Official Review: SKELLIG: The Tales Of Conor Archer, vol. 2

[Eric Morris]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "SKELLIG: The Tales Of Conor Archer, vol. 2" by E. R. Barr.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Skellig: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 2, is bestselling author E.R. Barr’s follow-up to his debut novel, Roan. Roan became an instant favorite of mine and a go-to suggestion for anyone looking to read an original fantasy novel. If there was any undue pressure on Barr to live up to the high standard he set with his first book, he certainly did not indicate as much in Skellig; it is without question as good as its predecessor, and the author’s style of storytelling makes reading this sequel feel akin to reconnecting with an old friend. Should the author continue this series, the saga of Conor Archer has the potential to become a multigenerational favorite for years to come.

Skellig picks up directly after the events in Roan. Conor is sent to Ireland from Wisconsin to be closer to his family and learn more about his lineage. He quickly learns that his previous encounters in Wisconsin are but precursors to a much bigger and more sinister plot; Conor and his companions, both new and established, are the primary players in a game where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Two worlds separated since the War in Heaven are converging, and it is up to Conor’s band of heroes to prevent the dark forces of the Otherworld, great monsters of myth and legend, from once again terrorizing the material world. Led by Conor, his friend and Champion Jace, and his faithful dog Troubles, this small group of fae, selkies, long-dead Irish clergy, a changeling, and maybe even a seraph, will be forced to sacrifice all to fight ancient evils and ensure the safety of mankind.

I cannot say enough good things about this series. Just as Roan immersed the reader in Native American folklore, Skellig sends the reader headlong into the deep-rooted Irish and Celtic mythos that have seeped into so much of our modern stories and traditions. Mr. Barr has an incredible wealth of knowledge not only about the legendary history of the Irish people but how it is intertwined with Western Christian faiths. As such, I believe my favorite aspect of Barr’s style is his ability to explain these unfamiliar stories and legends through compelling narrative and dialogue without making the story seem like a lecture on myth and religion. Moreover, I found myself several times researching Barr’s assertions only to find that his retelling of the old Irish tales was complete and unmodified. This is extremely important for a book’s historical authenticity, even if the “history” is based around folklore.

The only mark against Skellig is its trace amount of editing issues. One issue is the frequent, random capitalization of the letter ‘I’; I believe this is more of a formatting issue in the Kindle file, but it needs to be fixed nonetheless. There is also a time-jump issue as the chapters are labeled with days and dates, and the dates become out of sequence for a chapter. These errors are not enough to make me think that the book was not professionally edited; Skellig is a 412-page book, and in that context, such trivial mistakes are only minor grievances. The only other item of note that stuck out to me in a major way is the amount of profanity in the novel. To be fair, there is not an inordinate amount of foul language, but if memory serves me, it is significantly more than what was in Roan. The language didn’t turn me off to the book, and I know the Irish are a colorful bunch; still, I mention it as it may be a point of contention for other readers.

Skellig: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 2, has easily earned 4 out of 4 Stars. The novel is fast-paced and compelling, and even at 400-plus pages, it contains no filler. Mr. Barr is able to educate the reader on Irish culture while never taking his foot off the gas. If Rick Riordan were to craft a series for adults, it would be The Tales of Conor Archer; that being said, I’d put my money on Conor over Percy Jackson any day. If you are a fan of epic or urban fantasy, pick up a copy of Roan today and know that when you finish, Skellig is waiting.

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SKELLIG: The Tales Of Conor Archer, vol. 2
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[Valkyrie9]

As a read your review, my mind was jumping back to the nights I sat up reading Percy Jackson. This definitely sounds like a series that I would enjoy. It is rare that an author can write a fantastic first book, and then ensure that the second book is just as good. Thank you for a great review! I will be sure to give Roan a try.

[HusainNecklace52]

Wow! This review makes me want to read the book at this very instant!
Thanks for sharing, I will definitely have a look at the book.

[NetMassimo]

This really seems an excellent fantasy novel though I didn't really get the reference because I never read Percy Jackson's stories. I'll look into this series. Thank you for your great review!

[Priyanka2304]

Thanks for the detailed review. I already love the story. Hoping to read the book anytime soon.

[robcarr]

Thanks for the detailed review. I already love the story. Hoping to read the book anytime soon.

Same here. I really want to read this book now. Super excited after reading this review.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

What a great and in-depth review!.. thank you. By the look of the first few pages, and the rather lovely cover illustration, there is a strong Celtic/magical feel to this book. I can feel it’s entertaining tone and just know it will be enjoyed by many.

[Alida Spies]

I'm glad one can read this book as a standalone, as I missed the first book in the series. The plot sounds very interesting, with a dog called Troubles and fae, selkies, dead Irish clergy and other mysterious characters fighting with the protagonist to ensure the safety of mankind. With your enthusiastic review, I can't wait to read this book!

[Lauren Stjohn]

So nice to hear of the interwoven plot between the Celtic heritage and science fiction. The primary character Conor seems to bravely take the task of running the show. The review is informative to the novel and the author. I received the book today and will proceed to read as the review has thrown the gauntlet of interest.

[Rupali Mishra]

Congrats on BOTD.
E. R. Barr's SKELLIG: The Tales Of Conor Archer, vol. 2, is a science fiction/fantasy book about the catastrophe at Tinker's Grove, which ruined a community and claimed the lives of some good individuals. In order to protect Conor Archer while keeping him secure, Aunt Emily sends him to his godmother in Ireland.

[Diamond Igwesi]

I can feel the excitement through you - the reviewer's words. It has also not been many times I start a comment with commending a review but this one takes the cup.
I kind of felt lost reading the review and sample of Skellig without having read Roan and it feels like I have lost something already.
I probably wasn't around here when Roan was relaeased so I'm afraid I'll have to scroll back up and search for it.
Also, not the magical/fantasy kind but the enthusiasm in your review got to me. Also, my partner is Northern Irish and I might as well surprise him with the knowledge I hope to gain from the book on Irish history.
Congrats on Book Of The Day.

[Bertha Jackson]

I always find books about ancient Celtic myths fascinating. I am curious if Conor will save humanity. Thank you for your informative review.

[Love Ukaegbu]

E. R. Barr's SKELLIG: The Tales Of Conor Archer, vol. 2, seems like it will be a beautiful adventure, and I'm certainly rooting for Roan and his team. This is an exciting plot, and congratulations on the book of the day.

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

Excellent review! I am not a fan of sci-fi/fantasy novels, but if I were, this would be the one that I would read. It sounds like an exciting, well-developed storyline that will surely keep you entertained.

[Timothy Rucinski]

This is a very fine and generous review. I"'m not one to pick up and read a novel midstream through a series, but the review is enough to make me want to start the series from the beginning. Nicely done. Congrats to author Barr on this achievement and BOTD.