The White Mare

There was a reason that it seemed the Romans conquered territory so easily. That was that the people who lived in Gaul, Britain and Germany were not united, and had to fight off the enormous threat of the roman army as individual tribes-so basically they had no chance. This book is set in Scotland-or Alba as it's called in the book. Scotland was never really conquered by Rome-they just built a wall around it in the second century AD. But the White Mare is set before that, when Rome was still trying to conquer it. Rhiann is a priestess of the goddess who has undergone a traumatic event. But she's also the Kings niece and is therefore bound by blood to produce the next heir for the kingdom of Epidii. Right as the king dies an Irish prince sails into her life and becomes her peoples champion against the threat of Rome. Then she married him (Eremon) in a total political match-meaning no romantic relationship- and they run around trying to unite the various tribes of Alba against the Romans. There are some fantasy elements in the book, and the author admits she warped history to suit her needs-but I would still call this historical fiction. This book is a little like a soap opera but that's what made it so fun to read. Something is always happening in it-there are no dull pages. Each character is firmly drawn and very alive and if their lives are more action packed and melodramatic it can be excused. You will be on the edge of your seat during the tense chapters and cheering for your favorite freedom fighters. You will feel the need to run to Scotland and hike in the heather and swim in the lochs. This is one fun book. Five stars for the fun reading. I look forward to the sequel-which I ordered after reading the first chapter of the White Mare.

I am so swamped with work and yet I stayed up all night last night (fianlly turned the light out at 5am) because I couldn't stop reading! I was so completely absorbed that I am in a haze still, thinking about Rhiann and Eremon and all the main characters of the novel whom I feel like I know so well. I am so excited to read the next book in the trilogy and am buying it right now. I haven't felt this obsessed and transported by a book in a really long time. What a story!

Where `Lord of the Rings' is an adventure inspired by Mythology, `The White Mare' seems to draw it's inspiration from the pagan ideology of ancient Scotland. Jules Watson beautifully explores the relationship between the different cultures of that age, between the people and the earth, between man and woman during a time when two great civilizations clash not only on the battlefield but also in the way they live their lives. Her background in archeology lends itself to an authoritive description of a matriarchal society steeped in ritual and attuned with the rhythm of nature. Guided by the land, her characters navigate their way through social upheaval with the invasion of a foreign army vastly superior in technology and shows that ultimately, love can be a greater force than war. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey through time and recommended it to any who have sometimes wondered what life in a bygone age may have been like.

The White Mare is a unique blend of romance, battles, lust and spirituality tossed together in a beautifully written first volume. What stands out is the author's, Jules Watson, ability to develop strong characters, particularly female characters. Rhiann (the heroine) is immediately appealing, drawing the reader inside her very soul and taking us on her journey - and our own - towards self discovery and enlightment. In addition to strong, appealing (if not always likeable) charaters, Jules Watson manages to create a compelling story set in an era which few authors have touched on. Her ability to paint a picture with words draws the reader into AD Alba (Scotland) with an ease not managed by many authors. This ability to tell a great yarn is mixed with her attention to detail, adding to the enjoyment of the book. As you progress through the story you start to love and/or hate the charaters, crying their tears or feeling their joy, or, in some cases, hoping the sword would rid the earth of their presence. Similar to the epicness and richness of Jean Auel's Ayla novels, The White Mare leaves you glad to have started the journey, but wishing the second in the trilogy was already on the shelves. An excellent read.

I just finished 'The White Mare' and have to say, I loved it and am jumping out of my skin to talk about it with someone. This is inspirational historical fiction. Looking back I can't believe how much action gets squeezed into the book. Imagine Braveheart meets Gladiator but add a whole lot more emotional depth, spirituality and detail. Although the story line is based around real historical events and the roman invasion of ancient Scotland it is the thread of female spirituality and emotions of the characters that drew me in. I love the characters! They are often emotionally damaged and trying to recover from deep trauma, the battleground is as much in their hearts as it is with the conflicts of tribes upon roman invasion. I know this might sound fluffy but I don't know how to write about how different, how entertaining and satisfying this book really is. Fans of description will like the beautifully rendered scenes dripping with the smells of lost ages. The details about herbs and rituals are amazing. The author was once a real archaeologist and it seems like if a character is using a particular herb or plant, it would be the one actually used in that area and at that particular time of season the story is at. This adds a powerful sense of really being there amidst the priestess and druids doing their work. This has been a great read and I can't wait for the second part of the trilogy now. I'm missing these characters and their story already.