The Claiming

Circle of Ceridwen Saga #3

by Octavia Randolph

Sidroc the Dane has been in Angle-land for twelve years. The first nine were all hard fighting. He has won treasure beyond counting, and now peace for his men. But there is one thing he still desires….

The Claiming, the conclusion of the historical adventure saga The Circle of Ceridwen Trilogy

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical Romance, Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2012

About the author

I write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. In addition to the Circle Saga, I've written the novella Ride, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, and The Tale of Melkorka, based on the Icelandic Sagas. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe.
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza

Reviews

[Priskah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ✨✨✨

I love this series.
The narrator, Nano Nagle, is so good.

[Erika Altensee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BEST book in Octavia Randolph's series (and they were all excellent). I say this because I devoured it. I was so mad at her characters' choices throughout (although not unrealistic), I almost put the book down. I was mad at Ms. Randolph for finding ways to keep me reading (won't spoil any of the plots for any books here). What I discovered about myself was that I am a hopeless romantic and, yes, I awoke this morning half-way through this book thinking how it would pain my heart to continue reading and not get just what I thought should happen. Life is cruel, particularly in this book's historical setting, so why should my life be any different? Kudos to an author who can write a book that leaves one weeping at the end and furious throughout by the humanness of her characters. Human frailties aside, this is a tremendously informative book about the Anglo-Saxons time and a cleverly woven story.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5**

This was the one in the series I was really looking forward to and while I liked it, I just was hoping for a little...more. The first half started off kind of slow for me and I think the reason for this is that this series is more of a "saga," so there are descriptions of journeys with lots of historical details thrown in, but not necessarily a lot of action. Which can be fine, but the synopsis of the book focused on plot points half way in. So I was sitting there waiting for the proposed plot to begin. So that was mismanaged expectations.

The second half was much more interesting and exciting as there was more suspense and action to the story. And the second half I ate up. However, it isn't until the very end that Sidroc and Ceridwen finally even get together. And though I had been planning on stopping this series here, I now feel like I need to read the next one in order to get to spend some time with them as a couple, which was what I had been looking forward to. So this book didn't exactly fulfill my hopes in that respect.

I will also mention that I had the same problem with this one that I had had with the last one - in that the reader is not given enough insight into Ceridwen's POV. There is little internal POV from Ceridwen to tell us what she's thinking and little dialogue in general to reveal things. I felt I always knew where Sidroc stood, but not always with Ceridwen. And granted she is a more complex character, but she is the main character and I'd like to know her better.

[Saara · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are my crack. That is all.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Spoiler Free) As I finish out the third book of this series, I am still amazed that it has managed to be so captivating when, really, it does not have very much complexity. It follows one female character linearly through her life. When she leaves a scene, we (the reader) leave with her and never know the fallout of her choice until she herself finds out years later. It is such an interesting choice by the author. The chapters do not switch between characters and there are no great political intrigues. We experience the life of Ceridwen entirely through her eyes, with no outside knowledge that the third party observer usually receives.

It works. Even when the author rips her out of one situation and throws the story in an entirely different direction, we don’t look back. We buy into the twist of plot and the ensuing development of the characters.

This book’s journey was fascinating; by the end I believed fully in where the author had taken us. My only complaint, too short! I read this in a few days.

Favorite line:

But the knowledge that Sidroc lived was like a signal-fire on a shore I could not hope to gain. It burned, a beacon through day and night and storm and joy, through war and harvest feast, constant and unchanged. This was what he meant to me these ten years.

As a recovering Catholic, I also really enjoyed the description of the “heathen” goddess whom she is named after:

She was Ceridwen to the Welsh, and the sister-Goddesses Frigg and Freyja to my kinsmen and to the Danes. By any name, She was ever the bringer of beauty and pleasure and abundance, and these were all good things. She did not Damn mankind. She was not cursed with original sin. It was She who blest women with rich wombs, and men with good seed to fill them, and made fruitful every field each Summer that both might live and thrive. It was She, dancing with her God, who created first the pleasure that now I knew as woman with my lover-husband; all these lusts and desires and passions were given voice in me by Her.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've truly enjoyed this trilogy into the world of Ceridwen. In the beginning, I became slightly uneasy at having to read what I considered to be" catching up for people who Hadn't read the other two books." Once again I was surprised at the turn of events. Research for this series had to have been exhausting and wonderful. The details of living through these times were magnificent. I loved participating in my mind! I haven't looked yet, but I hope there's a sequel coming.

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025 re-read via ebook on my kindle

[C.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There goes my long weekend. Book three down. This sweeping saga continues on with steadfast endurance. Looking forward to the next in series.

[Nipuna · Rating 3 out of 5]

disappoint. anything else I have to say would be a spoiler. I know the author really liked her character Sidroc but I really wish she would have figured out how to add depth to Ceridwen's relationship with him. At the end of the book, despite any author announcements through the voice of her characters, I didn't feel there was any more to it than there was in book one.

[Liz Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Brooke Fausett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh my happy heart!! Love the way Octavia writes

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the Circle of Ceridwen Saga and since I have now read #4 and #5 I think this was my favorite. I should have reviewed it right after I read it, so this will be brief. I also do not want to reveal too much of the story for those just starting the series.

I believe we are into Cerdiwen's story about 12 years. Simmering in the background and often they are far apart has been the attraction or bond between Cerdiwen and Sidroc, the Dane who came to Britain to conquer and then made it his home. Sidroc has believed in his heart that he and Ceridwen are meant to be together, but he respected her decisions all these long years. But now she is free and he is not. But fate enters into the story and the two of them are kidnapped by Moorish pirates which begins a one adventure after another. As a reader, I was saddened by leaving Britain and that piece of history, but found their travels to a new land interesting and exciting.

I won't go into detail, but both of these people remain true to character and have an agility through all the hardships they have endured in the past to make things right in their fascinating new world in Gotland which is a large island off of of Sweden which was a land of farming, trading, and fishing. Their ties and news of their homeland was at this point completely severed. Those back home believe that they are dead, but one Ceridwen's brother in law, is determined to find out and to bring Cerdiwen back if she lives and to get his revenge on Sidroc.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book broke my heart in the first 30 pages. I have become so attached to Ceridwen through the last two books, it is really a testament to Randolph's writing. The storyline is not as adventurous as the last few books but is possibly more thought provoking when it comes to society and personal relationships.

How difficult it must have been at this time to be a woman. To either take the veil or enter into marriage with downcast eyes. I'm sure Ceridwen's marriage for love with Gyric and her relationship with Sidroc were the exception, not the rule or even a commonality.

Ceridwen's relationship with Sidroc is so confusing. How often, in today's world, do we let the power of the other person's emotions dictate our own feelings? I applaud Ceridwen (and Octavia Randolph) for not take the easy road and diving into a marriage with Sidroc. I think Sidroc is awesome. A rare, patient, and strong character when it was easy to be ruthless and callous. He had me at shield-maiden.

I need to go read the next book ASAP.

[Amy Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a while for me to get into this one. The story begins a couple of years after the last story ended, and leaves you in the dark for a while about the circumstances. I suppose this was to build up to a surprise when you discovered Gyric had died, but all it did was make me agitated and frustrated. "Just get to the point!" I was shouting in my head. I had to force myself to get through it. The last half moved a little faster, but I really couldn't buy into the way Sidroc , the great and prosperous Jarl, walked away and left everything behind. For a woman he knew 10 years before, for only a few months. Seriously? He battled and raided for treasure, grew Four Stones to a greater hall, had children, etc...just to leave it behind.
Um no.
I will read the next one but begrudgingly. I've invested this much time into the series, I might as well. However, I'm not enjoying it as I was.

[Jayne Castel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting book, as Ceridwen's life takes an unexpected turn. This is by far the most gripping book of the series so far (and all of them have been riveting), with abduction, sea adventure, survival and romance all thrown together.

I won't go into the details of the story, as anything I mention will spoil the book for those who haven't read it, but... I will say that this novel focuses on the relationship between Cerdiwen and Sidroc (finally!)

A must read for anyone who loves richly drawn, character-driven, historical adventure novels!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book series and if you are a fan of the Outlander series you will love this one. This is a much lighter read but the charters are very interesting and they have great depth. The only complaint I have is I want a book 4, I would like to know what happened next.

[Jane Dingus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the series, and slightly better than the second. I was afraid the story was going to take a turn toward being a "bodice-ripper", but it surprised me and didn't. Great descriptions of life in the 9th century.

[Janet Abbott]

A good book but so many loose ends. I want more!

bring us some more of these great characters and locations. I want to know what happens after they settle in the new land

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet. Highly recommended.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was surprised at the turn of events in Ceridwen's life. I'm really enjoying the series and will start fourth book as soon as it gets here.

[Mirian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Please erase this book, burn it and rewrite again

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this follow-up book but not as much as the previous two. It was exciting, but it lacked a strong sense of place that the other books had. There was a lot of traveling and it was harder to picture where the characters were. I am not sure if I know more about England than these other places, but in previous books, I could picture everything in my head and I had a harder time with this one. I admit the Kindle version of the map isn’t that easy to view.

There was some excitement for sure, ship battles, piracy, and so forth. Additional characters were brought into the story whose motives were not known, and so you had a tension of not knowing what they would do. It was episodic in a sense, meaning that instead of building, there was a series of events that occurred.

There was meant to be tension between Sidroc and Ceridwen, that extended through most of the story. He clearly wanted to make her his wife, but she was loyal to her friend Aelfwyn. Much of the story is the negotiation of this and I did think the author did a good job of explaining realistic objections to and reasons for the characters to get together. I was waiting for that beautiful love scene at the conclusion and it never came, after we had such beautifully written scenes in the first and second book. The author went for the “leave it to your imagination”, and in the fourth book, we find them afterwards snuggled up in bed. That’s a choice, but I was surprised by it because I thought she did a great job of tenderly expressing it in previous books.

I’m still worried about Sidroc’s head wounds. He got a few! In those days, they didn’t know how to treat concussions.

[Gail Amendt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but did not particularly care for this one. I know that many readers wanted Ceridwen and Sidroc to get together, but I was not one of them. Sidroc just hasn't been developed enough as a character for me to feel anything for him. This book seems to be just a highly improbable vehicle to bring these two characters together, and serves to transition this series in a whole new direction, in a completely new place. The behaviors, motives and psychology just did not ring true for me, and we get very little insight into what the characters are thinking and feeling. I found myself really not caring about what happened to them, so unlike the previous books. We seem to have left some beloved characters behind, possibly forever, which makes me sad. Many compare this series to Outlander, which is a series I love, but Ceridewen and Sidroc are no Jamie and Claire. I will probably give the next book a try, but if it isn't any better I might be done with this series.

[Nat Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. The best one of the saga so far. The storyline was marvelous, and all the environmental characters were amazing. I had my suspicions about the tragedy that surrounds Ceridwen at the beginning of the book since page 1, but when Randolph finally confirms it, I couldn't help my heart from clenching. Sidroc's appearance as a main character of this third book remind me of how much I had miss his presence; even though he drove me mad many times, I still like him a lot and think he's an amazing character. I enjoyed the description of the environment greatly, thanks to Randolph's writing I can get absolutely immersed in the story. I love Ceridwen, and still admire all her strength and boldness. The ending was great, it left me wanting more, suspense and wondering arose in my mind. I can't wait to start book 4, excited to know what'll happen next!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling third story in this excellent series.
Ceridwen is captured and taken on board a Moroccan pirate ship. This ship is later in turn raided by Danes seeking treasure and slaves.
Ceridwen in the company of Sidroc journeys far from her native Angle-land. Their bond, which has grown over the years, serves them well as they find themselves in distant lands, fighting to survive.
Without giving away the story, suffice to say there is plenty of adventure and many twists and turns in this third book. The author definitely knows how to keep her readers enthralled. I for one can’t wait to read the next book.

[Neill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of Gyric, Ceridwen travelled back to Four Stones to see her friend now married to Sidroc. This gave them a chance to renew their friendship and the meeting of their two sons, Ceric and Hrald, giving them the opportunity to meet and bond. When the time came to return to Kilton Sidroc took Ceridwen to the boat loading area where they were captured and hijacked. This lead to a new twist in their lives as prisoners and they needed all their resourcefulness to deal with the situations they were forced to face. Ceridwen is facing a new life and an excellent extension to her story.

[Shereen Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting book, as Ceridwen's life takes an unexpected turn. This is by far the most gripping book of the series so far with abduction, sea adventure, survival and romance all thrown together. Great descriptions of life in the 9th century.
I won't go into the details of the story, I will say that this novel focuses on the relationship between Cerdiwen and Sidroc (finally!)
I love Ceridwen, and still admire all her strength and boldness. The ending was great, it left me wanting more, suspense and wondering arose in my mind. So excited to start book 4.

[Megan Formanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've come to really love this series.
Once you get used to the writing style and use of archaic language it's really easy and enjoyable to read.
I'm glad I persisted with the first book because the second was delightful and the third, well after a slightly unbelievable premise, was just as good.
The emotions and thought of the MC are so well explained that even the most difficult of decisions if understandable given her situation.

Looking forward to book 4 and ever so great fun to find a long running series.

[Mary Jane Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly engaging historical fiction dealing with Anglo-Saxon times arounds the 900's. Author is meticulous in researching her facts and endows her characters with depth.

Warning: this saga spans the lifetime and the descendants of the two main characters. It is so well written you end up caring for them all.
This is book three, The Claiming, in the Circle of Ceridwen Saga. I thoroughly enjoyed the last few pages.
I think she is up to book #eleven in all. Good read.
Octavia Randolph

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Book One of this series and was hoping to dig my teeth into a nice meaty series. Also enjoyed Book 2 for the most part, though I didn’t love the ménage a trois situation. I’m afraid the author completely lost me in Book 3. Up until the kidnapping (I guess that’s what you’d call it), I was on board. But Sidroc’s actions and Ceridwen’s reactions from then on made no sense to me and I just didn’t buy the whole thing. I started reading Book 4, but I just don’t think I can do it. Not for 8 more books anyway! I’m really bummed, but this one will have to be a DNF for me.