Priestess of the Forest: A Druid Journey

I really enjoyed this book and once I got into it I couldn't put it down. The story is engrossing and very believable, and it's easy to become attched to the main characters - always a sign of a good book. I also found the level of historical accuracy impressive for a novel, the author was clearly trying to paint a picture of what life for druids would have been like at that point in time. It is a great buy as a novel but also contains a lot of valuable practices which could be easily adapted and used by any druid today. The author interview and biblography are also great resources, which make the book more than worth the money - I can't wait for the sequel!

I have always love Ellen's work, but this is the first I have read of her "fiction" style. All I can say is I hope there is another book to follow this one!! This book incorporates information from various accurately researched Celtic sources, yet does not make them out to be something other than what we do know about them. I mean she doesn't imply it has a special hidden usage, so therefore she is not misleading. I know I would love to have had her go further in depth to share the ceremonies/rituals and such talked about, but in truth we don't know exactly how they were all done and that sort of leaves it up to the imagination and thus drives us to do our own research and work. She does give much though of her own views and a few shared views on the subject in a few of the scene's. Ellen goes further in that she also accurately shares herbal knowledge and lore for plants that would have been found in those periods and the uses they might have been applied to in caring for those who are sick and injured. This also, I feel, drives one to want to learn more. I devoured the book in under 3 days. Probably would have done it faster but I had to work too - so I can buy more books like hers! She has inspired me to view some of the works I already have, in new lights. She inspired me to look further into a few things I had a base knowledge of, and she also made me hope that there will be a second book that might go into the life of the characters after the "main setting" - I won't go into details as I don't want to spoil the ending!! Overall I give this 5 stars. It isn't a "how to" book so to speak and it doesn't promise to be a historical document that one might say is fact, but it is a view of one who follows the path of the Druids and is an accurate attempt to give her view on how life might have been from all her studies. I wish we had more books like this!! If you are looking for a book to tell you how the Druids of old did their magics and ceremonies and such, then this isn't the book for you. But if you want a good read that is a mind stimulant and thought provoker, this is an excellent source with some good resources on where to look for more.

The author has masterfully woven the current understandings of the Celtic Reconstruction movement into a beautiful and moving story. Her characters are engaging and real, her scholarship current, and her purity of intention leaves us with a reading experience that is both educational and entertaining. The rites and ritual actions presented in the book will be familiar to anyone who has studied/practiced any form of Celtic Reconstruction spirituality. By skillfully placing these elements throughout the plot, Ms. Hopman has effectively crafted the first work of fiction, to my knowledge, that incorporates CR spiritual principles into the lives and lifestyles of believable characters. This has the effect of "bringing to life" ideas that may have otherwise remained intellectual constructs with no practical basis. The description of Brighid and her associated lore presented on pgs. 145-146 is one of the most concise and beautiful descriptions I have read anywhere. For all of these reasons, I heartily recommend this book!

The novelist, herself a Druid priestess, authentically recreates the Druid culture and history in pre-Christian Celtic Ireland. The ancient Druids may be mysterious to some, but not to this author who is well versed in the history and lore of these creative people. She has conducted considerable research on the subject and has traveled to many reputed Druid sites in Europe. An accomplished herbalist, she demonstrates a commanding knowlege of the herbs the Druids may have used in their healing rites, charms and spells. The priestesses, members of an educated class, were powerful women and respected conselors to the Druid rulers as well as soothsyers in touch with the gods and nature. The author's own deeply felt reverence for the sacredness of the earth and its creatures is in harmony with the Druids' way of life. In her introduction Ms. Hopman confesses to readers that, during the intense experience of writing the novel "she felt the breath of the gods at her back." The reader is drawn into the leafy landscaped world of Ethne, the priestess-healer wise in the ways of body and spirit. Her remote woodland haven overflowing with redolent herbs and the sound of her singing blessings enchants the reader. Despite her sacred status, Ethne embarks on a forbidden and dangerous adventure of the heart. The narration vividly depicts the historical aspect of the Christians' attempts, both gentle and harsh, to convert the Druids. The author's nostalgia for the passing of the gentle way of life of the Druid people and her wonder at the world of nature permeate this atmospheric well-crafted novel.

Having enjoyed Morgan Llewelyn's "Druids", I have sought out stories featuring Druids and Celtic warrior-poets, and in "Priestess of the Forest" I found a delightful cast of characters whose compelling story takes place in a richly realized world. The descriptions of the healing arts in particular conveyed a deep sense of the author's connections to the natural world on both a material and spiritual plane. At points I was moved to tears, at others I was ready to join a warband and repulse the invaders! I could scarcely put the book down until I had finished, and no sooner had I read the last page than I starting wishing for a sequel.