In A. Dee Carey’s The Fox and the Chalice, Mother Tempestia’s detects a baby crying while tending her vines; as a consequence Tempestia becomes involved in the Druid Orientation.

Merlot, the baby raised by Mother Tempestia, recognizes that her destiny does not consist of a nun’s vows; nonetheless, she will protect Mother Tempestia and the convent forever. The convent is the only home and family she has ever known. Without warning, Merlot discerns her dual nature as a fox and a woman along with her role in the Druid Orientation. What does this transformation signify? How does the Druid Orientation relate to the Chalice? Will she be able to fulfill her fate within the Druid Orientation without failing her inner promise to defend and guard Mother Tempestia?

LaRoux has vowed never to return home until the day that he avenges his mother’s senseless death at the hands of Gilber Roland. During his quest for justice, he becomes aware his responsibility as the other half of the Druid Pair. Abruptly Syblia materializes demanding the blue stone that LaRoux retains in memory of his first meeting with Merlot. Who is this Syblia and why does she want a worthless blue stone? Will the Druids requirements interfere with the Catholic Doctrines of his faith as taught by his mother?

The Fox and the Chalice reunites Merlin with a new cast of characters, a couple centuries after Arthur, to rescue France from the covetous and insatiable appetite of Gilber Roland. If the Druid Pair fails in their task, then France may be consumed by Gilber’s egotism and brutality. A. Dee Carey cleverly intertwines the legend of Merlin and the Druids within Medieval France and Catholicism.

A. Dee Carey deftly and sagely describes the inner struggle relating to faithful and devoted service to country and church with a liberal and open-minded awareness of the realm of fey and magic. Merlot and LaRoux’s tale of innocent love and yearning encapsulates their need to follow their faith even as they recognize the Druid Orientation. The Fox and the Chalice is a unique and charming saga of the capacity for two religions to unite in a common purpose and understanding.

Reviewed by: Dena