'DAUGHTER OF IRELAND' Second book takes readers back to ancient, mystical time

The book by a former Youngstown Vindicator columnist combines prose, poetry, history and myth.
By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
'Daughter of Ireland,' by Juliene Osborne-McKnight (Forge Books, 24.95).
Juliene Osborne-McKnight tweaked your interest with her insightful book, "I Am of Irelaunde," a moving, mystical story of an Ireland that once was.
Not content with merely arousing one's curiosity, the gifted storyteller, who is a former columnist for the Vindicator, is continuing her spellbinding tale of other days and other ways in her newest book, "Daughter of Ireland."
The author not only researched archives in pursuit of details for her new novel, but she apparently listened to the "wee people" in order to capture the very heartbeat of those who, according to legend, once lived and loved in ancient times in Ireland.
Sparkling with carefully chosen words of wisdom, the story, woven like a colorful tapestry by Osborne-McKnight, is a unique combination of prose and poetry, history and myth. Where one ends and the other begins is a matter of conjecture. But one thing is certain, "Daughter of Ireland" is a love of a love story.
Death: This story has its beginning in death -- death caused by deceit and death attributed to undying love. But surprisingly death is not the end, as the child who survives becomes a Druid priestess, Aislinn Ni Sorar, a visionary who has the power to part mists of time and see events of the future.
Raised according to ancient ways by a wise old counselor named Aodhfin, she becomes a nomad as she begins an event-filled quest to discover the truth to her own mysterious past.
Aislinn is constantly haunted and threatened by a dark evil spirit named Banbh who according to Celtic mythology takes on the appearance of a gigantic crow with sharp beak and yellow eye.
She must also contend with the treachery of Macha, a woman so hungry for power and wealth that she causes the death of Aislinn's parents and destroys the reputation of Aengus Mac Gabuideach, the once revered chief of the Deisi.
Helping the young woman through many of the most trying moments is Brighid, an Irish saint; and Cormac Mac Art, one of the great kings of early Irish history, who was among the first to embrace Christianity.
During her travels, Aislinn discovers the joy of becoming a foster parent when she rescues Corra ni Brith, an abused child who has been forced into slavery by Brennus Mac Bran, a brutal chieftain.
Thrilled when the child accepts her as a mother and addresses her as "mathair, Aislinn puts her trust in God knowing that she must ultimately kill Brennus, a feat made possible by the unexpected appearance of Eoghan Mac Aidan, the exiled warrior poet.
Love story: Aislinn and Eoghan are inexplicity drawn to each other and cannot deny their love. However, when he leaves without knowing she is with child, Aislinn must use her Druid powers and imagination to protect the infants she carries.
The story provides a dramatic look at the struggles of villagers who share a common respect for humanity and band together in order to survive. Many among them willingly sacrifice their own well-being in order to protect and comfort Aislinn and her precious burden.
It is only when Aodhfin is on his death bed that Aislinn learns of her childhood and the reason why Eoghan has become an exile. The knowledge helps the two discover the truth of the words, "Only those who forgive may love."
"Daughter of Ireland" is an exquisitically told story of ancient times, when people learned to believe in the power of forgiveness and of love.