Julie P: This was my favorite of the six Annals of the Heroic. Each of the related stories were filled with intrigue, suspense and surprises. Just when I thought I had figured out an outcome, I got a surprise (i.e., Jariya & Halvdan the Elder outcome . . . simply delightful)!!

I really like the input of various ‘side-line’ characters set throughout the novel. Mannannan resurfaced from earlier annals (to my delight), and the introduction of a new witch (Baba Yaga) and the talking, whispering, “Woods” was very creative.

This read was hard to set aside . . . I wanted to continue reading straight through to the end (but found food was in need at times)!

Besides the storytelling of the main human characters, all of whom had depth, I particularly enjoyed the introduction of the various animal injections. The She-Bear, Danny and other horses and most of all the wolves under Bot filled me with joy. Respect was shown in the writing for each animal…and their right to defend themselves and others. I would love to read more about Bot in future annals. The marriage of Aisha to ____ was “icing on the cake” and the final outcome of Sir Alun and __________ was perfect!