The High King Ambrosius, his son Prince Myrddin Emrys (Merlin), Marcus ap Iorwerth (Prince of Dinas Beris), his wife, Claerwen, and many other vibrant characters continue the quest for a Britain independent of invaders and political intrigue. This second novel in the Macsen's Treasure series focuses on the sacred "spearhead" treasure whose owner would be King of Britain. Myrddin and Claerwen, possessing the "fire within" visionary gift, experience partial glimpses of history unfolding but not enough to stop Daracha, the jealous sister of the slain Drachar; Pascentius, the thwarted villain who joins forces with the Pict, Saxon and Irish invaders; and even the unstoppable, quick-tempered King Uther, a man of valor who commands loyalty but lacks the skills to unite a fragmented land.

This is a superb novel! Guler excels at portraying the virtues and vices of protagonists and antagonists. Rather than discovering a hero and heroine who are pristinely perfect people, the reader is captivated by the gifts and weaknesses that propel these bold characters and block those who live from their dark side.

Marcus ap Iorwerth has a brilliant mind and perceives almost every flaw in the unfolding evil plans of his enemies; yet he despises the killing he must enact in the process of achieving such a noble cause and constantly fears for those he loves, who cannot escape involvement.

Claerwen, Marcus's wife, undauntingly follows her heart's love but doesn't hesitate to challenge and plot to achieve their unified end. Willing to bypass a woman's longing for family, her passion engages all she meets, and provokes the most unconventional responses.

The Iron Hawk, whose ruthless ability to kill with an impunity that paralyzes the most formidable warriors, comes to the rescue in action that one can literally visualize per this author's precise and colorful description. Young heirs and relatives are held for ransom and revenge and Guler masterfully doesn't spin a formulaic "happy ever after" ending or simplistic enactment of Dark Age Celtic historical fiction. Feeling the depths of evil and the stronger determination to conquer the ensuing darkness, the reader is captivated in this page-turning, noble account.

One may wonder why there is so much description of traveling through icy, stormy fields and forests, Roman-style underground tunnels, as well as brief stays in the most freezing, poorly constructed huts, only to realize how difficult life was in this primitive kingdom. Its undeveloped potential become realized by the reader as its fiercely independent clansmen and sacrificing residents choose chaotic but impassioned defense over treacherous, "foreign" domination.

Implacable and unrelenting, Marcus and Claerwen resist every treasure for the only one that counts - love of men, women and children of one's own country! One can't help but cheer their feisty adventures, their formidable spirits, the integrity they inspire in others and finally the chance to forge a nation worthy of its coming King, Arthur!

Wonderful, simply wonderful work of fiction that remains true to England's pre-Arthurian history!