*This review was read and written honestly and voluntarily. Possible spoilers ahead.

Tiel’s Saga is a series of intersecting short stories drawn from Scottish lore and Norse roots. Professor Thom Simmons, linguist, and storyteller, researched early literature and manuscripts to compile the retelling of five Scottish folktales. 

This book contains a pronunciation guide of Scottish Gaelic terms, maps, endnotes, appendices, and a comprehensive list of references.

About Tiel’s Saga

Tiel’s Saga is filled with historical lore based on the Norwegian and Scottish people, giving as true a literary record as possible. 

The book commits oral lore, some dating back to the 9th century, to paper in both prose and story form. Within the pages, there is intrigue and excitement at the possibility of such legendary figures having actually lived.

Within the five tales, readers will embark on adventures of quests & alliances, strategic marriages, battles to control lands, love & children, women & waiting, untimely dramatic deaths, and Volva’s with all seeing gifts to guide and prophesy. 

The storytelling of victory in battle ebbs and flows like the sea between the two lands, woven as mystically as a Celtic knot. 

Kathleen’s Honest Review

If you enjoy a hero’s journey set against the backdrop of Scottish and Norse lore, Tiel’s Saga is most certainly for you.

I enjoyed reading Tiel’s Saga even though my knowledge of Scottish and Norse lore is quite limited. The book includes plenty of resources and references, which I found fascinating and helpful in building my knowledge of both cultures. I enjoyed the tales of robust feasts, music, and celebrations before journeys of noble conquest.

Kathleen’s Favorite Quote

My favorite quote is the statement,

“As true to literary record as possible.” 

I relish the notion that enchanted larger-than-life characters lived on this planet, engaged in daily living, and did what was required to hold the kingdom together.

Book Cover Rating

The cover of Tiel’s Saga is unassuming for such bold tales. The parchment and green textured tones highlight the Rowan tree centered on the front cover to create a feel of ancient legends within.

Overall Score: B

Other Publishing Information

• Date Published: October 31, 2022
• Publisher: Norse-Gael Publishing
• ISBN: 979-8986431109
• Genre: Cultural Heritage Fiction

More from the Thom Simmons

Professor Thom Simmons speaks five languages, including Scottish Gaelic, and is a qualified translator for the Interpreter Corps of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

A graduate of Hofstra University and Hofstra Law School, he has also studied at the Colaisde na Gà idhlig in Nova Scotia and the Invermark School of Piping. A professor for over 25 years, he has spent much of his life researching his family’s history and the folklore of Glenshee, Scotland, and is an active member of the Clan MacThomas Society. 

Though an American by birth, his summers were spent in a communal-style camp compound founded and operated by his Danish forebears for five generations, where storytelling, folk dancing, song, and impromptu plays filled the evenings. It was here that he learned the storyteller’s art, and as an adult went on to thrill visitors at the Boston Harbor Islands National Park, serving as an interpretive guide recounting tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and ghostly apparitions at the Boston Lighthouse.

He lives with his husband Dan in Chester, Vermont, where they operate Dungeon Dragon Farm, an organic homestead raising chickens, cayuga ducks, and honeybees and producing walnut wood stain, honey, maple syrup, and dozens of varieties of vegetables, fruits, and berries. When not sampling single-malt Scotch whisky varieties, they enjoy their home-brewed mead, ales, and hard ciders. 

He is a practicing reconstructionist heathen, embracing both Norse and Gaelic polytheism.

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