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Rating: 
Summary: Ex-pat Scot dicovers his history
Review: I moved to USA 3 years ago, having always considered myself a realitically patriotic Scot. Scottish Nationalism, however, was not my preferred political outlook and I remain unconvinced of its longterm benefit to either Scotland or Britain as a whole. However, that in no way hindered me from becoming completely absorbed in this tale of modern political intrigue mixed with raw historical drama. Mr Phillips is indeed a storyteller of rare quality who can, with little persuasion, encourage a reader to readily set aside his/her own preconceptions and political preferences and wholeheartedly swing behind his hero. I was completely invested in the outcome of this tale. Hats off to you, Mr Phillips. You may make a nationalist of me yet!!
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed Reactions
Review: Long live Scotland! Phillips has stirred my heart for this great land. His storytelling and research are superb, particularly when he lets them walk stride for stride. In his first Caledonia book, Phillips swept me away...in this sequel, the research gets ahead of the story and I felt brushed along. In "Legend of the Celtic Stone," Phillips drew strong and memorable characters from Scotland's past and invited me to be a part of that history. In "An Ancient Strife," he took me to fascinating places, but the facts overwhelmed the fiction at times. I enjoyed this sequel. And I'll look for the follow up. I'm sure that Phillips has exhaustively delved into Scottish history, with laudable results--but it seems he felt bound to communicate more history than I bargained for. Some of you historical fiction fans might desire this very thing, but I still hoped for a story to get lost in. Instead, I felt that the book was driving itself forward on a rigid timeline, omitting scenes that the story had been building to, breaking into characters' interaction with chapters that were, more accurately, long footnotes. In the notes at the back of the book, Phillips hints at scenes that the editor had him omit, and they were scenes I would've infinitely enjoyed. Whether editor or author continued to cut out anticipated elements, I don't know, but I did feel cheated a few times. If you're looking for well-researched and fascinating storytelling, Phillips still has that ability. If you felt his first book raised the bar for the genre (as I did), don't let this one disappoint you. I'm sure that the third will continue this great series, only this time I hope Phillips lets his fiction have room to run--it's in this capacity that he rises above the pack.
Rating: 
Summary: The Saga Continues
Review: Michael Phillips has provided readers with a wonderful continuation to his first book THE LEGEND OF THE CELTIC STONE. Yes all the elements are there, the rich history both past and present, the same characters and a continuation of the mysterious journey our protagonist is making. However,there are some interesting suprises for the readers of the first book with a twist in the contemporary story with the introduction of some new characters and a sub plot with one character in particular. However, the story is as compelling as the first as our hero continues his journey toward understanding his Scottish past and what importance it has for his future. The back stories featuring Scottish history are wonderfully crafted and will delight the reader but might not have as much importance to the contemporary plot as the first book, still all in all good reading. For those who haven't read the first book, this one really can't stand alone as there is a need to know much of the background and the impact of the story will be lost. However, I would highly recommend both books for the reader who wants a lush historical journey but needs the anchor of a contemporary story right from today's headlines. These two books will appeal not only to the historical reader but those who like a bit of romance as well and of course as this is book is from a Christian publisher there are elements of strong faith but they never overpower the story. A wonderfully delicious addition to a body of work that has much to offer the discerning reader.
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