Beyond a Darkened Shore

by Jessica Leake

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062666260
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/10/2018
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 1.37(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Jessica Leake is the author of the adult novels Arcana and The Order of the Eternal Sun, both with Skyhorse. She worked for years as a psychotherapist, but even though she loved her clients, she couldn’t stop writing. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, four young children, lots of chickens, and two dogs who keep everyone in line. Beyond a Darkened Shore is her YA debut and is followed by Through the White Wood. Visit her at www.jessicaleake.com.

Editorial Reviews

06/04/2018
Ciara, a princess with the ability to control the minds and actions of others, aligns herself with her enemy, a Northman named Leif, to save their world from fantastical creatures bent on its destruction. Throughout their journey, Pagan beliefs and Norse gods clash. Ciara becomes an outcast banished from her kingdom, and the initially glaring differences between her and Leif soften as they find more rare similarities to bind them. Elements of the “star-crossed lovers” trope renders their bond unsurprising, and moments of lust paired with carnage—such as a first kiss shared while they’re burning corpses on a funeral pyre—can be off-putting. Faerie magic and an army of the dead help to enliven the story, and Ciara proves to be a formidable warrior in her own right, with or without her love by her side. In her YA debut, Leake creates a strong backdrop of fantasy and myth, and she draws on her background as a psychotherapist to instill her characters with a rich vitality. Ages 14–up. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

Epic historical fantasy filled with deadly creatures, simmering romance, and nonstop action.” — Kirkus Reviews

“readers will have a great time” — Booklist

“Beyond a Darkened Shore is thrilling and romantic. This is a must-read for lovers of fantasy, mythology, and folklore.” — Kody Keplinger, New York Times bestselling author of The DUFF and Run

“A true medieval epic. This book is perfect for fans of Marie Lu and Kristin Cashore.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

From the Publisher

readers will have a great time

Booklist

Beyond a Darkened Shore is thrilling and romantic. This is a must-read for lovers of fantasy, mythology, and folklore.

Kody Keplinger

A true medieval epic. This book is perfect for fans of Marie Lu and Kristin Cashore.

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

readers will have a great time

Booklist

02/01/2018
Gr 9 Up—This book brings together Celtic and Norse mythologies. Ciara is princess of Mide, one of the kingdoms of Éirinn (known in modern times as Ireland). Ciara is blessed—or cursed—with the ability to take over a person's mind and force them to do her will. The Mide's enemies are the Northmen who raid villages, murder the residents, and take home their spoils. Leif is leading such a raid when he comes across Ciara, who spares his brother in battle, before taking Leif captive. The pair become unlikely partners in a battle against a greater enemy; giants called jötnar who want to conquer the world. While Ciara fears her powers, Leif helps her embrace them and learn better control with the assistance from his Northman seer. Ciara struggles against her feelings for Leif, and while he stays respectful he also makes his attraction clear. As the romance develops, it gradually takes over the book, with victory against the jötnar becoming secondary. This alternate historical fantasy provides background to the belief systems of both sets of people, and other than the addition of magical elements, accurately portrays the medieval time period. Abrupt revelations that are intended to surprise instead bog down the plot as it heads into the long-anticipated final battle. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries where mythology is popular and well read.—Rebecca Greer, Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, FL

School Library Journal

2018-02-05
As heir to the throne and a skilled warrior, 17-year-old Ciara wields considerable power, but when a deadly enemy threatens her home, she must call upon her supernatural talents to protect those she loves.In Ireland in 1035 C.E., dangers come not only from the violent Northmen, but from ancient deities warring against each other and the influx of Christianity. When a power-hungry king allies himself with the jötnar, a race of horrific giants, Ciara must fight alongside her enemy. While the thought of allying with the Northmen is repugnant, she finds herself falling for the charming Leif. Together they face duplicitous kings, painful memories, and dangerous magical creatures. But if their kingdoms and love are to survive, Ciara must embrace her birthright and Leif must honor the pact he made with the Valkyries in this historical fantasy that is rich in Celtic and Norse lore and threaded through with a story of star-crossed lovers. While Morrigan and Odin are terrifying, raven-haired Ciara is the star. Beautiful, strong, and independent, she is the perfect warrior princess.Epic historical fantasy filled with deadly creatures, simmering romance, and nonstop action. (Fantasy. 12-16)

Kirkus Reviews