Realms of Fantasy :: Book

Of Water and Dragons

By: Kelley Heckart

Like many literary trends, that of mythic revivalism and historical fantasy has been an abyss of semi-memorable novels marked by a few outstanding works—Of Water and Dragons being among the best. Author Kelley Heckart’s compelling verbiage and tightly-wrought plot grab from page one with a tenacious intensity evocative of the early classics of fantasy fiction.

Set amid the tumult of the Roman occupation of Britain in the first century A.D., Of Water and Dragons’ heroes and heroines are as bitingly real as actual historical figures—and it becomes delightfully, fluidly easy to be swept into Heckart’s verdant but socially chaotic hinterland landscape, a place where dark-clad druids, fickle faeries, relentless Romans, woman warriors, nepotistic noblemen, and mystical Mythraic initiates find their identities interwoven, opposed, and united through an epic struggle of will and war.

Of Water and Dragons’ strength is in its remarkable imagery...perfectly-painted frames of life in an incredible, if not actual, time and place. These tableaus are navigated predominantly by protagonist Ambiorix, an imperial soldier of mixed Roman/Druidic heritage. Ambiorix’s prophesied power and importance to the Druidic cause is, of course, a predictable choice for Heckart; however, her treatment of the hero is anything but formulaic, and her potent portrait of man torn by love, loyalty, and locale is sure to gain the notice and respect of her peers. This cogent character development does not end with Ambiorix, though—it seems that each of her creations, no matter how minor a player, is a truly formed, utterly believable being, whether human or chimerical.

A read quicker than Caledonian chariots, Of Water and Dragons is an appealing amalgam of magic, erotica, military history, and romance that will leave readers breathless in its wake.
Reviewed by Ellen Tanner Marsh, NYT best-selling author"

The characters and the story have heavy Arthurian overtones, but the plot does not play out like the legends, or even the Badon Hill version of historical Arthur. This does make for a surprising ending, which is good, and lays the groundwork for future novels following on from this one."
Reviewed by PaganNews.com"

The riveting novel is authentically set in ancient Scotland and Britain. Conflict and cultural difference affects their relationship adding suspense, surprise, mythic and historical fantasy to a spellbinding plot...Real Celtic lore and Roman history combined adds synergy to the exciting, soul-stirring story about separation, conflict, love and sacrifice."
Recommended & Reviewed in The Mindquest Review, by Lightword Publishing"

This reviewer found it an interesting tale, rich in myth and preserved history. Although not meant to be historically correct, it relies on the suspicions and myths alive at the time. The mystic dragon and the Druid abilities make this an interesting setting. The characters are very well drawn, with some out of the ordinary people mixed in. A colourful but harsh life for most, although freedom wasn’t something most people had. Slavery was rife and shown as demeaning and something most fought to avoid. The ceremonies and battle scenes are vividly brought to life on the pages. The author has tied the story in with well-known and still not understood happenings in history. This tale is filled with well-written prose, some great dialogue and descriptions. The characters are well drawn and true to the time frame. It also brought the land and the tribal outlook to life in a new way as the historical background rolled forward.

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