Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

A. M. Linden’s The Valley is a spellbinding and imaginative work of historical fiction set in early medieval Anglo-Saxon Britain. The Valley begins in the 8th century, when Herrwn, a Druid priest, teacher, and bard, is an old man in his eighties. Herrwn recalls his life and the Druid community in the valley of Llwddawanden. Herrwn, Olyrrwd, and Ossiam are cousins, chief priests and master teachers, training younger Druids to become priests. Herrwn is the chief bard, Olyrrwd is the chief physician, and Ossiam is the chief oracle. Caelym is a young boy who trains to become a disciple with both Herrwn and Olyrrwd as his teachers. The story of the peaceful Druid community unfolds over a period of forty years or so, filled with the drama, twists and turns of life, of love, loyalty, rituals and ceremonies. When the Druids' normal rhythm of life turns upside down, the very existence of the Druids' ancient way of life is threatened by inner dissension.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Valley for the intricate and richly detailed, atmospheric worldbuilding and the personal experiences and transformative journeys of the characters. I particularly liked Herrwn's role as the storyteller at the Druid court as well as for the younger children. I enjoyed the poetic and vivid sagas and incantations, adding great depth to the novel. I also enjoyed how the interactions of the three teachers demonstrate every aspect of a Druid’s life, from the daily routines to ceremonies and rituals, and the training of both priestesses and priests. I enjoyed the many challenges and tension-filled situations, and the great attention to detail in the settings, actions, and celebrations. I also enjoyed the dry wit and sense of humor that pops up in the story. Herrwn and Olyrrwd often agree and find middle ground. But Ossiam and Olyrrwd often end up bickering, each determined to outwit and outplan the other. The strong relationships between the cousins and their responsibilities as teachers provided an excellent and very realistic character development of Caelym. I think this close interaction of characters gave the story depth, and virtually every page was vivid with characters, their interactions, their conversations, feelings, and thoughts. The climax of the story was fantastic, poignant, and incredibly heartbreaking. I highly recommend A. M. Linden’s The Valley to readers who enjoy immersive storytelling with unforgettable characters.

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