Pangur Bán Celtic Fantasies Series ~ Spotlight

For St. Patrick's Day,

I'm featuring the Pangur Bán Celtic Fantasies Series

by Fay Sampson.

The books in this series include Pangur Bán the White Cat, Finnglas of the Horses, Finnglas and the Stones of Choosing, Shape-Shifter: The Naming of Pangur Bán (which is actually a prequel), The Serpent of Senargad, and The White Horse is Running.

Finnglas of the Horses was my introduction to this series and it was in one of those fun mystery boxes with 10-20 books in it. Well, I loved the book and had to track down the other 5 books which took more than 15 years, and a few purchases from used online books stores in England.

Shape-Shifter was my least favorite book in the series, but it was set in the time when the old ways were fighting against the new when Christians came to share the Good News with the Celtic people.

The rest of the books seem to flow together better from one story to the next. Princess Finnglas is in the five remaining books and her personality and determination along with her friends make this an excellent series to read and enjoy (if you can locate them).

Shape-Shifter: The Naming of Pangur Bán

Deep in a mountain cave a witch is plotting mischief: "We need something small, something sly, to carry a spell . . . and then we shall see who reigns on the Black Mountain!"  The kitten Shape-Shifter is her victim.

 

But before the charm is complete, the kitten escapes. He flees, in a terrifying chase, caught in a spell gone wrong and a shape that he cannot control. He brings disaster even to those who want to help him. Is there another power that can break the spell?

Pangur Bán the White Cat

“Now! Now you shall see what happens to those who would break the spell of mermaids!” 

Deep down in the underwater kingdom, Princess Finnglas is in the deadly grip of an evil sea monster, and the mermaids have bewitched Niall. Pangur Bán, the white cat, is desperate. He must rescue them—but how? Only Arthmael can do it. But who is Arthmael? And where is he? Can Pangur Bán find him in time?

Finnglas of the Horses

Princess Finnglas is on a quest to find her beloved lost horse, but this is only the beginning of a great adventure and a continuing struggle against dark forces.

Finnglas and the Stones of Choosing

"On, Cloud–Clearer, on!" screamed Princess Finnglas. But she knew her horse was already pouring out all his strength. And the rival black stallion was still ahead. 

Finnglas is riding for her life and the crown. If she loses, she will die and the Summer Land will fall into the grip of evil powers. But this race is only the first of the Seven Trials. There are more terrifying tests ahead.

The Serpent of Senargad

Under the spell of the evil Rhymester the once peaceful kingdom of Senargad has become a place of fear, death, and destruction, where the savage Wolf-Guard roam the country and prisoners are held captive in subterranean caverns by the terrible Serpent of Senargad.

The White Horse is Running

Princess Finnglas and the white cat Pangur Báan set out to recapture an unbroken white colt which, according to legend, may unwittingly force their people into battle.

Duncan decided to help me pose the books and in honor of the day wore a cute Shamrock vest and tie.