THE QUARRY: The Druid Chronicles Book 4 by A.M. Linden – Historical Fiction, Brittania, Druids

Druids struggle to evade Christian persecution in A.M. Linden’s The Quarry, Book Four in the Druid Chronicles, a fast-paced adventure through medieval Brittania.

Although dwindling in number and hunted by Christians who fear their pagan rituals, Druids still roam the land. Linden explores these oppressed people and their belief system, one that approaches life and conflict with reason and attempts to find a peaceful resolution—a novel idea during this historical time.

The High Priestess Feywn’s health is failing. Our hero, Druid priest Caelym, does everything in his power to save her so she can pass on her vital role in their religion.

The necessary ritual takes time and specific ingredients. As he hunts for those sacred herbs, he is captured by the local sheriff whose second in command, the fanatic Christian Matthew, only wants Caelym’s death.

Cyri, the young Druid woman who would become the next High Priestess, goes in search of Caelym but finds only his bag, weapon, and clothes. Fearing him kidnapped, Cyri journeys to save him in a hunt or be hunted Dark Age. Each step puts Cyri’s and Caelym’s survival into question.

Linden peoples this story with characters from across her series whose roles stand clear and meaningful—including the villains.

Stefan, the Saxon warrior recently appointed sheriff of the Shire of Codswallow, weighs two problems against one another. His wife’s uncle wants to marry her—over Stefan’s dead body. And Stefan has just run into a wanted Druid who might prove useful.

The different POVs create unpredictable and entertaining twists, as Stefen captures Caelym on his way to an inn where he hopes to receive a hearty lunch and a roll in the hay with Cyri, who he believes to be a barmaid. Little does Stefan know Cyri’s connection to Caelym’s mistress Feywn.

Stefan first wants Caelym simply for his value as a hostage, but recognizes his talent as a gifted musician and storyteller, and refuses to give in to Matthew’s murderous desire. When an attempt is made on Stefan’s life, his understanding of his place in the world is shaken to its core, and only Caelym can give him the perspective and advice he needs—both to save himself and plot revenge.

For lovers of historical fiction, Celtic and Druidic literature, and classic fantasy like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the story of Stefan, Caelym, and Cyri in The Quarry will cast an enrapturing spell, making them fall in love with Linden’s characters, both heroic and villainous, and appreciate these ancient pagan ways.

Linden’s masterful storytelling in The Quarry stands wonderfully on its own and as continuation of the Druid Chronicles, leaving new readers excited to finish the whole series.