Ms. O'Quinn/Driftwood has that refreshing ability to weave a memorable story from myth and, possibly, poetic license, not unlike the bards of old. I was captured by the title - being of Scot's descent and a follower of the Old Religion, to boot - and became even more entangled as the story progressed. Granted, some of her creatures are not of ancient times and myth but Tolkien's, but that in no way detracts from her tale. After all, *someone* has to be the bad guy, right? Might as well be Tolkien's quintessential bearers of evil, the Orcs.
I did have one complaint, however, that bears mentioning. That is that, like so many beginning writers, Ms. O'Quinn/Driftwood fails to pay sufficient attention to the minutiae of story-telling: spelling, grammar, and even punctuation. In her case, that was merely a nuisance for she more than compensated with a compelling yarn full of sword- (and axe-) play, derring do, beautiful damsels, dashing men, and the requisite spice of romance.
Would I recommend this book? In a hummingbird's heartbeat.
David H. Keith
www.davidkeith1.blogspot.com
www.novemberfirstpublications.weebly.com
(review of free book)