BOOK REVIEW - Priestess of the Fire Temple (Novel)

[Mike]

Priestess of the Fire Temple by Ellen Evert Hopman © 2012
Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN: 978-0-7387-2925-1 Paperback 288
Pages $18.95 (U.S.)

As I commented when I read the first novel (Priestess of the Forest)
by this author, “There have been numerous Pagan-themed novels in the
past decade, but not many written primarily about Druids, by someone
familiar with Druidic philosophy. The author did one thing I really
appreciated – she put the glossary and short character identifications
in the front of the book where they can make an impression BEFORE you
begin reading the story.”

Granted, the frequent use of words which will impel you back to those
lists on a regular basis might seem a bit intimidating at first, but
the sheer sincerity and authenticity make it worthwhile. This is more
than a compelling, easy to read story. Ms. Hopman has scattered
throughout it Druidic practices she has learned during her decades as
a member of a modern Druidic order in the United States. She has a
feel for the lives and existence of the Pagan people of Celtic lands
at a time of great turmoil and transition – the time of the conversion
to Christianity in the British Isles.

Ms Hopman knows the storyteller’s art as few do. She recognizes the
truth which lies within each of us and allows the reader to connect
with that truth. Reading this book is like sitting at a campfire and
hearing friends relate what has happened since last you were together.
It wouldn’t occur to you to question the accuracy of what is related
to you, since you would accept that even seeming embellishments serve
a purpose. This is obviously a fictitious story and not history, but
it is still capable of educating you while keeping you entertained.

There are rituals and invocation; beliefs and lore; and attitudes
which have the ring of authenticity about them. Are they true
representations of Druidic life and thought at this time in history?
No one can know for sure, due to the lack of primary sources
available, but I suspect that if they aren’t they are close.

This is the third book in this series and, although the characters
have changed, the setting has not. I love the fact that Ms Hopman is
capable of drawing the reader so thoroughly into the story that the
idea of putting the book aside for any reason causes serious thought
(“Maybe I'll just read another couple of pages” or “I'll finish the
chapter before I stop” were things I caught myself thinking
frequently).

Ms Hopman includes some notes regarding her sources for inspiration
and stories, as well as some notes on modern Irish Druidic groups
(with the caveat that she is not personally familiar with the majority
of them). She also includes a bibliography which should prove useful
for those looking for more information. Even without the inclusion of
this type of data, the book is a compelling read. Quite honestly, I
found it difficult to put the book down.

In her previous novels I have noticed a tendency to throw in one or
two totally unexpected plot twists. That continues in this work. The
unexpected twist are thoroughly believable, which makes them seem
likely (in retrospect).

Ms Hopman, as always, has managed to convey a great deal of Celtic
lifestyles in an entertaining format. If you enjoy good fiction; if
you enjoy a Celtic flavor, this is a book I recommend for your
collection.