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.

Beyond a Darkened Shore

Savannah Winchell

Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
2.5 ⭐️
DNF 60%, skimming the rest
- elements of everything I love with poor execution
- character traits come out of nowhere to drive the plot and be ~edgy~
- even the author doesn’t understand the timeline
- rushed
- bad chemistry lol

Sheila Goicea

Read this full review along with others on my blog: Foals, Fiction & Filigree.

I received an ARC of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this influence my rating or review.


All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication. 


Content Warning: War, Death, Mentions of Slavery, Attempted Sexual Assault

  ”We have nothing to fear, lads. Not with Princess Ciara leading us.” He meant it ironically, of course—I was the one they feared.

Celtic and Norse mythology collide in this atmospheric fantasy. I find it rare that gods of competing mythology actually ever intertwine in their stories. Not just that, but intertwine mythology with Christianity (although I have been seeing more and more of this recently). It is this element which gave Beyond A Darkened Shore such an interesting perspective. Set in Ireland in 1035 AD, the once pagan realm has forgotten the old deities and replaced them anew—all except for the strongest of them.

Ciara, Princess of Mide, is no stranger to the incredible. Born with special abilities that allow her power over others minds, she is an unparalleled asset on the battlefield. Her abilities, however, have ostracized her from many, including her father, and the church. Feared by her comrades, Ciara still valiantly fights against the Viking invaders who frequently ransack their kingdom, and who have taken so much from her. 

The raven has long been Ciara’s friend and ally, warning her of winds carrying the raiders to their shores. When she encounters a band of raiders, to her dismay, she comes across a man that doesn’t succumb to her mental manipulations. Succeeding in taking him captive, she learns that due to a bargain with other ethereal beings, he too, has unusual abilities. When circumstances push the two together, Ciara and Leif realize that there is a much larger opponent to both of their peoples. Only working together will rid the world of the threat descending upon their lands. 

For good measure, I really liked how the different gods were represented throughout this book. The most prevalent was the Morrigan, which means “phantom queen.” Representing war, fate, death, and destiny, her role is deeply seeded with the paths of Ciara and Leif. Many members of the Tuatha Dè Danann make appearances throughout the entire plot, including some from Norse mythology. 

I found the little “jabs” from one culture to another comical---like the fact that Ciara named her horse Sleipnir after the fabled eight-legged Norse horse as a slight towards her clan’s main enemy. It’s only comical because these intents are made out of ignorance. Slights towards others are never actually a good thing--as they are mainly borne from assumption and prejudice. One beautiful point that this author factored in the story was overcoming prejudice. It’s very easy to only see life and experiences from our own perspective. When an opportunity arises to see life from a different angle, one will find that their viewpoint is distorted to what one knows and is familiar with. Ciara especially learns this when she gets to know Leif on a deeper level. 

The "enemies-to-lovers" trope is an obvious one between Ciara and Leif, but I think it fit well. While I thought their romance was somewhat forced into existence at times, I didn't mind it, and felt that it fit the theme of this story very well.

I really enjoyed Beyond A Darkened Shore and think that it is quite underrated. If you love mythology, magic, historical fiction, and likeable characters, give this book a shot!

Vulgarity: Minimal.
Sexual content: Minimal.
Violence: Moderate - war is a very common theme throughout the entire story.

My Rating: ★★★★

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Kristen

I loved absolutely everything about this book. From the second chapter, I had this weird feeling that I was reading a book written SPECIFICALLY for me. It had everything I want in a book when I sit down to read. I'm a character person. It could be the most amazing plot ever, but if the characters are cardboard cutouts and placeholders and stereotypes, I'm not interested. This book had enchanting characters, spectacular action, and a fascinating plot. I'm still in awe. The last 100 pages just flew through my fingers. I'm not a fast reader, I usually read about 35 pages an hour, and I read those last 100 pages in less than 2 hours, if that tells you anything. It tells me LOADS. I've found a new favorite book.

It's very character-driven, so there's some monologuing done on the part of the main character. I love that, but I know a lot of people don't. I've seen some people complain about the pacing, and I personally think the pacing was on point. Just goes to show different people like different things in their books.

Ciska van Bokhorst

Een krappe 3*. 
Ierse en Noorse mythologie samen.

I found this while looking through a book app and decided to give it a go. I hadn't heard of it prior or the author, but it sounded like a fun book that wasn't too dark and angsty. I ended up liking it more than I thought it would, but it's not at the top of my list for 2018, that's for sure. 

Ciara is the princess of Mide, but she's no prim and proper gal. She's a warrior and battles to protect her kingdom. She has a special ability that helps in battles but she doesn't know exactly what it is our how to control it. Ciara is very tough but has moments of weakness and emotional bursts-which I really liked. I hate when the female protagonists are seen as tough and never show an ounce of emotion. She was real and cried in the right moments or wasn't sure of herself. 

I would have liked to have seen her powers used a tad more. It seemed very back seat to the rest of the story which isn't bad but I was expecting her to have a few uncontrollable outbursts while learning to harness them and that didn't happen. 

Lief is a Northman, and he and her people don't generally get along. They meet in battle when he comes to her shores and she captures him. He's very strong, loves a good battle, and wishes for Valhalla when he's finished with his quest. I liked Lief. At first, I thought he'd be like any other historical character Hero and he'd brood and want nothing to do with her. He was actually funny and really cared about her, which took me by surprise. Their friendship was quick as was the movement into a relationship. I would have liked that to have been a bit slower and drawn out.

The mythology in this book was really fascinating. I know a bit about the Norse and Celtic mythologies but it was interesting to read about it in this book. Some things were new and I liked how the author incorporated them into the story. 

I felt like the story was really fast despite the good amount of pages. The end felt rushed and I would have liked an epilogue maybe a few months later or something. 

This book was good but not outstanding. If you're looking for something quick with a bit of romance and mythology, this is something you'll like.

Geneviève Rouleau

It's a good book with elements I would usually love. I think I just need to stick to my contemporaries for summer 😂 & it didn't feel Viking-y enough for me. I'd still recommend! 3.5⭐ for me.

Manon van Heumen

I loved it so much! I adore Norse mythology, and combine it with Vikings and you basically have a perfect story for me. It was a quick read, with good, carved-out characters, and a great world building. The plotline was great, and the pace was excellent. I loved it.

Bridget Howard

Ashlee

I need everyone to read this now so we can discuss how perfect it is. And then I’m going to marry Leif Olafsson (it’s okay, my husband won’t mind, he likes vikings 🙈). 

I already know it will end up as one of my favorite reads of the year. 😱

Casandra Sandu

Lisa Beasley

I really enjoyed the mash up of Celtic and Norse mythology in this book. Our main character was strong and badass and I really liked her development as the story unfolded. I listened on audiobook and it was narrated by one of my faves Alana Kerr Collins which only added to my enjoyment. 

Solid 4.5 stars probably pushing 4.75

Beyond a Darkened Shore

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