Daughter of Black Lake

 

By Cathy Marie Buchanan

Adult Fiction

Reviewed by Angela-Manitou Branch Administrator

    Daughter of Black Lake is set during the time of the Romans invasion of Britain.  The Romans intended to bring the fragmented pagan tribes under their rule and wanted to erase the remaining Druids and their beliefs.

    Hobble is the daughter of the village blacksmith (Smith) and his mate, Devout, a sought-after healer who knows every plant that grows in the forest.  Hobble was born with a disability that ranks her among the runts of the village, but she also has a gift-she is a seer who can catch glimpses of what is to come.

    As the Roman army draws closer, a fanatical Druid priest named Fox arrives and disrupts the order of their lives.  He enflames old rivalries in an attempt to undermine Smith's authority as Head Man of the village, and force the tribesmen to join in a battle against the Romans.

    When Fox discovers Hobble's secret, he forces her to prophesy the outcome of the battle.  He decides a terrible sacrifice to the Gods is necessary-a sacrifice like that of days gone by-the blood of the village runt.

    This is a fast paced novel that tells the full story of Hobble and Devout, and the consequences of a love that Hobble's mother could never let go.  The setting is unusual and gives a glimpse into life during the pre-Christian era of Britain.  It's well worth a read if you like historical novels.

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