Fires of Belenus [Paperback]

William H. Russeth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2007

"Fires of Belenus" is a romantic tale, that tantalizes readers with rational portrayals of mythical events found in the Cú Chulainn and Arthurian legends. The Sword in the Stone, Lady of Lake, and Cú Chulainn's stand at the river ford are brought to life in plausible new ways that make the work unique. It is a tale of Historical Fantasy, made believable by accurately portraying ancient Celtic culture. A thousand years before the Romans, Celtic people cultivated the Rhone Valley. Celtic languages were spoken from Asia Minor to Spain and from Northern Italy to Ireland. By the third century BC, their culture had evolved into a complex civilization with sophisticated social structures, laws, and folklore that are the roots of modern European culture. But the Celtic world was a violent world, controlled by mystical Druids and warrior chieftains, ready to take the heads of their rivals over the most trifling insult. When a meteorite plunges deep into the heart of Celtica, the blinding flash turns night into day and the impact flattens miles of countryside. A great sword is forged from the sky stone that is prophesized to shape the destinies of future generations. Warrior chiefs and scheming Druids vie for ownership of the wondrous blade, cutting a trail of blood and murder across the Celtic world. It falls on Eoan, a mere boy on the edge of manhood, to embark on a quest, against insurmountable odds to retrieve the sword and rescue his love, Roisin, from the sacrificial fires of Belenus. Pitted against Cimbri mercenaries and ruthless warlords, he races against time to save her. Beguiled by Roisin's mesmeric beauty, he is not even sure that she loves him in return. He only knows the path of the sword's destiny runs through his heart.

Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: Wings ePress (2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1597057525
• ISBN-13: 978-1597057523
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,750,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A retiree from corporate life, I am spending my time playing golf, traveling and writing adventure stories set in the ancient world. My first novel "The Fires of Belenus" was released in December 2007, Wings-Press. www.wings-press.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Celts Meet Captivating Story Line, August 22, 2009

By 

Megan Sutherland (Higginsville, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fires of Belenus (Paperback)

I decided to buy this book after reading its review in Renaissance magazine. William H. Russeth brings ancient characters to life, from sensitive Eoan to Thuringa (the ancient version of a thug). Russeth delves deeply into the everyday life of a person living in this time, from blacksmith to Druid to Ard Ri (King?). While the main conflict involves the ownership of of a sword forged froma meteorite, human relationships are also a main focus. Although a love story, Fires of Belenus is by no means "cheesy" or "mushy". True to the time and culture, violence and blood shed are a part of this great read. However, Russeth includes this aspect of everyday life in such a way that is realistic, yet able to stomach. Lovers of history and Arthurian Legend, I highly recommend Fires of Belenus.

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative fantasy/romance, July 23, 2011

By 

Jane Thompson (Georgetown, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fires of Belenus (Paperback)

Fires of Belenus This is a fascinating story of a special sword forgeed of a meteroite and sacred to Authur--its deeds are amazing.
It is also the story of humans who forged the sword and who live and die in their efforts to own this special weapon. The people in this book are sensitive and brutal, kind and rough. It is well-written and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.