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The Druid

The Dawning of Muirwood, Book 1

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About this listen

An abandoned child becomes a singular inspiration to the mythology of Muirwood in an epic series by Jeff Wheeler, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Muirwood and Kingfountain novels.

Eilean was born a “wretched”—a lowly foundling raised by the Aldermaston of Tintern Abbey. Then she’s chosen to assist in establishing the new abbey of Muirwood, now the site of a castle in the swampy Bearden Muir. Eilean’s role is as night servant to the druid Mordaunt, the king’s exiled advisor—and prisoner. He’s clever, dangerous, and invaluable to the Aldermaston.

Mordaunt’s priceless secret: the hiding place of an ancient tome that reveals the existence of other worlds and the magic between them. Mordaunt knows how potent its words are and how dangerous they could be in the wrong hands. But can Eilean win him over? All she must do is gain Mordaunt’s confidence and trust and persuade the apostate to divulge his secret to her. But as she learns more from Mordaunt, Eilean’s loyalties begin to fray. And the risks are greater than she imagined.

Despite betrayals, deceptions, and the deadly motivations of others, a girl from the flax fields is about to rise above her station. By exploring the potential of the power of an ancient spoken magic, Eilean is coming into her own.

©2022 by Jeff Wheeler (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Coming of Age Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Magic Magic Users

Critic reviews

“Wheeler loads his tale with magic, intrigue, and believably conflicted characters. Readers will be impatient to know what happens next.”Publishers Weekly

“Action and intrigue are Wheeler’s bread and butter, as are stories with the core value of virtue without ambiguity and gratuitous violence, all on display here.”Booklist

“A superbly crafted novel of magic, fantasy, and mythology.”—Midwest Book Review

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Really enjoyed the book. The plot is good and the characters are well rounded and likeable.

Engrossing

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The story was brilliant, well written and full of detail. A wonderful tale.
The narrator was fine for female voices, but absolutely dreadful at male voices. So that detracted from the story as her voice at times was grating.

Gripping story

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The writing is ok, interesting story, but I couldn't stand the narration. I could barely finish listening. Just not to my taste.

Ok

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I liked the idea of linking the two different worlds and the references to previous books and later books

Character development

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Kate Rudd brings this fantasy story to life.
woven around religion's pagan, Christian in all its forms and old and new testament.
Including Martin Luther and the inquisition.
A good start to this epic for anyone interested in religious history or just a good fantasy.

Great performance of a very good story

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