Thursday 30 April 2009

The Swan Maiden by Jules Watson

SYNOPSIS
In this lush, romantic retelling of one of the most enduring Irish legends, acclaimed Celtic historical author Jules Watson reignites the tale of Deirdre—the Irish Helen of Troy—in a story that is at once magical, beautiful, and tragic.

She was born with a blessing and a curse: that she would grow into a woman of extraordinary beauty—and bring ruin to the kingdom of Ulster and its ruler, the wily Conor. Ignoring the pleadings of his druid to expel the infant, King Conor secrets the girl child with a poor couple in his province, where no man can covet her. There, under the tutelage of a shamaness, Deirdre comes of age in nature and magic…. And in the season of her awakening, the king is inexorably drawn to her impossible beauty.

But for Deirdre, her fate as a man’s possession is worse than death. And soon the green-eyed girl, at home in waterfall and woods, finds herself at the side of three rebellious young warriors. Among them is the handsome Naisi. His heart charged with bitterness toward the aging king, and growing in love for the defiant girl, Naisi will lead Deirdre far from Ulster—and into a war of wits, swords, and spirit that will take a lifetime to wage.

Brimming with life and its lusts, here is a soaring tale of enchantment and eternal passions—and of a woman who became legend.

MY VIEW
This was a totally amazing book, one of the quotes on back of the book was that Jules Watson doesn't jusr write the book she lives it (or something like that), how true the descriptions were utterly brilliant, the explanation of nature and everything - stunning!

I only discovered this book as a recommendation on Amazon whilst looking at Juliet Marillier books so if you love her books (as I do) I think you will most probably love this too.

Its so hard to write a review on books I love without spoiling it for someone who hasn't read it so I'm not going to say anymore about this book, I would even go as far as to say this is one of the best (if not THE best) books I have read this year.

4 comments:

Marg said...

This is definitely one of my favourites this year as well.

Elena said...

Looks like a good one and one I'll have to keep an eye out for.

Maggs said...

This sounds really good.

Jill said...

Wow, that's a glowing recommendation! Must add this to my list. Thanks!