Customer Reviews

Once A Goddess

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4 star:		(1)
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I have never read anything like this before. I am new to Kindle and have been downloading dozens of free and inexpensive books from many genres. This book immediately captured my attention because of the magical and mythical happenings. The main character is a strong, female searching both for love and the truth. She has many roles ranging from gathering herbs for healing to fighting in battle. There are many twists to this story. I was very pleased to find out this is the first novel of a series. I can't wait to read more from this new author, Sheila Lamb.

If you liked The Mists of Avalon, you'll like this! Twists in the plot kept me turning the pages. There is nothing better than finding a book that allows you live and breathe with the characters. Brigid captured my heart. I can't wait to read more!

This was such a stirring story. I enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series when the time comes.

Although a work of fiction, it was truly wonderful learning about the Túatha dé Danann and of the Fomorians. Not to mention the Fir Bolgs. I kept trying to picture what these ancient races would have been like so long ago. While they are a part of Irish mythology, Sheila was able to paint such a vivid picture of their customs, and of what they were like, that you feel drawn to the lives of all the characters found within her story.

Brigid, who was forced at a young age to uphold a treaty between her people and those of the Fomorians, never really knew what she was getting herself into. Sacrificing all hope of ever finding her anam cara, she reluctantly enters an arranged marriage with Bres, a man who's the next in line to be chieftain of his race. One who is willing to do anything to maintain his position in all that he does.

Hating the fact that she's been married off to Bres and sent to spy on the enemy, she does her best to overcome a bitter rivalry with Morrigan, another woman who seeks her husbands attentions, while also trying to maintain the peace within both tribes. As time goes by, she comes to realize that her anam cara does indeed exist. Yet she knows that they can never be. A fact that breaks her heart over and over again.

As tensions rise, and invasion is inevitable, Brigid realizes that there are too many lies and deceptions being played by both sides. Feeling betrayed by those she's always loved, she finds it difficult to forgive their treachery. Despite this, she resolves to make the best of things, while protecting those that she loves more than life itself.

What a delightful book! It's a wonderful combination of history, folklore, romance, and action all rolled into one. I loved the main character, Brigid, a strong character in so many ways, and the allegiance she has to her husband and to her country. This book is full of surprises. Just when I thought I was going to put it down for the day, I was hooked and had to continue reading.

I can't wait for the the next in the series.

Once A Goddess, the first in Sheila's trilogy about Brigid of Ireland, is an historical fantasy about Irish mythology that works even for people who aren't familiar with the genre, as I was not. The novel features well-drawn characters, compelling conflicts and evocative descriptions. It's a winner! I hope for more from this young writer.

Reviewed by SJ Byrne, PYN Reviewer

'Once a Goddess' is a unique Celtic tale of love, family ties, and duty to one's community. Brigid is a member of the legendary clan of the Tuatha de Danann, 'Eire's earliest inhabitants, and has been pressed into the service of her people. Sacrificing any possible chance of finding her soul mate or 'anam cara', in order to protect the future of her family from being wiped out by the enemy clan of Fomorians, Brigid marries into an enemy clan.

Living in a foreign camp, that has taken over parts of her beloved land, Brigid somehow finds within her heart the ability to accept and adjust to her new position. While forging a stronger bond with her husband Bres, son of the current Fomorian chieftain, whom she admires but fears she will never love, Brigid discovers her 'anam cara' is a member of the new community she calls home. Together, the inappropriate couple learns what it means to sacrifice all for the benefit of others.

With 'Once a Goddess', Sheila R. Lamb has created a work of historical fiction that enlightens and entertains. Some of the concepts put forth about the fabled Tuatha de Danann are simplistic and reasonable, leaving the reader asking why they never thought of it. An engaging tale, with only a few technical errors that don't distract from the experience, I enjoyed reading this book and exploring the mythical world created by Shiela R. Lamb.

I enjoy historical fiction because a story can sweep me into foreign lands and eras in the past I know little about. Once A Goddess, by Sheila R. Lamb introduces to three sets people named the Túatha dé Danann, the Fomorians, and the Fir Bolgs in ancient, mythological Ireland.

From the moment I began reading, the rich prose set a vivid picture and endeared me to Brigid, a young woman obligated to marry Bres, the future chief of an enemy tribe, in order to keep peace between them. But she is expected to spy and report findings to her village leaders. As she adjusts to the foreign ways of her new village, Bres is a good husband. But soon, dark secrets arise to threaten their peace. Thrust into a near impossible situations, Brigid must make some hard choices, and it is this, in addition to the tantalizing way in which the author reveals the secrets, that drives the story.

Unrequited love, passionate liaisons, lies and deception, treachery and betrayal line this novels pages. It is an emotionally provocative and compelling story and I enjoyed the exotic setting and adventure this story offers. A unique book worth reading and highly recommended.

"Once A Goddess" was a profoundly magical story about a woman named Brigid who, in the middle of a battle between two tribes, must choose between what her heart tells her to do and what everyone else believes is right.

I absolutely loved this story and how the words just flowed so nicely. The characters were written very well and had real depth. The emotions evoked from this book were so real and empathetic that I couldn't help the few tears that were shed for the characters. Brigid was a strong woman and even though she made mistakes she really was a beautiful woman and I admire her. The setting couldn't have been a more perfect place for a story filled with adventure and magic. The imagery was beautiful and very detailed as well. If you wish to get lost in a world where myths and legends are reality then check out "Once A Goddess" by Sheila R. Lamb.