Book Review: Celtic Fire by Liz Gavin

What’s the story – From Goodreads:

When ancient gods ruled and Druids kept Faith alive, the Celts thrived as a democratic, matriarchal society. Then savage Roman soldiers swept across Europe, killing and enslaving. The Celts did not succumb without a fight. Their Old Ways survived centuries of ruthless domain until another menace loomed: a tortured god worshiped in cold stone buildings. The sacred shores of Avalon began to drift away, the mists threatened to hide the island from mortal eyes forever. 

Against the bleak backdrop of war, the gorgeous Scottish Highlands stood tall, sheltering its inhabitants from greedy invaders. Yet the reach of the eagle banners was long and the highlanders turned to the Goddess for protection. However, the sacred groves felt silent and grim as Avalon faded away. Once sad, pealing bells began to sound strangely comforting while the high walls of monasteries offered an alluring barrier from violence. Caught in the middle of this centuries-old war, a young High Priestess might be Avalon’s last chance. 

Wise beyond her years and powerful like no other Priestess in her lifetime, Rowen had served the Goddess faithfully, forsaking her family and the company of her soulmate. When the Lady of the Lake asks for another sacrifice, it might be one too many for her scarred heart. How could she obey the Goddess without betraying Caddaric? Could she trust Eochaid, who embodied everything she despised and hated? Would she be able to fulfill her duties without losing her soul? 

Caddaric had been Rowen’s companion in countless lives; but, now, they existed in different realms. Beautiful Rowen lived in the mortal world while sweet Caddaric remained in the sacred isle of Avalon, watching over her. Could he step aside to allow another man – a flesh and blood man – to become her protector? 

Eochaid had sworn to protect the Old Ways. The rude warrior never quite understood his faith yet his loyal heart belonged to the Goddess. A gorgeous, fiery High Priestess was not in his plans. He would risk his life to protect Rowen; but, would the Goddess safeguard his heart? Could he defend the bewitching maiden from himself? 

When stakes were so high that a simple mistake could cost their very world, a priestess, a Druid, and a warrior must learn to trust one another and the mysterious ways of the Goddess. Their success would save Avalon. Their failure would tear the island from the human realm forever, condemning it to oblivion. 

Failure was not an option.

Favorite Words: “I don’t doubt you love me, Rowen. I don’t doubt I can trust you. What I don’t know is if one lifetime is enough for me.”

The description of this book was promising. I love a book that embraces Avalon and ancient times in Scotland. I am an Arthurian legend nerd so I was excited.
Truth be told, I wasn’t in love with Rowen right away. I thought she was just being difficult to be difficult. She was good with her people but when it came to be open, I felt her a bit cold. Yes, she has a past but I felt like her interactions with the male characters seemed one dimensional. It wasn’t until I was over halfway through the book that I felt anything from her and the other characters.

The only thing I disliked was how Gavin put modern phrases into the banter between the characters. It took me out of the world that she was trying to create.

Did I like this book? Yes, but I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would.

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