Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake

Beyond a Darkened Shore

by Jessica Leake

Vikings meets Frostblood in this romantic historical fantasy stand-alone from author Jessica Leake.

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by nightingalereads on

3 of 5 stars

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**ARC review**

This book was a slow start for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the way the author blended together Norse and Celtic mythology, and used those elements to not only shape the world, but also to define the two main characters, Ciara and Lief. Ciara is a Celtic princess and Lief is a Northman warrior, and the way the two of them clashed and grew to trust one another was entertaining to watch play out. Though not on the level of Cassandra Clare or Holly Black, I thought the author did a good job of incorporating magical creatures from both cultures, including kelpies, fae, and the Valkyrie.

There were some scenes that I thought were a little overwritten, and I found myself skimming a few times. After three or four chapters, though, I was totally engrossed in the story. If you like fantasy, especially Norse and Celtic-inspired fantasy, and enjoy a good hate-to-love romance, then I seriously recommend picking up Beyond a Darkened Shore. I'm definitely glad I decided to give it a read.

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  • 27 March, 2018: Reviewed