Review by MommaBee -- Roan by E. R. Barr

[MommaBee]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Roan" by E. R. Barr.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The book Roan, by E.R. Barr, is a good read for lovers of Celtic lore, fantasy, mystery, and real world teenage struggles. The main character is a 17 year old boy, Conor Archer, who is unfortunately dealing with an adult situation. He is taking care of his ailing mother while providing an income by playing in a band at the local pub. He is thrust into a world of uncertainty and mystery by an encounter with a powerful stranger. As his world is turned upside down in one quick night, he discovers myth is not as far from reality as he once believed.

Conor easily leaves the city where he has lived all his known life and travels to a small town where his mother's family is from. It's a transition from big city to small world. Many more characters are introduced and more intrigue is formed. History is recounted and relived through story and song. You begin to catch glimpses of the author's intentions as plot and climax increase. The story line is excellent. Plenty of myth and lore to support the struggle of a teenager who may or may not be human, is falling in love, and forced to make a decision to end evil.

The book has it's odd twists and turns. The addition of a genetic lab and doctor with cruel intentions was hard for me to take seriously. There are some dark aspects and even darker actions that occur that I found disturbing. I tend to shy away from violence towards children and I found this stomach wrenching. Sadly, this is where the author started to lose my interest. The mysterious figure of Willie Archer, seemed to be a reach for the author. He was not powerful enough to grip my interest. That particular character legend came across as callous and distant.

The author did an excellent job of intertwining Celtic beliefs and history within the book. The accuracy of tinkers, dark ones, monks, even native american stories, play into the plot and help create a richness and depth that I enjoyed. I was so enticed by the presentation of Celtic lore, that I started researching the 'old ways' that were referenced in the text.

Even though there were parts of this book that I could have done without, I do appreciate the author's story line, plot development, and ability to create a setting with astute description and prose. I think this genre of novel will be one I will be looking for in the future. I truly enjoyed the richness of the Celtic lore and am eager to learn more.

I rate this book a 3 out of 4 stars.

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Roan
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Like MommaBee's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Rosemary Okoko]

I think reading about violence against children will be depressing to me. The story line sounds great though. Nice review.

[Spirit Wandering]

I enjoy it when a novel inspires me to research further something I learned by reading it-as you have done with the Celtic lore. I almost reviewed this book but something held me back. Having read what you wrote about the violence toward children, I'm glad I didn't choose it. Thanks for the review.