Customer Reviews

The Stronghold (A Kelpie Paperback)

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The Stronghold was well written literary work that presents religion and tradition of a culture far gone from society today in a modern tone. The character development was intense and I found myself unable to set the book down. As a young man growing up in a society controlled by Druid leaders, Coll, the main character suffered through an attack by Roman raiders that would leave him physically and emotionally wounded for years. The genius of the young man was hidden by a physical disability. The community's success relied solely on physiques of each individual, and their steadfast hold to the Druid belief system. Consequently, Coll's value to the community is overlooked. That is until Coll presents his ideas about his Stronghold. The Stronghold is a structure flawless in defense mechanisms. Only a close group of peers hold faith in Coll's genius. I honestly enjoyed reading this novel. My 11th grade British Literature teacher suggested it to me. This is the first of Mollie Hunters works that I have been exposed to, and am looking forward to reading other novels Hunter has written.

The Stronghold by Mollie Hunter was a pretty decent historical book. It was interesting, though it did have its flaws. The story follows Coll. He is a very young man who was crippled during childhood by a Roman raid on his Scottish people. He has spent his entire life planning to build a stronghold which would hold off the raiders. He has had difficulties trying to sell his idea to the leaders of his village. Coll has also fallen in love with the chieftan's daughter and cannot marry her because of his weakness. Coll's life is further complicated when a traitor moves into his village and begins to scheme to take power. Coll has to try to solve all of these problems. The novel reaches its climax when the village is eventually attacked by its enemies. The novel is fairly exciting. My problems with it are only with how people react to certain situations. For instance, it is hard to believe that Coll, as a four-year old child, began to design his stronghold. Some of the dialogue was bothersome, too. Overall, I did like the book, and I would recommend it to someone who enjoys historic literature. I do not think that this should have won the Carnegie Medal.