Islands in the Mist

By: J.M. Hofer

Narrated by: John Keating

Islands in the Mist breathes new life into ancient Welsh mythology, masterfully weaving its characters into a rich tapestry of heroism and sacrifice.

The great warrior Bran has been called home from the battlefield to his mother's deathbed, where he vows to solve the strange mystery surrounding what fatally attacked her in the night. He travels to the Crossroads, seeking the wise counsel of Talhaiarn, high priest and advisor to his clan, where he learns similar attacks have been reported by clans to the north and east - horrors that Talhaiarn determines are the dark handiwork of the powerful Cerridwen, a rogue priestess of the sisterhood that dwells on an island surrounded by the misty waters of Lake Tegid.

On his journey Bran encounters the fiery, red-haired Lucia, widow to a Roman centurion, and her strangely gifted stable boy, Gwion, an enigmatic child graced with understanding far beyond his years. Lucia possesses "the Sight", an ability that has plagued her from the time she was a small girl, tormenting her with visions of terrible things that invariably come to pass. Fate leads Lucia to discover that many of her maternal ancestors were masterful women gifted with psychic abilities, and some of them have been watching her from the shadows for years.

Upon returning to his village, Bran finds himself at odds with the hot-tempered Aelhaearn, who is determined to become their clan's next chieftain. Much to Aelhaearn's disappointment, Bran's sister, now priestess in her mother's place, convinces the clan to choose Bran for the honor instead.

In the aftermath of their conflict, Bran learns something shocking about his rival. Slowly all are pulled into the seductive maelstrom of Cerridwen's power, and though many will fight bravely, only one is able to make the sacrifice required to defeat her.

©2013 J.M. Hofer (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Didn't work for me

I had such high hopes for this one! The story was okay, but I think a big part of my feeling about this is that John Keating narrated the audiobook, and I didn't like the accents he used for some of the main characters. I've enjoyed many books narrated by him, but this one just didn't appeal. I'm disappointed that I didn't love it, but not all books work in the audio format.

Fantastic story, left us wanting more.

My husband and I listened to this story on a road trip from Alaska to Utah. We enjoyed each chapter more than the last. The characters are unique and likable. The writing is brilliant and the reading performance is great. The end had me in tears. We can't wait for the next book!!!

Magical Storytelling

Listening to Islands in the Mist was my first experience with an audio book.

What came to mind as I listened to Mr. Keating was the fact that long before people were writing stories, they were telling them--around the fire, in pubs, in royal courts, and on voyages and journeys to pass the time. The clan bard was something of a demi-god.

There is something magical about listening to someone tell you a story. A talented storyteller pulls you into it, and makes you feel as if you're right there with the characters. That is what Mr. Keating has done with Islands in the Mist. Listening to him bring my story to life was nothing short of magical. Thank you, John!

Fabulous tale!

This was such a pleasure to listen to! Great story, kept me interested the whole time. Narrator brought it to life and was very enjoyable. Can't wait for the sequel!

AdventurOus and entertainiNg

The was a wonderful story of battles, gods, ghosts and far away lands and fairy tails. It was very well written and read.