PRAISE FOR THE OATH
"Linden's knowledge and passion for history is soaked into every word of THE OATH, combined with an obvious skill at storytelling, this book truly comes to life. Linden succeeds at every level, but the world building is truly spectacular. Historical fantasy is hard to do well, but Linden makes it look easy. What could be dry details are presented so effectively that the world is elevated to almost being a character of it's own. And in a cast of characters as well drawn as these, that's saying something. I can't wait to see what else this skilled author comes up with!"
—Bishop O'Connell, Author of The American Faerie Tale series
—Bishop O'Connell, Author of The American Faerie Tale series
"THE OATH urges readers along on a richly textured quest among the Saxons and Celts of eighth century Britain. Young and rather humorously naïve Druid priest-healer Caelym swears to “rescue” a damsel in distress, who is neither a young damsel nor in distress. With a feminist slant, this engaging tale brings the conflict between Druids and early Christians to vivid life through sympathetic and well-rounded characters. I particularly enjoyed the ironic voice of the aging midwife Annwr. Brava!"
—Sara Stamey, Author of The Ariadne Connection
—Sara Stamey, Author of The Ariadne Connection
"Thrilling historical fiction, with heart and soul."
--Tim Pears, author of In the Place of Fallen Leaves
--Tim Pears, author of In the Place of Fallen Leaves
"The Oath will appeal to a wide-ranging readership, reflecting Linden’s rich imagination and gift for weaving tales within tales evoking the romance of medieval Britain. Vibrant, determined, and relatable characters with disparate ethnic and religious identities discover their own strengths and each others’ as the intricate and engaging plot unfolds."
--Anne Marie Tietjen, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, instructor at Western Washington University
--Anne Marie Tietjen, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, instructor at Western Washington University
"The Oath transports the reader to a time and place that is compellingly conjured by Linden's vivid imagination. It blends timeless themes with wry social and political commentary, and, best of all, it is a page turner's page turner."
—James P. Whalen
—James P. Whalen
"The struggles between Britons and Saxons have fascinated readers and authors for centuries. A.M. Linden goes beyond King Arthur characters and story lines. Her characters are from all classes, with familiar human drives and foibles, even though set in a world very different from ours. She involves the reader from the get-go, has a sense of humor and is an unpredictable author! I can hardly wait to re-read it!"
—Connie Estep
—Connie Estep
"The Oath quickly grabbed my attention and caught me up in a heroines’ (and hero’s) journey through mysterious and sometimes frightening landscapes. Gradually I got to know the Druid priestess, priest, and Saxon princess while they learn about each other – facing danger on their own and as a group. These characters and situations stayed with me for a long time as I’d periodically wonder what happened next to Annwr, Caelym and Aleswina."
—Joan Hood
—Joan Hood
"A.M. Linden developed strong characters in The Oath and they carried me along with them on their adventures. I especially appreciated the unique and clever ways problems were solved as the storyline advanced. I look forward to The Druid Chronicles #2!"
—Stephanie
—Stephanie
"The Oath introduced me to historical fiction of the Dark Ages. The story was exciting and left me feeling much more knowledgeable about the times. I eagerly await the next book and recommend the series to both adult and young adult readers."
—Joan
—Joan
"I quickly found myself drawn to all of the major characters and their predicaments. The unique historical setting as depicted by Linden with subtle humor contrasts the Druids and Saxons of the Dark Ages, and I found myself liking characters from both sides. Descriptions of the countryside and villages during the journey depicted in The Oath are beautifully drawn. This is the first volume of a series and you will ache for the next book as you finish this one."
—Carrie
—Carrie