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Wolfking Series #1
Wolfking
The Apocalypse has come – and it has left the World in ruins…
‘A smashing writer who really knows how to weave a tale…’ Booksellers’ Choice
Following the terror of the Apocalypse, life in the community of Tugaim, Ireland is simple – but controlled.
Families eek out their meagre livings from the blasted earth, carefully avoiding the forbidden patches of land that still shine with eerie light…
Joanna Grady is happy in this community, and has even met Flynn, whom she loves and hopes to be matched to. They dream of Ancient Ireland, a land of magic, royalty and terrible foes.
But bloodlines are carefully examined, and matches between families are only made to promote healthy breeding – preventing Mutant spawn.
Suddenly, Joanna’s father breaks the news that she has been matched to Muldooney, a pig farmer. She is devastated, but can’t fight what is happening.
She cannot bear it.
She flees – into the forbidden place, the Glowing Lands. But little does she know that the Forbidden Lands contain a rip in the Time Curtain, a portal to the past – to Ancient Ireland.
Now Joanna finds herself swept up in the life and myth of Cormac mac Airt, the Wolfking, as he fights to regain his throne and justice to ancient Tara.
Will Flynn pursue her through the Time Curtain?
Can they fight to restore right to Tara?
Wolfking is an epic fantasy adventure and the first of a gripping quartet of novels that invoke Celtic tones of Ancient Ireland. Join with Joanna as she learns of her ancient heritage to fight against evil and tyranny and bring balance and honor back to Ancient Ireland. It was originally published under the pen name Bridget Wood.
Praise for Sarah Rayne’s works:
‘Totally hypnotic… Grabs you from the start and builds to a gripping end…’ The Bookseller
‘Rayne writes with impressive authority, moving seamlessly through multiple perspectives, her expertly balanced prose creating sustained suspense…’ Kirkus
‘A smashing writer who really knows how to weave a tale…’ Booksellers’ Choice
‘Unputdownable…’ Western Daily Press
‘A positive feast of fast-moving action with unpredictable twists… An intelligent, gripping and enjoyable read…’ Mid Sussex Times
‘Rayne possesses superb story-telling skills…’ US Mystery Guild
Sarah Rayne is the daughter of an Irish actor. She began writing in her teens, and after a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, embarked on a variety of jobs. She is also the author of a number of acclaimed psychological thrillers and contemporary horror books, as well as a haunted house series.
Venture Press is a science fiction and fantasy imprint of Endeavour Press, the UK’s leading independent digital publisher. We are committed to the discovery and rediscovery of immensely talented authors in the SFF genre, and continue to push boundaries in search of great literature. Join us as we venture across universes and unknown landscapes – past, present and future.
Sign up to our newsletter: http://bit.
‘A smashing writer who really knows how to weave a tale…’ Booksellers’ Choice
Following the terror of the Apocalypse, life in the community of Tugaim, Ireland is simple – but controlled.
Families eek out their meagre livings from the blasted earth, carefully avoiding the forbidden patches of land that still shine with eerie light…
Joanna Grady is happy in this community, and has even met Flynn, whom she loves and hopes to be matched to. They dream of Ancient Ireland, a land of magic, royalty and terrible foes.
But bloodlines are carefully examined, and matches between families are only made to promote healthy breeding – preventing Mutant spawn.
Suddenly, Joanna’s father breaks the news that she has been matched to Muldooney, a pig farmer. She is devastated, but can’t fight what is happening.
She cannot bear it.
She flees – into the forbidden place, the Glowing Lands. But little does she know that the Forbidden Lands contain a rip in the Time Curtain, a portal to the past – to Ancient Ireland.
Now Joanna finds herself swept up in the life and myth of Cormac mac Airt, the Wolfking, as he fights to regain his throne and justice to ancient Tara.
Will Flynn pursue her through the Time Curtain?
Can they fight to restore right to Tara?
Wolfking is an epic fantasy adventure and the first of a gripping quartet of novels that invoke Celtic tones of Ancient Ireland. Join with Joanna as she learns of her ancient heritage to fight against evil and tyranny and bring balance and honor back to Ancient Ireland. It was originally published under the pen name Bridget Wood.
Praise for Sarah Rayne’s works:
‘Totally hypnotic… Grabs you from the start and builds to a gripping end…’ The Bookseller
‘Rayne writes with impressive authority, moving seamlessly through multiple perspectives, her expertly balanced prose creating sustained suspense…’ Kirkus
‘A smashing writer who really knows how to weave a tale…’ Booksellers’ Choice
‘Unputdownable…’ Western Daily Press
‘A positive feast of fast-moving action with unpredictable twists… An intelligent, gripping and enjoyable read…’ Mid Sussex Times
‘Rayne possesses superb story-telling skills…’ US Mystery Guild
Sarah Rayne is the daughter of an Irish actor. She began writing in her teens, and after a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, embarked on a variety of jobs. She is also the author of a number of acclaimed psychological thrillers and contemporary horror books, as well as a haunted house series.
Venture Press is a science fiction and fantasy imprint of Endeavour Press, the UK’s leading independent digital publisher. We are committed to the discovery and rediscovery of immensely talented authors in the SFF genre, and continue to push boundaries in search of great literature. Join us as we venture across universes and unknown landscapes – past, present and future.
Sign up to our newsletter: http://bit.
- GenresFantasy
642 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2016
73 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rayne
46 books306 followersAka Frances Gordon, Bridget Wood
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 5, 2016
This was very beautifully written. All about the ancient Irish legends, magical and terrifying. Not for the faint of heart, lol
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May 1, 2016
4 stars
Following the terror of the Apocalypse, life in the community of Tugaim, Ireland is simple – but controlled.
Families eek out their meagre livings from the blasted earth, carefully avoiding the forbidden patches of land that still shine with eerie light…
Joanna Grady is happy in this community, and has even met Flynn, whom she loves and hopes to be matched to. They dream of Ancient Ireland, a land of magic, royalty and terrible foes.
But bloodlines are carefully examined, and matches between families are only made to promote healthy breeding – preventing Mutant spawn.
Suddenly, Joanna’s father breaks the news that she has been matched to Muldooney, a pig farmer. She is devastated, but can’t fight what is happening.
She cannot bear it.
She flees – into the forbidden place, the Glowing Lands. But little does she know that the Forbidden Lands contain a rip in the Time Curtain, a portal to the past – to Ancient Ireland.
Now Joanna finds herself swept up in the life and myth of Cormac mac Airt, the Wolfking, as he fights to regain his throne and justice to ancient Tara.
Will Flynn pursue her through the Time Curtain?
Can they fight to restore right to Tara?
This book was good.The take on post apocalyptic world was wonderful.This story grips you from the start and compels you till the end.
The twists and turns and descriptions of old Ireland were amazing.The world that the author builds after Apocalypse paints a picture of Letheans or The Forgotten Ones.
Then there is the Time travel aspect of this book where Joanna travels to past to the Kingdom of TARA.
The writing and story telling make this book special.
Truly enjoyed this one.Can't wait to read the next one.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC
Following the terror of the Apocalypse, life in the community of Tugaim, Ireland is simple – but controlled.
Families eek out their meagre livings from the blasted earth, carefully avoiding the forbidden patches of land that still shine with eerie light…
Joanna Grady is happy in this community, and has even met Flynn, whom she loves and hopes to be matched to. They dream of Ancient Ireland, a land of magic, royalty and terrible foes.
But bloodlines are carefully examined, and matches between families are only made to promote healthy breeding – preventing Mutant spawn.
Suddenly, Joanna’s father breaks the news that she has been matched to Muldooney, a pig farmer. She is devastated, but can’t fight what is happening.
She cannot bear it.
She flees – into the forbidden place, the Glowing Lands. But little does she know that the Forbidden Lands contain a rip in the Time Curtain, a portal to the past – to Ancient Ireland.
Now Joanna finds herself swept up in the life and myth of Cormac mac Airt, the Wolfking, as he fights to regain his throne and justice to ancient Tara.
Will Flynn pursue her through the Time Curtain?
Can they fight to restore right to Tara?
This book was good.The take on post apocalyptic world was wonderful.This story grips you from the start and compels you till the end.
The twists and turns and descriptions of old Ireland were amazing.The world that the author builds after Apocalypse paints a picture of Letheans or The Forgotten Ones.
Then there is the Time travel aspect of this book where Joanna travels to past to the Kingdom of TARA.
The writing and story telling make this book special.
Truly enjoyed this one.Can't wait to read the next one.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC
August 23, 2016
Throughout my time on Netgalley, I’ve come across very few finds which I would consider hidden gems. In fact, I can only count two; Soulless by Jacinta Maree and Gambit by C.L Denault. Wolfking can definitely count itself as the third in that very exclusive club.
When I first began reading, I did not expect to enjoy this. The beginning was ponderous, with lyrical musings on a post-apocalyptic world that, in the end, left me cold. However, about 10% into this book, something clicked. Suddenly I saw Wolfking’s hidden identity, obscured by the green mist of the Time Curtain – this was an amazing work of fantasy.
Wolfking embodies two things I love in fantasy fiction: great writing and a dark undertone. I am not a squeamish reader, but there were times when I genuinely flinched whilst reading this. Characters are so well created so as to be living and breathing on the page. There is no singularity to any one person; all are dual, triple or quadruple toned. Villains to allies, allies to enemies – there’s such a rich gradient to be found here. The darkest of the dark are the things of nightmares – as they should be.
Rayne’s writing of ancient Tara is so beautiful as to be mystical in its own right. I adored the writing style; like a half forgotten bard’s tale told with rhythm and mystique. Romance reflects the land, and is handled with a brutality and beauty which matches perfectly with the time. I am an avid hater of love triangles. Rayne succeeds in creating one in which I love all three people involved.
I could go on forever and a day, but I won’t. This is a must read for me; terrifying, beautiful, gruesome, romantic…Rayne is an incredible writer and I’m thrilled to learn that this (a new edition of an old saga) is one of four installments.
When I first began reading, I did not expect to enjoy this. The beginning was ponderous, with lyrical musings on a post-apocalyptic world that, in the end, left me cold. However, about 10% into this book, something clicked. Suddenly I saw Wolfking’s hidden identity, obscured by the green mist of the Time Curtain – this was an amazing work of fantasy.
Wolfking embodies two things I love in fantasy fiction: great writing and a dark undertone. I am not a squeamish reader, but there were times when I genuinely flinched whilst reading this. Characters are so well created so as to be living and breathing on the page. There is no singularity to any one person; all are dual, triple or quadruple toned. Villains to allies, allies to enemies – there’s such a rich gradient to be found here. The darkest of the dark are the things of nightmares – as they should be.
Rayne’s writing of ancient Tara is so beautiful as to be mystical in its own right. I adored the writing style; like a half forgotten bard’s tale told with rhythm and mystique. Romance reflects the land, and is handled with a brutality and beauty which matches perfectly with the time. I am an avid hater of love triangles. Rayne succeeds in creating one in which I love all three people involved.
I could go on forever and a day, but I won’t. This is a must read for me; terrifying, beautiful, gruesome, romantic…Rayne is an incredible writer and I’m thrilled to learn that this (a new edition of an old saga) is one of four installments.
May 14, 2016
*I've got this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*
I can't stand this book anymore, if I force myself to read it, I will loose my sanity. Where do I begin ? Firstly the story was strange,boring and confusing. I couldn't understand what was going on for almost all the time I was reading it, because perspectives changed in almost every sentence. Let's say first sentence in the paragraph is about a main character in the room with her family and the second sentence in the same paragraph is about some other guy talking with somebody.
Secondly, I think, author had to choose if she wanted to write a story in first person, second or third, but not to write in all of them. For example "she walked through the woods. But I didn't feel afraid. You should know how that feels". That jumping from one to the other just got on my nerves and distracted from the story.
Thirdly, instead of showing how characters felt, the author chose to just say it. For example "I feel afraid" and then go on with description of the nature. That disconnected me from the story completely, because I couldn't care less what will happen to all of the characters.
Do I recommend it ? Definitely no.
I can't stand this book anymore, if I force myself to read it, I will loose my sanity. Where do I begin ? Firstly the story was strange,boring and confusing. I couldn't understand what was going on for almost all the time I was reading it, because perspectives changed in almost every sentence. Let's say first sentence in the paragraph is about a main character in the room with her family and the second sentence in the same paragraph is about some other guy talking with somebody.
Secondly, I think, author had to choose if she wanted to write a story in first person, second or third, but not to write in all of them. For example "she walked through the woods. But I didn't feel afraid. You should know how that feels". That jumping from one to the other just got on my nerves and distracted from the story.
Thirdly, instead of showing how characters felt, the author chose to just say it. For example "I feel afraid" and then go on with description of the nature. That disconnected me from the story completely, because I couldn't care less what will happen to all of the characters.
Do I recommend it ? Definitely no.
August 29, 2016
This book ended up being not for me. It started too slow and without enough of a concept or voice to interest me.
December 20, 2016
Wolfking is a giant shitstorm of bestiality and rape fantasies. What could have been a terrific beginning to a truly interesting concept is spoiled, spat on and ultimately stomped on by the author's insistence on relying, over and over, on the apparent sexiness of wolves. Before Bridget Wood came out as Sarah Rayne, few joined the dots to figure out that she also went by Frances Gordon, who'd penned Wildwood, another novel rife with bestiality fantasies. It's enough to make you wonder about the author's proclivities. Frankly, at times, it reads like badly written online fantasy porn. It's more than a little nauseating.
More disquieting than this is the fact that Rayne adopts a stance of being a rape apologist from start to finish. The female protagonist, Joanna Grady, is the target of absolutely everyone's sexual intent. Of the two major male protagonists, the one who basically gives her the long-term magical mind-control date rape drug is not punished; instead he's forgiven, rewarded and understood. He loved her or something and no one seems to have ever been pissed with him about it. Because he's part wolf.
But her first rapist – the husband she's given to by her successfully loathsome father – also manages to redeem himself because he's ignorant and ultimately means well, or something? And he joins Team Wolf, so he's OBVIOUSLY now a good guy. But this means Team Wolf is half composed of rapists. Good times.
Let's not forget how Joanna is raped by a nasty woman witchy type, and this is the rape with which the author and the protagonist seem most incensed.
I was flabbergasted by the fact that this woman who is repeatedly raped, violated, manipulated and pulled between people doesn't seem to need any time to recover from her rape trauma before engaging in sex. She goes from her husband's 'almost rape' to her one true love's bed without a whole lot of thought. She doesn't seem all that bothered by what the Morrigna does to her, either. Sarah Rayne surely has no future as a trauma counsellor, psychologist or a parent if this is the kind of thing she believes.
Human beings need to process trauma. They process it differently, yes, but they need to process it. In Wolfking, Joanna Grady doesn't need to do any of this. She can keep on carrying on. She doesn't get mad about being mind controlled to forget Flynn for the purposes of ongoing rape. She voluntarily leaves her child WITH HER RAPIST because it seems fair to her.
This is not a book to be read by anyone who is remotely impressionable in any way. I suggest reading it only if you're prepared to eyeroll all the way through and see the depths to which an author can sink in betraying victims of sexual trauma. Wolfking is not marketed as niche market erotica, but it ought to be, because it's not fantasy and it's certainly not worth the time of anyone with half a brain.
More disquieting than this is the fact that Rayne adopts a stance of being a rape apologist from start to finish. The female protagonist, Joanna Grady, is the target of absolutely everyone's sexual intent. Of the two major male protagonists, the one who basically gives her the long-term magical mind-control date rape drug is not punished; instead he's forgiven, rewarded and understood. He loved her or something and no one seems to have ever been pissed with him about it. Because he's part wolf.
But her first rapist – the husband she's given to by her successfully loathsome father – also manages to redeem himself because he's ignorant and ultimately means well, or something? And he joins Team Wolf, so he's OBVIOUSLY now a good guy. But this means Team Wolf is half composed of rapists. Good times.
Let's not forget how Joanna is raped by a nasty woman witchy type, and this is the rape with which the author and the protagonist seem most incensed.
I was flabbergasted by the fact that this woman who is repeatedly raped, violated, manipulated and pulled between people doesn't seem to need any time to recover from her rape trauma before engaging in sex. She goes from her husband's 'almost rape' to her one true love's bed without a whole lot of thought. She doesn't seem all that bothered by what the Morrigna does to her, either. Sarah Rayne surely has no future as a trauma counsellor, psychologist or a parent if this is the kind of thing she believes.
Human beings need to process trauma. They process it differently, yes, but they need to process it. In Wolfking, Joanna Grady doesn't need to do any of this. She can keep on carrying on. She doesn't get mad about being mind controlled to forget Flynn for the purposes of ongoing rape. She voluntarily leaves her child WITH HER RAPIST because it seems fair to her.
This is not a book to be read by anyone who is remotely impressionable in any way. I suggest reading it only if you're prepared to eyeroll all the way through and see the depths to which an author can sink in betraying victims of sexual trauma. Wolfking is not marketed as niche market erotica, but it ought to be, because it's not fantasy and it's certainly not worth the time of anyone with half a brain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2016
I did like the plot wherein people from a devastated Ireland can be transported to the past when magic was used and fantastical people and creatures existed. I admit that I'm a little squeamish and found some of the graphic scenes of torture, etc., a little much for my sensibilities. But that's what skimming is for and I just raced past those portions of the book.
I did feel that there were a lot of areas that could have used more explanation. Were the two evil sisters sent into the abyss along with the rest of their army? What about the hunchback?
I wish the next book in the series would address how Joanna and Flynn adapt back into their world. Were people curious as to where they'd been for over a year? How was her mother adapting without a husband? I'd like to see how Joanna's son and daughter are raised and how they turn out. Did Joanna's son, being part wolf, stand out from his peers?
I'm curious about the three people who remained behind. Why could only Flynn, Joanna and her son return? Five managed to cross the threshold going in.
Why was it forbidden to cross the threshold? There must be some historical basis for the Keepers that is never explained. Crossing didn't seem to harm Flynn or Joanna. Would someone from the past be able to travel to the future? Wouldn't Cormac like to see his son? Perhaps the son would like to be king.
I did feel that there were a lot of areas that could have used more explanation. Were the two evil sisters sent into the abyss along with the rest of their army? What about the hunchback?
I wish the next book in the series would address how Joanna and Flynn adapt back into their world. Were people curious as to where they'd been for over a year? How was her mother adapting without a husband? I'd like to see how Joanna's son and daughter are raised and how they turn out. Did Joanna's son, being part wolf, stand out from his peers?
I'm curious about the three people who remained behind. Why could only Flynn, Joanna and her son return? Five managed to cross the threshold going in.
Why was it forbidden to cross the threshold? There must be some historical basis for the Keepers that is never explained. Crossing didn't seem to harm Flynn or Joanna. Would someone from the past be able to travel to the future? Wouldn't Cormac like to see his son? Perhaps the son would like to be king.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2018
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is very well written and the author has a fantastic imagination with a superb ability to convey the magic of her tale to the reader. I could not put it down!
I look forward to reading more of this writer's work and recommending her to my friends. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Pookie
I look forward to reading more of this writer's work and recommending her to my friends. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Pookie
June 9, 2022
Loved this one, it was beautifully written. Had mystery, suspense, plotting was well paced. And I enjoyed reading it immensely.
Been on a bit of a shifter kick and this one was definitely a new fresh face for the sub genre at least for me. Can’t wait to find the second book and see where they go from there.
Been on a bit of a shifter kick and this one was definitely a new fresh face for the sub genre at least for me. Can’t wait to find the second book and see where they go from there.
June 17, 2016
I read this book with the help of NetGalley.I liked the description of the world after the apocalypse.The glowing lands and the time portal are very interesting.I liked how Joanna and Flynn fight to restore Tara.The past of Tara is intriguing.I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
June 20, 2017
Sorry, but you lost me at the Morrigan rape scene. As other reviewers have written, there is an awful lot of sex in this "fantasy" novel, straight, lesbian, bestiality, rape, and so on. I'm not a prude; if the sex furthers the character and the story, fine. If it's there for simple shock value or to fill pages, I don't need it. That's not what I read (and write) fantasy for. I did like the interplay of post-apocalyptic vs. ancient/legendary Ireland. That was why I picked up the book(s). I won't be reading the others either.
I did like the main characters, Cormac and Joanna. It's a shame I won't find out how they save Tara; the same Tara across from which Padraigh lit the Paschal Fire in defiance of King Leoghaire.
I did like the main characters, Cormac and Joanna. It's a shame I won't find out how they save Tara; the same Tara across from which Padraigh lit the Paschal Fire in defiance of King Leoghaire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
Wolf king Book 1
I don't normally read a lot of fantasy books but this caught my imagination & pulled me in. Sometimes a little too much detail in parts but on the whole a great read. Beautifully written & researched, I'm looking forward to book 2.
I don't normally read a lot of fantasy books but this caught my imagination & pulled me in. Sometimes a little too much detail in parts but on the whole a great read. Beautifully written & researched, I'm looking forward to book 2.
November 5, 2018
I read it, had a think, and changed my rating.
The writing is what annoyed me most at the time, I do not need to be told the same thing 3 times in one page from three characters' perspectives. I get the cave was dark and cold and they were scared.
Story - meandering, confusing.
Rapey. Lots of 'near misses' for the heroines seem to be a theme. Because being checked if you're a virgin or not isn't invasive. And the sidhe thing, basically male rape, a be-spelled mind isn't consenting.
Incest and beastiality. Yey!
Really quite nasty punishments. If you thought gouging out your own eyes from book 1 was bad....
I'm now thinking she's homophobic. All the bisexual/homosexual characters have been bad guys.
And what's with the Judaism analogous race, with all the money-lending stereotypes?
Literally the more I think about this book the more I hate it. At least book 1 had an interesting concept in it's storyline, and the rape side of it was more subtle, or I needed two hits to see the homosexual bad character was a theme and not an off-chance.
It's also not a series if it's discrete characters. That's a world setting.
I probably should write more good reviews than bad, but tbh I'd rather people take these as warnings to stay away.
The writing is what annoyed me most at the time, I do not need to be told the same thing 3 times in one page from three characters' perspectives. I get the cave was dark and cold and they were scared.
Story - meandering, confusing.
Rapey. Lots of 'near misses' for the heroines seem to be a theme. Because being checked if you're a virgin or not isn't invasive. And the sidhe thing, basically male rape, a be-spelled mind isn't consenting.
Incest and beastiality. Yey!
Really quite nasty punishments. If you thought gouging out your own eyes from book 1 was bad....
I'm now thinking she's homophobic. All the bisexual/homosexual characters have been bad guys.
And what's with the Judaism analogous race, with all the money-lending stereotypes?
Literally the more I think about this book the more I hate it. At least book 1 had an interesting concept in it's storyline, and the rape side of it was more subtle, or I needed two hits to see the homosexual bad character was a theme and not an off-chance.
It's also not a series if it's discrete characters. That's a world setting.
I probably should write more good reviews than bad, but tbh I'd rather people take these as warnings to stay away.
May 19, 2016
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2016/05/1...
Publisher: Venture
Publishing Date: April 2016
ISBN: 9781533010131
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.8/5
Publishers Description: Following the terror of the Apocalypse, life in the community of Tugaim, Ireland is simple – but controlled. Families eek out their meagre livings from the blasted earth, carefully avoiding the forbidden patches of land that still shine with eerie light… Joanna Grady is happy in this community, and has even met Flynn, whom she loves and hopes to be matched to. They dream of Ancient Ireland, a land of magic, royalty and terrible foes.
Review: An epic in story telling wrapped around some fairly well built characters set in ancient and magical Ireland.
Joanna is, initially, a pretty good character to follow. She is headstrong, opinionated and never one to stand around when there is doing to be done. Her Dad gives her away so he can have access to a pig farmers lands, and she is subsequently groped and ejaculated upon which drives her escape back to her only friend Flynn. Once she goes through the time veil, Joanna becomes less like her self and is given to bouts of speaking about her predicaments in the third person. She comes off like an out of breath second grader relating the details of events as they unfold.
Of course Joanna is super speshul and the Wolf King wastes no time banging her then later, raping her. But its ok, cause he is so wolfy and can’t help himself. Joanna is passed around like a joint at a frat party, and soon is getting her nether region licked by an insidious witch. While laying there taking it, Joanna beats her to a pulp with a dildo…..at least I think that’s what it was. Anywaaaay, most of the scenes are rather contrived and lack believability. Especially in that the characters fall for most of the obvious traps which should never have happened in the first place as events unravel. Like how is Joanna able to beat a powerful witch senseless when said witch captures them all and is unable to get hurt when attacked? Dildo power? Still, if you can get into it, the novel was entertaining. With a bit of patience as to the switching points of view (first, third person) you can ferret out the story line and follow it.
Publisher: Venture
Publishing Date: April 2016
ISBN: 9781533010131
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.8/5
Publishers Description: Following the terror of the Apocalypse, life in the community of Tugaim, Ireland is simple – but controlled. Families eek out their meagre livings from the blasted earth, carefully avoiding the forbidden patches of land that still shine with eerie light… Joanna Grady is happy in this community, and has even met Flynn, whom she loves and hopes to be matched to. They dream of Ancient Ireland, a land of magic, royalty and terrible foes.
Review: An epic in story telling wrapped around some fairly well built characters set in ancient and magical Ireland.
Joanna is, initially, a pretty good character to follow. She is headstrong, opinionated and never one to stand around when there is doing to be done. Her Dad gives her away so he can have access to a pig farmers lands, and she is subsequently groped and ejaculated upon which drives her escape back to her only friend Flynn. Once she goes through the time veil, Joanna becomes less like her self and is given to bouts of speaking about her predicaments in the third person. She comes off like an out of breath second grader relating the details of events as they unfold.
Of course Joanna is super speshul and the Wolf King wastes no time banging her then later, raping her. But its ok, cause he is so wolfy and can’t help himself. Joanna is passed around like a joint at a frat party, and soon is getting her nether region licked by an insidious witch. While laying there taking it, Joanna beats her to a pulp with a dildo…..at least I think that’s what it was. Anywaaaay, most of the scenes are rather contrived and lack believability. Especially in that the characters fall for most of the obvious traps which should never have happened in the first place as events unravel. Like how is Joanna able to beat a powerful witch senseless when said witch captures them all and is unable to get hurt when attacked? Dildo power? Still, if you can get into it, the novel was entertaining. With a bit of patience as to the switching points of view (first, third person) you can ferret out the story line and follow it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2016
I love Irish legends and myths, and the idea of some time-traveling and wolves to go with is right up my alley. Throw in an Apocalypse, the remaining survivors, and some magic, and what could go wrong? Sadly, quite a bit could – and did – go wrong, though there were some redeeming features that eventually fell into place.
The story itself definitely had some high points, though they didn’t start really showing up until the last 40% of the book (at least, according to my Kindle). In a way, it was almost like the second half of the book was written by a totally different person. In the first half, the descriptions tended towards the overly long and the characters often felt sort of half-there, almost like they were being conjured and the spell was only partially complete, leaving a ghostly image of what might be. In addition, far too much of the plot seemed to depend on some very convenient happenings that knocked me right out of the story. However, the second half was significantly better – the story was of a quicker pace, the multiple and extremely varied plot lines started to come together in ways that (mostly) made sense, and…there was less sex.
So – onto that. I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but the first half of the book contained a lot of sex. Some of it violent, tending towards rape, some bestiality and LGBT sex, and some fairly straightforward. To me, sex is like rampant cursing in a story – if it furthers the storyline or fits a character, then I’m all for it. But if it feels like the plot could advance just as well without it, or like the author was including it just to have it there, then…that bothers me. Basically, if it detracts instead of bolsters the story, then I see it as a problem. Here, in several cases, there really didn’t seem to be a need for it. Some, I could see as part of the story AND the character development. Some felt forced and unnecessary.
Ultimately, for me as a reader, it comes down to whether I would want to read another book in the series. And while the second half of this one was enjoyable, the first half was just too much work. And so, I would have to say no to any further books.
Sexual Content: Rape, LGBT, Bestiality, Graphic Sex, Sexual Violence
May 28, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this ebook for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly, this was a DNF. The author's prose was too confusing to follow. I had to read most of her sentences over and over again to discern their meaning. Also, as other reviewers have noted, the perspective jumped from one person to another -- sometimes in the same paragraph!
Sadly, this was a DNF. The author's prose was too confusing to follow. I had to read most of her sentences over and over again to discern their meaning. Also, as other reviewers have noted, the perspective jumped from one person to another -- sometimes in the same paragraph!
November 3, 2016
I received this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Such an unusual strange book I liked it very different lots of layers to the storyline but not so much it confused you I however did ramble on in chapters hence a 3 star
Such an unusual strange book I liked it very different lots of layers to the storyline but not so much it confused you I however did ramble on in chapters hence a 3 star
dnf
January 5, 2021DNF Jan 1-4/21
Maybe another day. It just wasn't grabbing my attention.
Maybe another day. It just wasn't grabbing my attention.
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