this is a unique and wonderful work, studded with all sorts of meaningful connections to the ancient knowlege. completely unpredicatble, i dont know why this work has been apparently forgotten. sequled by the crystal sword, and then the rainbow sword. i have not found any of the others past that. YET.

This book along with the rest of the series truly embraces the Celtic spirit. A MUST for any with the heart of a Celtic warrior. Tis a shame to see the series out of print.

I bought this book years ago. And every time I read it ,it just gets better. To bad its out of print. The book leads you to beleave its the start of a series. To my disapointment none that I know of exist.

This is a wonderful book for people who like fantasy and romance in a historical setting. Eleanor is a young woman, a student of history and folklore. She wakes to find herself in 13th century Europe, summoned by a goddess to restore a throne, and to fight the Darkness that moves to overtake the world. This book follows her adventures and hardships as she struggles with her quest, her growing magical powers and love in the form of a hardheaded irishman. The book is beautifully written, and the history of an alternate world is mesmerising. A real find.

The strangest thing about this fantasy trilogy is that it is not a new story. It is both a retelling of an Irish folk legend and a modern fantasy trilogy, and it succeeds admirably as both. This series will appeal to Celtophiles and fantasy buffs everywhere, as well as those who simply enjoy a good story whatever the genre. The Gaelic names and place spellings lend it a taste of authenticity that may be deceptive, but enhance the cultural feel of the story.

This first book covers the childhood and coming of age of Fionn Mac Cumhal (Demne Mael as he is called in his childhood), the Irish hero and sage of legend. Fans of Ender's Game or other Orson Scott Card books will likely enjoy the saga of this boy, destined for greatness, finding his identity and coming into the legacy left by his parents. Card seems to excel in this sort of story, and this pair of authors do it quite well in this book.

The authors bravely struggle to fit into the story all the events that are attributed to Fionn in his lifetime, which sometimes happens at the cost of the fluidity of the story. This is rare, though, and for the most part, the story flows smoothly and interestingly. Where most folklore is told in a dry academic style, this telling is more immersed in the style of modern fiction, which is a very refreshing change. There should be more of its kind in the world.

Instead of a new story, the authors tell a good story and at the same time educate the reader in Irish folklore. A good series, and a fantastic legend retold in fascinating style. A good book if you can find it.