Okay - I only managed to read the first chapter and then skim over the following two because this book is really badly researched despite the author stating that she has spent many years researching the topic.
My first impression was that it was almost identical at the beginning to Tom Cowan's "Fire in the Head" to the extent of quoting the same quotes - but who copied who??
Conway's recalling of even some of the basic Celtic myths has a lot to be desired - even her version of the "tribal invasions" appeared to have various errors in it (and I have personally researched and written about this topic myself!!).
Overall extremely disappointing for what I read of it. Research is questionable - there are many better written and better researched material available.
Having been an avid reader of a variety of pagan books for several years, this book does go in depth to explain shamanism from a celtic standpoint. It does give a reasonable amount of history to back its standpoint. I didn't feel that it gave a solid path for the solitary to live by. Don't take me wrong, it does guide, but shamanism must be taken very seriously and it can be dangerous if one doesn't fully understand the ramifications of this lifestyle.
Overall though, it is still a good read and can add to your pursuit of knowledge in this subject.
