This is the perfect book for Samhain (Halloween) or for anyone who loved the Raven Quartet by M. Stiefvater, This is the first (of many I hope) for author Watson. The Wren Hunt is dark and faeire like (not necessarily the pretty or nice faeries either.) This about the wars within of the "Draoi" ie. Druid society; set in contemporary Ireland but based on the ancient tradition and song of the Wren Boys. It is also about becoming comfortable in your own skin from the point of view of Wren, a young woman dealing with truths, lies, love and treachery on many fronts. ~ Reviewed by Maeve Noonan
History is often viewed through the mythology of the winner, in the Darkening Age Catherine Nixey turns the popular history of the rise of Christianity on itself. The romance of how early Christianity saved "Ancient Knowledge" is thoughtfully & graphically deconstructed. Nixey shows us the horror and disbelief of several classical authors. Echoes that reverberate today. History does repeat itself & sometimes it is hard to discern our own places within it. While not wholly critical in her analysis, Nixey brings to the general public lively & engaging research that is often only discussed in academia. ~ Reviewed by Maeve Noonan
Communication is what this story is about. This book is a graphic depiction of the carnage & destruction war wrecks on the human body and mind to say nothing of the soul; not just of the soldier but of family and friends.The imagery of time; frenetic one instant then punctuated with interminable agonizing long periods of numbing silences. Communication, both inward and external between the self, wife, comrade and child. Raw, beautiful and utterly realistic this book will leave you stunned, quite possibly shell shocked. ~ Reviewed by Maeve Noonan
This book has the quality of timeliness that Animal, Vegetable Miracle had when it came out over a decade ago. Empathetic and sensitive but withholding no criticism. Unsheltered is about how we choose to live and what is the quality & illusion of safety. The contrasts and comparison of the (19th c.Naturalists- Mary Treat; (friend of Charles Darwin) and Thatcher and his heir; the contemporary heroine; Willa Knox are the frame of the story; men & women who are at the crux of great changes in Spiritual, Scientific and Social upheavals. Everything in these character's lives are shifting; the basic nature of the order of everything and it's stability comes into question,including what is in our future; is there a future and what will the quality of that future be? What is Foundation and what is Shelter? ~ Reviewed by Maeve Noonan
Sea Queen by Hartsuyker, Linnea is one of the best Historical novels I've read recently. Viking warrior women and sea queens did exist! Hartsuyker's extensive research is powerfully and creatively wrought. A follow up to the Half Drowned King this continues the saga of Ragnvald & Swanhild & King Harold. Originally minor characters in the 12th c. Icelandic Heimskringla , this novel keeps the tempo & timbre of the 1st novel yet stays true to the ancient Eddas. Sea Queen made my heart race even more than the 1st book. It was as if I were riding the waves on the dragon ships with Swanhild. Hatsuyker is able to translate sagas into her own stories without losing accuracy or a sense of Medieval Scandinavian History. Skol! ~ Reviewed by Maeve Noonan
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