Enjoyed it. If felt like it was written for a younger reader until one scene involving pagan rites. ( )

Brigid is my patron saint and I'm always happy to read anything about her. I'm glad this was based on actual history and I learned quite a few new things. I'm glad the ending was not predictable. Caught quite a few typos that the editor should have spotted. ( )

3.5 Stars - This was an entertaining tale of sixth-century cloistered life within Ireland - the peaceful (for the most part) coexistence of Pagan and Christian ritual and thought. The characters are well-developed and the women - strong in character. The quest was thwarted with twists, turns and deadends. The reader is held in suspense until the very end (although some may have their suspicions as each option is ruled out).

As entertaining as the story was, I cannot say that I was transported to the 6th century as the tale is told in voices of contemporay language. This, of course, made it a much faster read but left me glimpsing into the book but not fully entering the story as if there as an observer. ( )

Saint Brigid’s Bones may occur in the 6th century, but it has the feel of a modern-day novel. The language and sentence structure are very pithy and contemporary. Dierdre is quite emancipated even before her vows as a nun. Her vocation and her family history give her more freedoms than one expects any female to have been able to achieve. All of this makes the entire novel feel otherworldly and lessens the impact of any historical accuracy. There is no note of authenticity which allows readers to think the story is anything other than purely fictional, something readers of historical fiction typically want to see.

In an attempt to offset this current vibe, Mr. Freeman shares pagan rituals in great detail. There is one scene in particular which discusses a certain taboo with equanimity but will have readers’ stomachs heaving in disgust. It is one of the more repulsive scenes one will ever read, made even more so because of the fact that there is an entire culture that did such things and thought it an honor to participate in such acts. However, it does lead to the question of whether including such rites is necessary for the story. Outside of the shock value and possible history lesson, these scenes do not bring Deirdre any closer to the truth and nor do they allow her character to develop any further.

Deirdre’s search for the missing artifacts is haphazard and nonchalant, belying the urgency that one would expect when there is a specific deadline rapidly approaching. One never feels Deirdre worry or buckle under the pressure. If anything, she has a remoteness about her mission that allows her to get caught up in side plots that have nothing to do with her goal.

One does not feel much for Deirdre in general in fact. It is obvious what Mr. Freeman is attempting to do with her character, but he is less successful achieving his goal. Deirdre is supposed to be an intelligent and independent woman gifted with the ability to cross classes and tribes due to her unique position as a member of the ruling class, a high-ranking royal personage in her own right, and a nun sworn to poverty and charity. She is a flighty, self-centered girl who abuses her unique positions to bully people into answering her questions and achieving her goals. She is the type of character that all of the men love and all of the women hate.

Set in tribal Ireland shortly after Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid’s deaths, Saint Brigid’s Bones should have been a fascinating story of life in ancient Ireland back when druids and Christians ruled simultaneously. Instead, the entire story falls well short of expectations and hopes. The contemporary vibe of the characters does not blend well with the setting, and the ancient rituals mentioned do nothing but antagonize readers with their extremes. That it is the first book in an entire series surrounding Deirdre explains the way the story rushes and the lack of any character development. It is also one series that most readers will be able to set aside for something with a little more historical credence and with a better general story.

3.5 Saint Brigid's bones are said to heal, foster miracles and bring luck to those who come in contact with them. They are kept at the abbey of Kildare, a religious house founded by Brigid herself. When these bones go missing Sister Deirdre is commanded to the abbess to find them.

This is the time of Druids, traveling bards, various clans all with their own kings, thief, and yes, hard to believe I know, but even bishops and other churchmen with greed in their hearts.

It has been a while since I have read a book set in ancient Ireland and I enjoyed this novel. The atmosphere, the setting, the characters all served to make me feel part of this time. Loved the character of Sister Deirdre and her unusual past. This case will also be a test for her, does she really want to stay a nun or take on the role of Queen of Ireland, a proposal from her past love? ( )