Sample of READERS

Sample of READERS’ COMMENTS for CIRCLE OF STONES

Waldo has succeeded in penning another best seller with the publication of “Circle of Stones,” which promises to be the first in a series of novels exploring the connection of Madoc of Wales with North America. Take this opportunity to read a premier historical novel. What a wonderful book. – Susie Johnston

The heroine’s name is Brenda, which seems awfully prosaic for a saga, but then one can’t have everything. –Susan Hall-Balduf

A richly drawn medieval saga with complex characters. –Cynthia Johnson, Library Journal

Well-researched…Fully realized characters…Readers will appreciate the complex dynamics she portrays in her fact-filled epic. –Publishers Weekly

I know the title is redundent, but it needs the stress. It is a wonderful book, especially if you are Welsh or Irish – your history smacks you in the face….She is so true to the facts, its perfect! –Kelly

Waldo dares to go where others fear to tread. Into a time in history that most of us know very little or nothing about. The amount of research required to write a book like this must be exhaustive. I am truly a Waldo fan. –Reviewer from SLO, Calif.

I enjoyed this book for what it was – lots of historical details I hadn’t known about and lots of action. The writing is fast paced. –Reviewer from N.H.

I was extremely pleased by this book. It takes place in the Arthurian time frame, and this book takes you back in time and unfolds a time with honor and chivalry. Clearly this book is a must for anybody who enjoys reading a good book such as this. – A reader from Scotland

Wales, the 12^th Century: As told by Brenda, a mistress of Owain, the Prince of Wales, the court of Gwynedd faces the threat of amalgamation by the English realm and the Christian religion. Afraid of a fateful prophecy about her newborn son, Brenda flees Owain and Wales for the safety of a druid camp in Ireland. Comforted by their spiritual beliefs and the handsome Sein, Brenda begins to adapt to druid ways and to study druid knowledge. But when Owain’s men recapture her, she claims that her son Madoc had died and reluctantly returns to court. Disgusted with Owain’s bloodlust and the rivalry among his mistresses and sons, Brenda dreams of the day she’ll return to her son and the druid community. But Madoc is fostered to a local druid teacher; just as the danger of external invasion and internal betrayal threaten Owain’s power. Brenda fears the disintegration of Gwynedd’s stability and the loss of the druid values, and finds her fate closely bound to her old lover and her secret son.

Anna Lee Waldo’s extensive research, rich details, and skillful writing make this medieval Welsh world of family betrayals, political intrigue, battling religious faiths, and unrequited love spring to life. Like Clavell’s Shogun or Undset’s Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy, Circle of Stones describes a historical period with an understanding that highlights the timeless aspects of human nature. –Nancy R. E. O’Brien

Web Mastered by Rick & Chris 7/9/01

Copyright @ 2001 by Anna Lee Waldo. All rights reserved, Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book site may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information address St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. 10010.