Celtic Mythology Fantasy Recommendations
Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters Trilogy)
Juliet Marillier
Tor Books, 2002, YA
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Marillier incorporates specifically Irish mythology into this story about Sorcha, the seventh child and only daughter of the Lord of Sevenwaters. After her mother’s death, Sorcha’s father marries an evil enchantress who binds Sorcha’s beloved brothers with a spell. In order to break the spell, she must not speak until she completes a quest given to her by the Fair Folk. When she is kidnapped and taken to a distant land, Sorcha despairs of ever completing her quest. And then finds a reason to stay where she is, and must choose between her new happiness and her desire to save her brothers.
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Library Journal:
As the only daughter and youngest child of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters, Sorcha grows up protected and pampered by her six older brothers. When a sorceress's evil magic ensorcels Colum's sons, transforming them into swans, only Sorcha's efforts can break the curse. Marillier's first novel uses a familiar Celtic legend to tell the story of a young woman's sacrifice for the sake of those she loves and her own discovery of unexpected joy in the midst of sorrow. The author's keen understanding of Celtic paganism and early Irish Christianity adds texture to a rich and vibrant novel that belongs in most fantasy collections.
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Caledon of the Mists (Caledon Trilogy)
Deborah Turner Harris
Ace Books, 1994, YA
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In the first book in the Caledon Trilogy, the royal house of Caledon has been living in exile in the unearthly land of Feyan. Then Mhairi and her brother Duncan decide to return to the Scottish Highlands to lead their people in a rebellion, they come up against a tyrant who is not afraid to call on demonic forces for aid. Mhairi must learn to tap into her extraordinary gifts to summon ancient legends to help bring victory to Caledon.
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Booklist:
Harris's new solo effort is a deft reworking of the 1745 rebellion against England's ruling house of Hanover led by Bonnie Prince Charlie of the Stuarts. Here, Charlie is a princess with training in sorcery, the king of England also has magic at his command, and the battle is fought as much in the otherworld as in this one. A classic tale of a heroic fight against nearly impossible odds, it is certain to appeal to a wide range of fantasy fans. The historically minded, in particular, will appreciate what Harris does with the English general (a combination of the duke of Cumberland and the duke of Marlborough) and her absorbing subplot involving the theft of the Stone of Scone, essential to any Scots coronation. --Roland Green
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Wise Child
Monica Furlong
Random House Books for Young Readers, 1989, Middle-Grade
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Wise Child by Monica Furlong is the first in a series featuring Scottish folklore. After her grandmother’s death and her father’s disappearance, Wise Child comes under the care of Juniper, the village wise-woman, who is also a healer, midwife, and witch. Wise Child is raised by Juniper, learning herb lore and witchcraft. One day a bad witch named Maeve (who happens to be the mother who abandoned Wise Child) returns to the village and Wise Child must choose between Maeve and Juniper and learns her true powers in the process.
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Booklist:
Mesmerizing...rich in detail, high in excitement, and filled with unforgettable characters. The haunting cover by Leo and Diane Dillon will draw readers into this fine effort.
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The Riddle-Master of Hed
Patricia A. McKillip
Atheneum, 1976, YA/Adult
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The Riddle-Master of Hed is the first in a young adult trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip.
Hed is one kingdom in a world where wizards disappeared long ago, leaving behind riddles that unlock their secrets. Morgon, the prince of Hed, begins to unravel the riddles, winning himself a bride in the process. When the harpist of the mysterious High One, visits Hed, he notices three unexplained stars on Morgon’s forehead and wonders what they mean. The two end up setting out together on a quest to claim Morgon’s bride and uncover the riddle of the stars. Soon an ancient evil force threatens them, and they are forced to seek out the High One for help.
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The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain)
LLoyd Alexander
Square Fish, 2006 (Re-release), Middle-Grade
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Chasing after his escaped pig, Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper, inadvertently sets out on a great adventure. With the help of Princess Eilonwy, a bard named Fflewddur Fflam, and a strange little creature named Gurgi, Taran learns to be a hero, but also to appreciate the simple life he left at home.
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School Library Journal:
...True fantasy lovers know The Book of Three as one of the most iconic and influential works of middle grade fiction from the 20th century. Based on Welsh mythology, the tale stars Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper on a hero's quest, joined by a comic cast of supporting characters. Filled with wit, wordplay, and an epic battle of good vs. evil, Alexander's novel helped pave the way for countless fantasy adventures.
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Book of Shadows (Sweep No.1)
Cate Tierna
Speak, 2007 (Re-release), YA
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Cate Tiernan's Sweep series is an interesting look at how Cetlic magic and witchcraft have evolved in modern times. Morgan learns of her magical heritage when she meets a new group of friends who practice Wicca, a religion which stems from ancient Celtic religions based in spirituality, magic, and nature.
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Publisher's Weekly:
This delectably dark [novel], first in the 'Sweep' series, brings a supernatural spin to classic teen issues -- popularity, romance, alienation and the search for self . . . While Tiernan's ingredients are familiar, she stirs the cauldron with engaging, even cinematic, prose and sharply individuates her characters. She introduces the Wiccan material with some depth as well as with a skillful degree of ambiguity; readers will not know immediately whether or not the series embraces Wicca.
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The Mists of Avalon
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Del Rey, 1984, YA/Adult
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Experience the time of King Arthur through the eyes of three women who influence Arthur's rise and fall: Viviane, Morgaine, and Gwenhwyfar. While Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar struggle to control Arthur's power, Viviane fights to maintain the religions and magics of Old Britain before the mystical Island of Avalon slips away into the mists forever.
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The New York Times Book Review:
[A] monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends . . . Reading it is a deeply moving and at times uncanny experience. . . . An impressive achievement.
San Francisco Chronicle:
Marion Zimmer Bradley has brilliantly and innovatively turned the myth inside out. . . . add[ing] a whole new dimension to our mythic history.
Also a major motion picture!