Druid of Locherbith
Maggie Kelley & J. P. Ronan
(Guest Reviewer - Jay McDonald)
2001 BookSurge Publishing
ISBN: 1588982041

In a time long since past, life upon the isle of Mahr obeys the ways of the Druid.

Guest Reviewer Jay McDonald writes:

Here the spirits of the Banshee & Pouka dwell. & little people live eternally in fairy mounds below the ground under the land occupied by ever changing human presence.

The young boy, Cavan is to become a man in the tradition of the mystic orders of Druid & Bard. Cavan's grandmother, Muira & her children are the focus of this collection of tales. Her life in past & present is the centerpiece for mythical adventures with Hugh Mohr, the King of the Fairy People. By their interactions the customs & practices of Druid, & Celtic Fairy are discovered.

Muira is to send Cavan to the city of Cliath, the place of learning for Druids. There he shall serve & learn. In order to prepare him for his imminent life as a man full grown, Muira instructs him in the history of magic in his family.

King Oiche is uncle to Cavan & Ruler of the West. Oiche's lance is made from metal & fire given down from the Heavens. His ascent to the throne is by proper use of its magical power & the aid of the most powerful deity, Maeve, who governs all doings upon of the island. The many heroic feats of Oiche have become legends. Muira relates the unknown truths of these deeds in her accounts to Cavan.

It comes early into the story that an evil queen, Almidah, of the powerful Empire of Emor conspires to invade & enslave the people of Mahr. Oiche organizes the populace of the island & constructs a plan to resist the invaders. Muira & Hugh Mohr organize Druid & Fairy magic to repel the coming invasion. Much improvised enchantment unfolds in the course of the battles.

Most engaging is Muira's use of the magic of Lake Locherbith to render visions of the past & present. In the reflections of the Moon upon the night waters Muira conjures living images & sounds from now & before. With Cavan at her side, Queen Alimdah's private life & secrets are witnessed & exposed.

Artisans have beautifully illustrated this fairy account & the narrative is imparted in the manner of the old world. Plots & subplots weave unfolding the dearest legends of the prehistoric Celtic realm. Although the story begins slowly, suspense, magic, intrigue fill the pages through to the climax with the arrival of the grand invasion of the island of Mahr.

Becoming lost in a world of fairy tales is the goal achieved by the author. I was fully transported into the ancient life of the Druid of Locherbith.

More from J. P. Ronan:
Inspirations
Mystery in Meezgole
(10/10/04)

Guest Reviewer - Jay McDonald
2004©Jay McDonald