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"The
Druid Stone" consists
of two books,
"The Spirit Stone - A Tale of Ireland" and
"The Isle of Mist - A Tale of Scotland".
A Summary of The Spirit Stone:
When Kelly Monaghan
visits her cousins in Ireland, Kelly becomes the target of a centuries
old curse. During the exploration of an ancient Druids circle, they
uncover a strange-looking stone. In moving it, they unwittingly unleash
the powerful forces of an evil Druid priest who transcends time to recapture
the stone.
They must enlist the aid of the village Elder to fight the awesome powers
of the Druid. At stake is the very soul and spirit of an Irish beauty,
Maeve. Kelly learns that Maeve is her own ancestor and that she, alone,
possesses the power to free Maeve from the malevolent Druids cruel
spell.
A Summary of The Isle Of Mist:
A young American girl is thrust into the ancient world of feuding Scottish
clans. Set in the Scottish highlands, Maggie and her mother come to the
Isle of Skye to begin the process of healing after the death of Maggies
father, Ian MacDonald. Ian was killed by a drunk driver in Manhattan and
returning to his place of birth seems right.
Her mother inherits a book store where Maggie discovers a journal hidden
under the old stones of the floor. The journal tells the tragic story
of Bonny MacLean and Robert MacDonald, star-crossed lovers who caused
a terrible curse to be placed on the MacDonald clan. Maggie must face
the Sidhe, powerful ancient spirits, to petition for the removal
of the curse that has haunted her family for centuries.
Through her courage and determination, Maggie brings about an incredible
chain of events that effect not only the past, but the present and future
as well.
The
following are some outstanding reviews of "The Druid Stone"
With her new book, "The Druid Stone," Nancy Monaghan
has created a very worthy volume for young people. The book contains two
short stories, both filled with the mythology and magic of the Celtic
world. "The Spirit Stone" is the title of the first story, set
in Ireland, while the second story, "The Isle of Mist," takes
place on the mystical Scottish Isle of Skye.
The success of Monaghan's work comes from her ability to blend the richness
of Celtic history with ripping adventure. The stories will hold the attention
of young adult readers while providing a generous background of Irish
and Scottish history in an entertaining way. Although "The Druid
Stone" is a marvelous read for young people of Celtic heritage, these
timeless stories are certain to appeal to individuals from all cultures.
Parents will find much to admire in Monaghan's characters - these are
real kids with spirit and intelligence. Best of all. they accomplish their
goals through team work and cooperation.
Young fans of the J.K Rowling's "Harry Potter" series and R.L.
Stine's "Goosebumps" books are certain to enjoy these stories.
While reading "The Druid Stone," I found myself envisioning
it on the small screen - both stories would make excellent television
episodes!
Kathleen McGowan
Editor in Chief
Irish News and Entertainment
THE DRUID
STONE actually consists of two separate stories: "The Spirit Stone"
and "The Isle of Mist."
"The Spirit Stone" begins with young Kelly running from a dark
figure in a recurring nightmare. Although the dream troubles the 14-year-old
girl, she purposes not to allow it to interfere with the pleasant anticipation
of her upcoming visit to Ireland and the ancient hills of Donegal where
her ancestors roamed.
Welcomed immediately into the home of her cousins, Kelly learns that same
day that the boys have been troubled recently like she has. Only their
troubles come from visions during waking hours, not nightmares as Kelly
has experienced. A walk through the woods quickly confirms that she, too,
can see the hooded, cloaked figure that threatens them all.
Oddly, none of the adults they trust can see the man. A cryptic note,
left in her journal by her Nana, gives the cousins needed information
- pointing them toward the village Elder if trouble threatens. The three
set out to visit Elder O'Donnel and are amazed to learn that he already
knows exactly what the problem is.
Long ago, one of Kelly's ancestors was cursed into limbo for eternity
and the cousins hold the magic stone that guarantees her release. With
the Elder's help, the three make a plan to deliver poor Maeve and set
her spirit free. Although the plan is fraught with danger and the cousins
experience a few narrow escapes, in the end, justice prevails.
"The Spirit Stone" is an excellent story, but not for those
children who are prone to nightmares. For the more adventurous sort, it
will be a delightful trip to another land where ordinary children can
overcome great obstacles and ultimately, justice prevails.
"The Isle of Mist" tells the tale of Maggie MacDonald, a bright
girl living a happy life with her mother in Manhattan. All she really
lacks is the presence of her father, Angus MacDonald, who died an untimely
death at the hands of a drunk driver six months ago.
A voracious reader, much like her mother, Maggie longs to visit the homeland
she's never known. Together, the two plan to start a new life, nestled
securely on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, the homeland of their ancestors.
Upon arrival, Maggie knows it's everything she's dreamed and thoroughly
enjoys the companionship of twin cousins her age.
It's not long before their exploration of the island heightens Maggie's
curiosity about an ancient curse spoken against the MacDonald Clan. The
"accidental" discovery of a hidden journal holds the answer
for her. Only the child of a MacLean/MacDonald union has the power to
break the curse that causes every MacDonald male to die before reaching
the age of 37.
Frightened and excited, the three cousins set out to petition the Sidhe,
powerful ancient spirits, to remove the curse.
"The Isle of Mist" is a lovely tale, well suited to children
from age 10 and up. They'll delight in the opportunity to explore the
island with Maggie and her cousins and experience true satisfaction that
doing the "right" thing often brings unexpected rewards.
Reviewer P. J. Nunn
The Charlotte-Austin Review
Editor - The Mystery Morgue &Raven Feathers
Mystery Dept.
Head ~ Without A Clue
Review
by Onna Seibold, M.Ed., Ft. Worth, Texas:
"The Druid Stone ~ Celtic Mysteries by Nancy Monaghan brilliantly
portrays the rich Celtic culture in two fantastic adventures adolescents
will enjoy. The two stories represent a unique combination of mysticism,
legend and historical research which enables readers to envision beautiful
scenery, in accurate descriptions, and the rich cultural past of Ireland
and Scotland.
The first story, "The Spirit Stone - A Tale of Ireland" introduces
Kelly Monaghan, a vibrant teenager who visits her family in the beautiful
Irish County of Donegal. Prior to her visit, she experiences a recurring
nightmare, which is a premonition of danger ahead. Kelly finds courage
within herself to right an injustice of the past. She must free the spirit
of a beautiful woman, one of her ancestors, from the curse of an evil
Druid. Kelly gains strength through the love of her grandmother, the wisdom
of a 'seanachie,' Hugh O'Donnell, and the friendship of her cousins, Michael
and Sean.
The second story, "The Isle of Mist - A Tale of Scotland" is
the heroic tale of Maggie, a teenager whose life will be changed forever.
Upon her father's death, Maggie and her mother inherit the family's house
and bookstore on the beautiful Isle of Skye in northwest Scotland. As
Maggie and her mother build a new life in this beautiful country, Maggie
finds an old diary which reveals an historic account of a feud between
her two ancestors, the MacLeans from her mother's side, and the McDonalds
from her father's side of the family. The story reveals the ancient and
tragic love story of two teens, Robert and Bonny. The clan of MacLeans
placed a curse on the clan MacDonald in which every male child of the
clan MacDonald dies before the age of thirty-seven years. There is only
one way this curse can be broken and Maggie is the key. Maggie must reenact
an ancient ritual to seek justice from the Sidhe, the ancient ones.
The Druid Stone ~ Celtic Mysteries enables imaginations to embrace the
researched legends of the past in a rich setting of culture and adventure."
Read
excerpts of the Spirit Stone Here
Read excerpts of the Isle of Mist Here
"The
Druid Stone" is also available in hardback and paperback
from Amazon, Borders and Barnes and Noble.

About
the Author:
"I'm pleased to tell you that my first published book, The
Druid
Stone: Celtic Mysteries, is now available for purchase in both
paperback and hardcover editions at leading online bookstores. I
am also offering author-signed, personalized copies of the book.
The beautiful bookcover art was created by Cindy Matyi, a truly
gifted Celtic artist. The Druid Stone contains two mysteries: The
Spirit Stone, set in Donegal, Ireland and The Isle Of Mist, set
in the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The book was intended for young
adults, but many adults have read the book and enjoyed it, too.
This is a very exciting time for me, as you can well imagine.
Ive been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. I clearly
remember waiting for the Bookmobile to come down my street in the
Bronx, New York where I spent my early years. Books can take us
to places only imagined, they can soothe us when were weary of
the world and they can fire our imaginations.
I've always loved writing. When Im writing, Im totally immersed
in the characters and setting. I find the writing process to be
invigorating and, if I could, Id spend most of my time creating
new fiction.
Why Celtic mysteries? I have a great pride in my Irish heritage.
I also believe that I owe a great debt to my emigrant Irish
ancestors who endured incredible hardships to create a better
life for their descendants. My g-g-granda, Hugh Monaghan, was
forced to leave his beloved Donegal during An Gorta Mor, the
Great Starvation, in Ireland. Until his dying day, he yearned for
the emerald green fields of home. In writing these books, I have
tried to honor the memory of Hugh and all the other courageous
emigrants who sacrificed to provide us with a better life than
they had.
My interest in Celtic mythology, folklore, legend and history
also goes back to my early years. I was always spellbound
listening to the old legends and wanted to attempt to create that
same fascination in the young adults of today with my own
writing. Every book I write is historically and geographically
accurate within a suspenseful storyline. I have traveled
extensively in Western Europe and drew from my experiences there
for the settings of my books.
As a reunited adoptee, I wrote The Adoption Legacy in the hopes
that other adoptees could identify with the lead character,
Annie, and her emotions and experiences revealed in the book. I
think its imperative that all adopted children understand that
their feelings are valid and shared by many others. Each book
encourages respect for all cultures and people. While The Spirit
Stone has an evil Druid as the protagonist; the heroine of the
book is a kind and gentle Druidess. The characters of my books
are strong, capable young adults who triumph over adversity.
Hopefully, providing a positive role model in a setting where
justice prevails will give encouragement and comfort to others.
I live in Seminole, Florida with my husband, Bruce, and our
youngest son, Sean. We have another son, Michael, whos all grown
up and living in Maine. Theyve always been very supportive of my
writing. I teach elementary school in St. Petersburg and love it
~ what other job provides those kinds of emotional rewards?
Nothing can compare with the elation you feel when youve taught
a child to read ~ you know that youve opened up new worlds to
that child. As teachers, we strive to instill a life-long love of
reading and a social conscience that appreciates and respects all
cultures and people.
Ive been very gratified by the response my book has been
generating. Ive already had two very positive Critics Reviews.
Ill be the featured author on the Net Sisters Literary Ladies
Committee and Ill be the featured author at The Celtic Café
online within the next three months. Ive also had offers to
speak at various Celtic Fesitvals around the country and am
planning some book signings. After youve read the book, Id
love
to hear your thoughts. Im excited and grateful for the
opportunity to share my writing with you.
Send Nancy email: seanachie@worldnet.att.net
Nancy's Web site: http://www.geocities.com/celticbook/
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The Druid Stone cover art is a result
of the collaboration and generosity of two exceptional Celtic artist:
Cindy Matyi - Celtic
Artist and
Hilton Seawright - Border Design
Price: 6.00
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