The Crow Goddess

Yes, this book is the sequel to the book "A Shadow of Gulls". It continues the story of Lugh the Harper and the terrible Queen of Connaught. As I read the book I knew what was going to happen in the end in the final battle, but it did not diminish my pleasure in the story. This book, like the first one, is written in the first person, so it really personalizes the story. It felt like I was there as a guilty observer to the grand passions, intrigue, love and battle scenes. Ms. Finney is a wonderful writer, and her research is superb. Even though these books are out of print, I strongly recommend that you try to order them from your local library. For anyone who loves ancient Celtic history, this two-part series is a must.

The Crow Goddess is the sequel to Shadow of Gulls in which Patricia Finney introduces us to a well researched view of 1st century Ireland. She blends characters form the celtic Irish classics (the cattle raid of Cooley etc) such as Cuchualian and Connor king of Ulster with historical characters, notably Emperor Hadrain. The most important facet of her writing however is the ability to create characters who while appearing at home in the iron age (or the stone age in the case of the Tuatha de Danna) are still hugely sympathetic for the modern reader. The development of the central characters effortlessly draws the reader into the semi-mythic plot. Lugh the harper and ex-king of Connaught must return to Ireland to attempt to save his friend Cuchaulain and face the wrath of Maeve Queen of Connaught. On the way he becomes entangled in the Roman's plots to invade Ireland as they are added to the increasing weight of Cucaulain's enemies.