Circle of Stones: A Novel

Circle #1

by Anna Lee Waldo

When Brenda arrives at the Gwynedd castle of Prince Owain in twelfth-century Wales, she is still a young girl, full of wonder and naivete about the court life that surrounds her. But it does not take long for her to negotiate the intrigues, both among warring men and bickering women, and gain the attention of the prince. Brenda is clever and thoughtful, and not afraid to speak her mind--attributes that distinguish her from most of the women at court, and that bring her closer to Owain. As the prince's favorite mistress in a Wales torn between the old ways of the druids and the new teachings of Christianity, Brenda finds herself at the center of an ever-changing world.

Soon she gives birth to a son, Madoc, only to have to flee to a druid camp in Ireland to save him from being put to death because of a superstitious prophecy. Well hidden, Madoc is raised by the druids in safety, but Brenda is caught and must return to Gwynedd. Back at Owain's court, she rises to become a chief adviser and confidante to the most powerful prince in Wales--at a time when women had absolutely no power. Her courage and indomitable spirit transform the course of history, while her child grows to be the savior of his people, leading the druids out of Wales and into the New World.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Ireland, Adult

448 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 1999

About the author

Anna Lee Waldo wrote the best-selling historical novel, SACAJAWEA. Her interest in the subject began as a child when she collected spear points on the shores of Whitefish Lake in Montana and listened to stories of Blackfeet and Crow grandmothers.

It took her ten years to write about the first woman to go with a military contingent, with a baby in a cradleboard, half way across the North American continent. Anna Lee is now writing a sequence of books that began in Wales in the twelfth century called the DRUID CIRCLE series. These books are based on the elusive history of the son of Prince Owain Gwynedd, named Madoc, who came to America in 1170.

Reviews

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Waldo's "Sacajewea" several years ago and found it to be engrossing and well-researched. In that long novel, I learned of a possible connection of the Mandan Indians with Madoc, the legendary Welshman who purportedly sailed to America in the late 12th century and established a colony there. "Circle of Stones" is the first in a series of novels by Waldo telling the story of Madoc. This novel was obviously well-researched but I found it somewhat lacking in plot and I struggled sometimes with Waldo's stilted language in this one. The novel is actually about Brenda, Madoc's mother, who had an illicit affair with Owain, the 12th century Welsh prince. The book ends before Madoc makes his voyage to America so I was a little disappointed in that. However, I found most of the historical information about Wales, the Druids, King Henry II, and the wars among the heirs to the Welsh kingdom, to be very interesting. Overall, I would mildly recommend this. I have a copy of the next book in this series, "Circle of Stars", and hope it will be better.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic historical fiction at its best! The tale is set in 12th Century Wales and full of strong, fascinating characters and intrigue. I enjoyed it immensely! I had a little trouble with the beginning; I can’t put my finger on why. But once I was about 20 pages in, I was hooked. Having read the Eleanor of Aquitaine series by Sharon Kay Penman, which tells the tale of England during the same time period, I was especially intrigued and interested to hear the other side of the story, since the two countries were frequently at odds during the period. I feel like I’ve already read five books worth of story in one novel and I can’t wait to see what’s in store in the next installment. If you’re a lover of historical fiction or this period and haven’t read Anna Lee Waldo, I recommend you check her out. This is my first time reading her work, and I’m definitely going to be looking up her other novels.

[Magda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointing for various reasons. I thought there would be more on Madoc, as there's quite a bit of prophecy about him, but evidently that's in the sequel, Circle of Stars: A Novel. Then there's no sympathetic "New Religionists" (Christians), and the "Old Religionists" ("druids") are proud of being "pagans" (wouldn't they be proud of being druids? and I thought there would be fewer actual druids and more followers of the old religion and they wouldn't necessarily identify as "pagan," which seems an outsider's term) and they're not terribly sympathetic, either. And only the ORs believe that the world is round, and the NRs only believe that the world is flat?

I kinda want to say this would have been a better book if it hadn't been historical fiction.

[Jennifer Sigman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Several things wrong with this book:
1) The author starts in the middle of the story and never gives enough background so that you understand why the characters are doing what they do.
2) We are told over and over that Brenda is a smart woman. We're never shown it.
3) A multitude of typographical and grammatical errors throw you out of the story.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly, this is my first DNF of the year, and I had to stop at 37%. It was too slow, too boring, and included repetitive dialogue and senseless conversations. The plot would jump ahead by years and then slow down to a dreadful crawl- chapters and chapters focused on the same day. Brenda is not an interesting character, nor is her king, and all important prophesied child isn't in the story at all. I couldn't bring myself to drudge through the other two thirds of this novel. It would be an utter waste of my time. I think I'll just dig into Welsh history a little bit and read about Owain, Brenda, and Madoc, and that will certainly be enough.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an epic novel that tells a fictional account of a fact based theory that destiny led a tribe of Welsh Druids escaping religious persecution to discover America. A lot of magic and fanstasy in a great time period. Great book!!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A time of old and new religions. The later years of Owain Gwynedd ap Griffith and the beginning of chaos. The story of the mistress Brenda mother of Madoc. I liked how this brought you to another time and place. Well written.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction writing about the druids.

[Nico · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 - 4 stars

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Circle of Stones is an historical novel set in Wales in the 12th century. Owain of Gwynedd is Prince of Wales. King Henry II is on the English throne and a constant threat to Owain. The New Religionists (Christians) are rising to power and the Old Religionists (Druids) are beginning to be persecuted. Set amid this political intrigue and cultural upheaval, this is Brenda's story.

Brenda is one of several of Prince Owain's mistresses. She conceives her third child auspiciously under a beautiful display of Aurora Borealis. The Druids believe this child will be a "savior" and bring peace to their people.

By strange coincidence, three children are born to the Prince within the same hour on the same day - Brenda's son Madoc, Dafydd, born to Owain's mistress Christiannt, and his wife Gladys' son. Gladys' child is stillborn, but the Prince "replaces" that child with Christiannt's and superstitiously attempts to murder Brenda's child. With the help of the Druid community, Brenda fakes the child's death and she and the baby escape to Ireland. When Owain sends soldier's to find her, she leaves Madoc with the Irish druids and returns to Owain's court.

Will Owain ever learn about Madoc? What happens to Dafydd? What about the prophesy that Owain will be murdered by one of his own sons? How does Thomas Beckett figure in this epic tale? All good reasons to read this book!

I have some Welsh ancestors so the history of this region sparks my interest. This is the story behind the Welsh myth that Madoc, with several shiploads of druids, sailed to America and settled here centuries before Columbus "discovered" America. I had not heard this myth but you can read about it in this Wikipedia article.
A side note... one of my favorite series is Maggie Stiefvater's "Raven Cycle," a contemporary fantasy series in which Owain's grandson Llewelyn the Great figures prominently.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes epic historical fiction, stories of Welsh folklore, or stories with strong female characters.

[ErinAlise · Rating 4 out of 5]

History tells there was once a prince who sailed to America in 1170 to save his people. Many know of his father Prince Owain but who was his mother, and why was he forced to make the journey?
The Prince of Wales Owain Gwynedd was known for many things but above all he believed in honor. One night a troubadour tells a Welsh story of a man who had three sons born under the same moon and sadly was killed by his grandson. As a jest Prince Owain vows that if he had three sons born under the same moon he would drown all but one, not only to stop the prophecy from becoming true but also to save the land from the inevitable fate of war. Little did he know that days later his wife, his second wife and mistress would all give birth on the same day. Three boys were born, the first was quiet, the second was angry and the third was curious, full of wisdom and meant for something special.
Owain’s mistress may have been just a lowly girl from Ireland but she was determined that her son would live, as she stole away in the night she knew her son would one day be honored by men and praised by the gods. His name would be Madoc.
The history was fascinating, there is a tribe called Mandan that was discovered in the Great Plains in 1738 and many believe that they were Welsh Indians who originated from Prince Madoc. I truly enjoyed the research that the author was clearly dedicated to but unfortunately some of the character development fell flat. At times I even admittedly was lost as new characters were thrown in but by the end of the book I felt it was worth reading. Not a 5 star but most definitely a 3.5-4.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although very long this was an amazing book about a slice of Welsh history. Having lived in swansea Wales as a young teen I was very interested. I even knew how to pronounce some of the words. I shall pass it along to my welsh sister-in-law.

When we think of Henry II we do not think of the connection he had with the Welsh, nor the positive connection Thomas a Beckett had with Prince Owen, ruler of Northern Wales.

[D.B. Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating fictional novel based on history. Set in 12th century Wales, the story is about
Brenda, the mistress of Prince Owain. At the heart of the story is the druids and the conflicts
that occur when Christianity found its way to England, Wales and Ireland. I look forward to
the next book in the series.

[Deniselt · Rating 2 out of 5]

As other reviewers have said, this book is well researched, but unlike many others I found it a chore to read. I was really interested in the subject matter, but it was slow going. I’m very curious about Madoc and the Mandan Indian connection but I’m not sure I’m up to the sequel if it is anything like this book.

[Polly Ekin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been fascinated by the Madoc story since reading "Children of the First Man" by James Alexander Thom. This book was less about Madoc and more about his mother, and the events in Wales during his younger years. I was hoping for more info on the "Welsh prince sails to America, settles in Ohio River Valley and becomes father of the Mandan Indian tribe" theory.

[Ulana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book with kings, mistresses, many children and Druids. The main character was Brenda who was one of the mistresses of a Welsh Prince Owain. She chose to save their baby boy and leave. Brenda is a strong intelligent lady. There is a mix of history and historical fiction in this long novel.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic storytelling! I was on the edge with every moment of intense action. I resonated with the main character Brenda in so many ways. She is a very well written heroine. This book deserves more notoriety. It is truly a gem!

[Jonathan Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waldo presents a plausible and enjoyable narrative of the last years of the druids in Cymru and Eire, illuminating the interpersonal relationships of strong women and weak men and those they served and ruled.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book, but I thought it was a bit too detailed.

[Gem · Rating 1 out of 5]

this drivel is terrible!!! I don't need 3 chapters to describe a religion! got on with the story

[Susan]

1151-1170Wales about Brenda and Madoc's life before leaving to settle America

[Terri Ruhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every page. I was so lost in the story quite often I lost track of hours!

[Starla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so many interesting things reading this historical book. Reading Circle of Stars now!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the hefty beast that is Waldo's "Sacajawea". And having enjoyed that, I decided to give this first book in a series of hers a try. I wasn't nearly as thrilled with it, although it wasn't terrible.

Brenda is a young mistress of Prince Owain, who rules over Wales. On an auspicious night, she becomes pregnant with her third child but then is unlucky enough to give birth to a son at the same time Owain's other two women give birth to sons. Because of a talk earlier, Owain decides only one son may live so Brenda flees to a Druid encampment. Forces out of her control make her have to go back to Owain's court and leave young Madoc behind, where he will be fostered away from her for years.

Brenda is a mix of intelligent and "what the heck were you thinking". And we are constantly told how wise she is. I personally prefer to be shown, and there's only a little of that for her character. In fact, she always takes the road of least resistance, and it can end up hurting those around her. Owain is a weird person and completely unwise. He seems more concerned with pride than anything else, and that's kind of disappointing. Madoc, for being such an important character to the story, isn't in it very much. And we always see him through Brenda's eyes so there aren't any flaws to be found either. There were a ton of other characters too and at times I got them confused with each other. There were just so many. A lot were based on real people though, and I did enjoy learning a bit more about them than I knew before.

Waldo is gifted with lots and lots of words. While this isn't as long as some of her other books, it does tend to go on and on quite a bit. In fact, I had a hard time getting into this book at first because I was bored by the endless detail. But the further I got in the better it got. I became captivated by Brenda's tale and even while I was frustrated at times I still wanted to know what happened. She even got down to the nitty gritty on Druid medicine. That description is in everything and there is murder, sex, violence, and other such things in this book. Those at least aren't overly descriptive but they're still there. The history I can't say is all correct, I don't know enough about that period of time or region, but it seems like she did do a lot of research for the book. And she was kind enough to list her sources by type.

An ok book. I don't think it told the terrific tale that Sacajawea did, but it still chronicled a very strong woman's life. I might pick up the second book if I come across it.

Circle of Stones
Copyright 1999
432 pages

Review by M. Reynard 2013

More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Circle of Stones (1999) by Ann Lee Waldo is a very long book. By the time you finish it, you are rewarded with the information that it is only the first in a series of very long books. This is good or bad news, depending on how you enjoyed the first book. It's very much in the same vein as the wildly popular and influential The Mists of Avalon (1982) by Marion Zimmer Bradley, only the legendary figure is Madoc and not King Arthur.

What's It About?

It is refreshing to see someone take a stab at fictionalizing a little-known legend such as Madoc. For those unfamiliar with the legend, Madoc (or Madoq) was a Druid that led a few boatloads of persecuted Druids to the New World in the twelfth century and bred into the Native American tribes to the point where later generations could not remember their Welsh origins.

Unfortunately, the readers never get beyond the shores of Ireland and Wales in "Circle of Stones". The adventures of Madoc and the Druids crossing the ocean and trying to set up shop in America are what the subsequent books are about. Meanwhile, the readers are stuck with the life of Brenda, Madoc's mother.

There is a reason why most novels set in legendary times center on male characters instead of female characters - the women don't do much that makes for interesting reading. Women in the twelfth century did hard work and had hard lives, but reading about raising babies and getting chased after by the local scalawags gets a little old after a few hundred pages.

Let's Get Quibbling

The main problem of the book is that it tries to be too Welsh. The Welsh language is nearly unfathomable for a native speaker of English to pronounce, spell or understand. There are no pronunciations given for names such as Llanowerth of Dayffyd. Perhaps it would have been best if the names were written phonetically or if a pronunciation guide was included at the front of the book.

Also, sometimes the characters will lapse into Welsh - and then suddenly explain what they just said in English. If it's one Welsh person talking to the other, these explanations would be completely unnecessary. Fiction is most successful when a reader gets completely immersed in the story. Waldo's sudden breaks in trying to be too Welsh is like someone prodding you in the ribs to say, "Look at the neat Welsh phrase I just learned!"

Finally, Waldo mentions that the Welsh and Irish drank tea. This is the twelfth century. Tea wouldn't be a popular beverage in the British Isles for centuries yet.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this novel and its sequel on my shelves for over 10 years and am just now getting to them. I had read the author's previous works, Sacajawea, and Prairie: The Legend of Charles Burton Irwin and the Y6 Ranch back in the early 1990s and have been anxious to give these "Circle" books a try. This novel states that it is the first of a series but to my knowledge only one sequel has been published, back in 2001. A third book, "Watch the Face of the Sky" is/was supposed to be published in 2011 but I'm not certain of its status.

This book was an interesting read about the harsh life in Wales back in the mid 1100's AD. Brenda is the protagonist as well as the mother of Madoc for whom there is some credible evidence for his being the first European to "discover" America. The second book in this series is more about him.

So the book itself was well written and detailed some interesting history of Northern Wales and the time of conflict based upon the old religion (Druids) and the new religion (Christianity). However, I found the story progression to be at a pretty slow pace and thus my 3 star rating. I've unintentionally been reading several novels taking place in that era of the British Isles including The King Raven Trilogy (a different sort of take on the legend of Robin Hood by Stephen R Lawhead) as well as The Pillars of the Earth so I think it's time to go for something a bit different before returning to the sequel to this one.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true historical fiction. It is rich with characters, culture, and daily life of the times. It reminds me of the Greenlanders by Jane Smiley because it likewise gives a glimpse into life at a certain time and place through the lives of the characters (Circle of Stones is in 12th Century Wales). From other reviews I've read, perhaps you need to be an historical fiction fan to really like this book. Some felt it lacked a plot. Personally, the first couple pages were hard to get into, and I was afraid I'd be disappointed, but it grabbed me right after that, and I've been loving it ever since.

I'm about 60% done. I like learning about some of the herbal remedies they used at the time. I think that is an added benefit. One thing with historical fiction...when they base it on real-life characters, they are somewhat tied to the true story, to the best of their knowledge. I am really enjoying this, but there are some things I wish could be different. I would like to find an historical fiction of this caliber that is not based on real people who existed so there can be a bit more happiness. I don't want to spoil anything, so I am being intentionally vague in what I mean here, sorry.

having gone a bit farther (75% done), things do improve, happiness-wise. I won't say anything about it bc I don't want to ruin the story.

Completely done, and I loved it. In the beginning of each chapter, the author takes an excerpt from an historical book. I love that bit of research thrown in, and it sets the stage for where the story she is spinning goes next. At the end of the book, she has quite a bibliography. Going to read the next book, Circle of Stars.

[Alicia Utter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rate: 4

A mistress of a Welsh king in the 1100s gives birth to a babe that was prophecied to kill his father. In lieu of sacrificing him, Brenda, the mistress, takes off back to Ireland to stay in a druid camp. She is found and brought back to wales, but her child remains in the camp. Christianity is causing many druids to die, and the English are constantly threatening the land. Along with the sons of the king fighting for rights to the kingdom, Brenda is constantly seeing huge parts of history that shaped that region. She is secretly, kind of, a druid. at the end, her son takes off for America to establish a colony there for druids.

There was so many historical descrepancies, I had a hard time enjoying it. They had Elanor and Richard in there, who lived later than this. Druids are still at court, which was not the case in the 1100s. Brenda is conveniently overeducated, and her character is a little hard to believe. There are very trite scenes in here that try and convey more emotion. they fall flat. while i enjoy reading anything about the druids, this was so far-fetched, it was hard to believe. People are behaving very badly, without any courtly rules in there. While she had done her homework on some information of that age, the people are mixed up and it just became tedious. very tedious.

Giving Away

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I've rarely read a historical novel where the author went to the trouble of doing so much research and then wasted it with such awkward writing. The characterizations are so poorly drawn and inconsistent that it's very hard to care about the story - a critical turning point in the history of Wales where one of its greatest leaders leaves chaos behind due to his failure to deal with his many immoral sons. The conflict between druidism and Christianity has been used in many other novels to much greater effect, and the author belabors the point so incessently and with such whiny piteousness that I ended up disgusted by both sides. Dialogue is baffling and stilted, the plot wanders, and moment that the author uses years to build up to never reach their potential. Very disappointing."