Book Review - Age of Misrule Trilogy

This book series is by far one of my favorites.  It is a mix of fiction, Old Lore, and for us...some facts.  The story starts out with a massive shift in the way the world runs.  Technology starts to fail, everything from toasters to airplanes, and nature seems to be exploding in some places.  Fields that had been used for crops for generations now filled with trees looking to be hundreds of years old.  Then the odd...sightings.

A lot of ancient Celtic lore is used here, and much of it down to the letter.  I thoroughly impressed with the way the author, Mark Chadbourn, did his research and put things together. There are five heroes in the book, each representing an element and archtype found in our myths and legends.  The growth of the characters as a group and as individuals is mindblowing.

If I speak too much the plot twists will be spoiled, but I will say this: every pagan will love these books.  It is written in a modern day setting that isn't too specific, so it can be the 1970s or the 2000s, which I find very nice.  It makes the story timeless.  It's also set in England/Scotland with strong references to Arthurian legend, the stone circles, and the Good People.  The details provide wonderful visuals without overwhelming the reader and dragging the story to a too slow pace.  

One of my favorite parts of the book is how the author uses the myth and legend to explain the christian religion and where it pulls some of its various parts.  He also goes on to explain why various places feel so powerful, why specific buildings are built in certain places, and overall why things are the way they are even to this day.  

As a hardcore scifi reader, and worshiper of the Dune series, this trilogy blew me away.  I am an apprenticing shaman, and this series spoke volumes to me.  I even did research to see if various parts of the books were accurate in description.  'lo and behold they are.  Any and every pagan, regardless of what branch of the world tree you're on, should read this series.  Inspiring, creative, and powerful it's something every one of us can appreciate.  I would rate it at pg-13 or higher due to some extra detailing.  This series holds nothing back and takes nothing away from the quality of the overall books.

If you enjoy Celtic lore, Arthurian legends, faeries, and appreciate modern day settings this is the trilogy for you.