Sacrifice: Book One of y Ddraig (The Dragons of Brython)
by Gwendolyn Beynon
June 5, 2015Dark Pages Publishing
GENRE: Historical/Fantasy/Romance
READ AN EXCERPT.
528 A.D. Cymru (Wales) Melangell is a ‘Lifebringer’, a dragon-maiden learning to protect one of the land’s most ancient mysteries, y Ddraig. She expects to pass her years as have a score of teachers before her—sequestered, safeguarding an egg that barely moves from year to year, never using the deadly and secret skills she has been taught. But the King’s relentless pursuit of this most holy relic throws her into the middle of war and though she is not yet adept Melangell must enter captivity with the egg to defend the sleeping dragonling within. Her abductor is Cai ap Cynyr—fierce warrior, loyal brother and sword-arm to the high Chieftain, Artwr. He has been scouring the land for the relics Artwr demands to ensure triumph against the Angles invading from the east. Cai uses the Lifebringer’s mystique to master his armsmen, but when he spirits Melangell and the dragon egg further into seclusion, she grows intrigued by her captor. But she is a Lifebringer—sworn only to y Ddraig—and Cai must deliver the dragonling to Artwr to at last drag himself out of his legendary brother’s deep shadow. And all the while, the egg readies itself to emerge…
*Sacrifice is the first in a series of three books based around y Ddraig (the Dragon) set in sixth-century Arthurian Wales, featuring characters based on Welsh myth, literature and/or history.
AMAZON PB | KINDLE | NOOK | CREATESPACE | ITUNES
My Review
I will admit, after reading the back of this book I questioned what made me request it. Don't get me wrong, it isn't that it didn't sound interesting, but it isn't the kind of book I normally read. So, I reluctantly picked it up and decided to give it a go.
This book is about dragons, warriors and the people sworn to protect a dragon egg (Creil) known as the Morwyn Ddraig, or Lifebringer. They are devoted to keeping the Creil safe, and they will do anything to make sure that happens.
Artwr, the high Chieftain, will stop at nothing to get the Creil. He harbors a living dragon that he saps of all of its resources to help his men in battle, and has been searching for the egg for quite some time. He sends his brother Cai out to scour the lands in search of the Creil. And when Cai comes upon Melangell, he sees a young girl, strong in with and conviction. He feels drawn to her from the start, and even after what he does to her their bond grows.
Melangell is the new Lifebringer, keeper of the Creil. As her bond with Cai forms, she is torn because the Morwyn Ddraig are not supposed to have any kind of sexual relationship with a man - they are bound to the Creil and their life should be devoted to it. But the feelings she has for Cai can't be ignored.
I absolutely loved this story. I loved how the relationship between Cai and Melangell formed and how Melangell released her people from Cai's grasp. I also really liked how the plot flowed and how you could tell that not only was Melangell torn between Cai and the Creil, Cai was also torn, loving a brother who was not his by blood, but was given the highest place by their father. Even though Cai knew he was bad, he still tried to protect him.
I can't wait to see what this author brings with her next book. I really loved this one!
4 1/2 stars
Artwr, the high Chieftain, will stop at nothing to get the Creil. He harbors a living dragon that he saps of all of its resources to help his men in battle, and has been searching for the egg for quite some time. He sends his brother Cai out to scour the lands in search of the Creil. And when Cai comes upon Melangell, he sees a young girl, strong in with and conviction. He feels drawn to her from the start, and even after what he does to her their bond grows.
Melangell is the new Lifebringer, keeper of the Creil. As her bond with Cai forms, she is torn because the Morwyn Ddraig are not supposed to have any kind of sexual relationship with a man - they are bound to the Creil and their life should be devoted to it. But the feelings she has for Cai can't be ignored.
I absolutely loved this story. I loved how the relationship between Cai and Melangell formed and how Melangell released her people from Cai's grasp. I also really liked how the plot flowed and how you could tell that not only was Melangell torn between Cai and the Creil, Cai was also torn, loving a brother who was not his by blood, but was given the highest place by their father. Even though Cai knew he was bad, he still tried to protect him.
I can't wait to see what this author brings with her next book. I really loved this one!
4 1/2 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Australian author, Gwendolyn Beynon, comes from a long line of storytellers of Welsh and Cornish stock. She grew up reading romance and fantasy novels but the y Ddraig series is her first foray into historical fantasy.
The idea for the y Ddraig series came while on a pilgrimage to Wales (the land of her fathers) where she was visiting holy wells and ancient yew trees. She grew captivated with the way that the ancient stories of Welsh literature, myth and history still co-existed comfortably in contemporary Cymru, and by the atmosphere of mystery that still exists around much of Wales’ natural spaces.
An Arts graduate from Curtin University (with double-majors in Film and Theatre), Gwen has worked in communications all her life. She sold her first book in 2008 and has been writing for a living with her hounds at her feet and Celtic music as a backdrop ever since.
For more information visit www.yDdraig.com.au.
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