The Greener Shore: A Novel of the Druids of Hibernia

Whatever I found lacking in this novel's predecessor,Druids, has been aged to perfection in the years since the first novels appearance. This one was so well told and well formed, I can only say I just kept dreading the end. It felt like a story becoming myth as it was unfolding for me. I could go on for pages about what I liked in this book, but surely one thing I ought to mention is how wonderfully Llywelyn weaves the ancient Celtic teachings into the narrative as it is being related. Ainvar proves a worthy vehicle (as a character) to transmit this knowledge. Knowledge still, and perhaps even more,useful to us in the dark days of the 21st century as we come ever closer to paying the awful price for our separation from nature, the greatest teacher of them all. There is much truth in fiction if you know where to look, and though she does not burden the reader with these gems, they are there to be pondered. Though I rarely say this, this book is too good to be read only once. I really, really hope she continues this tale into the next generation, though that would mean parting with characters to dear to consider having to say goodbye to! Very highly recommended.

Fantastic! A story told in the Celtic tradition of teaching and entertaining. I'm usually a fast reader, but I had to put this one down a few times just to absorb the spirit behind the words. More than just fiction --- this book/author channels the past to the present.

Wow, it's been over 15 years to get a sequel to DRUIDS! I really never expected it; however I'm glad this one finally surfaced. This novel continues the adventures of Ainvar, High Druid, along with his three wives, Briga, Onuava (widow of great albeit defeated Vercingetorix), with Lakutu and a small contingent of others as they journey to a new land after Caesar destroys their people, the Carnutes of Gaul and their Sacred Grove. They eventually end up in Eire or Hibernia as it's known to travelers. Ainvar and his people discover it's a land of many kingdoms and warlike tribes and struggles to find their own place among them. Ainvar wants their settlement to become permanent and reasons that they are among Celts even though they are different in many ways. He additionally discovers that the true forces of the land are older than the druid's magic and comes to an understanding with the original inhabitants, the Túatha Dé Dannans, the true spirit(s) of Eire. Although the story started out slow, it eventually increased to a swift pace and became a genuine page turner until the very end. This novel was penned by a true bard!

As with all Morgan Llywelyn's other books, you are drawn into a wonderful read from the very first page. Her characters touch my heart as no other writer has ever done. Her last two words say: "Remember Us" and that I will!

Ainvar looks back towards the land as he sails west with his three wives and other survivors on the vast sea knowing his side lost to the swords of the Romans. Caesar destroyed the Sacred Grove and conquered Gaul (see DRUIDS). As he journeys to his new home in exile on the island of Eriu, a place the invaders call Hibernia because they believe it is winter year round, Ainvar sadly knows he can never go home. Only his wise senior wife Briga seems to understand his depressed mood as the others are into their personal woes. When Ainvar and his small party arrive at Hibernia they encounter the wee folk Túatha Dé Danann and other Druids and Celts. As time passes, Ainvar struggles with adapting to the new world and when the Túatha Dé Danann never reappears his depression grows. Briga who possesses Druid magic quietly leads their party's adjustment with a perceptive wisdom and bits of unseen magic that enables the once proud Carnute survivors to adapt while also helping her spouse with his feelings of failure. Though the wait has been over fifteen years, Celtic historical fantasy readers will appreciate this powerful sequel to the delightful DRUIDS. The story line is filled with action and adventure starting from the moment that the dejected Ainvar keeps looking back at Gaul with hunger and sadness while the endless waves remind him of the Roman legions. The tale never slows down as they reach their destination and adjust to their new home and at all times provides insight into the lives of the Druids and their followers. Harriet Klausner