Rowan of the Wood

I rought the book from the authors at the Kansas City Renaissance fair. I normally would not have done this but the bbok sounded interesting. If you like the Harry Potter books you like this one. I love this more then the Harry Potter books. Rowan is a great character. Can't wait for the next book.

Rowan of the Wood is the hybrid book which the fantasy genre has been sorely lacking. It successfully manages to bridge the gap between the world of Harry Potter, Twilight, and Celtic lore. In the beginning Cullen's story seems eerily reminiscent to Harry Potter due to the similarities of both being mistreated orphans, but that is where the similarities end. The authors bring you fully into each of the characters worlds using beautiful imagery and in-depth character development, each character is so charming it is hard to pick a favorite. I even found myself rooting at times for the evil Fiana! Each characters story is totally captivating but none loses interest when their worlds meet, instead the plot intensifies and draws the reader further in. The twist ending leaves the reader waiting with baited breath for the next installment of this series. Rowan of the Wood does not disappoint.

Rowan of the Wood is the type of book that makes you want to sit down and read it over and over again. It's full of lush imagery, strong character development, and the beauty of traditional and original Celtic myth. Authors Christine and Ethan Rose have built a world that dares readers to step inside, beyond the suspension of disbelief, and really become involved with Cullen, their young hero, and his struggle with the sad and mundane life he lives as an orphan and then, after his forest discovery, the magic that could potentially take over his world. The title character, Rowan, is compelling and strong. His quest to be reunited with his true love is timeless, but the twists and turns the story will take in getting there are unique and incredibly interesting. Reading Rowan of the Wood with my children led us all to want to further explore the world of Celtic myth and magic, and we're waiting in anticipation for the release of the next book in this series in October!

I really enjoyed reading ROWAN OF THE WOOD. It is the first in a series and I can't wait for the next one to come out. It starts with two Celtic wizards, Rowan and Fiana, on their wedding day. They have been waiting for this day for many years. Once they are married their power will double. Just as they have been declared married, a band of Christian invaders attacks the ceremony. Fiana manages to escape to the otherworld but Rowan, through magic, seals himself in his wand. Now we go to modern day. Cullen is a foster child living in Northern California among the Redwood trees. He has survived losing his family and is now living in an abusive foster home. What he loves most are the Redwoods which are behind his house and his fantasy books, especially The Hobbit, which had belonged to his father. In one horrific scene his foster father makes him burn all of his fantasy novels. That one scene was very hard to read. Well, Cullen then finds a strange sort of wooden wand and out comes Rowan. He had been trapped there for over a thousand years. But he and Cullen are one person. Rowan can only come out when Cullen is scared or threatened. Fiana has also returned, but she came back a hundred years after the incident. She has been looking for Rowan for thousands of years. In order to stay young and beautiful she has made a deal with dark magic - and she has turned evil! All of this makes a fantastic and believable read. The love that doesn't really die between Rowan and Fiana is powerful. The loneliness of Cullen and his love of doing what is right is wondrous. I loved this book and anyone who loves fantasy will love it, too. The authors have gotten this one right and I highly recommend it. Reviewed by: Marta Morrison

I was sucked into Cullen, Rowan, and Fiana's varying worlds and couldn't stop reading until they all collided! This is an exciting novel by debut authors Christine & Ethan Rose...they've created characters that are strikingly vivid and a plot that draws the reader into a world much like our own, yet not our own. I can actually see Cullen walking through the majestic Redwood forest...Rowan and Fiana hand-in-hand among the standing stones in Caledonia...the many amusing cats scattered about Raimund's woodland cottage. Lovers of fantasy must give this a read because they will truly enjoy it!