The Anvil Stone

Book 3 of the Macsen's Treasure Series

Celebrate! Recipient of the following awards:

2006 CIPA Award for fiction

2007 Eric Hoffer Book Award, Finalist

2007 Independent Publisher Book Award, Bronze Medalist


In fifth-century Britain, only a few souls believed Merlin the Enchanter’s prophecy, that the “once and future king” called Arthur would one day rescue them from fierce and deadly Saxons. In a world where “king” simply meant “warlord,” many wondered: would there even be a Britain left for Arthur to rule once he was born and old enough to wield a sword of his own?  

One man refused to let that dream fade into nightmarish despair…

Freedom is all that matters.” So says spy and master of disguise Marcus ap Iorwerth of his greatest dream. For years, he has courageously struggled to unite Britain’s feuding internal factions and derail the ever-encroaching Saxon threat that has made his homeland a deadly place. 

So when a mysterious stranger delivers a gruesome, bloodstained effigy fashioned to look like him, Marcus immediately knows it’s both a warning and a challenge. He and his wife Claerwen—whose gift of second sight makes her a target as well—run headlong into the daunting fray. Rival factions are instigating war both among themselves and with the Saxons, and while Marcus sets out to quash their treachery, Claerwen discovers another crisis. Those same factions have mounted a desperate search for one of Britain’s most cherished symbols—a magnificent sword of the ancient high kings that has been lost for decades. She knows the sword must be found; it is part of Britain’s future and will pass to a great king called Arthur who has been prophesied to come. With battle about to erupt all around, Marcus learns the stranger, an assassin bent on killing him, may be one of the last sources that could lead him and Claerwen to the sacred sword. 

The Anvil Stone brings the volatile tribal nature of Dark Age Britain to life and deftly interweaves it with its mystical Celtic roots and the promise of hope found in the Arthurian legend. A stunning display of the storyteller’s craft, this book is the third in the spectacular four-part Macsen’s Treasure series that began with Into the Path of Gods and In the Shadow of Dragons.

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Fifth-century Britain appears for us again, materializing through the mists. We see and feel its eerie nighttime forests, know the pleasure of a brimming cup of mead on a bone-chilling evening, and remember the simple joy of a warm hearthside. A marvelous and breathtaking world awaits the reader in The Anvil Stone--violent and passionate and totally compelling."  — Jane Guill, author of Nectar from a Stone

Reviews:

"Lovers of historical novels and legends alike will want to read THE ANVIL STONE and the novels that preceded it, INTO THE PATH OF GODS and IN THE SHADOW OF DRAGONS." —Waycross Journal Herald

"...Guler creates a pair of memorable characters in the resourceful trickster Marcus and his farseeing wife." — Library Journal, March 15, 2006

"THE ANVIL STONE is an outstanding tale and very highly recommended, especially to all fans of  medieval literature and lore focused on the Arthurian era,  for its highly accurate and enthralling depiction of an already intriguing tale." — Midwest Book Review

"THE ANVIL STONE is a fresh look at a well loved tale.  The characters are full, have wonderful voices ... there is less pageantry and more grit, a behind the scenes approach that is truly appreciated." — Reader Views

"This is a very exciting, well-researched story written by an expert in Arthurian and Celtic history. The Dark Ages come alive, not only in legends and myths, but in the historical data of places and battles and kings.  The reader is swept into the heart stopping battles and can feel the danger lurking on every page." — TCM Reviews

"...an enjoyable read. Enthusiasts of historical fiction, Society for Creative Anachronism, and all lovers of Celtic matters are going to love this book."  — Heartland Reviews  (click on the link to read the whole review)

"I highly recommend this book to both scholar and casual reader of Arthurian Britain. This highly acclaimed series is a great place for the modern reader to take a step back in time to unearth the pleasures of reading another genre of novels. A great reading experience." — Richard Blake, reviewer on amazon.com

"Indeed, Kathleen C. Guler is a master crafter... This is the third and BEST novel in the Macsen's Treasure Series! — Crystal Reviews

"Each chapter is filled with suspenseful battles, emotional heart wrenching decisions and the underlying romance of Marcus and Claerwen. A good read for historical fiction fans, especially those enthralled with King Arthur. Highly recommended. — Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews

 Copyright 2005-07 by Kathleen Cunningham Guler. No part of this website may be copied without permission.
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