The Merlin of the Oak Wood

Mysterious. Fanciful. Intriguing. In this sequel to The Merlin of St Gilles' Well, Jehanne d'Arc, La Pucelle, plays more of a central role as she prepares to set foot upon the world's stage in a role few females have played before. Chamberlin's Joan is a young girl caught up in something so immense that she can't comprehend its beginning, its end, or its meaning. Her faith, part Christian, part "old religion", leads her to follow her Voices no matter what the cost. This is a real Joan, a 16-year-old with all the coming of age conflicts of any other young woman, compounded by her mission. No wooden icon here. If you read The Merlin of the Oak Wood with an open mind, it can be a total immersion experience, fun and thought-provoking at the same time. Can't wait for the sequel.

,,,I think this book is a brilliant piece of fiction, an intelligent fantasy about the pagan culture of medieval Europe. When you start reading it you just get lost in it, you feel like you're really there. I think it's as close as we'll ever get to experiencing pagan life in the Middle Ages. I've read other Ann Chamberlin books and I think she's really a fine writer; I know that The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well was named "One of the Ten Best Fantasy and SF Novels of the Year" by Booklist. If you like really good historical novels and/or fantasy novels, fine prose, and a compelling story, you'll love this. Happy reading!

In 1425 France, soldiers' blood continues to flows as decades of war divides the country. England and Burgundy occupy land that rightfully belongs to the French. Soldier-witch Gilles de Raes and his milk brother witch Yann know that the nation will continue to be a river of blood before Merlin's prophecy will save the earth in the guise of a maid from the Bois-Chenau.In Domenry, Jehannette D'Arc wears the red kirtlee that signifies she is not available for courting. She hears voices in her head that she believes is God telling her what he wants her to do. Unlike most females, Jehannette can ride a horse and fight as good as any male. To many she is the incarnation of Merlin's prophecy and they are ready to follow her into hell once she gives the signal.Ann Chamberlin writes a powerful mix of mysticism and fact to create the exhaling THE MERLIN OF THE OAK WOODS, setting the stage for Joan of Arc's endeavor to drive invaders from French soil. The juxtaposition of battle scenes with a child growing into a warrior-woman is believable and quite colorful. The only drawback to this powerful historical novel is that readers will need to wait one year for book two.Harriet Klausner