Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #709034 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-29
• Formats: Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
• Original language: English
• Binding: Audio CD

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Devotees of Llywelyn's glorious Celtic fantasy, Druids (1991), will welcome this sequel, a beautifully told adventure story that avoids the usual adventure story clichés. After Julius Caesar triumphs over Gaul, the druid Ainvar and his three wives sail west, steering clear of Roman-occupied Albion, to the brilliant green island of Hibernia (so-called because a Roman expedition mistakenly assumed "winter lasted all year" there). Soon after landing, Ainvar encounters the Túatha Dé Danann, the diminutive original folk of Eriu (the island's Gaelic name). The Túatha Dé Danann, who usually are invisible to people, ask only to be remembered. Ainvar is distraught when they no longer appear, but is comforted to learn from a bewildered warrior that the Túatha Dé Danann once unexpectedly revealed themselves to him. Later, Ainvar briefly inhabits a wolf's body and hears the piercing scream of the death-predicting banshee. Throughout, Ainvar's "senior wife," Briga, provides both wisdom and support. Not just fantasy fans will appreciate this gentle, quietly dignified tale. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile
The sequel to DRUIDS finds Anivar and his clan looking for a new home after the invasion of Julius Caesar. Knowing the rich background of this clan adds richness to this book but is not essential to make this an interesting listen. Simon Vance, in stentorian tones, sets the stage for this adventure story with the brief prologue. Moving into the narrative voice of Anivar, Vance becomes the leader of the clan, a strong man with moments of personal insight and sensitivity who strives to preserve his culture in a new world. Vance's characterizations of other characters are well rounded and effective, providing breadth while maintaining the focus on Anivar. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
When last we saw Ainvar the druid, his tribe's revered sacred grove was being destroyed by Roman legionnaires at the end of the popular Druids (1991). Ainvar himself was in danger of following his beloved king into captivity and death. Now we learn that that was not to be. Ainvar and his family have escaped to Ireland after years of hiding in the forests of Gaul. There they encounter other Celts with somewhat less refined cultural ways, and there they create a new Celtic society from the remnants of Gaulish mysticism as well as from earthy Irish folkways. This highly readable tale offers unforgettable women characters, of whom Ainvar's magical and sensuous wife, Briga, is an especially vivid example. As always, Llywelyn can be counted on to create a compelling tale with strong characterizations. Her devoted readers will not be disappointed. Patricia Monaghan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

THE GREENER SHORE Is a Tale Spun By a True Bard!
Wow, it's been over 15 years to get a sequel to DRUIDS! I really never expected it; however I'm glad this one finally surfaced.

This novel continues the adventures of Ainvar, High Druid, along with his three wives, Briga, Onuava (widow of great albeit defeated Vercingetorix), with Lakutu and a small contingent of others as they journey to a new land after Caesar destroys their people, the Carnutes of Gaul and their Sacred Grove. They eventually end up in Eire or Hibernia as it's known to travelers. Ainvar and his people discover it's a land of many kingdoms and warlike tribes and struggles to find their own place among them. Ainvar wants their settlement to become permanent and reasons that they are among Celts even though they are different in many ways.

He additionally discovers that the true forces of the land are older than the druid's magic and comes to an understanding with the original inhabitants, the Túatha Dé Dannans, the true spirit(s) of Eire.

Although the story started out slow, it eventually increased to a swift pace and became a genuine page turner until the very end. This novel was penned by a true bard!