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The Fox
The Fox
A first-century Druid, Lovern, and his wife, Jahna, have a deep belief in their faith and family. A difficult decision is made, and a life sacrificed. Now, an archaeologist, Aine MacRea, is piecing her life and theirs together, as she reveals buried secrets.
Book Excerpt
t and bread. Drink my mead. We have much to discuss about the giving fires tomorrow."
I picked up a tray of bread and stood next to Beathan, studying the man's face as it became visible through the smoke-filled room. I guessed him to be about twenty seasons. He had an intelligent, broad forehead. His gently sloped nose was not large. A beard, the color of an iron pot left outdoors, covered his cheeks and chin. His sharp eyes were a curious blue, not of the daytime sky, nor of flowers, but midnight blue. He seemed tired, yet wary.
The stranger stole a look around the lodge, then reached down and picked up his pouch. The crowd fell instantly quiet.
Beathan reached behind him and clapped him on his back, almost pushing the stranger off the stool.
"I have his dirk," my uncle said. "He is no threat."
The talking and shouting began again. The man laid his arms and head on the table and did not move except to breathe.
"Women!" Beathan said. "Bring us more to drink and eat! T
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You can tell this author did a lot of research to make the atmosphere of the olden times super real. I like how the young girl really does seem innocent as and you can relate to her troubles. The clan structure is very technical and immerses you into her world easily. The future world seems so natural, you think you are hearing a true-life story. Hard to tell it is a fiction at all. Seems to be a real life expose on a real archeology dig. Could this be a field manual for Celtic researchers? Great story. Thanks for an interesting read.
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I sought out this book after seeing it listed as recommended reading on The Celtic Myth Podshow website. I was further surprised to find that it was free as an ebook. After reading it I can honestly say that this book was way beyond my expectations. I could not put this book down and when I did have to (for such things as food and sleep), I found myself thinking about the characters as though they were real. Even now, after having finished the book, I find myself reflecting upon the characters often. I miss them!
The characters are the strength of Radasky's book. She creates multidimensional, living breathing characters both in a modern setting, and through her meticulous research, in the Iron Age Scottish Pictish age. Radasky uses her knowledge of the period in time expertly, never over handed or lectured. Instead she uses just enough to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Radasky is able to bring to life the traditions, spirituality and politics of a culture that is mostly unknown to many of us, and she does so with care and respect. There is no overt fantasy and grandiose speculation that often happens with fictionalizing the Celtic or Pre-Celtic people.
I am an avid reader, but there are few books that really reach me as deeply as this book did. I admit that I was mostly interested in the story of Lovern and Jahna over that of Aine. But, I thought that Aine's story was written with such honesty and depth that her character felt just as real.
I highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction, are interested in archeology, Scottish history, things Celtic, romance and pre-Christian spirituality. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by this first novel by Arlene Radasky. Oh, and if your second toe is longer than your first, you may just find this book all the more interesting!
The characters are the strength of Radasky's book. She creates multidimensional, living breathing characters both in a modern setting, and through her meticulous research, in the Iron Age Scottish Pictish age. Radasky uses her knowledge of the period in time expertly, never over handed or lectured. Instead she uses just enough to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Radasky is able to bring to life the traditions, spirituality and politics of a culture that is mostly unknown to many of us, and she does so with care and respect. There is no overt fantasy and grandiose speculation that often happens with fictionalizing the Celtic or Pre-Celtic people.
I am an avid reader, but there are few books that really reach me as deeply as this book did. I admit that I was mostly interested in the story of Lovern and Jahna over that of Aine. But, I thought that Aine's story was written with such honesty and depth that her character felt just as real.
I highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction, are interested in archeology, Scottish history, things Celtic, romance and pre-Christian spirituality. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by this first novel by Arlene Radasky. Oh, and if your second toe is longer than your first, you may just find this book all the more interesting!
03/25/2010