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The Circle of Ceridwen

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( 3,968 ratings, 384 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Circle of Ceridwen by Octavia Randolph is a historical fiction novel set in 9th-century England, weaving a tale of a young noblewoman named Ceridwen. Caught between the shifting power dynamics of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, Ceridwen navigates survival, cultural clashes, and personal growth amidst wars and village life. The story beautifully captures the era's atmosphere, exploring themes of courage and identity against a richly detailed historical backdrop.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$6500
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring vivid tales of Anglo-Saxon England, highlighting resilience, culture, and the challenges of its age. With richly drawn characters and immersive historical details, it's perfect for those who love stories of adventure and strong female protagonists.

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The Circle of Ceridwen

It is the year 871. Of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, five have fallen to the invading Vikings. . Across this war-torn landscape travels fifteen year old Ceridwen, now thrust into the lives of the conquerors... Epic...immensely satisfying...an impressive achievement - Historical Novel Society

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

It is the year 871. Of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, five have fallen to the invading Vikings. No trait is more valued than loyalty, and no possession more precious than one's steel. Across this war-torn landscape travels fifteen-year-old Ceridwen, now thrust into the lives of the conquerors.

Epic... immensely satisfying... an impressive achievement - Historical Novel Society

Lost in the frozen woods, Ceridwen is discovered by the warriors accompanying young Ælfwyn, daughter of a Saxon lord, sold against her will in marriage as part of a peace treaty with a marauding Viking war chief. Their destination is the captured fortress of Four Stones, a ruin holding glittering treasure. There Ælfwyn must keep her vow and wed Yrling - and Ceridwen must do all she can to support her new friend in the rebuilding of the ravaged village and great hall.

But living with the enemy affords Ceridwen unusual freedoms - and unlooked-for conflicts. Amongst them, she explores again her own heathen past and learns to judge each man on his own merits. Yrling's nephews Sidroc and Toki, both formidable warriors yet as different as night and day, compete to win Ceridwen for their own.

Through both guile and goodness, Ceridwen and Ælfwyn begin transforming the world of Four Stones. But the threat of full-scale war escalates, and a midnight party of furtive Danes delivers someone to Four Stones who destroys the girls' hopes of peace and contentment. Now Ceridwen must summon all her courage - a courage which will be sorely tested as she defies both Saxon and Dane and undertakes an extraordinary adventure to save a man she has never met.

Lose yourself in The Circle of Ceridwen.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Circle of Ceridwen by Octavia Randolph is praised as a richly detailed and immersive work set in the Viking Age, capturing the era's atmosphere and dynamics with vivid storytelling. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and the engaging plot, noting the author's ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling fiction. It's considered an exciting and educational read for fans of historical fiction who enjoy a deep dive into early medieval life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780985458249

Publisher: Pyewacket Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 September 2014

Imprint: Pyewacket Press

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Weight: 0g

Pages: 762

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About the Author

I write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. My other works include the novella The Tale of Melkorka, based on a story from the Icelandic Sagas, and Ride: A Novella, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, first published in Narrative Magazine. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe. Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net is my website

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