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!

4.5 Stars!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw this new entry in a series by Mr. Wheeler. I will admit to being a very huge fan of the world that Mr. Wheeler has created and a fan of the many, many books that have proceeded this entry. At the time, I wasn't really sure where this book fell in terms of the timeline. But, if I'm honest, it wasn't too hard to determine that this book fell well.... WELL... in the past....way before the time that we had previously been privy to.

Part of the issue that I had when I was trying to get into this story was probably my own determination of trying to figure out the whole why and where and who of where exactly we were in the timeline. After a while, I realized that that was actually kind of ridiculous and decided to just go with the flow and find out what was happening like a normal reader. I mean, I knew a heck of a lot about what had actually happened in the future, now I just needed to read(listen) and try to understand how this new information fit into what I already knew.

This story takes us back to the very beginning and to the building of the Muirwood Abbey. This Abbey becomes EXTREMELY important in the future, but at this time, it is not even completed. We get to meet Eilean who was a "wretched" and the story takes off from there. Honestly, I found the story captivating and interesting. Maybe it was because I already knew more information about the Muirwood Abbey, but honestly, I don't think so. Mr. Wheeler made this story interesting enough that someone coming in completely cold without any prior information would be captivated.

This story is the "prequel" the VERY beginning of everything that those of us who have been a part of this entire series (gosh, and at this point I don't even know how many books it entails but it is a whole heck of a lot) this is the beginning. And what a beginning it is. At this point in time, I can honestly say that I do not know how everything is going to tie in and make sense...I only know that it will.

This was a great entry to this new timeline and I cannot wait to get to the next book.

Mr. Wheeler.... you are amazing. just thought I might mention that.

Brilliant start to a Muirwood prequel!

Jeff Wheeler has created another brilliant story that draws you in and of course leaves you with a cliffhanger! We get to visit the world of Muirwood before the Legends of Muirwood series takes place. I'm so ready for the second book in this series to find out what happens. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving us this glimpse into the dawning of Muirwood. We even get to know more about a familiar character. Kate Rudd does a fantastic job bringing these characters to life.

Always a Great Choice

Whenever I want to fall down a rabbit hole for a while, I choose a fantasy and Jeff Wheeler's works rank at the top of my list. I realize this series has been out for a while, but hey--lots of books--not enough time!

The main character Eilean is a compelling personality. She's easy to engage with and likable. In fact, it's pretty easy for most to relate with her on some level. Born a wretched, she was raised in an abbey she was bound to serve for 18 years. She finds herself moved to a new abbey where she is the maid to a high-ranking, dangerous, and brilliant prisoner. Eilean learns a different perspective from the prisoner Mordaunt and must determine if she believes what he says, or if it's simply manipulation.

This author creates amazing worlds that are at once exotic yet relatable. This novel, as well-constructed and intricate as it is, is only the beginning. I'll be going back to Muirwood often to learn the fate of Eilean, her fellow travelers, Mordaunt, and the Druids.

Really love all the Muirwood book insights

Love all the insights that are part of each Muirwood story which seem to miraculously coincide with the spiritual work I do, thank you to the writer of this wonderful series!

Jeff Wheeler did it again!

This is my second time through this book and it’s even better. Wheeler’s worlds, characters, and stories are captivating and transcendent. This is a prequel to the Muirwood series and doesn’t disappoint. Looking forward to rereading The Hunted and then — FINALLY! — The Betrayed. An amazing continuation in a gripping world.

Druid

I’ve come to the realization that I’ll be listening to each book twice at a minimum just to ensure I didn’t miss any nuances or plot twists before I move on to the next in a series. Makes for a lot of anticipated enjoyment.

New Wheeler fan!

Could not put this book down! Great world building and excellent premise in a fantasy realm! The heroine is strong enough to continue her journey while finding out what her skills are.

Eilean, you’re a wizer!

I enjoy Jeff Wheeler’s books. I’m even happier that he has begun merging his different series into a continuous universe. It’s not an easy road, but he is doing a great job of it.

Kate Rudd is doing a fantastic job as the voice of Muirwood, Kingfountain, and beyond. I’ve never been disappointed.

The story is the origin of Muirwood Abbey, but it spins into a hero’s journey of his protagonist, Eilean. If you’ve read his series in the past, you know what you’re getting into already. It’s worth the read. I’m looking forward to the next book.

I’m hooked

Good story and great VO talent to read the book. I recommend it.
It is both familiar and strange.