The Lighthouse Land

The Lighthouse Trilogy, Book 1

By: Adrian McKinty

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Introducing the first young-adult novel from crime fiction writer Adrian McKinty—whose adult books have been called “unputdownable” (Washington Post), “exceptional” (San Francisco Chronicle), and “profoundly satisfying” (Booklist)—this is the start of an epic sci-fi trilogy with an unforgettable hero.

When Jamie’s mother inherits a small island and moves her little family from Harlem to Ireland, her troubled son sees a chance to start over, far away from the bullies and the pitying stares. Cancer has left Jamie without an arm or the will to speak. But Muck Island is no sanctuary, and it offers more than solitude and sea views. Jamie learns that he is heir to an ancient title—Laird of Muck, Guardian of the Passage—and certain otherworldly responsibilities. With the help of a mysterious object he discovers in the island’s old lighthouse, Jamie sets out on a dangerous interstellar mission that could change the course of his life—and the universe—forever.

Tautly paced and brilliantly imagined, this novel will thrill sci-fi fans eager for new heroes and new worlds to explore.

©2006 Adrian McKinty (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“McKinty, previously known for adult crime novels, brings an attuned ear for dialogue and a taut pacing to his first YA outing, the launch title in the Lighthouse Trilogy.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“This thought-provoking sci-fi adventure offers universal appeal, excitement, and a one-of-a-kind hero whose courage and compassion will inspire any reader.” ( Children’s Literature)

“Few readers will be able to resist…Teens will enjoy this first book in a planned trilogy.” ( VOYA)

Excellent for young adults

Excellent for young adults or pre-teens / teens. A bit too juvenile for adults, but a good listen which captured my attention and kept me interested. Similar to Narnia.

A Tour into Sci-fi

I enjoyed this fanciful story of two boys, one from NYC and one from a small village in Ireland who find a wormhole and travel to a distant Universe. James O'Neil is a cancer survivor, lacking both his left arm and power of speech and newly discovered Laird of Muck (maybe a little too tongue in cheek). Ramsey, local Irish lad, highly intelligent and Jamie's best and first friend befriend the locals in this faraway place. Together they help the first beings they meet defeat the powerful ice boat foes, find a cure for the devastating chicken pox and Jamie falls in love.

I can't praise enough the narrator, Gerald Doyle who does a great job with all of the accents and most important for me, I can understand every word. He is capable of expressing every feeling and nuance perfectly and yet his speech is wonderfully legible. Hearable?

Believable Characters

What about Gerard Doyle’s performance did you like?

Having read the books first, I had a their voices in my mind. Gerard Doyle brought the characters to life by making them sound like their nationality.

Any additional comments?

McKinty has a way of making his characters real. Whether the character is a child recuperating from cancer and surgery, an Asperger-esque/math and science genius, a cool mom, or an extraterrestrial, they are all believable, interesting and maybe just a Wishaway.
On top of that, Gerard Doyle breathed life into them. He is the perfect choice for the Lighthouse Trilogy.
This book is a teen book. I, however, am a mom, and I loved it as much as my son. I am really glad you have this trilogy. It rates right up there with Brandon Mull's Fablehaven and Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson.

Lighthouse series

loved it and the narrator , keep learning about Irish history and their language which at times has been hard to follow , this is my 6th McKinty book. hope there are more! !

Wonderful Adventure

This was a great story and well narrated. I'm starting the next book in the series immediately.

Brilliant!

McKinty is a wonderful storyteller and he has really written something special in this Lighthouse series. I was more familiar with his gritty, gory crime novels but Lighthouse series is completely different. I loved the vivid imagination and that the main characters were teens who have to work together, use history lessons, physics, trigonometry and other sciences to problems solve. McKinty also throws in large helpings of humor that truly made me laugh out loud. Gerald Doyle is a wonderful narrator -- young, old , male, female, Irish, American -- he can do it all.
If you have a youngster who can't quite focus on school, these books may help with that. After all, if you would like to be a valued person during an Intergalactic War, you need to know math, chemistry, history etc, etc, not to mention what to do if you fall in love with an alien ,,, a bit of a sticky wicket that.

Great first book

Great story on to the next one it would be great for kids who like a mystery and love to read

Good story with a less than adequate narrator

After thoroughly enjoying the Graveyard Book written and narrated by N. Gaiman, I thought this book might provide a similar experience. I did enjoy this story but the narrator was really substandard. His reading of the narrative almost had a computer-generated feel and he ended sentences with the most odd inflection which was impossible not to fixate on. He was far more successful with the character voices (especially the English and Irish) but even in this area his performance was adequate. Because of my struggle with the narration, it took me forever to finish this book - I could only listen to about 15 minutes at a time - and had I not wanted to know how the story ended, I would have probably abandoned the book. Such a shame. This book is still a good read, and I would recommend that you read it (and give it your own voice) rather than listening to this audio book production. Oh well. I love Audible and I guess not every book I listen too is going to wow me.

Waste of Mckinty’s talent

This was a good young adult novel but what Mckinty does best is take the political atmosphere of the time and weaves it into the story like it is another character. He is so great at using the zeitgeist to add to the motives of the character and heighten the stakes of the story. Since this novel is sci-fi, McKinty didn’t do what he does best and I was disappointed. This is still a great YA novel. I wasn’t expecting Sean Duffy but I thought maybe the lighthouse would have historical significance and McKinty would do what he does in a YA style. I would love to see a novel from McKinty that takes place in America in 2020. To see what he can do with the political climate that is happening now. I am sure that would be profound.

Wating for the next book

Although I am 61 years old I still enjoy a good novel. Adrian McKinty has written a very good one. I will be waiting for the next book.