The Island House

Nov 28, 2012 Dale Harcombe rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was intrigued by his story from the beginning.It's the story of two women and their lives from different times. Freya and Signy and Freya both live on the Scottish Island of Findnar. After Freya's father who has been absent for most of her life leaves her the island, Freya's plan initially is not to stay long , just long enough to finish her PhD but events conspire to make her decide otherwise.
Signy, a young Pict girl, lived on Findnar at the time of a Viking raid. Her whole family was wiped o...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 03, 2013 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Island House is the story of two young women living centuries apart whose lives become entwined. Freya is an archeologist living in present day Sydney, Signy is the daughter of a Pictish Shaman living in 9th century Scotland. When the death of Freya's father takes her to Scotland she discovers the secrets hidden under the island and learns more about her father. The story switches between the two time periods continuously and as the story of Signy's life unfolds Freya makes discoveries which...more

like · see review

Feb 15, 2013 Kerry Hennigan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The premise of this book intrigued me, and the hint at archaeological content convinced me to buy it. I like brooding, island atmospheres and links with the past too.

To the extent that The Island House contains all of that, I enjoyed it. However, I found it rather long in the telling, and about half way through became impatient to ‘cut to the chase’. When the reader can easily deduce what’s coming, it’s best to get them there without much further ado, or at least surprise them with some unexpect...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Bookaholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Island House by Poise Graeme-Evans

“Alternating between present-day and ninth-century Scotland, The Island House is an intertwined story of fascinating discoveries and two women connected to each other over centuries."

This book had everything I love in a great story. It combined a good contemporary mystery and suspense with a historical thought provoking story with interesting characters and plot, even a feeling of the supernatural at times. I did really enjoy reading this book, and it could...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 15, 2012 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars

"Murder, unappeased, makes the dead malevolent". Great sentence...from the last line of the prologue. The back of the book cover says that "ancient wrongs must be laid to rest in the present and the mystery at the heart of Findnar's violent past exposed." So, as I read this book, it was really just an unfolding of a story that I already knew the ending to.

The story, set in 800AD and the present, parallels two women. Modern day, Freya, an archaeologist who is stuck on her doctoral thesis about Me...more "Murder, unappeased, makes the dead malevolent". Great sentence...from the last line of the prologue. The back of the book cover says that "ancient wrongs must be laid to rest in the present and the mystery at the heart of Findnar's violent past exposed." So, as I read this book, it was really just an unfolding of a story that I already knew the ending to.

The story, set in 800AD and the present, parallels two women. Modern day, Freya, an archaeologist who is stuck on her doctoral thesis about Medieval Iconography and Signy, a Pictish girl who looses her whole family and clan during a Viking Raid and is left to be cared for by a handful of nuns and monks on the Scottish Island of Findnar.

Freya has just inherited the Island of Findnar from her estranged father who was also an archaeologist. She comes to the Island from her home in Australia in order to both escape from her life and to find some closure about why her father left her and her mother. After going through her father's things she is driven to continue her father's work to unlock the history of Findnar where both Pagan and Christian artifacts have been found. Meanwhile, as Freya begins to unlock small clues to the story, the reader gets the pleasure of reading the events of 800AD which led to each clue. I really liked the plot and thought the jump between time periods worked well. I also thought the use of a little paranormal activity added interest and emotion to the story...it could have been cheesy, but it wasn't.

The story set in 800AD was the gem of the book. Signy was very well developed...she was a girl coping with a great loss and she went into survivor mode. She was alone. There was nobody to help her reconcile her clan upbringing with the Christian austerity she lived in or with the adolescent feelings she had for the injured and surviving Viking boy. She was in conflict throughout the book and the reader totally understood why. I think Signy is a character who proves that the bonds of a deep love can make a person super resilient. I also enjoyed the end of the book which put the reader in the minds of some of the Viking raiders and some of the new settlers who were involved in positioning for political power. The Christian settlers were portrayed so that the reader had very little empathy for them....a bit heavy on the theology of suffering and nothing about the goodness of God.

The modern day side of the story was difficult to appreciate. A big start to the book was how Freya had resentment from her father disappearing from her life and never again contacting her. She wanted to know why, but there was no real reason....apparently the Island just became his life and that was that. Freya's mother was mentioned in the first chapters, but there was no real background on the family dynamics or why they were completely severed. Then, when Freya arrived, she asked the locals a few questions and just hopped on over to live on the Island where there was no electricity or running water...no problem, I guess those Australian girls from the city of Sydney are just tough and unphased by a harsh Scottish coast. As she gets to know a few of the locals, two men are intrigued by her and one is just mean. Dan is the suitor with some substance since we learn why he has his own demon and is struggling with forgiveness. Simon is....well, I'm not sure I ever did figure out what Simon is???? And, the mean local...well, he's maybe a case for mental health..again, not sure???? I think the modern characters were just not developed to my liking. And, artifacts were found, clue's to the story put together, a tidy package for Freya's thesis....all of this is not a spoiler, just the predictable wrap up.(less)

like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My kind of book!!! The kind that permits one to look forward all day to an hour or so in the evening to be living in a different world. Perhaps I should say two worlds. One of ancient times and one of current days. Fortunately, the swing back and forth between the time the Vikings were living and fighting in Scotland and the the time the heroine Freya Dane, a PhD candidate from Australia inherits her archaelogist father's cottage in Findnar, Scotland works comfortably.

I loved the 800 AD story of...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Cornelia rated it 5 of 5 stars

From the ancient past, when the gods of the Picts, the Vikings, and the new Christian religion vied for power on a small island off the coast of Scotland, springs the tale of a Pict woman and a Viking man whose lives came together during a tragic raid when they were children. The story of the struggles and separation their deep passion endures until they meet a tragic end, is mingled with a contemporary tale. After her father’s death, a daughter, embarks on a journey to discover what happened in...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 31, 2012 Book Him Danno rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, books-sent-by-author-publisher-for

Freya Dane is a young woman lost in the world. First abandoned by her father as a child, and then with his death he leaves her again. Having hit a rut with her PhD in archaeology she essentially decides to give up on life (not suicidal, but rather she has given up trying) and travel to the remote island off Scotland that her father has left her.

In losing herself she finds herself. With this act of resignation she stops trying to lead the life she believes she should be experiencing and begins t...more

like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Singy and Freya are living parallel lives on the Scottish Island of Findnar, but during different times in history. Singy lived on Findnar during the time of a Viking raid where her entire family was murdered and Freya living in present day came from Australia to her dead father's Island House to finish her PhD in archaeology and to complete his research and to find the many historical, hidden treasures on Findnar.

It was exciting to be with Freya as she uncovered items noted on her father's res...more Singy and Freya are living parallel lives on the Scottish Island of Findnar, but during different times in history. Singy lived on Findnar during the time of a Viking raid where her entire family was murdered and Freya living in present day came from Australia to her dead father's Island House to finish her PhD in archaeology and to complete his research and to find the many historical, hidden treasures on Findnar.

It was exciting to be with Freya as she uncovered items noted on her father's research cards and items that had been used and left by Singy when she had lived on the island. On the other hand, it was heartbreaking to see the harsh life Singy had lived with the nuns and monks.

Ms. Graeme-Evans did an outstanding job of blending the two stories together. When Freya discovers something from Singy's era, you will be excited because you actually know the real story of the find and want to let Freya know. History buffs will go crazy with the archeological finds Freya uncovers.

The author described the two main characters in detail and as equivalent to each other with their likeness being the island they lived on and the people in their lives. There is even a parallel between their two love stories. The secondary characters are just as fascinating and are vital to the book's awe and storyline and are appealing in terms of their uniqueness.

The cover in itself is intriguing, and once I started reading, it was easy to get absorbed. The storyline and writing style are perfect in all respects, and the lives of Singy and Freya keep you looking for more. The interesting detail on the author’s part and such a marvelous blending of the two eras along with the flawless, captivating storyline that moved from one era to the next will keep you turning the pages and wanting to see more of what was to come.

As the chapters flowed from one character and one era to the other, you will see the similarities in the setting and lifestyle, but of course one is more primitive than the other. I loved how the ending sentence or simply one single word of a chapter was the beginning of the other era in the next chapter. What a beautiful writing style as well as a magnificent book.

Don’t miss this exceptional read that brought past and present together in an unforgettable tale of love, loss, hidden treasures, and discovery. Ms. Graeme-Evans did a remarkable job in this compelling read that will be in my list of favorites because of the history, the mystery, and the added flare of Scotland's magic and its legends and myths. 5/5

I received a free copy of this book from Simon & Schuster in return for an honest review.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 29, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

The phrase on the front of this novel reads "The past does not die. It waits." and that statement is the perfect summary of how this novel encouraged me to perceive history. Freya Dane, an untried archaeologist, travels to the Scottish island of Findnar and uncovers a story that has been hidden for centuries. Through her own findings, and those of her father before her, she pieces together the tale of a Viking boy and a Pictish girl who fell in love in the ninth century and who were pulled apart...more The phrase on the front of this novel reads "The past does not die. It waits." and that statement is the perfect summary of how this novel encouraged me to perceive history. Freya Dane, an untried archaeologist, travels to the Scottish island of Findnar and uncovers a story that has been hidden for centuries. Through her own findings, and those of her father before her, she pieces together the tale of a Viking boy and a Pictish girl who fell in love in the ninth century and who were pulled apart by the constraining religion of the people who cared for them both after a Viking raid that left Bear disfigured and Signy an orphan.
The author did an excellent job of portraying the mix of religious beliefs in this novel, and in trying to perceive how the early Christians of the Celtic Church would have viewed both the gods of the Viking raiders and the Pictish Gods of Signy's people. One can understand how the religion of the Vikings could be seen as evil by those whom their raids affected, however Signy's beliefs are also considered the work of Satan by the Christians, most notably for their acceptance of sexuality as an inherent human urge that does not need to be repressed, but rather embraced. The nun who cares for Bear and Signy, Gunnhilde, seems to have Signy's best interest at heart, however her preching of carnal sin to Signy wrenches her away from Bear--which has disastrous consequences not only for the unfortunate couple, but for the entire community itself.
The novel switches back and forth between Signy's time period and the present day, where Freya herself is struggling with human emotions of a different kind. It was the death of her father that brought Freya to Findnar, the island of his life and his work. Surrounded by her father's unfinished research she begins to form a relationship with her father that she was denied during his life. It brought me to tears at times to read of Freya talking to her dad and telling him that she was going to finish uncovering what he had started. I was glad when Daniel entered the story, as I felt that as a character Freya needed companionship, and the addition of a love interest was a nice touch.
Overall this was a wonderfully written novel that wasn't confusing in the way that many novels that contain two time periods can be. I would like to note that although this novel is not at all what I would call fantasy, there is an element of the supernatural about it in how Freya sees certain visions of the past. They are not overly embellished and truthfully I found them to be an interesting, although slightly eerie, addition to the novel. Just thought it was worth mentioning though, in case that doesn't appeal to some. (less)

like · see review

Nov 23, 2012 Bree T rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, aww2012, australian, contemporary, historical-fiction, romance, vikings

Sydney PhD student Freya Dane receives word that her long-ago departed father has died in an accident off the coast of an island in Scotland. She inherits the island and its contents and finds herself longing to understand the man that she was long estranged with. She travels to Findnar, determined to learn more about him and his work and the reason he left her and her mother so long ago.

It appears that the island has an extensive Christian and Viking past that dates back to around 800AD and Fre...more Sydney PhD student Freya Dane receives word that her long-ago departed father has died in an accident off the coast of an island in Scotland. She inherits the island and its contents and finds herself longing to understand the man that she was long estranged with. She travels to Findnar, determined to learn more about him and his work and the reason he left her and her mother so long ago.

It appears that the island has an extensive Christian and Viking past that dates back to around 800AD and Freya finds herself continuing her fathers work. She begins to experience things that she cannot explain – she sees a young, dark haired woman, she experiences visions when she is around a local man by the name of Daniel Boyne. The house and island hold treasures of unimaginable importance and historical value, Freya just must follow the clues she is being given to find them.

In 800AD, Pictish girl Signy loses her entire family to a Viking raid. Left on the island with only some brothers and nuns for company, she helps care for the horribly injured Viking boy left behind. Known as Bear, the two become inseparable but a tragic event leads to Signy taking orders and becoming a nun. Deeply confused and believing that she must atone for her sins, Signy still cannot ignore the way in which she feels about Bear and the depth of Bear’s love for her sees him stopping at nothing in order to get her back by his side. Torn between the Pagan rituals of her ancestors and the strict Christianity of her new order, Signy is the voice that guides Freys to make her startling discoveries.

The Island House is the latest novel from Australian author Posie Graeme-Evans, whose previous works include The Dressmaker, The Innocent, The Exiled and The Uncrowned Queen. She is also known for creating the long-running TV series “McLeod’s Daughters” which has been partially responsible for the resurgence in the popularity of the rural romance ideal. I haven’t read any of her novels before but I was a bit of a McLeod’s Daughters fan (my former housemate got me into it, Wednesdays were our take away, McLeod’s and a few drinks nights!) so I thought I would give this one a go and see how I found it.

The narrative is split in two: firstly we meet Freya, mourning the father she didn’t really know, having made the journey from Sydney to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. The island was bought by her father and bequeathed to her in his will and Freya thinks that she may be able to get to know the man a little better, even posthumously, and perhaps even complete the thesis she’s struggling with herself. The island is accessible only by small boat and is not hooked up to power and running water – instead there are lanterns and she has to pump water in. I have to admit, I do get distracted by things like this, there was no mention of a toilet or how on earth one went about that. Love the idea of a stone cottage on a remote and windy Scottish island – do not like the idea of tripping outside at nighttime to a hole in the ground.

The other story revolves around Signy, a young girl hovering around adolescence who has her whole family brutally cut down during a Viking raid. Left to a handful of Christian people who are attempting to establish the island as a place of religion and learning, she finds a tentative love with Bear that is overshadowed by the guilt of her religious instruction, especially when something tragic occurs. Believing it to be a punishment from a God she previously didn’t believe in, she takes holy orders in order to become a nun. Signy was a pagan and the brutality of the Viking raids couldn’t strip her of her courage and her faith. The two sides war within her still.

This novel had so much potential! I love a blend of historical and contemporary and Scotland is one of my favourite places to read about and the past era was fascinating – a time in history that I have barely touched on in my reading. However there were things about this novel that stopped it from being truly great and I think that most of it revolved around the modern-day storyline. Freya was as much a mystery to me at the end of the book as she was at the beginning. I never really learned much about her, other than the fact that she’d missed her father’s presence in her life and that she was organised and often distant with people. She embarks on a strange almost non-existent love triangle with two local men and it’s obvious which one she is going to really end up with but it was so underdeveloped that it was impossible to feel anything about it. I liked the bare bones character of Daniel Boyle but he needed more and the two of them needed more interaction. It started off promisingly, with the visions they both experienced when they touched, Daniel avoiding her because of his guilt over her father’s death, etc but it petered out quickly and from then they settled into like being an old married couple. I feel as though the romance/chemistry aspect was just entirely skipped.

Fortunately the part of the novel set in 800AD was much better in terms of constructing a world with fleshed out characters. I enjoyed the story of Signy and Bear and felt for them with all the trauma and heartache they experienced in their young and tumultuous lives. The religion made me frustrated, because it was all the sin and hell and damnation preaching, a vengeful God who permitted nothing but worship. Everything else was the Devil and required exorcism. It was very interesting to learn about Signy’s Pagan rituals, especially concerning death. She was such a strong character, so resilient after everything that happened to her, stoic until the end.

The Island House has its good points but for me, it also lets itself down in a few areas, most notably character development. The plot is good, all the players are there, I just feel as though more time should’ve been devoted to making Freya a real person, giving the reader a much better, clearer picture of her. And developing intimacy with Daniel Boyne would’ve been appreciated too! I’m a girl who likes time spent on the romance, even when it’s a small part of the story. If you’re not bothered about that and you’re more interested in the historical aspect and the mystery, then this book will probably be right up your alley.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 17, 2013 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Posie Graeme-Evans is just an incredible author for sure. The Island House – combining historical and modern times – is the style of book that I just love. Signy, a young Pict girl in 800AD, Bear, the young Viking warrior and Freya moving from Australia to the Scottish Island of Findnar after the death of her father. I loved the story in the ancient past after the Vikings raid when Signy is pushed by the nuns living on Findnar to be Christian, and as only a small girl tending to the young injure...more

like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fiction, historical-fiction

This is another book with one story set in the present and one set in the past. There's Freya, a woman, who is looking for clues after her absentee father's death. Then there's Signy who lives in 800 AD who is trying to decide between religion and love. This book has a little touch of the paranormal too; which adds a little more interest.

Unlike many of these books that have both a past and present story, I actually liked the present-day story better. I don't know a lot about the Viking times tha...more

like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Anne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Posie Graeme-Evans has written an interesting story about two interesting women, Freya from the present day and Signy from the past. Both characters were interesting to read about and both story lines are blended together into this story well. The setting of a Scottish island was wonderful and I enjoyed reading about this beautiful country and its people.

The only real problem I had with the book was the relationship between Freya and Dan, a local man Freya meets. At first they hate each other an...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 10, 2012 Patti rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Are you like me and judge a book by the design of the cover? Normally I would not have picked this book up. The leg peeking through the red cape makes me think this is a romance book. But my library was about to close for the weekend and I needed a new book so I grabbed this one and hoped for the best. I was surprised that I enjoyed this historical fiction that jumps from current times to 800 AD Scotland. The main character, Freya Dane is working on her PhD in archeology. After her estranged fat...more

like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Jo at Jaffareadstoo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mystical Pictish Gods combined with the power and superstition of ancient Christianity and the ruthless power of the Vikings, all merge together in this fascinating and compelling dual time historical novel. Freya Dane is the modern day protagonist who after her father’s tragic death inherits the Scottish island of Findnar. In order to complete her PhD in archaeology, Freya must make sense of her father’s handwritten notes about the history of the island he once called home. But the island is st...more

like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 mari rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction

Freya Dane goes to a remote Scottish Island, that was owned by her recently deceased father, to hopefully find answers about why he left her and her mother so long ago back in Australia. While there she discovers secrets that her father unearthed and a new place to call home.

The Island House is also the story of the previous inhabitants of the island, those who left their footprint that Freya and her father eventually dig up. Switching from the present day and Freya, we also learn the story of S...more

like · see review

Aug 15, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the third Posie Graeme-Evans book I have read. The previous two, The Innocent and The Exiled were both set in the 15th century. The Island House, however, is different. It’s set in both present day and 800AD on the ancient Scottish island of Findnar.

It’s the story of Freya Dane, a PhD student in archaeology, and Signy, a Pictish girl. Their stories are beautifully woven together by the author to create a fascinating read. Freya searching for what her father did not find in his archaeolog...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

A great read that is set in two timelines, one today and the other set in Viking invasion times. The story covers the lives of two women, Signy and Freya and how they are interconnected.
This book was descriptive and conveyed the feeling of the Scottish islands and highlands very well. There was a little bit of gore (Viking pillage and murder etc.) but it wasn't overdone, however there was a part of the story that was upsetting and disturbing which I hadn't seen coming that will stay with me for...more

like · see review

May 13, 2013 Jackleen rated it 2 of 5 stars

I have read Posie Graeme-Evans books in the past and found both good stories and good writing. This book had an excellent premise and a great potential plot. I am not sure where this story went off the rails, as this story had many of the devices I would like: set in Scotland, dual story line, ghosts, archaeology, ancient British history. The historical story line as often was more interesting than the modern story line, but it even seemed to hit snags. The plot somehow managed to feel both rush...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: courtesy-of-publisher, read-in-2012, aussie-author

The Island House is an evocative dual time novel, skilfully blending the past and present together through archaeological discoveries and some paranormal activity on a remote windswept Scottish island.

After the sudden death of her estranged father, Freya Dane travels to Findnar, a remote island off the coast of Scotland, to visit the cottage she has inherited. An archaeologist like her late father, she is intrigued by some of the finds he has stored in the cottage’s undercroft, as well as an unf...more
The Island House is an evocative dual time novel, skilfully blending the past and present together through archaeological discoveries and some paranormal activity on a remote windswept Scottish island.

After the sudden death of her estranged father, Freya Dane travels to Findnar, a remote island off the coast of Scotland, to visit the cottage she has inherited. An archaeologist like her late father, she is intrigued by some of the finds he has stored in the cottage’s undercroft, as well as an unfinished letter he wrote to Freya shortly before his death, referring to being haunted by vivid visions of the past connected to the island’s rich history.

Looking further into the island’s past, Freya is soon plagued by visions similar to those of her father’s, images of a brutal raid and a young girl in mortal danger. With the help of the local librarian and a young man who had been involved in the incident that took her father’s life, Freya sets out to make sense of her father’s legacy to her and unravel the secrets of the island’s Viking and Christian past.

Switching over to the time period of 800 AD, the novel also tells the story of Signy, a young Pictish girl, who loses her whole family in a Viking raid and is taken in by Findnar’s Christian community, who have established a monastery on the island. Magni, a young Viking badly burnt in the sacking of the village, has also been taken in by the charitable nuns and is being nursed back to health. Both being considered pagans and outsiders, the two children form a firm friendship with the dream of returning home to their individual villages one day. However, soon Signy’s loyalties are being tested when Christian beliefs challenge those of her ancestors, and Signy becomes a nun herself with the hope of atoning for her sins – ultimately resulting in tragedy for herself and those who are dearest to her.

Reminiscent of Barbara Erskine's novels (such as Lady of Hay), Signy’s traumatic past interlinks with Freya’s life on the island through paranormal events involving Freya herself and several people she comes into contact with on Findnar. I loved the evocative descriptions of Signy’s life and felt myself totally intrigued by the events leading up to the images which have haunted Freya’s father and which now torment her. The author manages to seamlessly switch between the past and the present, weaving a rich tale spanning time periods more than a thousand years apart. Her descriptions of the Viking raids are vividly betrayed, as is the clash of Christianity with the animistic religions prevalent in the area at the time, which has dire consequences for Signy. Her struggle to find a balance between the beliefs of her ancestors and the new austere Christian God is very touching, and skilfully portrays the influence of a strict belief system on other cultures.

Scotland also comes alive with the author’s evocative descriptions of a bleak, windswept and yet breathtakingly beautiful landscape still shrouded in its colourful past. Reading the book I wanted to jump on the next plane and go there! Setting the opening scene amidst the arrival of a comet in the night skies created an atmosphere of mystery and possibility, which the author skilfully used to link the two parallel storylines. Graeme-Evans’ awe for Scotland’s past and its harsh beauty shows through her writing, and her descriptions of the landscape and historical events are well researched and portrayed.

Unfortunately parts of the modern-day sections of the novel let me down in its overall enjoyment. As one of the main protagonists, Freya remained remote and distant, a bit of an enigma which I found very hard to relate to. Similarly, the relationships she forms with people around her often seem confusing as they are inconsistent with her guarded and reserved personality. For example, the intense dislike Dan and Freya feel for each other is suddenly seamlessly transformed into affection without any explanation to the reader. Being one of those annoying readers who gets hung up on technicalities I had several “yeah right!” moments when the author stretched credibility a bit too far. I don’t pretend to have any knowledge whatsoever about archaeology (apart from watching the Time Team on ABC), but I do have a pretty good grasp of human anatomy – excavating a whole human skeleton out of peat loam single-handedly in one day and bagging it neatly before nightfall was stretching the imagination a bit too far for me (all those bones!).

On a similar note, Freya’s archaeological finds get bigger and more fanciful as the novel progresses – I think the story would have worked just as well (or better) with one humble find rather than (SPOILER) an Indiana Jones like scenario towards the end. All modern day characters had huge potential to add depth to the story with their unique personalities, but somehow got lost in translation. I would have loved to see Simon more in the role as the modern-day villain – the novel needed one, and he had initially been set up to fit perfectly into that slot.

All in all, the “Island House” is a pleasurable journey into Scotland’s past and makes a light and entertaining summer read. Recommended for fans of Barbara Erskine’s dual time novels, and anyone enjoying the concept of the past haunting future generation. In the author’s own words: “The past does not die. It waits.”

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for an honest review :)(less)

like · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Dar rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, mystery-suspense, romance

Loved this book all the way up to the end, then was a little disappointed. Almost felt like the author was in a hurry to finish the book and just threw the last of it together. Not sure of the purpose of Simon and Buchan; if it was to add suspense, it didn't do a very good job. The book could have been just as good without either of them if they weren't going to be developed any more than they were. Also, I would have liked to know more about Katharine and her relationship with Michael.

Book defi...more

like · see review

Dec 18, 2012 Juliana Haught rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story had so much potential, but the writing was - ick. The parts written in the past were the better parts of the book, but not great. The parts written in the now had the relationships developing inexplicably fast, with one-dimensional characters and cringe-worthy dialogue. This book seemed like it couldn't make up its mind whether it was an otherworldly story of spirit and historical fiction, or a dime-a-dozen romance. I think if the author could have really developed both timelines, slo...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Jan rated it 4 of 5 stars

A remote island off the Scottish coast, holds a secret, and Freya Dane, travels from Australia to unlock the past. Like her father before her she is a archaeologist, and her father has left her the island and a mystery. With the help of the local librarian, and a her new friend Dan, Freya unlocks Signy and Bears secret.

Along the way, a story of the past is reviled, Monks, Vikings and the gods of long ago, all play a part in this interesting story.

like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Joanne rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: australian-writers, fiction

Disappointing. I really wanted to love this book, but... It had a great story idea, wonderful setting, loved the two-era story line idea, but the writing was often irritating, the characters shallow, and the dialogue wandered from awkward to confusing or irrelevant. It was a great idea, but it just never got there for me.

(I hate writing negative reviews, but it's clear there are enough fans out there, so my opinion won't affect her sales!)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2013 Kerrie rated it 3 of 5 stars

An interesting read.

The historical information was interesting and the treasure hunt side of the story was good.

I just didn't feel like all the loose ends were tied up, I felt like there was either more to the story or there were characters who just didn't quite fit in. For me the historical story was well developed but the modern day story not so much.

like · see review

Oct 04, 2012 Krista Mercer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction, paranormal

A genre-crossing, time-hopping, fascinating read. On a remote Scottish island, a lonely archaeologist uncovers physical evidence of pagan and Christian cultures co-existing. Then she starts "seeing" the people of this complicated past...

Great use of history, with just enough paranormal elements to keep it interesting.

like · see review

Dec 01, 2012 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful novel that involves us in past lives in ancient Scotland and present lives in the same place. Read this book if you enjoy Diana Gabaldon's books. Even if you don't, just read it. "The past does not die. It waits."

like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars

It certainly kept you reading as it switched from Norse times to today on a Scottish Island full of historical mystery and intrigue. A good read, personally I learned a lot about the time periods - read it in three days.

like · see review

Mar 12, 2013 Carolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

A time shifting novel between the present day and 800 A.D. Also has three ancient cultures,
Pict, Viking and Christianity. Present day people are Scottish, Danish and Australian. Very interesting and fun to read.

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: The Island House
avg rating	preview: The Island House Goodreads rating: 3.72 (223 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13233578-the-island-house?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328329063l/13233578.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13233578-the-island-house?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Island House by Posie Graeme-Evans[/url]

The Island House

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (5)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Posie Graeme-Evans

Books by Posie Graeme-Evans

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Island House