Celtic Maidens
A powerful and supernatural tale of love, lives and obsession set against the dramatic scenery of the Welsh Mountains.
Celtic Maidens tells the story of Siân Derwyn whose life holds few pleasures except for her friends, her interest in local folklore and the standing stones until the day that Ryan Ackley arrives in her remote Welsh village.
Siân and Ryan are reincarnations of Celtic lovers who were slaughtered long ago. They are unaware that obsessive love, power struggles and murder have followed them down through the ages. Thwarted in ancient times, a murderous spirit has followed them through time and now, with them all reunited in the 21st century, he plans to fulfil his malevolent vendetta...
Celtic Maidens is Ceri's first full length novel. She is currently working on her second.
Reviews for Celtic Maidens
"Siân Derwyn works in her local village shop near the Preseli Mountains in Wales and is grieving the loss of her grandmother. When Ryan walks into her life, Siân finds herself instantly attracted to him. Unbeknown to the couple, they are reincarnations of Celtic lovers who were killed long ago. Obsessive love, power struggles and murder have followed them into this life, along with a bad spirit, who is catching up with them again. This enjoyable, easy read really makes you want to visit the area and explore the influence of spirits, folklore and goddesses. *****" 5* Reader recommends review, Spirit & Destiny
"How to start...this book is wonderful. From page one you are drawn into the story. Ceri has expertly brought together history and fantasy to spin a fantastic tale, as good as any bard from the time of our ancestors. Ceri weaves a tale of two souls entwined through history and reunited in the 21st century but followed by the same malignant energies that destroyed them both in ancient times. More of the plot I dare not disclose but if, like me, you love stories encompassing old world history and the addition of modern mystery then this is a must read! I haven't been able to put it down! To do this book justice it must be read. No review could explain it. Definite rating 5 out of 5!" Julia Rowland, Pentacle Magazine
"The story gripped me right from the first page, building to an exciting climax. But what kept me reading just as much was the atmosphere created through the mythology, history and mystery created by the author. Her knowledge of the area and its history, myths and legends really brought the tale alive. Would definitely recommend it as a page turning read!" Amazon.co.uk review
"This book is brilliant! If you like a really good story with a strong sense of place, set in modern day but with breakthroughs from history - do read this. I had trouble putting it down and even contemplated taking a day off work to finish it. It has left me with a determination to visit Preseli and other standing stones as well as a desire to read more about the Druids. I can't wait for the next book." Annie C. on Ask Chris (Essex Libraries)
"I thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Ceri manages to keep the reader interested, with a level of suspense that urges the reader to turn the next page, to try to finish a chapter, only to find that the next page or the end of a chapter drives you to stay up reading just a little longer...Celtic Maidens is one Celtic adventure that can be enjoyed by any reader." Deirdre Herbert PaganFM!
"From the moment I picked up the book I couldn't put it down, you are transported to a different time in place, where the smell of the moors and the touch of the stones are brought to life in the most detailed and amazing way. The intricate wording and the way that the tale of loves from past to present are portrayed are beautiful. Spell binding... Brilliant!" Amazon review
"This is an enchanting story, in more ways than one... Being swept along by Ms. Norman's writing is not difficult... Considering that this is Ms. Norman's first published novel it is more than a little impressive. She has, in my opinion, the makings of an author I will be keeping an eye on." Mike Gleason, freelance reviewer
"This book is a must read! I couldn't put it down until I had finished. Ceri weaves magic and mystery into every page. The landscapes are so vivid you are transported up onto the misty moors, amongst ancient stones and eerie marshes. The characters are so well drawn that they pull you into the story with them and carry you along to the wonderful twist at the end! Can't wait for another one!" Amazon review
"Highly atmospheric and imaginative." A fellow author
"I have to admit that, as a writer myself, I am sometimes rather critical of the work of others. But I was intrigued by the subject of this book, and although I started reading it with my usual uncertainty, I was soon drawn into the story and found myself enjoying it immensely -- too much, in fact, to think about being critical. Intertwined throughout the mystery of the story line, Ceri weaves in Welsh mythology and history -- not so much as to slow down the movement of the story, but enough to leave you wanting for more. It is an easy read but there is enough depth to the story and characters to keep things interesting. If you are looking for an escape from your current world into the mystery and magic of Cymru, you will find it here!" Amazon.com review
"Redolent with atmosphere and with a narrative that in turn surprises and spooks the reader, Celtic Maidens is a journey into the past, present and future that cannot fail to satisfy the reader on many levels." A fellow author
What inspired Celtic Maidens?
So many things inspired Celtic Maidens, the ancient stone circles of Wales, the mountains, the flowering gorse which explodes across the land in March and that time of balance - the Spring Equinox.
Ultimately the tale was inspired by a trip deep into the Preseli Mountains, by the ancient monuments and the incredible atmosphere. I literally came back home and started writing, I was so inspired!
The Preselis have the most phenomenal power and sense of place. They were once labelled as the land of magic and enchantment and it has not yet worn off! There are so many megalithic monuments within such a small area, circles, monoliths, burial chambers and cairns.
The most famous monument is probably Pentre Ifan. Sometimes referred to as the cauldron of Ceridwen, Pentre Ifan is a place said to be associated with faeries and Druids. It is set in an incredibly beautiful location with fabulous views of Carn Ingli (Hill of Angels) and Fishguard Bay. Pentre Ifan is ancient; it is thought to have been built around 3,500 BCE!
Carn Ingli (Hill of Angels) is an extinct volcano. It got its name possibly due to that fact that it was on this hill that St. Brynach is said to have encountered and communicated with Angels. When I've walked there it does have a very peaceful and otherworldly atmosphere. Situated atop the hill is a fabulous ancient Iron Age hillfort which covers about 4 hectares.
This gnarly old gorse tree is gorgeous. When the gorse flowers the mountains explode in a glory of yellow flowers. This particular bush stands before the ancient, low stone circle of Gors Fawr. Every time I have been there the weather has been pretty wild, with mists rolling in and rain pouring down.
© Ceri Norman 2009-12
