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They were destined to meet, but were they destined to be together? Though her heart wanted something different, Nemu knew what had to be done. There was much more at stake than her own suffering or the life of one man. The encroaching Romans threatened many innocent lives. Watching the dark storm clouds gather over the mountains, she thought how odd it was that nature often reflected ones feelings. Would the sun ever appear for her again? She saw herself as a tree battered by the wind and sleet, her heart a frozen knot of roots being ripped out by the damaging winds. There was nothing she could do to escape. She would have to stay strong and hope the storm would lose its strength, leaving her heart intact and Ambiorix safe. Of Water and Dragons takes place on the mystical island of Britannia from the dark enchanted lochs of Scotland to the grand bathhouses of Roman Britain. The battle of Mons Graupius in AD 84 is one of the most profound battles in history when the Romans, though greatly outnumbered, defeat the Celtic tribes of ancient Scotland and furthered the expansion of the Roman Empire. Here, in this untamed land the Romans call Caledonia, lives Nemu (Nay-Moo), a half-human, half-water faery woman. Soon after the battle ends, she finds a wounded Roman soldier name Ambiorix. Despite her distrust of humans, she takes him in and heals his wounds. Though they are from different worlds, they are mysteriously drawn to each other, but unforeseen forces keep them apart until their worlds collide in a fury of fire, blood and darkness. Of Water and Dragons weaves together the Roman history and Celtic lore of ancient Britain to create an unforgettable story of love and sacrifice.
Pagan News Review by 1419604570
This first novel By Kelly Heckart tells a story of Britain and the Celts at the time the Roman Empire was beginning to fall.
The central Character, Nemu is a Water Fairy in love with a Roman Officer who finds himself struggling to overcome blind, dutiful loyalty to Rome in an effort to help his true people (the Celts) maintain and regain their homeland.
The characters and the story have heavy Arthurian overtones (although Lancelot in this story is played by a Red-headed celtic Lesbian), but the plot does not play out like the legends, or even the Baden Hill version of historical Arthur. This does make for a surprising ending, which is good, and lays the groundwork for future novels following on from this one. My hope is that the characters in future works will be developed more fully, since they were at times a little two dimensional.
Undoubtedly this is part of a growth process for the author and I expect her future work to be more rounded and to appeal to a much larger audience. This first book, in my opinion, is probably best suited for mature teens.
