The Grail King [NOOK Book]

Fabulous Read

If you are a fan of legends of the Holy Grail and also of Celtic lore, then you will undoubtedly enjoy this book. The hero of The Grail King was first introduced in Ms. Nash's previous novel, Celtic Fire, as a young man. For those of you that have read that book, you will enjoy seeing Owein's return in this novel. If you haven't read Celtic Fire, not to worry, this is a stand alone book and you will get to know (and love) Owein quite well throughout the course of this tale. The author begins our tail in the year of A.D. 130, well before Arthurian legends associated with the Grail, throwing us headlong in to the aftermath of the conflict between the Romans and the Druids.

Owein is a Seer and a bitter recluse, wanting nothing more than to be left alone to live his life away from the Romans. Clara, a pampered Roman daughter, is on a mission to find what has been lost so that she can save her father's life. On the advice of a slave, she seeks out the man that was once the "wise one" of the slave's village in the remote hills away from the city. When Owein realizes what it is that Clara searches for, he agrees to help her, for the Grail once belonged to the druids of the mystical Isle of Avalon, where the druids once again reside in secret.

Owein is the perfect combination of gruff and caring, while Clara is determined and independent, refusing to take no for an answer. They offset each other fabulously and, whether ready or willing to admit it or not, they are exactly what the other needs. Clara is just perfectly the right combination of spunky and vulnerable, fearless and cautious to be completely believable. Ms. Nash's extensive knowledge of the time period made this a very interesting read, making you want to know more about the time period, the Druids and Romans, and the legends associated with Avalon. The ending was also left open to a sequel involving some of the secondary characters that you come to like.

The magic portrayed in the book is interesting and believable. The legend of how the Grail came to be, and what happened to it, is also fascinating. You will find yourself speculating and, quite possibly, looking into more legends once you've finished.

If you enjoy all of these elements, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Even if you don't, pick it up anyway - you may find yourself a fan afterwards. No matter what, I can guarantee that you will be looking forward to the hoped for sequel.

Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

A fantastic Ancient Druid Britannia romantic fantasy

In 130 AD Britannia, someone is bringing a veil of darkness over the island. Few, if any, have the skills to prevent this unknown sorcerer from succeeding of those who might succeed, none seem willing to try.--------------------------------- Owein remains trapped inside a self exiled wall of griefe caused by guilt over his wife¿s death. He welcomes the darkness with the only light he allows in being a vision of a Roman woman whom he desires. When that female Clara appears in person, Owein battles himself over wanting her and wanting her to leave. She pleads with him to help her dying father by regaining the Holy Grail so that her dad can sip its healing liquid. Though hesitant to leave his shelter, the hermit agrees to fulfill her request, not realizing that if the Druid Celts and the legions of Rome fail to unite, the darkness will engulf them both.--------------------------- THE GRAIL KING is a fantastic Ancient Druid Britannia romantic fantasy from the moment that a bewildered Owein¿s vision turns from all blood to the siren and never slows down until the final altercation. Owein is a champion who struggles with the demands placed on him including that of love while Clara proves she has a spine of steel. Readers will follow their escapades wondering whether Kernunnos the Horned God, some other deity, a druid or another enemy has invaded his isolated bleak mountains as the lead couple finds strength in their love for one another. Readers will sing joy to the world for this superior tale.-------------- Harriet Klausner

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