Review of A Druid's Odyssey

[Leonie Vermaak]

This sounds very intriguing, so will definitely going to read this soon. Im curious to see if Harra will be able to safe Virgo and the journey he goes through to do so. Thanks for an insightful review. Congrats on BOTD and thanks for the free book.

[Chinazo Anozie]

I normally enjoy history and fantasy; however, I'm not sure I'll enjoy A Druid's Odyssey by Francis Gene Collins, especially those because of the strange names and plethora of characters. There seems to be a lot going on with Harra and the rest.

[twinkle09]

The book blends history with ficgion and as a fan of historical books, i will definitely enjoy reading the book.Harra's character is proficient in many trades and is willing to go to any length to save his love. I am eager to find out what happens next. Thank you for a wonderful review!

[Onyemuwa-dave]

The premise of Harra's desperate quest to save Alba amidst ancient Roman intrigue and his extensive travels sounds truly epic. I love that you highlighted the blend of fact and fantasy and the rich historical research. Your point about the vivisection scenes is very empathetic. A well-deserved 5-star rating!

[Tars]

I already read and loved this one! I completely agree with the reviewer's opinion regarding the book and can only add that it not only provides interesting insight into the ordinary life of ancient times but also into the history of medical science. There always were dark spots and questionable practices, but everything contributed to the rise of the professional level we have in the modern world.

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

"A Druid's Odyssey" by Francis Gene Collins is a historical fantasy, and conveys a well-written and well-researched plot. The story follows the adventures of Harra who is depicted as a master of many trades, and possesses the power to see the future. His story and the execution of the woman he loves, Alba, keeps readers engrossed to the end.

[Dayana Alvarado 1]

Despite being surrounded by violence and death Harra does not lose his compassionate essence.

[Black Indigo]

This book is one that I'm going to miss due to the scenes mentioned in the review, although the storyline and characters are interesting. Thank you for the review.

[Kibet Hillary]

The story sounds really thrilling and moving, and one wonders whether Harra will be able to save Fabia Alba from the looming horrific punishment. The sentence seems too harsh for him to even witness, and one would guess that he would be willing to pay any price to save her. I have added the book to my to-read shelf. Many thanks for the informative review, @Priya Murugesan.

[Onyemuwa-dave]

Nicely done! Your review was clear and engaging. I enjoyed reading your take on the book.

Indeed this was a unique and clear review. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Idah_Kenei]

This review is so beautifully detailed without giving too much information. I already like the protagonist, Harra and that the book not only is fictional but informative.

[Amy_Jackson]

Thank you for a great review. It shows me this is a book I'll thoroughly enjoy reading. I love it when I can learn some historical facts even as I enjoy the plot of a book. I would love to know what Harra came up with to save his love, who doesn't deserve such a horrible death.

[mrlefty0706]

"A Druid's Odyssey" by Francis Gene Collins is a story about Rome in 170 A.D. The main character is Harra, a druid native to Hibernia (Ireland). He was a skilled wanderer who began his travels in Hibernia and stops in Rome where he became a slave to Claudius Galen, a well-known physician. The story begins with Harra feeling devastated by the pending execution of the woman he loves, Lulla Fabia Alba, known as Virgo Vestalis Maxima, the eldest of the Rome’s Vestal Virgins and because she has sacred status, she is untouchable and must avoid physical relationships with men. Harra fell in love with her and respects Alba’s vows. Unfortunately, a slave witnessed a platonic embrace between Harra and Alba and he reports her to the emperor. The emperor is enraged by her heinous crime and decides to execute her in one of the cruelest ways possible in Rome. She will be whipped until no skin is left on her body, then she will be tied to a post on a hearse cart and taken to an underground enclosed tomb where she will be left to die a slow and agonizing death. Why any woman would want to be a Vestal Virgin in Rome baffled me. I assume it is an honor that the woman vows to follow the rules but when she met Harra she only had 4 more years before she could leave Rome. Harra is determined to rescue her from a gruesome death. This beginning to this historical fantasy novel was a page turner that made the novel difficult to put down. Harra has several skills including soldier, scholar, priest and physician. He is also a loving man that possesses the power to see the future. He began his travels at age 22 and some unknown force motivated him to travel towards the east and he travels through many countries including Seres (China) where he stayed for several years sharpening his skills. The sample provided vivid details of his travels, fighting off robbers in a stable and meeting Lurco who he began travelling together. Harra did not seem to trust Lurco so using an old axiom, he slept with one eye open. Eventually he reached Rome and became a slave to Galen. Like the official reviewer I found myself traveling alongside Harra. This is a fantasy novel but the author conducted extensive research about this period in time, the characters and the rules set and enforced by the emperor. Claudius Galen really was a physician, the plague did ravage Rome, malaria was discovered as was a way to prevent it. Ancient Rome was more advanced in the second century than most of the known world. The story explores the architecture and culture of Rome as well as the rulers. Galen used vivisection to analyze the functions of animal bodies. The description of the vivisection process was gross and inhuman to make animals suffer for the benefit of mankind. The fight scenes and executions were very violent and may be difficult for some to read. One needs to read the book to learn if Alba dies and what happens to Harra. This is an excellent book that had an incredible sample, and I cannot wait to read the remainder of this novel.

[Soma Ezenwanne]

"A Druid's Odyssey" by Francis Gene Collins sounds really interesting, and I love how Harra never gives up on Iulla, even when things get dark. Congrats on BOTD!

[Emmanuel Maduabuchi Eze]

"A Druid's Odyssey" by Francis Gene Collins is clearly a great artist. I love historical fiction that can build momentum and still sustain readers' interest. My favorite character is Harra, and I am intrigued by his involvement in several fields and career s: traveler, soldier, scholar, priest, magistrate, slave, and physician.