Review of A Druid's Odyssey
Posted: 01 Nov 2024, 12:05
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Druid's Odyssey" by Francis Gene Collins.]
Ó hEaghra, known as Harra in Rome, is a druid native to Hibernia. He is a skilled wanderer whose travel originates from Hibernia and ultimately stops at Rome where he becomes a slave to Claudius Galen, a prominent physician. When the story begins, he is devastated by the impending execution of the woman he loves, Iulla Fabia Alba, known as Virgo Vestalis Maxima. She is the eldest of Rome's Vestal Virgins and due to her sacred status, she is considered an untouchable woman and must avoid physical relationships with men. Despite these conditions, they fall for each other and Harra respects her vows. However, when a slave witnesses their platonic embrace, things take a grim turn. Considering this as a heinous crime, the enraged emperor decides to execute her cruelly. First, she will be scourged or whipped until no skin is left. 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. A determined Harra is desperate to save her from a brutal death. Will he succeed in this monumental task and rescue his love?
This prologue sets the stage for the novel and it captivated me immediately. If it piques your curiosity, then pick up "A Druid's Odyssey" by Francis Gene Collins and start reading. This historical fantasy novel follows the adventures of Harra who is depicted as a master of many trades: traveler, soldier, scholar, priest, magistrate, slave, and physician. He is also compassionate and loving, making him a perfect protagonist. Additionally, Harra possesses the power to see the future. At the age of 22, he was drawn by an unknown force which compelled him to travel towards the east, marking the beginning of his long journey. His travel takes him through many countries, first meeting Lurco, a Germanian traveling merchant, who is a former slave and gladiator. After a mystical encounter with a red-haired beast, he continues further east to the land of silk, Serus, where he stays for several years honing his skills. Eventually, he reaches Rome, becomes a slave to Galen, and meets Alba which finally leads to her grisly fate.
The story is written in first-person narrative, which creates a sense of closeness with the readers. I particularly loved the elegant and simple writing style which was easy to read. The pacing of the story is good, and I didn't feel any lag. Especially, the ending is very fast-paced. The excellent descriptions whisked me to those places and made me feel like I was traveling alongside Harra. It is evident that the author has researched extensively to write this book, which I truly appreciate.
The narrative is a blend of fact and fantasy. I googled a lot while reading the book. I was unaware of the ancient names of various countries like "Seres" referring to China, "Germania" to Germany, and "Hibernia" to Ireland. Also, I was astonished by the fact that Claudius Galen is a real physician. The deadly plague of Rome is also mentioned in the book. It was fascinating to read about the Virgin Vestrals which was new to me. I was intrigued by the discovery of malaria and the idea of preventing it in ancient times, which I hadn't previously known. Also, I learned a great deal about the rulers of ancient Rome, their architecture, and their culture.
The story has a diverse set of characters. Harra is quick-witted and I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Harra and Galen. Claudius Galen is a renowned physician and surgeon, who is avidly dedicated to his research and uses vivisection to analyze the functions of animal bodies. Alba is a beautiful young lady who has fallen in forbidden love, yet remains committed to her vows. Cordus, the centurion close to Alba, has realized the value of life with age and is against killing, believing that life is too short. Lurco's friendship with Harra was enjoyable to read. I found the characterization of Jiang Yi, who taught Harra fighting skills and medicine with a lot of patience, and Divinius, the cook of Galen and a former gladiator, interesting.
Many medical procedures were depicted and as a lover of medical science, I appreciated reading about them. However, I didn't enjoy reading the vivisection scenes; I can't endure the idea of animals being tortured. While this practice has contributed to medical knowledge, I can't accept the cruelty inflicted on animals for human benefit. Additionally, the fight scenes were pretty violent but they didn't bother me. However, sensitive readers might find the vivisection scenes, medical procedures, execution, and fight scenes difficult to handle.
Although I noticed some errors while reading, they didn't deter my enjoyment. I didn't like the vivisection scenes but it is my personal opinion. So, I decided not to reduce stars and my rating for this book would be 5 out of 5 stars. Readers who love history and fantasy books will surely enjoy this one.
******
A Druid's Odyssey
View: on Bookshelves
Ó hEaghra, known as Harra in Rome, is a druid native to Hibernia. He is a skilled wanderer whose travel originates from Hibernia and ultimately stops at Rome where he becomes a slave to Claudius Galen, a prominent physician. When the story begins, he is devastated by the impending execution of the woman he loves, Iulla Fabia Alba, known as Virgo Vestalis Maxima. She is the eldest of Rome's Vestal Virgins and due to her sacred status, she is considered an untouchable woman and must avoid physical relationships with men. Despite these conditions, they fall for each other and Harra respects her vows. However, when a slave witnesses their platonic embrace, things take a grim turn. Considering this as a heinous crime, the enraged emperor decides to execute her cruelly. First, she will be scourged or whipped until no skin is left. 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. A determined Harra is desperate to save her from a brutal death. Will he succeed in this monumental task and rescue his love?
This prologue sets the stage for the novel and it captivated me immediately. If it piques your curiosity, then pick up "A Druid's Odyssey" by Francis Gene Collins and start reading. This historical fantasy novel follows the adventures of Harra who is depicted as a master of many trades: traveler, soldier, scholar, priest, magistrate, slave, and physician. He is also compassionate and loving, making him a perfect protagonist. Additionally, Harra possesses the power to see the future. At the age of 22, he was drawn by an unknown force which compelled him to travel towards the east, marking the beginning of his long journey. His travel takes him through many countries, first meeting Lurco, a Germanian traveling merchant, who is a former slave and gladiator. After a mystical encounter with a red-haired beast, he continues further east to the land of silk, Serus, where he stays for several years honing his skills. Eventually, he reaches Rome, becomes a slave to Galen, and meets Alba which finally leads to her grisly fate.
The story is written in first-person narrative, which creates a sense of closeness with the readers. I particularly loved the elegant and simple writing style which was easy to read. The pacing of the story is good, and I didn't feel any lag. Especially, the ending is very fast-paced. The excellent descriptions whisked me to those places and made me feel like I was traveling alongside Harra. It is evident that the author has researched extensively to write this book, which I truly appreciate.
The narrative is a blend of fact and fantasy. I googled a lot while reading the book. I was unaware of the ancient names of various countries like "Seres" referring to China, "Germania" to Germany, and "Hibernia" to Ireland. Also, I was astonished by the fact that Claudius Galen is a real physician. The deadly plague of Rome is also mentioned in the book. It was fascinating to read about the Virgin Vestrals which was new to me. I was intrigued by the discovery of malaria and the idea of preventing it in ancient times, which I hadn't previously known. Also, I learned a great deal about the rulers of ancient Rome, their architecture, and their culture.
The story has a diverse set of characters. Harra is quick-witted and I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Harra and Galen. Claudius Galen is a renowned physician and surgeon, who is avidly dedicated to his research and uses vivisection to analyze the functions of animal bodies. Alba is a beautiful young lady who has fallen in forbidden love, yet remains committed to her vows. Cordus, the centurion close to Alba, has realized the value of life with age and is against killing, believing that life is too short. Lurco's friendship with Harra was enjoyable to read. I found the characterization of Jiang Yi, who taught Harra fighting skills and medicine with a lot of patience, and Divinius, the cook of Galen and a former gladiator, interesting.
Many medical procedures were depicted and as a lover of medical science, I appreciated reading about them. However, I didn't enjoy reading the vivisection scenes; I can't endure the idea of animals being tortured. While this practice has contributed to medical knowledge, I can't accept the cruelty inflicted on animals for human benefit. Additionally, the fight scenes were pretty violent but they didn't bother me. However, sensitive readers might find the vivisection scenes, medical procedures, execution, and fight scenes difficult to handle.
Although I noticed some errors while reading, they didn't deter my enjoyment. I didn't like the vivisection scenes but it is my personal opinion. So, I decided not to reduce stars and my rating for this book would be 5 out of 5 stars. Readers who love history and fantasy books will surely enjoy this one.
******
A Druid's Odyssey
View: on Bookshelves
