From Publishers Weekly
The eighth book of the Keltiad (after Blackmantle) goes back into the earlier days of this fantasy saga, which portrays the Celts as "gods from outer space." The novel deals with the destructive impact of the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, which in historical fact forced the Danaan to emigrate and gave rise to the legend of Brendan's Voyage. But in Kennealy-Morrison's telling, the emigrants are not only fleeing religious oppression by Christianity (for which the author, described by the publisher as "a priestess in a Celtic pagan tradition," seems to have no use whatever, at least in the form handed on by St. Paul), but they use starships instead of coracles, and Brendan is not a monk but the son of a Danaan nobleman and a princess of the Sidhe folk. This volume is a notable improvement over Blackmantle, with a less convoluted plot, faster pacing and more passages rich in lyric prose and Celtic folklore. It also doesn't demand that one swallow the portrayal of the late rocker Jim Morrison (the Celtic-rites husband of the author) as a bard of almost godlike gifts, cruelly done to death by treachery. Finally, the introduction and afterword provide a historical perspective on the whole Keltiad and this novel's place in it, marking the book as a useful beginning point for readers new to this megasaga.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
A new additionor, better yet, insertionto Kennealy-Morrison's sprawling saga about the space empire of Keltia. This is the eighth entry (following, most recently, Blackmantle, 1997), and returns to the origin of the entire sequence to tell the story of Brendan mac Fergus the shepherd. With the coming of Padraic, herald of Christianity in Ireland, Brendan realizes that the Old Ways are doomed and that Danaan magic will fade and disappear. So in the year 453 he leads a small band of Irish to build starships and head for new homes in space. Like the other books in the series, this one's all sprawling exposition, leisurely chat, copious Celtic lore, and many appendices where fans will be reassured to learn that at least 11 further additions are projected. Absolutely essential or utterly irrelevant, depending on your point of view. --
Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
