Synopses & Reviews
1151 A.D. In the aftermath of a terrible storm, an old Calusa woman hears the pitiful cries of a wild animal. Searching for the beast, she finds a child instead-a baby girl hidden beneath the rubble. It is clear to the woman that this child is a gift from the Spirits, so she names the baby Cougar and accepts her as her own.
Across the sea on an island called Eire, far away from the Calusa village of Sandpoint, another child is found abandoned in the mossy banks of a stream. Though dearly loved by the family that discovers him, the boy is sent away in his seventh year to live with the Taliesin druids. Upon his arrival, it is revealed to the young boy that he is Madoc, the prophesied savior of the druids, and the son of Owain, Prince of Gwynedd, and Brenda, his favored mistress. For fear of persecution, Madoc must protect his true identity while learning the ways of the ancient druids.
As the new Christians battle the ancient druids for control of Wales, Madoc must fulfill his destiny, and embark on a dangerous voyage to the land that will later be known as America. In this new world he meets his match in the beautiful, gifted young woman called Cougar.
Mixing storytelling and history with consummate skill, Anna Lee Waldo links the legends of a blue-eyed, fair-haired Native American tribe to the heroic twelfth-century Welshman, Madoc.
Circle of Stars led Jean Auel to say "Anna Lee Waldo's exciting story of persecuted Druids sailing west and establishing a colony among the native people of early Florida is a fascinating and dramatic portrayal of an intriguing concept that has tantalized researchers for years--the early contacts between Europe and the Americas. With impressive research and well-drawn, believable characters, the distinct nature of the two cultures is clearly portrayed and gives a little realized global view to the mysterious Druids and the prehistoric Americans. The story is enthralling and the suspense is delicious, one can hardly wait for Madoc and Cougar to meet."
Review
"Fascinating and dramatic...The story is enthralling and the suspense is delicious."--Jean M. Auel
"Waldo had a bestseller with her epic Circle of Stones; now's she's reaching for the stars."--Library Journal
"Waldo's epic of discovery impresses as being part-Jean Auel and part-Homer. Scrupulously researched...enlightening...Waldo's latest will satisfy fans."--Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Emerging from his hidden, pastoral childhood, Madoc, the prophesied savior of the druids, rises to fulfill his fate as messiah to his people. Fearing persecution, Madoc must protect his true identity while learning the ways of the ancient druids for control of Wales, Madoc sets out on a dangerous voyage to find a new home for his dwindling flock. It is a journey that will lead him to the land that will later be known as America.
There on the beaches of ancient Florida, he meets Cougar, a Native American healer of the Calusa people. Madoc discovers his match in this beautiful, gifted young woman. And Cougar finally meets the white ghost whom she has known in her dream and awaited her entire life. Now, their love can be the key that links together the legendary blue-eyes, fair-haired Native American tribe to that of the ancient druids as they struggle to forge a future for themselves in a new land that could bring them their ultimate chance for survival...
About the Author
Anna Lee Waldo is the author of three previous novels, Circle of Stones, Prairie, and Sacajawea, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for eight months and has sold 1.5 million copies. In addition to writing, Ms. Waldo has also taught chemistry at the California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo, where she currently lives with her husband.