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For the sake of peace, Brigid of the supernatural Túatha dé Danann enters into an arranged marriage with Bres, the next chieftain of the enemy Fomorian tribe, whose iron weapons and brute strength challenge the Danann magic. The Danann instruct Brigid to spy for them, and to keep the source of their powers secret, dangerous tasks that complicate her goal of making the best of her forced union. Sacrificing her own hope for love, Brigid faces the Fomorians alone.
Set in a time when myths were reality, Once A Goddess brings the legend of Ireland's magical Túatha dé Danann to life.
Mirella
Posted January 5, 2012
I enjoy historical fiction because a story can sweep me into foreign lands and eras in the past I know little about. Once A Goddess, by Sheila R. Lamb introduces to three sets people named the Túatha dé Danann, the Fomorians, and the Fir Bolgs in ancient, mythological Ireland.
From the moment I began reading, the rich prose set a vivid picture and endeared me to Brigid, a young woman obligated to marry Bres, the future chief of an enemy tribe, in order to keep peace between them. But she is expected to spy and report findings to her village leaders. As she adjusts to the foreign ways of her new village, Bres is a good husband. But soon, dark secrets arise to threaten their peace. Thrust into a near impossible situations, Brigid must make some hard choices, and it is this, in addition to the tantalizing way in which the author reveals the secrets, that drives the story.
Unrequited love, passionate liaisons, lies and deception, treachery and betrayal line this novels pages. It is an emotionally provocative and compelling story and I enjoyed the exotic setting and adventure this story offers. A unique book worth reading and highly recommended.
eyomffej
Posted December 1, 2011
I have a confession to make, I went to college with the author and know her fairly well. WIth that said I know she has done historical research in Ireland to include archeological digs. I have never specifically discussed the book with her but it takes some Irish myths and expounds upon them a bit in an interesting way. It is hard to figure out what a character's intentions are and the author keeps you guessing. I would like to have learned a bit more about ancient Ireland from the book but I intend to read any sequel that (hopefully) will appear.
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Posted October 7, 2011
"Once A Goddess" was a profoundly magical story about a woman named Brigid who, in the middle of a battle between two tribes, must choose between what her heart tells her to do and what everyone else believes is right.
I absolutely loved this story and how the words just flowed so nicely. The characters were written very well and had real depth. The emotions evoked from this book were so real and empathetic that I couldn't help the few tears that were shed for the characters. Brigid was a strong woman and even though she made mistakes she really was a beautiful woman and I admire her. The setting couldn't have been a more perfect place for a story filled with adventure and magic. The imagery was beautiful and very detailed as well. If you wish to get lost in a world where myths and legends are reality then check out "Once A Goddess" by Sheila R. Lamb.
This was such a stirring story. I enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series when the time comes.
Although a work of fiction, it was truly wonderful learning about the Túatha dé Danann and of the Fomorians. Not to mention the Fir Bolgs. I kept trying to picture what these ancient races would have been like so long ago. While they are a part of Irish mythology, Sheila was able to paint such a vivid picture of their customs, and of what they were like, that you feel drawn to the lives of all the characters found within her story.
Brigid, who was forced at a young age to uphold a treaty between her people and those of the Fomorians, never really knew what she was getting herself into. Sacrificing all hope of ever finding her anam cara, she reluctantly enters an arranged marriage with Bres, a man who's the next in line to be chieftain of his race. One who is willing to do anything to maintain his position in all that he does.
Hating the fact that she's been married off to Bres and sent to spy on the enemy, she does her best to overcome a bitter rivalry with Morrigan, another woman who seeks her husbands attentions, while also trying to maintain the peace within both tribes. As time goes by, she comes to realize that her anam cara does indeed exist. Yet she knows that they can never be. A fact that breaks her heart over and over again.
As tensions rise, and invasion is inevitable, Brigid realizes that there are too many lies and deceptions being played by both sides. Feeling betrayed by those she's always loved, she finds it difficult to forgive their treachery. Despite this, she resolves to make the best of things, while protecting those that she loves more than life itself.
Overview
Two tribes battle for control of ancient Ireland, and Brigid must find her place among them, trapped between the will of her people and the desires of her heart.For the sake of peace, Brigid of the supernatural Túatha dé Danann enters into an arranged marriage with Bres, the next chieftain of the enemy Fomorian tribe, whose iron weapons and brute strength challenge the Danann magic. The Danann instruct Brigid to spy for them, and to keep the source of their powers secret, dangerous tasks that complicate her goal of making the best of her forced union. Sacrificing her own hope for love, Brigid faces the Fomorians alone.
Set in a time when myths were ...