Blog Tour ~ Review: The Learn by Tony Halker

Title: The Learn
Author: Tony Halker
Publication: September 29th 2016 by Clink Street Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction
Purchase: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Foyles
Rating: 2/5

Blending reality, history and legend, about a time when women were considered as important as men, taking power in an oral society that worships the Goddess. A whole Celtic Druid world is laid out before us, incorporating beliefs, technology and the natural environment.

A Celtic boy, a beach scavenger, is pledged to the Learn, a life of endurance, a path to become sworn Druid: scholar and warrior. Young women and men progress, becoming Priests and Druidii. Friendship, affection, passion and care develop as novices mature, confidence emerging.

Seasonal battles of winter and summer bring rich festivals when seeds of men are taken by women in pleasure to prove fertility. Small damaged, hurt peoples on the margins of Celtic society blend in and out of vision.

At frontiers with Nature, dependent for everything on what the earth gives or takes, an emotional response to the natural environment defines who people are and the values they live by.

A lyrical novel resonating with modern readers through portrayal of character, language and history; arising from a landscape of today, yet centred in the Celtic Bronze Age of North Wales.

The one thing I really liked about The Learn was that in was set in North Wales during the Celtic Bronze Age. I love ancient history and would love to read more books that are set in that era so that part was the best for me.

But the setting alone wasn't enough to make me love this book. I just couldn't really connect with the characters and the story. The writing wasn't all that bad either but I can't say I loved it. Some events happening in this book were pretty interesting to read about, but again, it just wasn't enough for me. 

This isn't a very long book with only about 250 pages but some parts dragged quite a bit, which made it a whole lot less enjoyable. 

The Learn by Tony Halker was a bit of a shot in the dark for me. It sounded amazing and totally up my alley but I knew right from the start it could've either been a great read or a disappointing one. Unfortunately it ended up being the latter. But still I hope people will check out this book because it's really unique.

       About the Author:

       Website | Blog

Born in London, Tony Halker studied geology at Leeds University after which he worked as a geologist, travelling extensively overseas. Following an MBA at Cranfield School of Management, he became a manager in hi-tec business and later a businessman and entrepreneur. His writing is inspired by powerful natural landscapes and his interest in the people and technologies emerging from those hard places. His two daughters were born in North Wales. He lives with his wife there and in Hertfordshire.