Islands in the Mist

De: J.M. Hofer

Narrado por: 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)2026 J.M. Hofer

Islands in the Mist

Islands in the Mist starts off the series, also called, Islands in the Mist, by J M Hofer. I am not one that likes to read fantasy. I usually am not able to easily follow along those stories. However, that was not the case with this book. I enjoyed going back in time to Britain during the Iron Age. The author brilliantly brings to life Welsh mythology. I loved meeting the main character, the great warrior Bran. He took me on an adventure to a new world of intrigue, danger, mystery, suspense, and romance. I had no difficulty in keep turning the pages and keep reading from scene to scene. I did not want to put it down until the very end. Of course, it ends with me wanting more and more. I thought it was a great example why I should go outside my comfort zone and read something new. I would have missed out on a great read if I had not given this one a chance.

I enjoy listening to audio versions of books and hearing how the narrator voice's take on the the story. I had the pleasure of getting this version of Islands in the Mist. John Keatings' narration was great. His performance brought this fabulous tale to life. I highly recommend for readers to take the opportunity to give it a listen.

I am giving Islands in the Mist five stars. I have no doubt readers who love to read historical fantasy fiction will love it as much as me. I can not wait to get the second installment from the Islands in the Mist series, Across the Sea, in my hands to see what J M Hofer has in store for their characters and readers.

I received an audio version of J M Hofer's Islands in the Mist from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.