JUDITH SCHARA - a new author with an excellent first novel called SPIRAL

Spiral by Judith Schara                            

Product details
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 4137 KB
Print Length: 452 pages
Publisher: Periplus (12 Mar 2014)

My rating: 4 out of 5


Synopsis

Spiral, a new historical time slip novel begins a tale of genetic destiny... a novel of two women's shared genetic destiny, set in the 5th century worlds of ancient England, the fabled Phoenician city of Carthage, and the current time.

England 2006.When a midnight explosion at a clandestine Druid burial blasts a deep hole into the heart of an ancient hillfort, a rare Celtic scabbard is revealed that hints more treasures may be concealed. Desperate to salvage her troubled career, archaeologist Germaine O’Neill rushes to excavate and unearths the rich burial chamber of an Iron Age Celtic queen, and makes discoveries that will change lives and the history of prehistoric Britain.


My Review:

This is a very well researched and descriptive historical fiction with a time slip, (not a time travel,) between the 21st century back to the 5th century, which includes lots of interesting historical facts.

It is quite evident that lots of research went into this book.  It is very intelligently written and it is obvious that the author put her heart and soul into writing this story as she left nothing amiss.  You will read about druids, magic, slaves, barbarians, ancient tribes, archeology and mitochondrialDNA.

Even a reference to Bryan Sykes in the beginning, which I found fascinating as I am a big fan of his works especially, The Seven Daughters of Eve which is mentioned in this book.

This book is full of mystery, suspense and a time of prehistory before written history was recorded.
There are wonderful contemporary and historical protagonists in this story, in fact all characters mentioned are descriptive and very well rounded....
The two young, but strong women protagonists, Germaine O’Neill (living in the 21st. Century) and Sabrann ap Durot, (living in the 5th. Century) are unknowingly, BOUND together through their mitocondrial DNA.  One is an archeologist of Celtic History, the other a Druid with the gift of a Seer, but both are fighting to survive in a male dominated environment, and who's lives are very much in danger.

As I do not want to give too much of the plot away and spoil it for future readers, I will just say that this is a book full of history, mystery and suspense....Slow at first,  but as  the plot unfolds, the story really takes off.  Once the book takes off, you are hooked as it is so captivating!

Warning:  You will become immersed into the story.  Your heart will race at times and as you become emotionally attached to the characters, they will become part of you, which will leave you hungry for more!  It feels so true to the time and place, that when you stop reading, you feel as if your present time is somewhat dull and unadventurous.

This is an outstanding first novel by Judith Schara.  I can not wait to read the next book in this series.

If you enjoy a great historical fiction which is well researched, full of adventure, mystery and suspense, or just someone who enjoys a good read, then I highly recommend this book.