The Druid

The Dawning of Muirwood, Book 1

By: Jeff Wheeler

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

An abandoned child becomes a singular inspiration to the mythology of Muirwood in an epic series by Jeff Wheeler, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Muirwood and Kingfountain novels.

Eilean was born a “wretched”—a lowly foundling raised by the Aldermaston of Tintern Abbey. Then she’s chosen to assist in establishing the new abbey of Muirwood, now the site of a castle in the swampy Bearden Muir. Eilean’s role is as night servant to the druid Mordaunt, the king’s exiled advisor—and prisoner. He’s clever, dangerous, and invaluable to the Aldermaston.

Mordaunt’s priceless secret: the hiding place of an ancient tome that reveals the existence of other worlds and the magic between them. Mordaunt knows how potent its words are and how dangerous they could be in the wrong hands. But can Eilean win him over? All she must do is gain Mordaunt’s confidence and trust and persuade the apostate to divulge his secret to her. But as she learns more from Mordaunt, Eilean’s loyalties begin to fray. And the risks are greater than she imagined.

Despite betrayals, deceptions, and the deadly motivations of others, a girl from the flax fields is about to rise above her station. By exploring the potential of the power of an ancient spoken magic, Eilean is coming into her own.

©2022 by Jeff Wheeler (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Wheeler loads his tale with magic, intrigue, and believably conflicted characters. Readers will be impatient to know what happens next.”—Publishers Weekly

“Action and intrigue are Wheeler’s bread and butter, as are stories with the core value of virtue without ambiguity and gratuitous violence, all on display here.”—Booklist

“A superbly crafted novel of magic, fantasy, and mythology.”—Midwest Book Review

It’s been a minute….

but fell back into Muirwood like a second home. Looking forward to advancing back to some wonderful story telling!!! Love love Kate’s style of storytelling!

Another triumph

Another triumph for Jeff Wheeler & Kate Rudd! This was an interesting, contemplative and thought provoking book. Often very hard to walk away from or stop to sleep. I highly recommend it to all men and women above the age of reason.

a good read of mystical and dark forces

absolutely wonderful I couldn't put it down. I could listen to these books forever with Kate Rudd narrating.

Great adventure story and hero's journey

The narration and setting are excellent. There is no gratuitus virtue signaling. The language and lack of sex scenes make it appropriate for kids. It is similar to a CS Lewis story set in Muirwood Forest - a prequel to King Arthur.

Good But...

This good is good but I found some parts of the book a bit boring. Not a lot of action. The narrator does a good job but seems a bit flat. Her male voices seem unnatural. Good enough to move on to book 2.