Reviews
Praise for The Dalriada Trilogy:
The White Mare
“With nods to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, newcomer Watson presents an ancient Scotland tightly laced with romantic tension, treachery, and cliffhangers aplenty… Mightily appealing.” Starred review: Kirkus Reviews
“Watson deftly blends fact and fancy, action and romance in her splendid historical fantasy debut… An appealing love story, well-researched settings, and an interesting take on goddess worship.” Starred review: Publishers Weekly
“Strong characters, a compelling story, and sound historical research make this a winner. A stunning debut novel.” Juliet Marillier, The Sevenwaters Series
“Wonderful. Watson does not tell the story, she lives it. Mystical and poetic, a tour de force. A magical and compelling recreation of the lost Celtic world.” Rosalind Miles, Isolde, Queen of the Western Isles and Lady of the Sea
“A fine historical epic set in Roman Britain.” Woman’s Own
“It requires a special sort of imagination to create a plausible vision of Britain at the time of the Roman conquest. Jules Watson rises effortlessly to the challenge.” Daily Express UK
“In the grand tradition of the historical epic, this is a tale of heroic deeds, kinship and kingship. Truly sumptuous reading’” Lancashire Evening Post
“A sweeping tale of the struggle for love, honour, freedom, and power.” Home and Country
“This one’s a cut above. Where Watson wins is in the detail – there’s loads – plus earthy politics. As good as any about right now.” Ladsmag
“Wanton queens and evil druids stalk the mists in a book that is packed with action. Lovers of all things Celtic will find much to satisfy in this incredible tome.” Good Book Guide
“She breaks new ground targeting Roman incursions north of the border, a road few historical novelists dare to tread” The Herald UK
“Watson has researched her locations and history well, but has also confidently used the latitude provided by a little-known era… Firmly in historical romance territory, the love story is the main focus. This fresh and interesting page-turner is confident and assured.” Historical Novels Review
Named in the Top 10 fantasy / sci fi releases of 2005 in the US by Kirkus Reviews.
The Dawn Stag
“A scorching read that will keep readers breathless.” Good Book Guide
‘Epic and spellbinding . . . The exploration of period gender roles and the intriguing diversions into pagan mythology enhance this enchanting tale. And while the tale is dense and leisurely paced, its emotional impact is significant . . . If the components of a novel are a volley of arrows, then Watson hits her targets every time’ Starred review: Kirkus Reviews
“Richly imagined… Watson brings first-century AD Britain to vivid life with just the right details at the right times, and successfully keeps the tension high, balancing violence and tragedy with romance and religious transcendence.” Starred Review: Publishers Weekly
“If you like your Celtic historical romance well written and constantly interesting, this book is for you.” Historical Novels Review
The Boar Stone (Song of the North)
"Epic historical fantasy in the vein of Morgan Llywelyn or Donna Gillespie, filled with memorable characters, tense action, romance, intrigue, and a little bit of magic all woven into a richly layered plot. The pages turned themselves, and the characters stayed with me long after I put the book down." Historical Novels Review
“Watson concludes her popular Dalriada trilogy (after The Dawn Stag and The White Mare), with another richly imagined and action-packed saga. It is as inventive, eloquent and exotic as ever; her fans will relish this rousing conclusion.” Publisher’s Weekly
"Fascinating and unforgettable . . . Jules Watson has conjured up the mythic past, a land of Celtic legend and stark grandeur." Sharon K. Penman, Devil's Brood and The Sunne in Splendor
Named as a ‘Hot Read’ in April 2008 Kirkus Reviews fantasy/sci fi special edition.
Praise for The Swan Maiden
“A perfect 10… The Celtic legend of Deirdre of the Sorrows is given a very human, yet enchanting retelling… Both glorious and heartbreaking, Watson uses her beautiful prose and Celtic knowledge to weave a stunning novel that is both uplifting and magical. For a wonderful love story, and some unforgettable characters, we highly recommend The Swan Maiden.” Romance Reviews Today
"The Irish legend of Deirdre and Naisi is retold in exquisite detail by Jules Watson. She brings to life every drop of rain, blade of grass, and scent of the forest for her readers. Her characters sway you with their heart-rending love for each other and their lands, but what really strikes a chord is how she digs deep into their souls and lays everything bare. Their pain and sorrow are as poetically described as their joy, and each page feels like lyrical prose. Such attention to detail and beautifully rendered dialogue is the mark of a true artist, and Jules Watson should be applauded, for this is a book to be read over and over." Coffee Time Romance 5 cups 'Ultra Rare Extraordinary Read'
"Watson's prose snatches the reader's full attention from the first sentence and refuses to let go until the final page. Irish myths and legends are famous for being complicated and detailed, yet the author painstakingly builds a world of druids, Irish kings and ancient heroes that is straight forward and sensible. A must-read for anyone who loves Irish folklore." The Romantic Times
“Watson weaves the story of Deirdre’s deepening understanding of her druid side and her powers to bridge human and spirit worlds together with history and a powerful love story in this page-turning retelling of one of the Ulster Cycle tales.” Historical Novels Review
“In this graceful retelling of the Irish legend of Deirdre of the Sorrows, the young woman whose birth laid a curse upon the kingdom of Ulster and its aging king, Conor, the author of The White Mare captures the sense of tragedy, nobility, and the acceptance of destiny that permeates Celtic myth. Watson's characters have both a larger-than-life appeal and a commonality that emphasizes their human frailty as well as their dedication to life and love.”Library Journal
Praise for The Raven Queen
“Other writers have tackled Ireland’s Iron Age legends and their compelling magic, a magic thoroughly mixed with the earthy business of cattle raids and ale. But no one has done it better than Jules Watson in The Raven Queen.” Historical Novel Society
"We both love Celtic mythology and were thrilled to discover Jules Watson. Her Dalriada trilogy was fabulous and The Raven Queen is her very best. Watson reminds us of another great story teller, Jean Auel." CBS affiliate TVF: "Talk of the Town" television show
"Fans of Watson's The Swan Maiden will love this - it's even better! Once again Watson brings Irish lore to life with characters and issues that resonate with contemporary readers. Don't miss this one, it's a keeper." The Romantic Times
"THE RAVEN QUEEN is a fine, beautifully crafted rendition of a very exciting and magical legend. While based on a Celtic fable, Ms. Watson manages to show Maeve as a marvelous leader who just happens to be a woman. Maeve is strong, brave, and fearless, but doesn't lose the side of her that makes her all too human, able to love and to make difficult choices that could damage that love. All of the characters are richly presented, the historical research impeccable, and the writing is brilliant. Readers will find themselves totally immersed in the ancient Celtic world and will be cheering for Maeve. THE RAVEN QUEEN is a Perfect 10 all the way." Romance Reviews Today
"Make sure you take plenty of "me time" to read this book. Because once you start you will not want to pull yourself out of this land rich in history and danger. I thoroughly appreciated Ms. Watson's additional information included with this read, everything from pronunciation of names to the myths and legends behind Maeve's story. The vivid detail that is used to describe scenery transports you; the description of characters help you understand each one for who they are and what they bring to the story. All these great qualities make for a great read for fans of history, romance, and fantasy." Coffee Time Reviews: 4 cups