Please welcome Mary Morgan, author of Destiny of a Warrior, Book 4 in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors. Mary promises to enlighten us about Celtic myths and legends…and entertain us with a wonderful excerpt. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for great prizes. The contest runs June 5 to July 15.
How I Wove Celtic Mythology into my Fictional Fae Realm
In order to understand my fictional Fae realm, let me tell you about the world of Celtic myths and legends…
I’ve always been drawn to the ancient Celtic tales of mythology—from Cuchulainn and the Red Branch, to the epic sagas about the invasions of Ireland. I blame it on my heritage. The blood of my ancestors flows heavily within me. They speak to me constantly.
It only made sense that I would develop and expand the world of my Fenian Fae Warriors. Theirs was a world rich in legends, colors, and senses. I’ve based my own fictional account on the legend of the Tuatha Dé Danann—one of the invaders of Ireland. They were known as the Shining Ones, or the Fae. The Tuatha Dé Danann was defeated in two battles by the Milesians, whom historians and scholars alike agree were probably the first Gaels in Ireland. It was agreed that the new invaders (Milesians) and the Tuatha Dé Danann would each rule half of Ireland. Amergin of the Milesians chose that half of Ireland which lay above ground, leaving the Tuatha Dé Danann to retreat below. They were led underground by Manannán mac Lir, God of the Sea, who shielded them with an enchanted mist from mortal eyes. As time passed, they became known as the Sidhe (Shee), or Ireland’s faery folk.
Glossary of the Fae Realm~The Tuatha Dé Danann from DESTINY OF A WARRIOR:
CATHEDRAL OF TREES: A place of worship and where royal ceremonies are held.
COURTS OF THE FAE: Special chambers where the Fae Order discuss and advise on the laws.
FAE APOTHECARY: A special healer and where one can purchase or create medicinal herbal remedies.
FAE COUNCIL: A group of nine Fae members who proceed and advise over the laws, especially those governed by the Fenian Warriors.
HALL OF REMEMBRANCE: A place the Fae visit to reflect on their life’s journey.
KEEPER OF KNOWLEDGE: Archibald McKibben, Bard of the Fae. He is responsible for keeping a historical record of all events pertaining to the Fae within both worlds—human and Fae.
LIBRARY OF THE ANCIENTS: All the knowledge the Fae brought with them to Ireland.
PLEASURE GARDENS: A vast, luscious garden where the Fae may find others for sexual pleasures.
REALM OF SORROWS: When a Fae becomes trapped in his own misery and sorrow. Ultimately, they become a shadow of their former self and go mad.
ROOM OF REFLECTION: The Fae prison.
ROYAL HOUSES: On the planet of Taralyn—the Fae homeland—each of the nine continents maintained a royal house and family. These houses governed their own continents, but all were ruled by the King and Queen of the Fae.
DESTINY OF A WARRIOR, Legends of the Fenian Warriors, Book 4
Release date: June 5, 2019
Genre: Fantasy/Celtic Mythology/Folktales
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Page count: 220
Heat Rating: Spicy
Blurb:
"You met him in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their greatest legend!”
As leader of the Fenian Warriors, Aidan Kerrigan’s accolades are many and his loyalty to the Fae unwavering. When an unexpected mission sends him to the human world and a chance encounter with Rose MacLaren, he’s tempted for the first time in his existence to discard duty and claim what is forbidden.
Rose MacLaren, a Society of the Thistle member, yearns to expand her botanical knowledge with her love of history. After her rescue by a handsome stranger, she is compelled to look beyond what her rational mind comprehends and unravel the secret of the standing stones, as well as the man who captivates her.
In a mystical world ruled by ancient laws and edicts, can a fierce warrior choose a path destined for love? And will a woman honoring the ways of the land believe in a myth only spoken of in legends? If they do, will their love be enough to defy death’s punishment?
Excerpt:
A chill of foreboding swept through him. In her short time of being among these standing stones, she’d obtained bits of knowledge no one else had come upon. “Continue,” he encouraged softly.
Hugging her notebook against her chest, she went to the tallest stone in the center. “These symbols and images on the back mirror the three centered on the slab. In addition, they are all the same as the other site outside of Glasgow.”
“They’re merely circles,” he admitted, keeping his voice steady. “The Celtic triskele symbol also decorates many other stone structures.”
Her brow furrowed in obvious concentration as she disappeared around the back of the stone.
Tossing the pinecone aside, Aidan stood. His instincts screamed at him to do something to prevent her from further inspecting the stone. Only he knew the significance. And he now understood why he was sent here. In all his travels, not one human had documented his time among them. Or so he believed. Upon his arrival, he longed to pulverize the stones to shards of dust after viewing the back. The altar stone had remained buried under moss, dirt, and ivy. The same was true with the tallest stone at its base.
He fought against extending his hand outward and sinking the area a thousand feet underground. Making quick strides to Rose, he came to an abrupt halt. Her face was ashen as she knelt behind the stone, sketching an entire scene on her notepad. One side mirrored the stones, but on the opposite page, her hand drew an epic vista.
The blood pounded inside his head, and he dared to draw in a breath. With each stroke of her hand, an image came to life and his greatest fear unfolded. Slowly, Aidan lifted his hand. The power built and traveled down his arm. He had to destroy the picture. Banish the past vision from her mind. Eradicate all knowledge of him. Seal the door to the past from the present.
The truth must never be revealed.
But when Rose lifted her gaze to meet his, Aidan’s heart stopped. For the first time in his life, he was torn between duty and his own personal need.
“I am sorry,” he stated in a strangled voice.
RAFFLECOPTER: (June 5 – July 15, US and Canada only)
Grand Prize: Signed print copy of DESTINY OF A WARRIOR
Celtic jeweled bookmark
$5 Starbucks Gift Card
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| Mary Morgan |
About the Author:
Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.
Connect with Mary at these places:
