Will Arbor is a fascinating character Donald has created and on that obviously will maintain the readers' interest through this series of very strange details about the druids. In this second volume of the series we are serviced with more background history, allowing the reader to understand, place, time, and characterizations. This is turning into a very successful series! 

Craobh, the second volume in the "New Druid Series," continues the great writing found in "Duilleog." Since it has been a while since we've read Book 1, being able to read the Epilogue to "Duilleog" quickly brings the reader back up to speed, and better introduces "Craobh" to the new reader as a stand-alone book. Mr. Allan's writing is quite pleasant. He has a real gift of gently drawing you into the story, without it dragging on and on, or kicking you in the teeth with a "Die Hard" or "Mission Impossible" opening. You start reading and the next thing you know it's 2 AM, but you need to find out what will be happening to Will Arbor, Nadine or Brent Bairstow. There are a number of independent, yet intertwined, threads that begin to emerge in "Craobh" that build on his earlier work. There are the Druids, the corrupt Church, what I will call "the True Believers" in the church and then there are political and spiritual machinations, as well. Yet the author deftly weaves a brilliant story with these skeins. I cannot wait for Volume 3 to come out, I am sure it will mean a Hat Trick for Mr. Allan.