What I really like about this series is the extent to which it is grounded in history and traditional folklore. Nicholas paints a vivid picture of every time and place we encounter, and doesn’t miss an opportunity to teach us a bit about life at the time. Age of Saints is no different – I swear I could smell the smoke and mud in the roundhouses!
Age of Saints follows Conall, who inherited the brooch from his father, and his sister Lainn. They are on the run from their abusive stepfather, desperate to find safety and reluctant to trust anyone. There’s a good dynamic between Conall and Lainn – they are protective and caring towards each other but with a healthy amount of teasing when safety allows for it.
I particularly enjoyed the animal characters. Lainn is able to communicate with them, and so they play a significant part in the story. Barnabus the bee is probably my favourite…
For me, this is a five star book. I love the rich, magical world Nicholas describes. I enjoy learning bits of Irish Gaelic and Irish history and how the fantasy elements draw on folklore and tradition. I’d recommend the series to fans of historical fantasy, particularly with an interest in Celtic settings.
Age of Saints: Druid’s Brooch series by Christy Nicholas is an great fast read. The action is non stop and the story is one of family. I love reading Christy Nicholas books because I know that I am going get to an adventure of a lifetime with in the book. In the same breath, Christy Nicholas usually has some type of bite to the story. In this story, Conall had promise to take care of his sister Lainn to his dying father. Conall had issues keeping that promise. Between the abusive step-father, a powerful Faerie Queen, and a maddened Fae Lord, Conall was having a hard time making the decisions to Lainn. The story is a roller coaster ride of action and emotions. Will Conall be able to take care of Lainn or will the others make sure he will not be able to fulfill his promise to his father?
Age of Saints Druids Brooch series 7
By Christy Nicholas
Age of Saints is book seven in the Druids Brooch series by Christy Nicholas. I will admit I haven’t read all the books in this series but the books I have read, I have enjoyed. Christy has a writing style that manages to pull you into the story line before you know it’s happened. The storylines are written in such a way that the chapters flow, and this is what makes a good story. This is a wonderful fantasy story that will have you eager to turn the page just to see what is going to happen next. The storyline between Lainn and Conall is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I can’t recommend this series enough, you won’t be disappointed I you should decides to pick up the series. Fantasy lovers will absolutely love this series. So lastly if you want a book that will take you on a roller coaster and full of action, go get the e book and enjoy.
AGE OF SAINTS is book 7 in the Druid’s Brooch Series. If this is the first one you are going to read, it’s totally ok because they all read as a stand-alone with the common thread being the magic brooch. AGE OF SAINTS is in the timeline BEFORE the previous book so it’s cool to see how the piece of jewelry has gotten its start (or closer to its start).
The pages turn themselves in this complex and epic tale that at times reads like a travelogue for 500 AD “Ireland”. The writing is so visually appealing that I am able to imagine it while I read along. The story is full of twists and turns and majik and FAE. It is multi-layered and allows us to take the journey of the brooch with the characters as they are written.
This author has a way of writing that keeps things interesting and is detailed enough that the story is not bogged down with unnecessary word filler. From cover to cover each scene appears to be well plotted and the direction pre-determined. While this is a continuing (what do you call a series that goes backwards? is continuing the right word?) series, each is very satisfying between its own two covers.
Age of Saints: Druid’s Brooch Series: #7 By Christy Nicholas. I’m always a little surprised how much I like this series not because it could be bad it’s just not my normal read. But each time I find myself more in love with these stories. This one was definitely a bit of a roller coaster ride for my emotions but well worth it. It’s got action and characters you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. It’s well written and the author does a wonderful job of creating a story world that comes alive before your eyes. I’m giving this story a four stars and recommend it.
AGE OF SAINTS Druid’s Brooch Series, #7 by Christy Nicholas
Four Stars
This story was very whimsical and enchanting. I love stories about the fae and how the old world once was. Conall was an interesting character. He kind of reminded me of a lost child. Not knowing what to do or where to go. Lanin sounded beautiful and bold. Like she knew things beyond her years. I liked that the author wasn’t worried about what type of relationships the characters should have. It was a very love who you chose kind of book. The flow to the story was very smoothed and unhurried. I like when the author gives you perfect details and you can truly visualize what they describe.
I give Age of Saints: Druid’s Brooch Series: #7 by Christy Nicholas, 5 stars.
It is the 500s AD in the land later to be known as Ireland and Conall has made a promise to his father while on his deathbed: protect and keep your sister safe. And he takes this to heart, loving his sister dearly. However, he did not realize this would mean protecting her from an evil step dad, keeping her safe during a long journey, and trying to keep her from harm of a Faerie Queen. Both grow and learn much through their journey to find piece and safety. But what will become of both of them? Just what does he have to sacrifice for her happiness?
I absolutely love this series. I have not had the pleasure of reading all of them yet, but each time I start a new one, I am reminded of just how good this author is. She weaves beautiful tales not only of hope and happiness, but pain and loss too. This story brings us to a time where the old gods were still worshipped and Christianity was just beginning to become recognized. The author brings us right into this era. She has obviously done her research and I really felt like I was there with the characters. It is very deep too — it’s not just all love and roses. I like that in my historical fiction. I also liked both Conall and his sister and would love to see more of them in future books.
This is a historical fiction fiction book that is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend it to lovers of both the Celtic history and historical fiction fans.
I continue to be captivated by this author and series. This page turner is no exception, filled to the brim with an emotional tale that focuses on family and responsibility. This story felt realistic and magical, with relatable, complex characters. The plot moved seamlessly and was engaging throughout. I continue to find myself drawn to this series and this contribution was no different. Highly recommended.
Age of Saints (Druid’s Brooch #7)
By Christy Nicholas
4 stars
Age of Saints was an excellent read, full of action and with great characters. I was hooked from the very beginning. The author’s writing was engaging and full of wonderful descriptive language. The flow and pace of the story were great. I really enjoyed the storyline and it kept my interest throughout – I found myself to having to keep the pages turning so that I could find out what was going to happen with Conall. I did feel sorry for him, everything he seemed to do just went wrong. I really enjoyed reading about him.
Age of Saints is a richly detailed fantasy story that I would absolutely recommend! I look forward to reading more from this author again in the future.
Age of Saints (Druid’s Brooch Series) By Christy Nicholas
4 Stars!!!!
I once again found myself in the world of the druids. This is the seventh book in the series but the second book I have read in this series. Even with that in hand I still thoroughly enjoyed it. The author has such a unique world that has been created that one finds themselves plunged straight in. The setting is just as Christianity is coming into the scene and is starting to take over from paganism.
I really found that I was routing for Conall from the beginning. The author really has a refreshing style that brings the characters to life. I felt as though I really was in Ireland and that I was there with them. The author’s unique way of writing helped bring the magic to life and the characters. I could feel the anguish as Conall strives to keep his promise to keep his sister safe and the sacrifices he makes. I was on bated breath to see the decision he had to make. I cannot wait to read more from this author and catch up on the rest of this series.
This story is full of action and emotional. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions that just kept going. It is a creative, engaging, page turner. Conall made a promise to his father that he will always take care of his sister. But when everything he does seems wrong and all of his decisions don’t seem right. Now he needs to save his sister but it could cost him his life. They are great characters that I loved and felt compassion for. You won’t regret picking this book, highly recommend.