The Rhymer and the Ravens: The Book of Fate: A Historical Fantasy

I would not have even listed "historical fantasy" as a genre I enjoyed before reading this book. But once I began reading "The Rhymer and the Ravens", it went everywhere with me. Any chance I got, I hoped to get a page or two in, even if it was while waiting for the light to change! This rich story of a hero, Tomas the Rhymer, on a difficult quest while searching for the meaning of life, love, and service to others is full of finely drawn charcters. I found myself truly caring for and "knowing" characters such as the wise old woman Aud, the beautiful Elf queen Moira, the magical Pooka Aubrey, and the story's hero. This book has been loved by each person to whom I have given it as a gift, several of whom had seen the TV special "Merlin" and found themselves wanting more such adventure. Each has had the same reaction: "I can't put it down!" The only reason I could stand to finish it at all was because I knew there was a sequel!

The characters are so well defined you'd think you knew them. The blend of pure fantasy with historical accuracy kept my nose buried in the book for hours on end. I can't wait to complete the trilogy.

Colorful, engaging, imaginative, enlightening, spiritual and earthy. Revel in a fantasy world of elves and gods, demons and fairies. Learn about the myths and mysteries of ancient cultures. This book offers the reader a host of multi-dimensional delights. It's great!

This is the coolest book I've read in a long time! My own ancestors are from northern Europe and this book did for me what Carlos Castaneda's books used to do, except that now it felt closer to my blood somehow. All the Elves and Fairies seemed incredibly real and alive, and the way she made the old world come into focus -- wow, it was a little like a history lesson except that it was easy and fun and I couldn't stop turning the pages! Moira the Fairy queen was eerily real and Tomas the Rhymer was the most believable hero I've seen in a long time -- he was confused and scared and just totally human, unlike the the usual "broadsword" types in Celtic fantasy. I just can't say enough about what a great trip this book was. I've read it twice! I live near Ms Forrest in North Carolina. I don't know her, but I went to one of her "Rhymer and the Ravens" rock-opera shows and it was pretty amazing -- somewhere between a Druid ritual and a Grateful Dead show.

This is a FANTASTIC book. I don't even like fantasy books, and I LOVED this book. It transported me into another time/space/reality that touches deep truths rarely spoken of in our "normal reality." It feels to me that the writing of this book was inspired by a higher purpose than perhaps even the author consciously intended. I HIGHLY recommend this book. L. Martin