The Valley
The Druid Chronicles, Book Two
by A.M. Linden
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Pub Date Jun 28 2022 | Archive Date Aug 17 2022
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Description
Cut off from the outside world by both geography and conviction, the Druids of Llwddawanden continue to venerate the Great Mother Goddess and to view themselves as the first-born and favorite of Her mortal children. While the belief that the most important of all divine beings gave birth to their ancestors and that Her spirit inhabits the body of their highest priestess is a tenuous conclusion in view of their reduced lot in life, the Druids of Llwddawanden believe it and are, for the most part, committed to carrying on the traditions handed down to them by their forbears.
Herrwn, the shrine’s chief priest and master bard, has the responsibility of overseeing the education of Caelym, the orphaned son of the cult’s previous chief priestess, as well as keeping the peace within the upper ranks of their order—two tasks that grow more difficult as the rivalry over which of the three highest priests will claim Caelym as his disciple grows, and as mounting conflicts between the current chief priestess and her only living daughter threaten to rend the fabric of a society that has endured for more than a millennium.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
“A. M. Linden brings her imagined druid community to life with a skillful combination of research and informed guesswork. The Valley provides an intriguing glimpse into an 8th century Britain that might have been.”
—Juliet Marillier, author of the Sevenwaters and Warrior Bards series
“With the attention to detail, explanation of ancient rituals, and the mythology within the clan's legends, this novel builds a community, exploring a people about which little is actually known. It's an extraordinary portrayal, breathing life into a long-dead civilization….Highly recommended!"
—Chanticleer Book Reviews
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SELECTED PRAISE for THE OATH (Book One)
“Linden’s well-researched tale eloquently brings to life a lesser-known period of transition in Britain. . . . The author has created a strong foundation for her series with well-developed characters whom readers can embrace. . . . [a] layered, gripping historical fiction . . .”
—Kirkus Reviews
"The story rolls along at a lively pace, rich with details of the times and a wide cast of characters . . . . Those interested in goddess-worshipping religions will be drawn to the novel. Any reader curious about 8th-century Britain will enjoy Linden’s innovative focus on the little-known Druids as well as early medieval Christians. Her plotting, shifting points of view of the three engaging protagonists, and evocative writing style make The Oath a pleasure to read. Highly recommended!"
—Historical Novels Review
“Linden uses a fairy tale-like style almost as though this story has been passed down orally over the centuries. Though the kingdoms are fictional, Linden's tale draws on meticulous historical research, especially in her dramatization of the Christian persecution of the druids.”
—Booklist
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781647424091 |
| PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 464 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Mary H, Reviewer
A well plotted historical novel. Well developed characters as well. All in all a good read. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.
Kate E, Librarian
Although this is book two in The Druid Chronicles series it actually reads as book one. Without having much historical content to rely upon, Linden recreates an entire culture with all of its religious traditions, familial strife, and the encroaching influence of outside ideas. The Druids are brought to life through the eyes of the chief priest and storyteller, Herwyn. In a sense, this is a story of a bard told in the way of a bards tale.
Herwyn uses reflection as a means to provide information about the evolution of the Druids and their religious beliefs. Through Herwyn the reader experiences how the reincarnation of the Great Mother Goddess guides this matriarchal society. He and his two cousins are key members of the high council and are sworn to uphold the traditions passed down to them. The reduced number of children available to fill the roles of the chief priests and priestesses leads to a power struggle over which chief priest will obtain the most viable candidates. As outside influences leak their way into their secluded sanctuary, key members of the upper echelon make choices that impacts the Druids entire way of life.
This is a book to be savored. The writing is rhythmic with lush descriptions and complex characters. It provides so much content that was needed to supplement the plot of The Oath. The series just gets better and better!
I received this copy via NetGalleyn conjunction with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.
Jessica B, Reviewer
The Valley is book two in The Druid Chronicles. I enjoyed book one, The Oath, quite a bit, and this second book is even better. A.M. Linden’s research and attention to detail make this book come alive. It is rich in history, culture, and mythology, which is a combination I’ve come to love in historical fiction.
I think I resonate so well with The Druid Chronicles because, while this is a historical fiction, it brings in a taste of what ancient cultures might have looked like. I love the exploration of the rituals and day-to-day life of people we know very little about. The research and guesswork this author put into this novel allowed it to have a life of its own.
The writing is superb and allows the reader to get lost in the story and forget the world around them for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed The Valley. I look forward to more from A.M. Linden. I would recommend reading these in order to get a fuller picture of the story. Great read!
Thank you to HFVBT for the review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
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