Aroon

by M.B. Gibson

"The haunting family saga of a bullying father and forbidden love. A FINALIST and highly recommended." -The Wishing Shelf Book AwardsIn 18th-century Tipperary, ominous clouds loom over Duncullen Estate.Young heir Richard yearns for an academic life. His father insists he abandon his foppish dreams and run the estate like a man. Is he destined for a dismal life not his own?Fleeing obscene poverty, Eveleen joins Duncullen’s staff where she is shunned. Loneliness draws her and Richard together. As their secret, forbidden romance blooms, so does Eveleen’s risk of dismissal. Fiercely in love, she ignores the prospect of eviction and starvation.Richard’s father is hell-bent on twisting his son into his own image. Pressures intensify. Richard is determined to stop the torture the only way he can. Will his plan keep Eveleen and him together, or will Richard’s father tear them apart?Finalist for 2018 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Award2018 Semi-Finalist in the Kindle Book Awards--Literary FictionWinner of Carrie McCray Literary Award for Novel First ChapterFinalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association's Literary Contest for Historical Fiction

Genres: Historical Fiction

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2016

About the author

Mary Beth Gibson is the author of the award-winning Duncullen Saga, historical novels set in eighteenth-century Tipperary, Ireland, and Revolutionary War-era South Carolina.

Her newest release, Pryor Knowledge, explores everyday life in the early 19th century amidst the immensely popular world of horse racing.

M. B. Gibson is active in the Aiken Chapter of the South Carolina Writers Association and the Authors Club of Augusta. After teaching adolescents for over thirty years and raising three headstrong daughters, she now lives the quiet life with her husband in Blackville, South Carolina.

Reviews

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't so sure about this book, as the first impression almost reminded me of the old romance novels that we would use to level the Christmas Tree. However, there's far more to this book than you may expect at first glance. It all really starts and ends with the setting, which has been crafted with such an attention to detail that it immerses the reader very well. The author's research and care in that regard is obvious. From that base comes a story that truly establishes the characters in the context of 1750 Ireland, and makes them very human and relatable, even though they inhabit a world very different than ours. The depth of the characters arises from a complex combination of base human emotion, ambition, social hierarchies, prejudice and the traumas inherent in such an inequal and destitute society. What results is a story you can't put down, that immerses you in the setting and the lives of its characters and will certainly leave you with a lot to think about.

[Renee Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid historical setting, an array of complex, tortured characters, complicated relationships, dire circumstances and tragic outcomes kept me thoroughly engrossed in this dark epic saga of page-turning, un-putdownable suspense.

[Bettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fascinates me most about "Aroon" is how quiet and unassuming it is. The title sounds foreign to the tongue, but not necessarily in a "come hither" kind of way. The cover is beautiful, dark, and brooding, but so are most covers these days. In fact, if one didn’t actually open the book, it would be easy to dismiss it is as nothing more than a forgettable tale of one-dimensional characters recklessly pasted into a thin plot. Instead, this is a carefully-woven tapestry that is rich, developed, and multi-layered.

From chapter one, the author alternately lifts and tears at the reader’s heart. Her language, cadence, and composition are fluent and fluid, birthing a true-to-life world of 18th century Ireland filled with living, breathing characters propelled by their own complex emotions, motivations, and fallacies. I felt like this was something from the annals of history, and it made me love it all the more. My one criticism is that it ended far too soon for my liking. I was thrilled to find that it was only the first book in an expected series, and I look forward to seeing more from this up-and-coming author. Well done!

[Brad Mela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and atmospheric novel.
My expectations were that I'd be labouring through an historical treatise of 18th century Ireland; not so. You could live and feel and see the pain told through some believable dialogue and clever scene setters.
Overall an enjoyable, immersive book but quite dark, with some hands in front of the eyes scenes.
A recommended read.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: AROON, THE DUNCULLEN SAGA
Author: M. B. Gibson

Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘A dark story in many ways and utterly gripping.’ Male reader, aged 34
‘I loved the Irish setting. So well described, it’s almost a character in the novel. Plenty of twists and a strong portrayal of twisted love from the father and, of course, forbidden love between class. I enjoyed this historical novel very much.’ Female reader, aged 52
‘If you enjoy Irish history and strong characterisation, this is for you.’ Male reader, aged 68
‘The dialogue works well in this story. It felt authentic for the time.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘Cleverly plotted and well researched, this is a gem of an historical novel. Also, for this genre, it’s not overly long. The author works hard to offer the reader a character-based story and a fabulously described historical setting.’ Male reader, aged 37


To Sum It Up:
‘The haunting family saga of a bullying father and forbidden love. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Heidi Angell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on a bit of an Irish kick, lately. I loved and hated Aroon. It is rich, hauntingly accurate to the time period, and full of intrigue. As I read it, it reminded me of a crazy mash up of Downton Abby, Poldark, Jane Ayer and Wuthering Heights. It was interesting to see Richard and his mother through their eyes, and how they viewed Richard's father and the servants, then to later see how others viewed them was quite a telling view of the world we live in today.
I liked Richard to start, but much as Heathcliff and Poldark change (and not for the better), the classsist demands twist Richard into something I did not much care for.
Gibson plays with some dark themes demonstrating how even knowing our past doesn't necessarily allow us to escape becoming the very things we despise. She looks at it from every perspective. From the upper class, down to the poorest servant. Definitely a book that you will need a day or two to digest after reading.

If you are a fan of dark period pieces, this is right up your ally.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an old fashion story in 1750 in Ireland of an anguished heir, Richard Lynche bullied by his father, Master Edward Lynche. Richard's mother, Lady Nancy was sickly in her room with her personal maid watching over her. Richard, the young heir fell into the arms of the newest maid, Eveleen. Each sharing their love for each other over a period of time.

This is a haunting, dark tale of an Irish Estate Duncullen, with Master Edward, Lady Nancy, the heir Richard and including all the poor lower class servants. The story has so many twists and turns from beginning to the end. The characters were alive with believable personalities. The plot was vivid, a real page turner with readers right in the middle of it all. I enjoyed this book and ready to read the next in the series. If you like a dark, haunting tale this book is for you.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Historical novels are my favorite, and while Ireland in the 1750s is not my usual era of interest, this book grabbed me from the start and did not let go. Wonderful, fast-paced, lots of action. The characters are very well drawn, and while I have no idea if the novel portrays the time-period accurately, it seemed to. Very detailed, very descriptive without slowing down the story. Can’t wait to read book 2.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. A really page turner! the plot is very entertainig and well constructed. Can't wait for book two!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful historical saga

Unlike most books this defies classification. At first it starts like a simple historical romance. Stick with it though. It is SO much more than that. Besides really delving into the time and location there are mysterious occurrences and intrigues. It also reaches deep philosophical questions pertinent to current times without preaching while remaining entertaining. Take a chance, if you dare…

[Charleen Hird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in 1750 Ireland shown for the peasants and contrasted with the Gentry. It blows my mind how hard life was 269 years ago and saddens me that class distinctions still exist In today’s world.

I enjoyed the story of pure, innocent Eveleen and was caught up in her hopefulness and love for Richard. Aristocracy and madness rein him in so that he becomes what he had despised in his father, leaving Eveleen to scrape by in desolations. A well written sad, sad story.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, sweeping tale that hits all the right buttons. It's romantic and tragic, well-researched and imaginative. It paints vivid brutality with a careful brush that evokes sympathy from unexpected places. So skillfully written and so lovely. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like "Downton Abbey," you might like this book. You might also find it very derivative. Set in Co. Waterford, Ireland, in the mid-18th century, the book contains plenty of upstairs-downstairs romance and more than its share of backstairs brutality as well.

[Judy and Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“AROON”

I loved Reading this book, it was hard to put down. I just had to find out what happened next, so I read it well into the night. I would certainly recommend this book.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me places I haven't been and I enjoyed that! M.B. is a great writer! Thanks! looking forward to finishing the trilogy!

[Gay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1

Looking forward to book 2 in the series. The time frame is intriguing. And the setting as well. Late 1700's

[Kelly Rogers-Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only wasted my time… not my money.

[L's of Kauai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction described on amazon as a riveting story of love, murder, and betrayal in 18th century Ireland.
I'll be reading the follow up book(s)

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful beginning of a family saga!

[Lea Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aroon is definitely all it claims to be - ‘A cauldron of old-fashioned Irish stew’. I couldn’t wait to turn each page to find out what was going to happen next. The descriptions and language used, made me feel like I was there at the Tipperary estate in the 18th century, watching and listening to all the events and emotions of the intriguing characters who kept me enthralled until the last page. I can’t wait until the sequel is published!

[Sherry Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It kept me interested from beginning to end. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because it got a little bit too religious for me toward the end. But overall, great book!

[Jeanie Granata · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book by a new writer. Kept my interset all the way through. Can't wit for more