This is an exciting and finely-detailed quest, set in druidic times in Ireland. The goddess Eriu, the embodiment of Erin, must bless each new High King - but falling in love with a goddess leaves a man in mortal peril. Parlon, new High King, lies with Eriu on Samhain Eve, the late autumn night when this world and the otherworld meet, and vows that he will love no woman but her, asking her to be his consort. This calls into being a curse on the land, as the king puts his own pride and vanity before the good of his people.

Parlon has one year in which to ride around the four provinces of Erin, searching for four treasures - a Sword, a Spear, a Cauldron and the Stone of Destiny - in order to face a fearsome black dragon. The dragon meanwhile ravages the land and devours game, livestock and even people. Each treasure is kept by a guardian, and none will willingly give up what Parlon seeks. He has to face the Master of the Wild Hunt on a winter night with the aurora rippling through the cold air. Eriu gives him the strength to fight, but his own courage and wit have to come to the fore.

The people and their lives are well portrayed, from kings in fine halls with rich feasting, to simple farming people celebrating on Bealtaine or May Day. The countryside comes to life, from the sea cliffs to the bare limestone pavement of the bhoireann, or rolling hills and oak forests. Clothing, food and ways of life are a pleasure to read about and the otherworld in which the pantheon of gods dwell fits with the legends of Tir na nOg - Land of Youth.

THE GODDESS OF EIRE is a fine fantasy adventure, a foray into Celtic prehistory and a tender romance. You won't be disappointed.