Selene Silverwind

Once Upon a Beltane Eve is a novel that defies categorization. Set in a utopian yet not so distant future, this is nonetheless not a science fiction novel. It is sensitive journey through the lives of two young pagans. In their world, technology works with instead of against nature, Wicca is one accepted faith among many and even public transportation is clean, efficient, and widely available. It is, in short, the world many of us hope to live in someday and author Selene Silverwind makes it so tangible that the goal seems reachable.

In the midst of this idyllic setting, we follow protagonists Julian and Fiona through the seasons of their love and their faith. Each of the eight holidays in the Wiccan wheel of the year is vividly depicted in public rituals and private moments. Part of publisher Spilled Candy's "Novel Teaching Tools for Wiccans," Once Upon a Beltane Eve lives up to its promise as an engrossing exploration of how the eight festivals fit into modern life. No wistful (& usually inaccurate) hearkening back to a purportedly ancient past, this is a groundbreaking entry into the annals of Neo-Pagan literature.

My only real complaint about Once Upon a Beltane Eve is that the world in which the characters live in is both physically and emotionally a bit too perfect. It lacks the dramatic curve and resolution that would make it even more compelling. For example, the lead male character Julian embraces the new Wiccan faith just about as quickly as he embraces his new neo-pagan girlfriend. Given that prior to meeting Fiona he joined a radical Christian cult with his previous girlfriend, his internal spiritual journey could have been developed with much more depth. The main dramatic conflict in the novel centers upon interactions with the same ex-girlfriend, but her portrayal is very one-sided and thus leaves this potentially gripping conflict virtually unexplored.

Nonetheless, Selene Silverwind is an excellent writer who commands our attention. I look forward to reading whatever she brings us next. This is an author to watch.