by Walter William Melnyk (Author) Volume II in the Tales of Avalon Series Magical sequel to "The Apple and the Thorn," This is a novel of ancient Avalon in which the thirteen Marsh Tales are recounted. It is the story of a priestess of Avalon who has survived the Roman massacre of the druids on the Isle of Mona, and the Celtic tribal Healer who brings her back to health. Woven into this story are the thirteen "Marsh Tales," the ancient Wisdom of Avalon, original myths by Melnyk, based upon traditional Welsh fairies. Fianna, called to return to Avalon before it is enclosed forever by mists to protect against the Romans, teaches the Tales to Cethin the Healer. The unique and intriguing format is that of a novel containing thirteen short stories, in which the timeless quest of the human spirit is brought vividly to light. This printing has corrected typographical errors that appeared in the first printing. From a Reader: What I can only call the pervasive mood of the book is really strong in your writing - far more so than most other novels. It feels like reading history, full of sounds, smells, and tastes . . . did you intend to have such a pungent atmosphere? It certainly adds to the tale, drags you in and stays with you. -- Cat, United Kingdom By Brynneth Colvin for The Druid Network There are tales within tales, delving further into the realms of history and myth. There are a number of different voices in this book, and they come through well. Melnyk shifts between the realms of more real, historical seeming people, and the landscape of myth in some very effective ways. Added to this, he has a lyrical writing style, giving the work flow and vitality. I loved the Marsh Tales, and very much recommend them. Author Biography Walter William Melnyk is co-author, with Emma Restall Orr, of "The Apple and the Thorn," a timeless tale for the ages of the meeting between the Lady of Avalon and Joseph of Arimathea (Eosaidh, in that tale) during the Roman invasion of Britain. "Tales of Avalon" is Melnyk's long-awaited sequel to that work, presenting the body of thirteen original Marsh Tales shared by Vivian and Eosaidh, the collected ancient Wisdom of Avalon. Melnyk is a retired clergyman, and a walker between the worlds of mainline Christianity and Celtic mysticism. He lives in an old farmhouse in southeastern Pennsylvania with his wife, Glyn, and their schnoodle. Number of Pages: 236 Dimensions: 0.54 x 8.5 x 5.51 IN Publication Date: April 01, 2010