Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.
Princess Laurel from the faraway and sheltered kingdom of Gwenlais. Prince Caleb, a battle hardened warrior of the harsh and untamed realm of Heathwin. Brought together by tragedy. Their hearts joined by the forging of an alliance. Will an unknown enemy destroy their kingdoms and their love? Come and experience the beauty, danger, and romance of an epic historical medieval fantasy that whispers of Celtic legend.A world unlike any imagined a love story that will leave you breathless.
This is the epic world of Rienfield. A domain filled with beauty, danger, amazing races and cultures. You will find the love and strong ties of family. As well as romance, humor, adventure and tragedy, while the people and beings of Rienfield, search for peace and truth in their way of life.
I am an award winning international #1 bestselling indie author of #YA historical medieval epic fantasy, that is beautifully romantic and whispers of Gaelic legend. I am very honored to also be listed as Listopia's #1 Fantasy Romance (not urban) as well as #1Best First Book in a Fantasy or Sci-fi series. I am honored and grateful that both books in my series, The Rinefield Chronicles, became award winning #1 Amazon Bestsellers in the US UK CA AU FR and BR. I live in New England on a small farm with my husband Francis Magee, and son Charles. My oldest son Tyler is a very busy restaurant and events manager in North Carolina. My favorite authors are Tolkien, Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, and the earlier works of Terry Brooks, as well as Brian Jacques. I have always loved fantasy especially that in the epic scope. It has to be romantic, because what is epic fantasy without an epic romance? My book links are: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015IQ0LW2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07286SYTR Connect with me on: https://www.facebook.com/therienfield... https://therienfieldchronicles.com/ website https://twitter.com/Mtmagee1013M https://www.pinterest.com/frumpyfarme... https://www.pinterest.com/frumpyfarme...
Princess Laurel of Gwenlais is out with her mother (the queen) when The Rabkins attack, killing Laurel’s mother and many other women and children. Fleeing for her life and almost killed herself, she escapes death thanks to the quick-thinking Prince Caleb of Heathwin. When Laurel realizes it was Caleb who’s saved her life, she is awe-struck, as she’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But she knows it’s not meant to be, not when their kingdoms continue to feud.
Prince Caleb is tired of war and wants peace for himself and his kingdom. When he rescues Princess Laurel from execution, he realizes she’s special, though he can’t put his finger on it. Maybe it’s the way she treats him, like a god or something, with love in her eyes. He starts falling for her and wonders if she might be the instrument of peace he so craves. Can he let down his guard and give Laurel his heart or will he die trying?
I’m a huge romantic fantasy fan and if you throw in Celtic/Scottish folklore within a medieval historical time period, I’m in pure heaven! This is such a book.
A beautiful, moving fantasy gem with colorful characters, plenty of action and a core message anyone can relate to. Life deals Laurel a tough hand and she’s got to figure out who to trust and whether to follow her destiny. Along the way, she falls in love and while that’s wonderful, she must learn how to grow with Caleb if peace is to happen. The romance was slow-burning and it made my heart swell with emotion.
I loved the Celtic and Scottish folklore in this book. It brought a mystical depth to the story and I was plunged into Magee’s world. I couldn’t put it down and was sad when it ended. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the series. A must read!
Favorite Character/Quote: Laurel. I love a strong yet feminine female protagonist and Laurel has such strength for someone so young. She’s dealt a life-changing blow and while she’s trying to figure out what it all means, she meets Caleb. Torn between duty and love, she must find her purpose in life and save her kingdom.
This is a wonderful fantasy adventure that is not just about the romance between Princess Laurel and Prince Caleb, it is about the growth of Laurel from a naive and spoilt member of one of the royal families to a strong woman and healer. While her emotions, at times, seem to overflow it is only due to her powerful urge to care for her friends, family and subjects. She is “The Treasure” and it is through her that the kingdoms must unite. As with any story that revolves around a royal family or two, there is plenty of intrigue, deceit and betrayal as there are those who wish to usurp her right to the throne through murder and mayhem. The Rabkins are a wonderful creation from the mind of author M.T. Magee who weaves her Gaelic magic to bring to life this highly imaginative saga. Every character has a place in the story and it is through each and every one of them that the tale becomes the rich full flavour of a literary feast and not just a bland offering. The length may dissuade a few from reading, however if you have read and loved works by masters such as Tolkien then this first book in the Rinefield Chronicles is an absolute must. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for a magical journey.
In this epic fantasy romance, I fell in love with the journey of Prince Caleb of Heathwin and Princess Laurel of Gwenlais. A mixture of heartache and hope--intrigue and suspense. And of course, love. I was swept away into another realm, captivated by this beautiful world that Ms. Magee has created. I'm a huge fan of secondary characters and found so many enduring ones that became my favorite. Be prepared to take an incredible journey--to be spellbound within the pages of this beautifully written story. So many twists and surprises. I am eagerly anticipating the next in this new series!
Usually I read new first books with a slightly lower expectation and figure that I won’t be blown away from a seemingly ordinary story and mediocre characters, so I really wasn’t expecting this book to be this good especially from a new author Ms. MT Magee or a first book. Ms. Magee appears to be very gifted crafting a very intricate highly involved story and has penned a truly fantastic wonderful novel that not only utterly charmed me but held me captivated that I could barely put the book down. Even though this is the first and only book from Ms. Magee she not only wrote a truly original romantic fantasy novel; it was filled with wonderful places of Gwenlais and Heathwin that I really wish I could visit I so wanted to see a map of these places too but in depth complex characters thrown in with some magical beings that I could easily see in my head that I was so sad when the book ended in fact I really wasn’t ready for the book to be over hence that is reason for the four star rating. Princess Laurel of Gwenlais while out with her mother who is an Ollam healer and queen of Gwenlais is brutally murdered with several other women and children. Laurel grieved by the death of her mother is saved from death from the vicious enemy the Rabkins by the stoic serious handsome older Prince Caleb of Heathwin who she secretly has a crush on and has loved her entire life which Caleb is unaware of her feelings. Laurel becomes an Ollam healer like her mother is it possible that she is the supposed prophetic treasure of Gwenlais? As Laurel slowly falls in love with Caleb their attraction becomes so much more. Maybe their love can heal the long standing feud between their two countries Gwenlais and Heathwin or can it? A lot of times I don’t really like the overly naïve very innocent female protagonists. I usually find them very irritating and unbelievable but for some reason in this book I instantly liked Laurel. She might be innocent but she grew up learned how to deal with her mother’s death, became someone, fell in love and despite the differences plus their arguments between her and Caleb she had no problem standing up for herself. I loved when she would curse at Caleb in Kadesh but yet could be so loving towards him. Caleb seemed so harsh and very indifferent at first that he wasn’t winning me over in the beginning. In a sense it took me the same amount of time to warm up to Caleb as it took Laurel to find the warm caring compassionate person underneath. I even loved the minor characters almost as much maybe more than the main characters I so wanted Aiden who was one of my favorite minor characters in the book to find love with Marina. So do I recommend the book? Yes I do and will I get anymore of her works? Of course since I have questions of all the characters outcome which if I wrote them all here it would definitely spoil the book all I can say is that I eagerly await the second book in the series and hope that Ms. Magee answers everything.
This is a brilliant new book, by first time author, M.T. Magee. This is a long read to be sure, but I found that it flowed very well, it did not 'bog down'. There are so many elements all masterfully woven together. This is the story of a fantastic realm, centered around the two kingdoms of Gwenlais, and Heathwin. These kingdoms have had an uneasy alliance together for many years, but now there are forces from outside that are trying to tear them apart. Enter Prince Caleb of Heathwin, and Princess Laurel of Gwenlais. They must come together to unite their kingdoms against this unseen force, while trying to bury long held mistrust and unrest. You will truly be 'hooked' by the first page. It starts off with a bang, and finishes with a.... I'm not going to say. You will just have to read it for yourself. Again, so many elements to this story. There is great action, adventure and tragedy, along with suspense and intrigue, and yes romance. I am a man reading this, and while there is a strong love story, I found that it was very well done, and you ladies out there should enjoy it as well. There are great relationships between the leads, family is important Another aspect of this book, is the wonderful 'new' peoples and creatures that the imagination of Ms. Magee was able to come up with. I feel that it can be summed up by a quote from my favorite sci-fi series. "To boldly go where no one has gone before." You will not find mention of the often used, or overused, elves, dwarfs, wizards, etc. Now don't get me wrong, I love these guys, big fan of Tolkien, just nice to see some new creations. The race of beings called the Rabkins, and also the Kedesh, are just two of many new and interesting, sometimes frightening creations of hers. Another aspect that I really enjoyed, was her use of 'old speak' which was based on old Gaelic. This was just one part of the book that was taken from old Irish and Scottish traditions, names and places. Speaking of language, the witty banter and dialogue between the characters was masterful. There is a nice blend of humor too, some outright LOL moments. You can lose yourself in a scene because you can 'hear' them talking. Her descriptions of people and places were so well done, so descriptive, that you will be able to 'see' them. Her ability to write in 'proper' English, harkens back to writers like J. Austen and E. Gaskell. So with that being said, this is truly an epic fantasy adventure!! Only one spoiler alert. This is the first in a series of books that will entertain you for years to come. It is a place you will want to revisit often. I cannot wait for the next installment!
This was my first book of M.T. Magee! I really enjoyed Prince Caleb of Heathwin and Princess Laurel of Gwenlais's Story! I was thrown into a different world and entranced with the side characters as well! The story flowed and a page turner for me! I highly recommend this book!
I was swept away and into the lives of Caleb and Laurel from the first paragraph. They captured my heart and I wish to return to them when the next book goes public. The people, their universe, the creatures good and bad are marvelously written with love and humor. I shall be sad to see it come to an end one day!
Apparently I added this to my 'read' shelf by accident. This isn't a bad book. It's quite fast paced and action packed, but it's incredibly long and the grammar mistakes are seriously bothering me. There are A LOT of grammar mistakes.
This is the first book from this author. She has done a superb job at being writing this book. It is in a world of Fantasy. Not only does she make the Heroine delicate, but she is also a force. She has such power and emotions. The Hero is a perfect offset to her. Strong, understanding, and always there to be at her side in need or not.
The people in the book were so well done. The story line was good, and plot even better. For a first timer she has a great start to a wonderful career. This book draws you in and keeps you interested. It is part mystery, deceit, action, traitors. You begin with a sign of how well she writes right off. You can be pulled in to the heartache and want to cry next to the Heroines side. Then comes the Hero, oh yes I would want him as my savior too.
New author writes well and keeps you wanting for more.
The Treasure of Gwenlais by M.T. Magee starts out strong and just keeps getting stronger. A love story between Princess Laurel and Prince Caleb in a fantasy world that is actually written with attention to spelling and detail - therefore, this is one of the more enjoyable books I have read in the genre. Laurel is awe-inspiring as a protagonist and the emotional turmoil through which she and Caleb undergo is brought out effortlessly by the convincing words of the author, which would reach deep into the heart of any reader. This is the first book in the The Rienfield Chronicles, so the second book has the opportunity to delve more deeply into the world in which Laurel and Caleb were born i.e. to flesh out the mythology and rituals associated with it. If this happens - it could be a most wonderful book series.
This is the first book & debut novel of MT Magee, which is astonishing,since I consider this some of the finest fantasy to come out in years. She magically transforms you to a world of marvelous creatures,Prince & Princesses. A world of Intrigue, betrayed & love.I was spellbound. Her characters, both main,Princess Laurel & Prince Caleb, & secondary were so complex & beautifully written, that their emotions became mine....I felt every betrayal, sorrow & love they did. This book truely speaks to the heart...I consider this an absolute "Must-Read", but be warned, its a cliffhanger Hurry up Spring, I'm ready to continue my adventure. Thank you Ms.Magee...your one of a rare breed, not just a writer but a master Storyteller, a Bard of Old
I've made several attempts at this book and might make another in a few months. I could not get engaged to the characters and found that I was having to force myself to read it. The book opened Laurel racing for her life and was rescued by Caleb. Apparently they have an infatuation for each other, though he is married. His younger brother is single, but Laurel only thinks for Caleb. Then more stuff happens that is pretty much boring.
I'm not saying the book is horrible, the writing is good, just very slow paced in my opinion and the building romance of Laurel and Caleb feels more like "Oh we love each other" more because the author says so than because there is any chemistry. Hell the younger brother and Laurel had more chemistry than Caleb and Laurel.
Interesting combination of Romance and Fantasy with a Celtic theme
I enjoyed this book, a Celtic-themed Fantasy Romance. I particularly enjoyed the author's attention to linguistic details, like the use of "oldspeak" based on real Gaelic. I did feel that the Romance aspects far overshadowed the Fantasy (I love Fantasy but am not much a fan of Romance), which makes it difficult for me to judge it against other books of similar genre. The only real complaint I have is the vast number of spelling and grammatical errors - the text could use another round of editing! But a very enjoyable story I would recommend to fans of Romance and Fantasy.
I love this book and am already anticipating the sequel. You can feel every emotion that the characters feel as they go through peril after peril. They prove that love is worth fighting any danger for. The characters and the story were well developed and I actually felt like the world around me faded and Gwenlais became real. Laurel and Caleb are a wonderful couple that I honestly believe in their love conquering all!! The plot never slowed down and I actually cried a bit when the story was over....until I remembered a sequel was coming!!!! Love it!!!!
Fabulous fantasy realm with a feel of all things Gaelic
Wow. For a first novel M.T. Magee has captured a wonderful story full of intrigue and romance. Laurel can be a bit of a spoilt brat with all of her poutiness and temper, but as Caleb says it makes her quite endearing.
I just hope that we don't have to wait too long for book 2 to find out what is in store for the villains, I just hope it will be very fitting.
The Treasure of Gwenlais is truly a fantasy treasure!
I loved this story more than I anticipated! As I am more interested in medieval historical romances and not usually into fantasy I wasn't sure what I expected but I was more than pleasantly surprised by the depth of characters and the wonders of the kingdoms of Gwenlais and especially Heathwin! I cannot wait to read more about Princes Caleb and Aiden and Princess Laurel and their exploits in book 2!