,,,I think this book is a brilliant piece of fiction, an intelligent fantasy about the pagan culture of medieval Europe. When you start reading it you just get lost in it, you feel like you're really there. I think it's as close as we'll ever get to experiencing pagan life in the Middle Ages. I've read other Ann Chamberlin books and I think she's really a fine writer; I know that The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well was named "One of the Ten Best Fantasy and SF Novels of the Year" by Booklist. If you like really good historical novels and/or fantasy novels, fine prose, and a compelling story, you'll love this. Happy reading!

In 1425 France, soldiers' blood continues to flows as decades of war divides the country. England and Burgundy occupy land that rightfully belongs to the French. Soldier-witch Gilles de Raes and his milk brother witch Yann know that the nation will continue to be a river of blood before Merlin's prophecy will save the earth in the guise of a maid from the Bois-Chenau.

In Domenry, Jehannette D'Arc wears the red kirtlee that signifies she is not available for courting. She hears voices in her head that she believes is God telling her what he wants her to do. Unlike most females, Jehannette can ride a horse and fight as good as any male. To many she is the incarnation of Merlin's prophecy and they are ready to follow her into hell once she gives the signal.

Ann Chamberlin writes a powerful mix of mysticism and fact to create the exhaling THE MERLIN OF THE OAK WOODS, setting the stage for Joan of Arc's endeavor to drive invaders from French soil. The juxtaposition of battle scenes with a child growing into a warrior-woman is believable and quite colorful. The only drawback to this powerful historical novel is that readers will need to wait one year for book two.

Harriet Klausner

For those of you with German on your schedules, this unique book presents a breakthrough technique for learning to speak German quickly. The author, a national think tank consultant, introduces a brand new way of learning languages in only 12 weeks! The interesting aspect of the technique is that it builds upon the language knowledge we already have. Using the technique, a novice can mentally identify up to 3,000 English cognate words and mentally transform them into correct German words --- without a dictionary or memorization.

German grammar in The Little German Notebook has been greatly simplified through a series of innovative techniques, tips and short-cuts. Sentences in early speaking are largely constructed with transformed English words; however, a few key native German words must be learned and added to complete the sentences. Simple tips are also provided for multiplying one's basic vocabulary into many thousands of additional German words.

The 40 beautiful German photos alone are worth getting the book. It could be used as a 12-week introductory course, or as a study aid for accelerating learning, or as a self-teaching tool. I believe that, if I studied diligently for the required 12 weeks, I could learn enough German to get by. The accent, well that's another story. Think anyone would believe I'm from South Germany?

I borrowed this book from the library and found it so captivating and enjoyable that I plan to buy. It is definitely a book you would likely read more than once.

The basis of the book is a story of pagan religion & magic in France -- it is told from the point of view of the main character (a child) who grows up seeing horrible violence and wonderful magic. He learns about life and love and the wonders of magic and the world. Ann Chamberlin tells the story with such clarity that you can picture what it was like during that century, you can picture the fantastic situations as they happen -- a wonderful writer! Any fantasy enthusiast will enjoy this story. Wonderful book!

I look forward to book two with great enthusiasm!

For historical and fantasy fiction lovers, "The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well" is right on target. And Ann Chamerlin begins a promising Joan of Arc series!

It is the early 15th century and is the story of Jean Le Drapier, who is a crippled man with his own "magical powers" (ala Merlin) and a French nobleman Gilles de Rais. Gilles is "destined" one day to fight alongside the Maid of Orleans herself; he will also become the progenitor of the Bluebeard legends! As in the actual story, this novel examines the internal political, social, and religious struggles among the people of France and does so in a most appealing manner!

As the story begins, Guy de Rais, who is poaching on illegal grounds, accidentally shoots in the hand a young peasant boy, Yann, who, naturally (or "unnaturally") becomes infected; the wound cripples him and he begins to have fits and see visions--he sees the salvation of France through Joan of Arc, among other "sights." There is the traditional hermit, who insists that de Rais become resonsible for the child's upbringing. (De Rais has a son named Gilles, who grows up with Yann.) And while this may be reminiscent of Mary Stewart's Merlin/Arthur trilogy ("The Crystal Cave," etc.), Chamberlin's story stands on its own.

As the story progresses Yann and Gilles explore--and embrace--the Old Religion and during ritual ceremonies, Gilles tatoos himself (chin: blue--hence, "Bluebeard"). Guy de Rais attacks these rituals (he is not an advocate of the Old Religion) and mortally wounds the hermit. Yann issues a curse (they all die soon after!) and inherits the shrine. The beauty of fiction is that the author is permitted to take liberties and Chamberlin does with the historical accounts; but no matter. This is fiction--and fantasy fiction at that--and as such the author has created an exciting, compelling work. We can only encourage her to publish the next episode. (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

It's not an easy feat to write a fantasy novel that will stand out from others, but that is exactly what Ann Chamberlain has done. She has adeptly managed to seamlessly blend truth, fiction and myth in a story that transports readers to another time and place. Although there are instances where the names and places were a bit confusing, it was easy to overlook that and focus on how skillfully the story was told. It read more like history than fantasy and at times I had to remind myself that the spells of magic in the book were fictional...or weren't they? That's what Ms.Chamberlain makes you think and feel. At some points in the book I felt the influence of pagan rites (for lack of a better term) and realized that she had successfully woven it into her story and managed to show it in a better light than others have previously done. In this story the heretical and heathenish behavior unfavored by the Catholic church was shown to the reader to have origins of good intentions--something that I'd never seen before in a book. Ms. Chamberlain's storytelling also was successful in creating characters that were extremely likeable and/or despicable. I pitied Jean Le Drapier and also liked and disliked Gilles, his milk-brother. I have yet to make a determination about his character until the next book, which unfortunately won't be out for several months. For me, this book is exceptionally good and I'll be sure to put it right next to my other favorite trilogy: The Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series by Tad Williams.