Meghan B. (WakingDream) reviewed on 9/7/2005 + 61 more book reviews

Michael Phillips gives readers evocative descriptions of distant lands and distant times, a panorama of a world you can visit only through books.

AN ANCIENT STRIFE, the second book in the Scottish CALEDONIA series, brings all of these elements together with a contemporary political mystery that holds the future of a nation in its answer. At the heart of the book stands Andrew Trentham, a member of the British Parliament who continues his personal pilgrimage to discover his heritage in order to answer questions looming before him in the government.

Through stories read and told to him, he uncovers more about his own ancestors, more about the history of Scotland, and more about the spirit of a people long kept from experiencing the freedom they so desire. At the height of his search, Trentham comes across a feisty highland lass who throws unexpected complications into his personal life. Will she help or hinder his quest to finds the answers he desperately needs? Will he gain the courage and vision necessary to learn from the example of the past and stand for what he truly believes?

Michael Phillips has provided readers with a wonderful continuation to his first book THE LEGEND OF THE CELTIC STONE. Yes all the elements are there, the rich history both past and present, the same characters and a continuation of the mysterious journey our protagonist is making. However,there are some interesting suprises for the readers of the first book with a twist in the contemporary story with the introduction of some new characters and a sub plot with one character in particular.

However, the story is as compelling as the first as our hero continues his journey toward understanding his Scottish past and what importance it has for his future. The back stories featuring Scottish history are wonderfully crafted and will delight the reader but might not have as much importance to the contemporary plot as the first book, still all in all good reading. For those who haven't read the first book, this one really can't stand alone as there is a need to know much of the background and the impact of the story will be lost. However, I would highly recommend both books for the reader who wants a lush historical journey but needs the anchor of a contemporary story right from today's headlines. These two books will appeal not only to the historical reader but those who like a bit of romance as well and of course as this is book is from a Christian publisher there are elements of strong faith but they never overpower the story. A wonderfully delicious addition to a body of work that has much to offer the discerning reader.

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