The Circle of Ceridwen Saga Box Set - Books One

Wonderful Story. Beautifully written and alot of interesting history and facts. I loved reading the three books and I couldn't put it down. Loved the main characters in the books. Should be made into a movie. Octavia Randolph is a great author.

Great storyline and the characters are very well developed. Though historical fiction is my favorite genre, this was my first time reading anything set in this particular region and time period. I was pleasantly surprised!

I read them almost without interruption, and ordered the next book in the series immediately after. I've thoroughly enjoyed the story, and learning about the customs of the time period. Most especially, I look forward to the rest of the story of the lives of these interesting and loveable characters

I loved this series. I could not put the books down. It has been awhile since I have a found a series that I really loved. I felt like I was part of the story and this author well I hardly ever do these reviews but Octavia Randolph keep writing I will keep buying and Thank You.

Octavia Randolph's words will take you on an adventure and make you feel as though you are part of the story. Her detailed description of characters, settings, and everyday life will envelope you and take you on a journey through Viking and early England history.

Great character development and wonderful tale woven in and around the cultures which existed in the 9th Century. Enjoyed the introduction to the Swedes and the Nords including their religious beliefs and ways! So fun!!

Interestingly different! I really enjoyed these first three sagas. Not only is it good to know what Ceridwen is (a person!) But she's quite the heroine too! Unique historically and beautiful love story.

Octavia Randolph is a talented writer. The plot is well crafted, the characters well drawn. I appreciated her willingness to forego the anthrocentric conventions of most historical novels, eschewing battles and violence in excess of what's necessary to move the plot along. Instead, she dwelt on the pains and pleasures of daily life--especially women's life--with loving attention to detail, speaking with true insight into women's experience. I enjoyed her attempt to fashion the speech of her characters with the idioms and inflections of the time. I think she did very well with this. Sadly, my experience was badly tarnished by the many grammatical errors. If Ms. Randolph had a proof-reader, he or she should be fired. If not, she should get one, or review English grammar, and publish a corrected edition. Pronouns being acted upon by the verb, or objects of a preposition, belong in the Objective Case! It set my teeth on edge every time I read "...gesturing to we three..." or "between Burginde and I"...or "...brought water for the horses and I to drink..." "...gave Gyric and I blankets and..." (Only the first is a direct quote from the book. The others I invented. I didn't have time to find more examples, but trust me, there are dozens, as well as errors of other kinds.) Octavia Randolph has the talent to be taken seriously as an author, but that will be difficult for the literary community to do so long as she lacks basic mastery of English usage . If not for this failing, I would've given this book 4 stars.

I really enjoyed these books. I was looking for a series that was historical, some romance, and some info about living in this time of the world. Ms. Randolph has done extensive research about this time and place and it was amazing to read about their way of life and the change from the early humans way of life as it folded into old Europe. The characters come to life and are vibrant and it's really easy to see them in this time. The story flows well. I gave it 5 stars because I really did enjoy it, but it definitely moves slower then a different series of books that I've been obsessed with for a long time (Outlander). However even despite that, I am truly looking forward to book 6. The characters at the end of book 5 are amazing!

The writing in these novels is fairly simplistic. I can't believe they have been compared to the Outlander series. There is absolutely no comparison in the depth of the writing. The plot was interesting and to be fair, the Outlander series has somewhat ruined me for many other authors. Perhaps if I had read this series first, I may have been more apt to enjoy them. I've read the first three books in this series because I bought the set, but I don't think I will bother with any more books in this series.

I'm a lover of historical truth and great fiction. Any one who loves great story telling will love this saga. It is rich in detail, with great character development . The story of two women who cross paths and become lifelong best friends and supporters. It showed the hard life in the viking age in Angle-Saxon England and how the love of two young woman for each other and their men makes a come-pelling facinating story. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommended this book for both men n and women. It wont disappoint. I look too the following 2 books.

I enjoyed the books. The main down side I found rather annoying is that the author refers to autumn as The Fall (the author being an American) as the story is set in the UK and Scandinavia I found this rather annoying. Octavia has resourced her information well and the series is a good read. For those who enjoy historical fiction I am sure that you would enjoy this saga. It takes you a journey of viking invasions into Briton. Battles and conflicts with the Celts and their ruling lords. Kidnapping of the main characters, who are taken on a sea journey fraught with adventure and onto new lands.

I like lots of things about the book.
Mainly what I did not like was taking too long to get to the point of what she was trying to say. The characters were not believable in so far as you already knew how they felt but it was as if the author just dragged it out.

The first book is much longer than books two and three

I'm glad I bought the trilogy version as the price for the shorter stories individually is a bit steep.

Unexpected adventures. Detailed storytelling.

Did not enjoy reading the first book. Forced myself to finish it with hopes it would improve but it did not. Will not be reading the rest of the set. The dialogue and situations seemed so unreal to me. The love story was not believable. I'm not a fan.

Unfair perhaps that now I finally find means to be able to share via feedbacks my thoughts and opinion as to this authors work; though apparently this only relates to the first three books in this well done story…… so with that in mind I first suggest taking the time to go find the "rest of the story" since there is much much more woven into this wonderful saga of the Lady Ceridwen than is told in these first three books.

This indeed is my second time reading this works; seldom can I even recall deciding a book so worthy that within a years time I've chosen to re-read this collection rather than seek something new to me. I had just received an email in fact; letting me know that the awaited contined story involving Tindr; who became a part of Ceridwens life; was published and available that had me hurry to purchase my copy, and since I am again just released from the hospital; it just makes perfect sense to now read each book, woven seamlessly together and knowing another new book awaits me now that I have not yet read, but already know will equal all of the others and am throughly enjoying my rereading of each volume as I recoup from my health issues: forgetting my own worries and concerns as this talented author uses her wordsmithy skills to wrap the reader in her own magic; taking us back through time...when heroes and heroines walked old England and lives could change on the whim of those who held power...and yet the beauty of romance, of honor and love remain unchanged despite struggles or hardship.

It is easy to tell this author has done her background history quite well, plus I do not recall having not even one time being jotted from my storyline by misspelled wording; something I have come to realize is usually a major issue when using my Kindle instead of a handheld book; something that just doesn't happen in regular book-form. (could it be that Kindle needs real proofreaders??)

at any rate; if you too enjoy a well written book (books) revolving around the times of ancient history of the English and the involvement of the Danes....if you enjoy reading about ancient times and ancient ways; including those that preceded christianity; how those times were lived; you will want to continue to read each volume following the previous and though I never offer up the "meat" of any books I have read; I can say I have given this author's name and list of her books to mamy others who I know will also appreciate them and continue to pass along that another worthy wordsmith has books well worth the search.

Back to my reading; drink at hand, cat curled at my feet; ahhhhhhhh.....

Being a devoted Outlander follower since the first book was published I never thought I could "bond" with another saga in the same way. Happily I was wrong! From the first book to #5 I was fascinated by the story line and the depth of the characters. I could clearly visualize each character and was unable to rest until all five books were completed. What a rich and fascinating world Ms. Randolph has created for her readers..a true gift to be transported to another time in history. Kudos, Ms. Randolph, for providing us with this delightful escape! I eagerly await #6 to learn what adventures await Ceridwen, Sidroc, their friends, family and those who wish to upset their haven! Many excellent reading hours ahead!

This series is a wonderful read. The characters are so engaging and the history of Gotland and surrounding countries is fascinating to me. I love a historical fiction writer who has done her research...and she has. Can not wait for the next book in this series.

How very intriguing...i have not read a book with this before...i really loved her story- told by her- and about her...Ceridwen told of her experiences as only she would know of them...i marvelled at the fact that she did not speak of what wasnt known by her.... this is keeping me wanting to read on... feeling as i read-that she will do her utmost to find out about her friends in the past...and i want to hear about them too..

This is one fantastic book. Having read all the Outlander books I didn't think I could find anything to equal it. Here is another world that I was somewhat familiar with but told with a young woman's voice. Great characters and situations history and adventure. A must read. Highly recommend.

Couldn't put it down! Slowed a bit occasionally...picked up fast though. Can't wait to read book 4 & 5! Fascinating & interesting how people lived then. How different each culture was. I recommend this read to anyone who like adventure and with some history thrown in!

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I am a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon and Sara Donati and am always looking for a series of books with great characters that I feel compelled to invest my time in. These books do not disappoint with great and believable storylines, interesting and likeable characters, great historical background and excellent descriptions. Most importantly, the main character is someone you can root for and believe in. You won't be able to leave Ceridwen behind after book one. She will call to you and you will need to know what lies ahead for her.

Amazing saga! I well and truly enjoyed getting to know the characters and going on their adventures with them. I would recommend the whole saga to everyone. I can't wait for book six to come out, going through withdrawal waiting!