The Greener Shore

The sequel to DRUIDS finds Anivar and his clan looking for a new home after the invasion of Julius Caesar. Knowing the rich background of this clan adds richness to this book but is not essential to make this an interesting listen. Simon Vance, in stentorian tones, sets the stage for this adventure story with the brief prologue. Moving into the narrative voice of Anivar, Vance becomes the leader of the clan, a strong man with moments of personal insight and sensitivity who strives to preserve his culture in a new world. Vance's characterizations of other characters are well rounded and effective, providing breadth while maintaining the focus on Anivar. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

Starred review from February 13, 2006
Devotees of Llywelyn's glorious Celtic fantasy, Druids
(1991), will welcome this sequel, a beautifully told adventure story that avoids the usual adventure story clichés. After Julius Caesar triumphs over Gaul, the druid Ainvar and his three wives sail west, steering clear of Roman-occupied Albion, to the brilliant green island of Hibernia (so-called because a Roman expedition mistakenly assumed "winter lasted all year" there). Soon after landing, Ainvar encounters the Túatha Dé Danann, the diminutive original folk of Eriu (the island's Gaelic name). The Túatha Dé Danann, who usually are invisible to people, ask only to be remembered. Ainvar is distraught when they no longer appear, but is comforted to learn from a bewildered warrior that the Túatha Dé Danann once unexpectedly revealed themselves to him. Later, Ainvar briefly inhabits a wolf's body and hears the piercing scream of the death-predicting banshee. Throughout, Ainvar's "senior wife," Briga, provides both wisdom and support. Not just fantasy fans will appreciate this gentle, quietly dignified tale.