great historical fiction, around 600-700 AD Britain. a little bit of magic, but mostly the culture and land. it's got to have a sequel.

Originally posted here.

This story begins when Essa is nine years old and has just been abandoned by his father. I felt an immediate liking and sympathy for Essa that never abated as the story moved forward. He has a short temper, and sometimes makes ridiculously stupid decisions, but I liked him all the more for those weaknesses. He finds himself caught up in a war he wants no part of and at the center of a political struggle he was not prepared to face. No matter what choices he makes he is going to have to betray someone he likes. The complexities involved in all of his decisions made for a riveting story. The setting is wonderful and the time period depicted exactly right. The author did a good job conveying the harsh realities and the simple joys the people would have experienced. The tension in the story between the old ways and the new Christianity was also pitch perfect.

I only had one issue with the book, which other people might not find as annoying. There was a supernatural element in the story that detracted from my enjoyment. Essa is able to commune with animal spirits. He can calm them, send them where he wants them to go, and see what they see. I am all for fantastical elements in stories, but here I felt that it detracted from, rather than added to the plot. It seemed like a convenient way of turning events in Essa's favor and nothing more. It is a major part of the story and plays a rather large role in the outcome so I was annoyed a great deal. Otherwise, this would have been a good solid work of historical fiction.

I can see fans of Rosemary Sutcliff enjoying this, particularly if they can overlook the issue I had. It's not as good as her stuff but will do if you are looking for something similar.

This is a great historical story set in medieval times that has themes of honor, betrayal, and love. It was a fun read, with a lot of action in the plot.

For Rosemary Sutcliff fans.

In AD 631 Britain, Essa and his father travel from village to village. Essa's father, Cai, is a storyteller and musician. Cai leaves Essa in a village with his foster sister Hild and doesn't return. Essa has a lot to learn about who he is, who is father is, and the politics of the time.

This book is great for anyone interested in this time period. You get to see a lot about life through Essa's eyes. The author's note at the end puts everything in context.

Searching out historical fiction for the time period of Saxons taking over England.

This was a young adult book. Maybe I just don't like young adult anymore, but this book didn't quite go deep enough for me.

Interesting historical discussion about conquering and battle. Intrigue, character who grows up. This might be interesting to my boys.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me back to my childhood when I read Norse mythology, history, and tales of the Vikings, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and more invading Britain and other parts of Europe. The clash of cultures, languages, and religions makes for great drama.

I enjoyed Bloodline Rising so much, I thought I should try this one. It gave some good background, and Essa’s story is great in its own right. But in a way, I’m glad I read them in reverse order–Cai would have come across as a bit brattier if my sympathies had been with Essa. Also, I think BR is the better book. Not that Bloodline is bad at all, but Moran’s growth as a writer is clearly evident. [Nov. 2011]

A novel set in the Dark Ages. The only fantastical element in the story is that Shamanistic spirit journeys are real.

Moran's debut novel suffers some odd flaws: certain plot elements are developed then just peter out to nothing e.g. there is a bit when the protagonists are lost in the forest and starving - a big thing is made of this, then suddenly, they get where they are going and are fed. The whole incident could have been omitted with no loss since there isn't even any resulting character development. The book also ends without really resolving the main plot; it's as if at least one sequel is intended though there is no indication that one will be forth-coming either in the text or on the back cover blurb. So that was a bit disappointing.

The aspect I liked most was the Dark Ages setting, with "British" and "Anglish" being spoken by adjacent tribes and the conversion to Christianity not yet complete; a setting where strong female characters in leadership roles and women who can fight are not obvious anachronisms but historically realistic characterisations.

A very quick check tells me that two sequels have been published and the fourth book has been delivered to the publisher, so I can let Ms.Moran off the unresolved main plot charge! Also, one or two of the disappearing plot threads may be ground work for these sequels - although the example I gave clearly isn't. I'd happily give Bloodline Rising a go - rating rises to *** in light of the new info!