Customer Reviews

Legend of the Celtic Stone (Caledonia Series, Book 1)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In Legend of the Celtic Stone (Caledonia, 1) Michael Phillips lives up to the tradition of the late James Michener. It is a magnificent historical novel. It is not only a story of a young MP thrust into the forefront of British political renown, but the story of a great land and the people whom the land shaped and formed as much as the standing stone monuments that were carved by its people in antiquity. From stone-age Celts who conquered the rugged Highlands, Poet-Bards that recorded the history where there was little writing and no books, Druids who were teachers, priests, healers and judges, to Saints who conquered the souls of a fierce and deeply spiritual people. It is a story of political intrigue that spans from the slaughter of the MacDonald at Glencoe to the political jockeying for power of today. Through out the story there is the land, whether it is called Alba, Caledonia or Scotland, its very stones, the bones of the land, are as much a part of the present as the past. I was transported through time and space to a land who's sights and sounds fires my blood and makes me proud to be descended from that proud race. I can not wait for the next installment!

Michael Phillips' presents an invitation at the beginning of this epic, an invitation to spend time with his book, to enjoy it. I accepted the invitation with a slight sense of skepticism--I'm often frustrated by the mediocre quality of Christian fiction, and this was the first Phillips' book I'd attempted...But I was soon carried away! Swept into a past, rich with characters, description, and historical relevance. The writing was superlative, the story compelling, and the mood vibrant with color and emotion. I was reminded more than once of the emotions and awe I sensed while reading "The Clan of the Cave Bear." I'm overjoyed to see a well-written novel of this grandeur published by Bethany House. Sure, this novel will be too long for some readers, too involved for some thrill-seekers, but my hats off to author and publisher for presenting quality literature for those willing to invest their time...It was worth it! Where's book two?

This book was a rich taspitry of history told through the eyes of a troubled young man searching for self and where he fit in whole picture. I was hesitant to read this book knowing it came from a Christian publisher but the story premise was too compelling to pass up. I was mesmerized at the different albiet fictional accounts of the history of the Celts across history. I couldn't put it down, the top layer story was what held the whole concept together inviting the reader to quickly return to see what had happened next. The only draw back I had with the story was the heavy hand,at times, to make the Druids the bad guys implying now anyone who practises this is somehow evil. I am not sure why I expected something different from the author and his choice of publisher on this element, but all and all it didn't take much away from the story and I eagerly await the next installment in this uniquely plotted saga. I sure am glad to see that there are still publishers willing to publish the saga historicals of the past. This book is not to be missed by any serious readers who are looking for richly detailed Celtic stories. Jody Allen, Charter Member of RIO- Reviewers International Organization

I have rarely read a book so expansive in its coverage of history and emotion. I was fascinated at the authors treatment of each people group he introduced and was left wishing the second volume had been on the bookstore shelves already! Anyone with a drop of Irish or Scottish blood in them will positively thrill to be associated with so great a legacy. While it is a fictional interpretation of history I found it definitely plausible and a great workout for the imagination. Awesome.

I am always on the look out for good Scottish historical novels and a love of that land has been ingrained in me since I was a child. While browsing the shelves at B&N one day, looking for something entirely different, I stumbled upon this jewel of Scottish history. The cover and title snagged my attention and I only had to read 3 sentences to get completely drawn in. Unable to put it down, I bought it for a price I probably shouldn't have payed but it was entirely worth it! The touching story of the Maiden of Glencoe had me, someone who doesn't usually get emotional over books, in tears and it leaves you with a feeling of great despisement for the English (not that I hate the English... but you get my point!). The book does slow a little toward the end but it still carried me away to a place that I never wanted to come back from! An excellent read and I would recommend it to anyone with a love of history, particularly that of ancient Caledonia! Even if you dislike and were bored with other books by this author (like I was), you will be in for a lovely treat!

I just finished it. It's brilliantly done. Very enjoyable the way the author weaves scraps of fact into the fiction that is this novel. I enjoyed every page.

I was very intrigued by the author's rendition of the history of Scotland. The way that the kernels of history were expressed as portraits of its people was impressive. I would re-read the book to absorb more of the history. But I wasn't all that interested in the alternating story of Andrew. I didn't care enough about him as a character. I like the idea of contrasting the ancient with the modern, but the modern story seemed too flat to me.

This was my first stab at historical fiction, and I was pleasantly surprised. If you are interested in Scottish history told with imagination, you will probably enjoy this book.

Once I got into this story, I couldn't put it down. Every intertwining storyline caught my interest and pulled me further along in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense both from a criminal and from a romantic point of view.

Legend of the Celtic Stone and An Ancient Strife, by Michael Phillips, are the two books in the Celtic Series. They are historical novels set in the beautiful highlands of Scotland, infused with mystery, romance, and adventure, that have been beautifully executed and written. The language and story lines are flowing, clear and enticing. Scottish history is set out in its entirety in a storybook manner woven masterfully into the present-day plot throughout the two books in the series, making the telling of the history so easy and delicious! Character development, both of the present-day and the historical characters, made me feel like I knew them all well. This amazing series makes learning Scottish history fun and so incredibly enjoyable. The books make me want to go to Scotland above all other places! Michael Phillips is an author par excellence. He writes well-researched, clean and entertaining historical novels that are without rival. I will happily read (and have read) anything he has written. I recommend him without hesitation. He doesn't need or use foul language or steamy scenes to make his books exciting and magnetic. His use of history and plot make all his novels, but especially these two (they are my favorites of his works) so engrossing that I find myself lost in the story and oblivious to whatever needs to be done in my home! In fact, the particular set I ordered from Amazon of the Celtis series I sent to my mother! Now I will order another set to keep for my own personal library, as I initially read these books from our public library. I will read them again and again, so why not own them myself?! Thanks, Amazon, for making these available to purchase! Great job!

I love the style of writing in the Caledonia Series! Phillips really draws you into the story! I love the history flash backs as well as the main line of the story. A great read definitely!