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Once & Future #1
The River Maiden
Sarah MacAlpin has always felt like an outsider. Raised by her Scottish grandmother deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sarah grew up with one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world. Her childhood friends were the stuff of ancient Celtic legends.
But Sarah’s seemingly idyllic past hides a horrifying secret. As a little girl she watched her mother’s inexorable slide into madness. But she hasn’t let her past stop her from reaching for her dreams. She has managed to put together a pretty good life for herself. She has great friends, a boyfriend, and her career as a folklorist is all planned out.
That is until she meets Dermot Sinclair. The handsome Scot seems to be dogging her every step. At best he’s a fellow folklorist who can help her research. At worst, he could be there to steal her work. All she has to do is find one song that proves her thesis and her dissertation will be done. Unfortunately, unlocking that song may also mean unlocking some buried memories and a dangerous destiny set in motion generations ago.
But Sarah’s seemingly idyllic past hides a horrifying secret. As a little girl she watched her mother’s inexorable slide into madness. But she hasn’t let her past stop her from reaching for her dreams. She has managed to put together a pretty good life for herself. She has great friends, a boyfriend, and her career as a folklorist is all planned out.
That is until she meets Dermot Sinclair. The handsome Scot seems to be dogging her every step. At best he’s a fellow folklorist who can help her research. At worst, he could be there to steal her work. All she has to do is find one song that proves her thesis and her dissertation will be done. Unfortunately, unlocking that song may also mean unlocking some buried memories and a dangerous destiny set in motion generations ago.
461 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2014
49 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
About the author
Meredith R. Stoddard
10 books89 followersMeredith R. Stoddard is a writer and fiber artist living in Central VA. She studied literature and folklore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before working as a corporate trainer and instructional designer for 10 years. She now devotes her energy to fiction and creative non-fiction. When her hands are not holding a book or touching a keyboard they are likely knitting, spinning or felting. You can follow her adventures in fiction and fiber at http://www.meredithstoddard.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 1, 2015
3.5 SOLID STARS!
And here it comes,one of the worst covers I have ever seen.Probably in my top 5 most hated covers.Nothing matches.The bottles or whatever they are in the front are terrible,they don't fit with the color of the rest.I personally hesitated to read this book because of the cover,but I am telling you,the story is so much better than this ugly thing that you are watching,the plot is a million times better.So don't let the cover discourage you to read this one!
The River Maiden is a fantasy novel,filled with a lot of great scenes and well developed characters.What really intrigued me to read this book is the Scottish influence,because this book somehow gives you some information for Scottish life because the main character was raised by a Scottish person,and if you know me,you should know my affection for Scotland and it's glory.
The characters,especially Sarah MacAlpin,the main character,is really developed.She is caring,and openhearted and he owns a lot of great qualities.Other characters,beside her,I think were so little described.They felt like figures mostly.
The writing style is good,the author has a special ability to mix the words in a great way so I really enjoyed it.
I recommend this book to every fantasy reader out there.So pick it up!
August 14, 2015
A very engaging book! I was drawn into the story and wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. Meredith Stoddard's historic research is very sound. She has created a very interesting story with great supernatural elements. I hope there is a sequel to this book! I want to know what happens next!
September 9, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in final manuscript form and was hooked from the first sentence. The main characters are engaging and fully-formed, the narrative is deceptively simple to read, but pulls the reader along in the story, making the book speed by. There are elements of urban romance, historical fiction, contemporary fiction and it's own flavor of mystery. There's a whodunit component that provides a cliff-hanger ending, which left me breathless (like I'd been on a very steep drop on a roller coaster) and wanting more.
I will be re-reading the book in its published form in the next couple of weeks and will review it based on my re-read.
I will be re-reading the book in its published form in the next couple of weeks and will review it based on my re-read.
March 8, 2016
Oh. My. Goodness. NoNoNoNoNo. Don't tell me this--umm, excuse me, excuse me, Ms. Stoddard? I seem to be having trouble finding Book 2. I am waving COLD HARD CASH at my Kindle screen, but I don't see it anywhere! I mean, this book has just the right amount of everything I like--great characters. singing, mythology, mystery, maybe magic, non-sappy romance--I neeeeeeeed Book 2 and I need it right this bloody minute. Can I babysit your kids, will that help? Oh, my heart....I gotta have book 2...
Okay. Okay. I'll wait. Not patiently, but I'll wait.
Okay. Okay. I'll wait. Not patiently, but I'll wait.
June 14, 2023
The River Maiden is Book 1 in a series and I was spellbound from the very first page. Sarah MacAlpin is the heroine of this series; a talented young woman with a bright future, but haunted by dark dreams that are both a reminder of things past and a precursor of what’s to come. The past and present weave together beautifully through music and myths, mystery and secrets, and Sarah herself. The ending left me breathless, anxious to continue with Sarah on her journey to make her dreams to come true, to fulfill her destiny—thank goodness her story continues in the rest of the books in this series!
August 3, 2021
What a page-turner! This book is a fun mix of many charming aspects. First, there is Dermot the heartthrob who is pretty much the perfect male specimen. Second, there is a sprinkle of magic (visions, fortune-telling, destiny, type stuff). Third, there's the whole Scottish element. The River Maiden though has more than charm. It's also filled with romance and intrigue, secrets and danger. The best part though is at the end when you're so sad it's over, you realize there is an entire series left to devour!
July 20, 2016
What I liked--intriguing story that weaves the main character's youth living in a remote area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, raised by a Scottish grandmother, with her present (1990's) graduate studies in folklore. Gaelic phrases are sprinkled throughout. The present mystery in the story concludes at the end, but there is so much more mystery to explore! What I didn't like--I can't just buy the next installment in the series because it hasn't been published yet.
September 18, 2015
Absolutely fell in love with this book! Love all of the research Meredith put into it! Connected with the characters, and fell in love with Dermot since meeting him at camp! ;) Can't wait for part 2! Hoping to have it before my trip to Scotland!
December 10, 2020
I sat down to read this book and didn't look up again until it was finished and I had downloaded the second one. The characters are compelling, and you root for Sarah from page one.
November 29, 2022
A twisted Scottish tale to curl your toes.
Lyrical Scottish folktales, music festivals, and Celtic dancing is heightened with intertwining mysteries that alter Sarah MacAlpin’s life. The River Maiden is a wild journey pieced together through dreams, memories, and a murder mystery. It all begins when six-year-old Morag MacAlpin’s mother is pushed off a cliff and Morag becomes Sarah. The secret of that day and the massive implications haunt Sarah as she becomes a young woman and finds herself embroiled in a mystery that goes back centuries yet will change her fate today. The River Maiden is the stuff of legends, betrayal, passions and death. (some language, sexual content and violence)
Lyrical Scottish folktales, music festivals, and Celtic dancing is heightened with intertwining mysteries that alter Sarah MacAlpin’s life. The River Maiden is a wild journey pieced together through dreams, memories, and a murder mystery. It all begins when six-year-old Morag MacAlpin’s mother is pushed off a cliff and Morag becomes Sarah. The secret of that day and the massive implications haunt Sarah as she becomes a young woman and finds herself embroiled in a mystery that goes back centuries yet will change her fate today. The River Maiden is the stuff of legends, betrayal, passions and death. (some language, sexual content and violence)
November 4, 2017
I love this book! Thank you Meredith Stoddard for sharing a beautiful story.
I felt like I was right there in the Appalachian mountains with Sarah, listening to the stories and the music. Sharing in the pain of loosing someone and learning who to trust.
I felt like I was right there in the Appalachian mountains with Sarah, listening to the stories and the music. Sharing in the pain of loosing someone and learning who to trust.
November 13, 2015
I've read this book thanks to a giveaway from goodreads, so first of all I want to say thanks to Meredith R. Stoddard for send me this copy and to goodreads for give me the opportunity to get great books for free.
(You'll notice english is not my first language, so I have mistakes writing it. I'm sorry).
I really enjoyed this novel, I give it 3'5 stars. When I started it I thought it won't be my type, it seemed like this typical romance. But I was definetely surprised at the turns on the plot, mostly in the last pages. Furthermore, the author creates a tension atmosphere that keep you reading to find out what's going on. You don't solve the mistery until the last 50 pages. About the characters...they are very well developed, Dermot is the best example. I love Sarah and I hate Jon and Ryan so so so much!! There are other secondary characters that are adorable too, like Old Duff, he's one of my favourites. One of the things I enjoyed most was the legends/myths/folklore from Scotland that I've learnt reading it, I had no idea about them but I found them very interesting.
Why have I decided to read it? Because it was a giveaway and I want to help by reading it and writing this review.
Would I recommend it? Of course if you want to read something engaging.
(You'll notice english is not my first language, so I have mistakes writing it. I'm sorry).
I really enjoyed this novel, I give it 3'5 stars. When I started it I thought it won't be my type, it seemed like this typical romance. But I was definetely surprised at the turns on the plot, mostly in the last pages. Furthermore, the author creates a tension atmosphere that keep you reading to find out what's going on. You don't solve the mistery until the last 50 pages. About the characters...they are very well developed, Dermot is the best example. I love Sarah and I hate Jon and Ryan so so so much!! There are other secondary characters that are adorable too, like Old Duff, he's one of my favourites. One of the things I enjoyed most was the legends/myths/folklore from Scotland that I've learnt reading it, I had no idea about them but I found them very interesting.
Why have I decided to read it? Because it was a giveaway and I want to help by reading it and writing this review.
Would I recommend it? Of course if you want to read something engaging.
September 1, 2015
Fascinating, Mysterious, captures the heart
Mysterious happenings surrounding a folk lore student. Falling in love, avoiding getting killed and discovering some hard truths. A very interesting good read.
Mysterious happenings surrounding a folk lore student. Falling in love, avoiding getting killed and discovering some hard truths. A very interesting good read.
September 8, 2015
Enchanting
Read this enchanting story in one setting. Storyline, characters a whole new story. Can't wait for book 2. Keep me posted
Read this enchanting story in one setting. Storyline, characters a whole new story. Can't wait for book 2. Keep me posted
Read
September 16, 2015I love this kind of fantasy/Scottish/folklore book, and it takes place in Chapel Hill where I live! I can't wait for book 2!
October 8, 2021
"...I don't think these people were that much less evolved than us physically. You're assuming that our collective human knowledge has developed in one straight line from then to now. History is filled with examples of knowledge that was lost and then regained."
I picked this up from a local author just shy of a week ago...aaaannd I've already devoured it...Lets just say I'm so excited that this was the first in a series!
Meredith sold it to my mother and I by claiming its similarity to Outlander and A Discovery of Witches-we didn't need to hear much more after that, we were sold. It wasn't until I started reading that I realized that the protagonist grew up near one of my favorite places in the world- Boone, North Carolina. The first chapter transports us to Grandfather Mountain, where I spent my 4 years of college and even had my graduation ceremony in the exact place where the Highland Games takes place. Reading this story was so cozy and special to me due to how close I hold North Carolina to my heart, but also the character building and storytelling was so strong I was invested from the start.
Admittedly, most of my knowledge of Scottish-American history comes straight from Outlander, so it was cool to get a new perspective of the Grandfather Mountain Highlands and Scottish folklore. It is obvious that the author is similar to the protagonist, Sarah, in their knowledge and passion for folklore.
Sarah is a lovely protagonist to follow so closely as the book is told mostly from her perspective. I found her thought processes very realistic and familiar. Her independence and confidence shone through in the writing but it wasn't overdone in an "I'm not like other girls" way. love!
(also...At a time personally where I'm not so excited to read about romance, this book was perfectly tasteful. Just the right amount of yearning and reward and rejection (and repeat) to keep me on the hook but not so forward that it derailed the plot. love x2!)
In conclusion, this was a joy to read and I literally cannot wait to keep reading!
I picked this up from a local author just shy of a week ago...aaaannd I've already devoured it...Lets just say I'm so excited that this was the first in a series!
Meredith sold it to my mother and I by claiming its similarity to Outlander and A Discovery of Witches-we didn't need to hear much more after that, we were sold. It wasn't until I started reading that I realized that the protagonist grew up near one of my favorite places in the world- Boone, North Carolina. The first chapter transports us to Grandfather Mountain, where I spent my 4 years of college and even had my graduation ceremony in the exact place where the Highland Games takes place. Reading this story was so cozy and special to me due to how close I hold North Carolina to my heart, but also the character building and storytelling was so strong I was invested from the start.
Admittedly, most of my knowledge of Scottish-American history comes straight from Outlander, so it was cool to get a new perspective of the Grandfather Mountain Highlands and Scottish folklore. It is obvious that the author is similar to the protagonist, Sarah, in their knowledge and passion for folklore.
Sarah is a lovely protagonist to follow so closely as the book is told mostly from her perspective. I found her thought processes very realistic and familiar. Her independence and confidence shone through in the writing but it wasn't overdone in an "I'm not like other girls" way. love!
(also...At a time personally where I'm not so excited to read about romance, this book was perfectly tasteful. Just the right amount of yearning and reward and rejection (and repeat) to keep me on the hook but not so forward that it derailed the plot. love x2!)
In conclusion, this was a joy to read and I literally cannot wait to keep reading!
December 10, 2019
This is certainly an amazing book with an interesting story that has me hooked and now I can't wait to read the second book!
Having no background on what Gaelic or Scottish folklore is, the author helps by laying the groundwork for it in at the start of the book. This might make it quite dry for some people, however I find it absolutely fascinating.
My only gripe with the book is the sometimes clumsy writing that shows up here and there that seems to have escaped the editing process, and that makes for a jarring read to me. However, it is easily overshadowed by the overall flow of the writing and thus, all is forgiven.
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
Having no background on what Gaelic or Scottish folklore is, the author helps by laying the groundwork for it in at the start of the book. This might make it quite dry for some people, however I find it absolutely fascinating.
My only gripe with the book is the sometimes clumsy writing that shows up here and there that seems to have escaped the editing process, and that makes for a jarring read to me. However, it is easily overshadowed by the overall flow of the writing and thus, all is forgiven.
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
June 29, 2022
Meredith Stoddard masterfully weaves the past with the present in THE RIVER MAIDEN, the first novel of her lyrically-wrought Once & Future series. Folklorist Sarah MacAlpin’s dark dreams are just a precursor for what lies ahead: a journey that takes her into her family’s past—figuratively and literally. This series is filled with all drama you’d expect from a broken family with traumatic long-held secrets, and all the passion you’d want from lovers whose lives unfold like the Gaelic myths embedded in their DNA and their souls. Outlander fans have an exciting new series to tide them over between Diana Gabaldon’s offerings.
August 3, 2018
There is so much good to say about this book: I could really inhabit Sarah's character and I could feel the truth of her interactions with the other characters. But there was one part of the plot that seemed so… improbable and unbelievable, and that was, in a sense, what the whole book was built upon. Even though that part of the plot made me roll my eyes when I guessed something similar to it, several chapters before that part of the story began to be revealed to Sarah and to the reader, I found I enjoyed the book well enough. And I very much suspect that I will read the sequel soon.
January 14, 2019
I love love love this book! The characters and the story are so well thought and worked out, I just couldn't put it away! The Gaelic is spot on and adds perfectly to the story, whereas I've seen a couple of writers using Google to translate their sentences and words to Scottish Gaelic, Meredith makes sure her terms are 100% correct.
I have yet to read the second part, which I'll be doing soon. I don't know how to describe this book really, just that it's very well written, very well worked out and once you're in, you won't let go! Highly recommended!
I have yet to read the second part, which I'll be doing soon. I don't know how to describe this book really, just that it's very well written, very well worked out and once you're in, you won't let go! Highly recommended!
February 13, 2023
As she pursues her folklore studies, grad student Sarah MacAlpin is haunted by images of her mother’s tainted past, an unidentifiable Gaelic tune passed on by her grandmother, and the alluring yet mysterious Dermot Sinclair. She bravely strives to unravel each of the challenges, undeterred by scary near-accidents and ominous undertones. Lush with mystical folklore references, The River Maiden swirls readers into the first of a series, delivering adventure and adversity wrapped around enticing Celtic lore.
July 3, 2019
You know those books that you think I you know what’s going to happen and then, WHAM! You were right?
This is NOT one of those books. Twists and turns, mystery and intrigue... This book is one I will certainly reread.
The characters are well-crafted and deep. The stories that entwine their lives are developed, real enough to be yours, and strong. I greatly enjoyed this book and will be starting the second one tomorrow! The Cauldron, here I come!
This is NOT one of those books. Twists and turns, mystery and intrigue... This book is one I will certainly reread.
The characters are well-crafted and deep. The stories that entwine their lives are developed, real enough to be yours, and strong. I greatly enjoyed this book and will be starting the second one tomorrow! The Cauldron, here I come!
June 7, 2021
Meredith Stoddard weaves the past into the future through Sarah MacAlpin, a current day student of folklore. A combination of Sarah’s childhood and her studies reveal a story from the past that affects her future. The characters introduced during her journey keep the reader wondering what will happen next. The River Maiden is a combination of Gaelic legend with a love story twist. The ending leaves the reader wanting more… and there is more to come as this is part one of a series.
March 23, 2018
I feel like this book ended when it actually started and the storyline finally started to pick up. It could have been shorted in the first half and at times it was a bit predictable.
Still a nice read and I would like to know how the story continues however I am not sure if I would spend money on it.
Still a nice read and I would like to know how the story continues however I am not sure if I would spend money on it.
December 10, 2018
An engrossing tale
What a tale. I've had this book on both my kindle and my bookshelf for a few years. Why did I wait so long to read it? It's stay up all night to read good. It has the right balance of a mystery, mysticism, unattainable love, and life on the ridge. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.
What a tale. I've had this book on both my kindle and my bookshelf for a few years. Why did I wait so long to read it? It's stay up all night to read good. It has the right balance of a mystery, mysticism, unattainable love, and life on the ridge. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.
May 1, 2020
I didn't really connect to the characters in this series. There's also a lot of secrets kept from the main characters for no reason that I could see. Unless there's a really good reason, I think that's a weak way to bring suspense to a plot.
This book did make me very curious about the music. It's too bad so much of the music part of this was dropped in the second book.
This book did make me very curious about the music. It's too bad so much of the music part of this was dropped in the second book.
July 6, 2021
A Folklorists tale
From the first page of this series, author Meredith Stoddard makes you curious about the past. You want to know what happened in her main character Sarah's childhood. Then the story of Sarah's present draws you in. Meredith spins a tale that weaves family, loss, love, friendship and folklore together. It leaves you satisfied and ready for more.
From the first page of this series, author Meredith Stoddard makes you curious about the past. You want to know what happened in her main character Sarah's childhood. Then the story of Sarah's present draws you in. Meredith spins a tale that weaves family, loss, love, friendship and folklore together. It leaves you satisfied and ready for more.
December 4, 2021
Brava Ms Stoddard! The beautifully written novel captured me from page one and never let go. I admire how the author weaved the past and present together bound by folklore. The Gaelic language, mystery, Scottish history and folklore, and romance all came together to make this a wonderful story. I enjoyed every moment of reading and can’t wait to open the next book in the series.
May 30, 2022
Stoddard masterfully spins past and present into a story the reader will soon find impossible to put down. Extremely well-researched, the imagery and Scottish folklore leave you breathless.
The fully developed characters attest to the author’s talent, and the chemistry between Sarah and Dermott (tons of chemistry dripping from the page) will keep you riveted.
The fully developed characters attest to the author’s talent, and the chemistry between Sarah and Dermott (tons of chemistry dripping from the page) will keep you riveted.
July 31, 2022
Wow! What a fabulous read. I love The folklore and the incredibly believable characters. As an anthropologist, I thoroughly enjoyed the depth of Stoddard's book. The brilliant descriptive style brought everything to life so vividly. I was sucked into the story from the first page and couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews