Once Upon a Spring Morn

This is another in the series by Dennis McKiernan retelling old tales as a bard of old would. Great series, I hate to see it end

If you are a fan of fantasy, Dennis McKiernan should be one of the author's you fight through dragon-infested pits in order to meet along your quest. From his Mithgar series to his new "Once Upon A..." series (taking place in the realm of Faery), his characters are relateable, funny, endearing, and easy to get attached to. If you are always looking for a happily-ever-after ending, you might not always get it in his books, but the realism (within the fantasy) is there.

When Celeste, Princess of the Springwood, is saved by a handsome young knight with a magic sword, she determines to help him on his quest. But, it is more than gratitude that propels Celeste along. She and the knight, Roel, have fallen madly in love. Are their combined strengths enough to see them through on Roel's quest to rescue his sister from the Lord of the Changlings? Perhaps, if their love is strong enough! Overall, I found this to be a magical book, and I don't just mean that the storyline involved magic. The author does an excellent job of taking the feel of the old heroic tales of knights and damsels and love and battle, and bringing it forward into a modern story. I loved the interesting setting of Faery, combined with the knight right out of medieval literature. This is a very good book, one that is sure steal your heart.

Fantasy readers will find ONCE UPON A SPRING MORN begins light-heartedly, telling of romance, a knight, and a princess - but evolves into a story of rescue, politics, a mysterious city, and a quest. All the elements of a fine read are here, and while the protagonists and their journey may sound like formula writing, the plot evolution is anything but predictable, imparting mystery and intrigue into an odyssey powered by strong characterization. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Once upon a time in the Kingdom Of Springwood, Princess Celeste sits in her favorite tree thinking thoughts when a group of bandits try to kidnap her. Unwilling to be a damsel in distress, Celeste tries to fight them off and when the chevalier knight Roel enters the battle on her side, the thugs are killed. Roel is in danger of dying due to a poisoned arrow but he has excellent care and soon recovers. While he recuperates he and Celeste fall in love but he can't stay with her because he is on a quest. His sister was taken by the Changeling Lord and his two elder brothers went after her but never returned. Roel intends to rescue all his siblings; Celeste, who doesn't want to depart from her love, joins him. The road they travel is hard and they must pass through different kingdoms in faery using a map recovered from the pirates to guide them. The Three Fates, at different times, assist them during their perilous journey by give her cryptic instructions and gifts that they will need if they reach the Changeling Lord's kingdom. Along the way various villains of faery attack them; it takes all their cunning and guile as well as their perseverance and strength to continue on a quest that seems likely will kill them both. Dennis L. McKiernan is a wonderful worldbuilder who reminds readers of the magic that can be found in fairy tales. Celeste is an independent woman who believes she is the equal of any man and Roel is happy to have her as a partner instead of a subordinate. They battle trolls, goblins, sirens, ogres and a host of other creatures working together as a team. This is an enchanting tale that will have readers spellbound. Harriet Klausner