The Throne of Scone: A Novel of the Keltiad

A historical romance translated to an SF milieu, Kennealy's Keltiad series dwells less on computers and cosmology than on magic, Celtic myths and traditions, swordplay, Druids, bards, Amazons and complicated dynastic relations. Indeed, the three-page roll call identifying the charcters must be consulted frequently. As this sequel to The Copper Crown opens, Aeron Aoibhell, the fiery queen and high priestess of Keltia, has barely escaped the defeat of her realm by Jaun Akhera, Emperor of the Cabiri. To regain freedom and throne, she goes in quest of the ancient spaceship of King Arthur and its legendary magical weapons, the Thirteen Treasures. By story's end, her Fomori allies and her own sorcerous powers have conquered Jaun and she has become Empress of a peaceful new Imperium. The next volume in Kennealy's vigorous, colorful but convoluted Celtic pastiche will be a prequel to The Copper Crown. ( June)