25 August 2018

Review: Beyond A Darkened Shore

Read if you like: stand-out, unique fantasy worlds, Celtic and Norse myths, and slow-build enemy romance between amazing characters.

Beyond A Darkened Shore | Jessica Leake
Series: N/A

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fantasy, Mythology
Released: April 10th 2018
Pages: 435
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, Princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores. 

The people of Mide have thankfully always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately, a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn, but the entire world. 

Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle the two might have a chance to save their world. 

With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

An incredibly unique blend of Irish and Norse myth, with action, battle, and a beating heart of love. I really, really liked this. I love how brutal its main characters are, and how the story revolves equally around fighting for their countries as it does their romance. Everything felt natural, and the enemies to lovers story was done SO WELL. Plus the setting feels authentic, with religion, myth, and rulers woven expertly in. Jessica Leake wrote an Ireland where magic feels real and inevitable (and I love it.)

Exciting, bloody, romantic, and ultimately hopeful - I enjoyed this book so much. (And I'm very happy there's more in this series because I want to read more from the author!)

4.5 stars

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