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. Because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions, Mide has always been safe. 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.
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Beyond a Darkened Shore
Jessica Leake
I think everyone who’s read this book will be saying the same thing! The Norse and Celtic lore that is seamlessly integrated into the storyline is fantastic. The pagan religions in the newly Christian land of Ireland gave an intriguing introduction to the possibilities of magic. Beyond a Darkened Shore brings the myths and legends that I grew up reading about back into the forefront. Especially as we follow Ciara and Leif to save their homelands and families.
The plotline follows Ciara as she must leave her land behind in order to save it with Leif, who is usually her enemy. It’s not a particularly unique take, but with the additions of magic and gods it keeps your attention well. As the historical time period is when Vikings attack Ireland, this book has a lot of action packed war scenes to keep you on your toes.
Ciara is a great main character as she is a warrior princess, but also has her doubts. She’s completely ostracised by her own people, but is also revered for her magic as it’s what keeps them safe. Reading as she develops and grows into the leader her people need was wonderful, but I did find that sometimes she was a little too much of a cookie cutter female heroine.
Leif, the love interest and other main character, isn’t particularly memorable. The enemies to lovers trope was predictable and Leif often got lost into this character trope. But, my favourite character, the Morrigan is a main chess player in this story. She’s the one who aims to bring Ciara and Leif to work together. The scenes she’s in are spectacular and magical, and I wish we got some more of them.
The mythology used throughout was wonderfully written and clearly well researched. I enjoyed how unique Leake’s take on how the gods are tied directly to their lands and how much they’re believed in. The increase in Christianity in this time period has almost zapped the gods of their powers, and what little power they have left is used to try and play chess with our characters.
Positives
+ Norse and Celtic Mythology
+ World building
Negatives
– Character depth
I received Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake from the publisher via Edelweiss. This is an unbiased and honest review
