The Circle of Ceridwen: Book One of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga

This book reflects events that took place in the 9th Century, a period of time when Britain experienced a great influx of Viking peoples as the Viking Age continued from the previous century. The story is told first person, through the eyes of Ceridwen--A young girl who, to avoid being married off, or having to "take the veil" leaves the Priory where she has been raised and goes off on her own to try and secure a position working for a noble family. A fateful meeting along the way will forever change the course of her life. The writing is beautiful: The language, grammar and it's cadence lends itself to an authentic experience, as though you were truly reading Ceridwen's diary. The characters are richly developed and sympathetic -but it is Ceridwen's story, and so your knowledge of them is from her perspective. Nonetheless, it is one of those books which leaves you needing to know what happens to all of them. I have to say--I was not expecting to like this book, and it took 100 or so pages to grab me, but once it did--I was hooked. I'm currently reading the second novel in this series.

I casually came across this book while browsing the Goodreads site. I was trying to find a new-to-me story that I could fall in love with, that I could get lost in, that I could dive into and never want to return...let me just tell you, I hit the mark with this one.It has everything that I love and want in a read...adventure, history, intrigue, friendship, loyalty, love, loss, heartache, heartbreak, pain, beauty, joy, happiness and more all encompassed in an amazing, page-turning storyline that I could hardly put down. Seriously, I had to force myself to sleep and every spare minute of my day was spent reading this beauty of a book. I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF THIS BOOK!I'm currently reading, 'Sidroc the Dane' which is a stand alone book (you can read it at any point in the series) in this sweeping saga that tells you his (Sidroc's, who is a main character) back story and helps fill you in on what made/makes Sidroc, Sidroc! While it isn't a required read to know what's going on within the series, it's simply a must read, in my opinion, to get every wonderful tidbit of info and insight into and from this intriguing and engrossing character. I'm loving every minute of it!I've also already read books two, 'Ceridwen of Kilton' and book three, 'The Claiming' and oh dear, it just keeps getting better and better! After I finish Sidroc the Dane, I will be diving voraciously into book 4 and you guessed it, books 5, 6, and 7, too! I read that she (Ms. Randolph) is currently and at the time of this writing, working on book 8 and I'm absolutely delighted for this news!This is one series that I'll re-read for the rest of my days, that's just how much I love it. I've been an avid reader my entire life and have read thousands of books, this saga is, by far, my most beloved favorite without a doubt.My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Ms. Randolph for writing such a sensational and amazing story that has captured and captivated my heart. Leof Ms. Randolph and wes thu hal :)

This is the review I gave on Audible, where I listened to this amazing saga!Where does The Circle of Ceridwen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?This book, and saga, ranks at the top alongside Outlander. The story is part history lesson, part romance, part fantasy. As with Outlander, the narration is beyond excellent, and done with such passion that I can't stop listening once I start!What did you like best about this story?For starters- Nano Nagle's narration! She can do any voice at any age for any gender! Just as Davina Porter did in Outlander, Nano's talent is one of the main draws for me to this story. <br/><br/>In the story itself, my favorite story line is the trip of Ceridwen and Gyric from Four Stones to Kilton and how their love story evolved into a truly loving and genuine bond. Ceridwen showed her true integrity and inner heart when she stayed with Gyric despite his maiming that would leave him dependent for the rest of his life. In these ancient times, a man's ability to fight and provide for his family meant much, so if he was physically unable to do so, he was looked upon as weak. In this case, Ceridwen's love and courage actually made Gyric stronger and more independent and he actually grew from his experience. I also loved how they met, of all people, Cadmar!Which scene was your favorite?I have to say every scene was my favorite. One that does stand out is when Gyric and Ceridwen are one their way to Kilton and they stop by a stream and her hair falls against Gyric's face and it goes from there and he is so gentle and truly in love with her!Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?Extreme is an understatement! I became almost part of the story myself the more my mirror neurons went into action! I spent a lot of time cheering and laughing at things when they happened. There were some other reactions I had, but I won't share them here...<br/><br/>My ancestors were also Vikings and Anglo-Saxon of the 9th Century, and so I identify in many ways (unfortunately, some not so nice) with their experiences and the experiences of those with whom they came into contact.Any additional comments?I love stories like this, and have for most of my life. I came across the saga while looking for another book on my Audible app and when I heard a sample narration, I decided to try it. About halfway through the first chapter, I went back to Audible and downloaded the other 3 books in the series (5 and 6 not on Audible yet, but soon!). Nano's voice skills have drawn me into the story and lives of the people, and I am so immersed in the story that I often join in on the reactions of the characters to things happening in their lives. I also appreciate that, while historically sex was a common focus of marauding and lineage, Octavia has written these scenes into the story with sensitivity and respect so that I can enjoy them without blushing! <br/><br/>I also absolutely love how Octavia introduces each chapter in the "old style"- instead of the usual "Chapter one", she writes "Chapter the First.....etc.", and Nano's voice doing this is like listening to an ancient storyteller. It really adds to the atmosphere of the book. <br/><br/>I am in book two, Ceridwen of Kilton, now, and continue to thoroughly enjoy myself alongside my "ancestors". Good reading to you all!

This is a fascinating, well written book which is so engrossing one feels as if one were living in the 9th century. Octavia Randolph creates an historic, realistic picture of the times, and the cultural details, the sympathetic characters and the great storyline, make it more than worth while to read despite the fact that there is too much violence, killing and maiming for my likes. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and have already ordered it.

I was not sure about this novel for the first couple of pages, but once I was in, I was IN! I have now read the series twice and each time it gets better and I notice even more detail. I have long been interested in the Anglo Saxons and Viking invasions and this just sort of brought it all together. Historically speaking, the level of factual detail Randolph invokes within the novel puts this sort of somewhere between between fiction and non-fiction. I learnt a lot about the culture, history, weapons, customs, religious practises and people of the Anglo Saxon world. So much so, that at times I felt I was living there, by turns in love with the time and terrified by the constant threat of the Vikings and their raids.Of course, this is a romance, but it is so much more than that. I fell in love with all of the characters but also the bonds of family and friendship. The relationship between Ceridwen, Aelfwyn, Gyric, Burginde and Gyric’s family is amazing, at times fraught, but full of love and loyalty. This series has had me alternating between tears, anger, fear and laughter - it was an emotional ride, but one of the best series I’ve read in years. I can’t wait to read it again.

This was the start of my love and gratitude to Octavia Randoph and the first in the Saga Series that starts with the Circle of Ceridwen. Ceridwen is a shield maiden of such strength of character and her roots in pagan Anglo Saxon times and her knowledge and experiences lead her on a magical journey that had me entranced all the way through. The character building was unbelievable as we read about the lives, ties and conflict between Anglo-Saxon Britain and the invasion of the 'Vikings' such as Sidroc,Yrling and Toki and their complex relationship with the women they fall in love with and lose in the conflict of war and in the hearts of Ceridwen and Aeflywn who are supported by the amazing Burginde. The other characters help the reader understand how hard those times were and what people had to do to survive. Be this arranged marriage but also faith and compromise. The detail that Octavia Randolph gives the reader in terms of learning about customs and tradition and survival in gaining and losing wealth and how people lived in such a turbulent times. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who is interested in historical facts and knowledge and please enter this world you will never want to leave.

I could hardly put this book down - not only did it have an extraordinary amount of history about the Anglo Saxons and all the areas in those days, the land grabbing, how to spin and weave, how to use a sword, the story of Ceridwen and her path throughout the book was totally absorbing. The descriptions of the lands of those times and the hardships the people had to bear was written in such a way that I felt I was there.

A enjoyable read that is full of detail about life in this era.Well researched and an enjoyable read. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series to see what happens next to the heroine Ceridwen.

Must admit I wasn't impressed by the cover but thought I'd give it a go and downloaded the sample. Started to read it and was quickly drawn into the time and space (I do like stories that include well-described landscapes).I have not read many books that are set in this age and it certainly was a very scary time for the Saxons in England. The violence, fear and misery surrounding the invading Danes is well described - I for one would not have liked to be around at that time.I liked the believable portrayals of the main characters, not all 100% good or bad, although the Danes sometimes seem emotionally cut off (but perhaps they had to be). The writing style has a lightness of touch and yet conveys the backdrops and the characters feelings really well.The worst thing was that the book ended too soon. Luckily its part of a trilogy.For anyone who has an interest in this era it's a really good read.I wanted to give it 4.5 really.