Into the Path of Gods (Book 1 of the Macsen's Treasure Series) (Macsen's Treasure Series/Kathleen Cunningham Guler) (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Fleeing the destruction of her village and an enforced betrothal, Claerwen encounters a pair of men destined to link her fate to that of gods and kings. This first novel by Celtic historian Guler serves as an introduction to a series of pre-Arthurian fantasies revolving around the search for five legendary treasures?symbols of the High King of Britain. Despite some lapses in continuity, this romantic saga of adventure and intrigue belongs in most fantasy collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

". . .this romantic saga of adventure and intrigue belongs in most [library] collections." -- Library Journal, February 15, 1998

"If you liked King Arthur's Britain, the March [issue of British Heritage], and you're honest enough to admit that you secretly revel in the pleasure of a good romance, you will certainly enjoy Into the Path of Gods by Kathleen Cunningham Guler. . .

. . .Guler proves herself to be a historian at heart. . .This is what elevates Into the Path of Gods above the level of the typical steamy grocery-store romance. Guler has definitely done her homework and produced an historically accurate piece of fiction that not only addresses the complex issues associated with pre-Arthurian Britain, but also attempts to answer them with her own fictionalized theories.

Best of all, the book retains the page-turning, all-absorbing, can't-put-it-down thrill of the romance. Fortunately, Into the Path of Gods is only the first in a series of four books. Guler is currently hard at work on the second novel, which will be ready none too soon for me." -- British Heritage, April/May 1998

"Into the Path of Gods is a superb historical novel. . ." -- Midwest Book Review, April 1998

"We find ourselves caught up in and enchanted by this tale that Guler has spun for us out of legend. . .Into the Path of Gods is part mystery, part love story and part-imagined and part- genuine history. . .Guler brings to her tale the talents of an able historian, painting vivid pictures of life in those times. . .Besides the captivating story, we learn from this book fascinating history lessons of what Sir Thomas Malory [Le Morte d'Arthur] called matters of Britain. . .Into the Path of Gods not only enchants us, it also transports us back into our ancestral past. I for one am eagerly anticipating the second book in [the] Macsen's Treasure series." -- Keltic Fringe , Winter 1997/98

". . .this romantic saga of adventure and intrigue belongs in most [library] collections." -- Library Journal, February 15, 1998<br /><br />"If you liked King Arthur's Britain, the March [issue of British Heritage], and you're honest enough to admit that you secretly revel in the pleasure of a good romance, you will certainly enjoy Into the Path of Gods by Kathleen Cunningham Guler. . .

. . .Guler proves herself to be a historian at heart. . .This is what elevates Into the Path of Gods above the level of the typical steamy grocery-store romance. Guler has definitely done her homework and produced an historically accurate piece of fiction that not only addresses the complex issues associated with pre-Arthurian Britain, but also attempts to answer them with her own fictionalized theories.

Best of all, the book retains the page-turning, all-absorbing, can't-put-it-down thrill of the romance. Fortunately, Into the Path of Gods is only the first in a series of four books. Guler is currently hard at work on the second novel, which will be ready none too soon for me." -- British Heritage, April/May 1998<br /><br />"Into the Path of Gods is a superb historical novel. . ." -- Midwest Book Review, April 1998<br /><br />"We find ourselves caught up in and enchanted by this tale that Guler has spun for us out of legend. . .Into the Path of Gods is part mystery, part love story and part-imagined and part- genuine history. . .Guler brings to her tale the talents of an able historian, painting vivid pictures of life in those times. . .Besides the captivating story, we learn from this book fascinating history lessons of what Sir Thomas Malory [Le Morte d'Arthur] called matters of Britain. . .Into the Path of Gods not only enchants us, it also transports us back into our ancestral past. I for one am eagerly anticipating the second book in [the] Macsen's Treasure series." --Keltic Fringe , Winter 1997/98

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 413 pages
• Publisher: Bardsong Press; 1st edition (March 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966037103
• ISBN-13: 978-0966037104
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #122,803 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pre-Arthurian Adventure, Intrigue, Betrayal & Greed-WILD!, January 14, 2004

By	Kimberly Gelderman (Spring Lake, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was totally unprepared for this magnificent book! This is a sweeping epic of a story that will span four books in the series of the turbulent and exciting years before King Arthur's reign. The scope of this story and the way the author keeps you guessing from moment to moment, in suspense, to read the next passage is "magically" amazing. I was not prepared for such a wild ride!

This is the story of Marcus ap Iowerth, Welsh spy and "master of disguise" and Clarwen, a woman touched by the "sight" or "fire in the head," as precognition is known. Their adventures are never ending and leave the reader breathless, craving more and more! The plot centers on Macsen's Treasure, which is composed of a crown, torque, sword, spearhead, and grail. Whoever has any or all of these in their possession can claim the high kingship of Britain as they carry a sacred history. Also, in this novel we are introduced to Myrddin (Merlin), Aurelius Ambrosius, Myrddin's father and High King and the mysterious loner warrior named, "The Iron Hawk."

Read this book, otherwise you'll be missing out on a major talent: the author, Kathleen Cunningham Guler! She also has a second book published in this series, which I'm currently reading, "In the Shadow of Dragons," and am happy to report is just as exciting and surprising as her first novel! The following is an answer I received to a recent email communication with her:

"Thank you so much for the kind words! I am working on book #3 at this time and about halfway through the first draft. I'm hoping it will be done so it can be released in late 2005."

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant historical fiction and romance, October 30, 2001

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

During the fifth century AD, the hopes of most of Britain for a better life rest in the whispers of Arthur becoming the High King though some will refuse to cede power and will do anything to insure no one surfaces. However, as each year passes, the hope diminishes as no one steps forth to claim the crown. Needing assistance, Merlin recruits Welsh warrior, Marcus ap Iorwerth to work undercover in the search for the now legendary Arthur.

Claerwen escapes from one bad situation to another until she meets Marcus. He helps her understand her ability to see what no one else senses. As they fall in love, her visions lead them to the symbols of the High Kings of Britain, Macsen's Treasure. However, their powerful, sly foes are many. They cause Marcus to disappear and Claerwen must find a way to locate and rescue her beloved.

Medieval historical and Arthurian readers will enjoy INTO THE PATH OF GODS. The fast-paced story line vividly brings alive the second half of the fifth century in Britain. Marcus and Claerwen are a likable intrepid couple whose romantic elements will delight fans of that genre. The support cast adds depth so that the audience obtains a greater feel for the period than usually found in a novel. In her opening act of her four part saga, Kathleen Cunningham Guler provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the days leading up to Arthur's assent to the throne.

Harriet Klausner

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book reads like watching a movie, October 11, 2000

By A Customer

As I progressed with reading "Into the Path of Gods, I was very impressed with the outstanding description of the characters and the relevant scenery and environment. It was like watching a movie. Many times, I wished it was a movie that I could watch with my friends. As an engineer, I have very little time for pleasure reading as most of my time is needed for reading technical literature. But this book held my attention with its excitement, education and entertainment. I do hope it will be made into a movie and I look forward to the next volume in this series.