A novel set in the Dark Ages. The only fantastical element in the story is that Shamanistic spirit journeys are real.

Moran's debut novel suffers some odd flaws: certain plot elements are developed then just peter out to nothing e.g. there is a bit when the protagonists are lost in the forest and starving - a big thing is made of this, then suddenly, they get where they are going and are fed. The whole incident could have been omitted with no loss since there isn't even any resulting character development. The book also ends without really resolving the main plot; it's as if at least one sequel is intended though there is no indication that one will be forth-coming either in the text or on the back cover blurb. So that was a bit disappointing.

The aspect I liked most was the Dark Ages setting, with "British" and "Anglish" being spoken by adjacent tribes and the conversion to Christianity not yet complete; a setting where strong female characters in leadership roles and women who can fight are not obvious anachronisms but historically realistic characterisations.

A very quick check tells me that two sequels have been published and the fourth book has been delivered to the publisher, so I can let Ms.Moran off the unresolved main plot charge! Also, one or two of the disappearing plot threads may be ground work for these sequels - although the example I gave clearly isn't. I'd happily give Bloodline Rising a go - rating rises to *** in light of the new info! ( )

Bildungsroman of a boy, Essa, in Dark Ages England who tries to prevent a war between Penda of Mercia and the Wolf Folk of East Anglia. Presentation of the culture of that period was interesting, but I couldn't bond with any of the characters. I thought the touch of fantasy odd--Essa's being able to enter and control the minds and/or bodies of birds and animals. ( )

Beautiful. ( )

Slow start but gets a lot better and you feel like you have come into the middle of a story as there are many characters to contend with at the beginning of this novel. Set in the Dark Ages, 12 year old Essa is left at a village by his travelling father with only a beautiful sword called Silver Serpent to remind him of his past life. The village sits between two warring kingdoms, and when Essa becomes a "man" (i.e. 15) he must swear allegiance to one of the Lords that live in the area by taking his ring. He does this and is then thrown into a world where he must play friend to both sides, and eventually must decide who to trust and who to betray when he discovers his true heritage. Fascinating, complex story for readers who like British history, warfare and suspense. The battle through the village at the end of the novel is particularly gripping as he searches for the people he loves.

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Essa's father brings him to a camp one day and leaves him there without any explanation. Essa's forced to grow up in the village without any sense of home. Years pass peacefully until the village's rival threatens war. Essa must do his duty and spy on the neighboring village.

He's expected back in two days, but he's gone for much longer. He's caught while spying on the camp. The father he thought was dead is alive in the village. Essa's forced to swear another oath - to his enemies - and join their side.

He doesn't understand why his father is there and his reasons for not returning. Essa figures he'll have plenty of time to ask these questions, but the next day he's sent on a mission with the King's son to fetch back his bride.

The two boys form a friendship and gradually realize the pending war isn't best for both sides. They attempt to stop it with knowledge they've gained. But are they too late?

Katy Morgan makes the Dark Ages come alive with her tale of war and courage, friendship and loyalty, and family and belonging. ( )