TOUCHED BY MAEN LLIA By Tracy Cooper-Posey

In this latest Once and Future Hearts novella, the plot revolves around Merlin deciding to visit his old home of Dyfed, to check up on things and finally settle the overdue issue of royal succession. This is quite a shift from most of the books in the series, since we don’t even see King Arthur, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of excitement!

Dyfed is also home to Catrin, the bastard child of Queen Eira’s favorite lady-in-waiting (now deceased). One day, Catrin makes the mistake of publicly challenging the king’s mage (Ianto) when he claims the summer solstice is on the wrong day. This action earns her a beating, but there’s nothing she can do except silently wonder why he made such an error.

Shortly afterwards, Merlin and his men come upon the ladies of Dyfed laughing while playing in the river to celebrate the faux solstice; Marcus, a favorite of Merlin, is asked by the wizard to persuade the ladies to escort them to Dyfed, which Catrin agrees to do. The two find each other intriguing and enjoy one another’s company, before terrible danger strikes Dyfed. Catrin will have to look deep within, to find the courage to stand and fight for the kingdom.

So, go visit the world of King Arthur in Touched by Maen Llia, where you’ll find mystery, intrigue, and a little bit of romance - what’s not to love? You’ll find yourself rooting for Catrin and Dyfed, in this quick read. Although these books are best enjoyed in order, each engaging tale easily stands on its own.

 

This book is the story of Catrin. It is an interesting tale set in the period of King Arthur. Touched By Maen Llia is the latest story by Tracy Cooper-Posey.
I found myself loving the character of Catrin. Catrin meets Merlin and from there things get interesting. I recommend reading this book after the previous books in the "Once and Future Hearts Collection", though it isn't necessary.
I read an advanced readers copy, in exchange for a honest review.

Tracey Cooper Posey is an incredibly talented story teller! I loved this book, Catrin and Marcus are the main characters. She is a servant to the queen and one day accompanies the Ladies to the magical river. That is when she and the ladies come across Merlin and his soldiers. As the storyline progresses it may be fast paced but so detailed.

Such a wonderful and magical read!

What a great short story; it's not only a love story, but a story of a women's courage and strength during a time when women, unless you were one of very high standing, were taught to clean, cook, and follow orders. It's also a story of a man who looked beyond that to see a woman like none he's known before. All this was not a surprise to the one called Merlin for he knew things that would shock and surprise them. If your one of those that think a book has to be long to tell a good story, no, an amazing story, well you're wrong. Again, the author, with such extraordinary details, has brought this story to the level of "did this really happen, or not". Be sure to read the series as each and every book is sure to surprise you.

Touched by Maen Llia is an entertaining and involving novella that pulls the reader, only too willingly, back again to the time of the legendary King Arthur and his kingdom. This entry to the “Once and Future Hearts” series is set in the city where Merlin was born. Some old friends (Merlin and Bedivere) are here, but the story’s main focus is on Catrin and Marcus, whose story gives us insight into a different level of that era’s society than we usually see. It’s a fascinating look into ordinary lives, the lives of those who were not royalty or part of the nobility.

In this corner of Arthur’s realm magic still rules and is both revered and feared. Set during the midsummer solstice, one of the most important events of the year, superstition and adherence to tradition are important factors in the story. I received a complimentary copy of Touched by Maen Llia and am giving my honest opinion. The exceptional story-telling skills, exquisite attention to detail, and endless imagination of Tracy Cooper-Posey are evident throughout this enthralling tale.

Strong and vibrant characters bring King Arthur's Britain to life!
This was a wonderful addition to the Once and Future Hearts series, a short, intense and complete tale.
This is a very satisfying tale about an interesting and exceptional female who comes into her own power in this delightful novella.
Her male lead is equally captivating and worthy of her attention shown by his dedication to truth and his service of King Arthur and Britain.

I highly recommend this novella to anyone who has been reading the Once & Future Hearts series.
The rest of the books of the series create a lot of background knowledge which add depth to this novella but I think it would be a great stand alone romance too!

Touched By Maen Llia is a wonderful Novella to read. I couldn’t put it down because the female lead, Catrin, is resilient, intelligent and resourceful. Tracy Cooper-Posey is a master at creating strong, believable women characters who think for themselves and Catrin certainly does that.

Touched by Maen Llia is set between the Downfall of Cornwall and Vengeance of Arthur in the Cooper-Posey’s “Once and Future Hearts” series. Catrin is a delightful character with intelligence and willingness to know what is right and then to do it, regardless of the consequences. Marcus Jorath serves Arthur, travelling with Merlin to the kingdom of Dyfed, to help set matters in order. Great story. Couldn’t put it down.

Touched by Maen Llia is the 8.5th book in the series and, with any other author, I would be kind of bored with a series so long, however, as I already said before, I'm truly amazed how the author achieved to keep the story fresh, interesting and relevant to the series. I love how all the stories are interwoven among them, the pacing, the little revolutions, I'm addicted 😅😅

Also Catrin and Marcus felt very real to me, the character building, the healthy and honest communication between the two. The the usual trope but not quite. I found myself laughing a lot too.

Also a touch of magic, if not it wouldn't be an Arthurian story, isn't it?

And thank goodness no unexpected surprises 😊.

If you like history and romance this is the series for you, it only keeps getting better!

Great continuation of the series that tells the story of King Arthur through lesser or bot know members of his court. This book stars Catrin, the handmaiden of the queen of one of the smaller kingdoms and Marcus, the knight sent to the kingdoms she served in. I love the weaving together of a romance and another look at the story of King Arthur.