Official Review: The Rock of Achill by Jim Sheehan

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 24 Dec 2020, 11:52

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Rock of Achill" by Jim Sheehan.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Rock of Achill by Jim Sheehan is a semi-historical fantasy that takes place in Ireland. It takes the reader on a trip through the mythical Irish world of fairies, witches, demons, and other creatures. It is well written and moves the reader from historical times to mythical worlds and back. The book shares a story of love, money, power, and adventure.

There were three main characters to this story. Donn was a young man in love with Bridget. Donn’s father died unexpectedly, and Donn was left trying to purchase the land that they had farmed/ranched on Achill Island. He took a job with Cathal to earn money. Cathal traversed the real and mythical worlds looking for a sword that would help him reclaim Ireland. Donn would travel with Cathal with the goal of making enough money to purchase the land. Each step of the way was met with danger, but his goal was always getting back to Achill Island to be with Bridget. I liked that Donn was always focused on his goal, did not seem to take unnecessary risks, and never strayed from his love for Bridget. These traits, along with his strength, honesty, and commitment made him one of my favorites in the book.

Bridget fell in love with Donn after only a couple of meetings. She went through the motions expected of her, such as attending balls, helping the family, and becoming a seamstress. She stayed true to Donn and seemed to patiently await his return. Although she had strong character traits, I am not sure love at first sight exists, and that is the realm she lived in. No matter who else gave her attention, she stayed true to Donn without really knowing him. Although her faithfulness was a strength, I had a difficult time believing that she was that devoted without really knowing him.

Cathal was a character that I both like and disliked. He was focused on finding the sword to reclaim Ireland. I liked that he felt that finding the sword was his destiny and he was focused on the end goal. However, he also came across as selfish. He took his crew into dangers that were not necessary. The crew always protected him, but since he led them into these dangers, maybe he did not feel the need to protect them.

The book is well-written and has been thoroughly researched. The characters are well-developed, and the places are described so that the reader feels like they are there. The book intertwines a romance story with adventure and fantasy which keeps the reader engaged. I did not find any errors in the text. Therefore, I gladly give this book 4 out of 4 stars.

This book is appropriate for anyone who enjoys a historical story mixed into a fantasy world, with a touch of romance thrown in. The book touches on being taken up to heaven and talking to angels, as well as mythical creatures. Because of this, some religions may not find this an entertaining book. There were minimal swear words, but they were not inappropriate for the story.

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The Rock of Achill
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Sararob06 · Post by **Sararob06** » 28 Dec 2020, 21:28

This book sounds amazing! Thank you for your informative review. I will be checking this one out!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 28 Dec 2020, 23:18

This is an interesting mix of history and fantasy, with the fairies, witches, demons, etc. I enjoy historical fiction, but I'm not sure of the fantasy part. However, I appreciated reading your wonderful review. Great job!

Jennifer Aldo · Post by **Jennifer Aldo** » 28 Dec 2020, 23:31

This is totally my style. Would love to read. Thanks for the review.

Joan642 · Post by **Joan642** » 29 Dec 2020, 17:06

This book contains interesting themes that makes me more interested in reading it, aside from the well developed characters. Thanks for the review.

duskdawn09 · Post by **duskdawn09** » 29 Dec 2020, 22:34

I really enjoy reading books that contain a handful of both classic mythology and plot made by the author. Will read soon, great review.

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 29 Dec 2020, 22:40

Thanks for your interesting review. I also find it hard to believe you can love someone without really knowing them, as it would feel unreal.

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 30 Dec 2020, 15:16

I enjoy adventure and fantasy reads with a touch of romance. I also don't know if love at first sight exists, but am sure about one thing. I want to read this book. Thanks for engaging me in this awesome review.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 05 Jan 2021, 10:13

Sararob06 wrote: ↑28 Dec 2020, 21:28 This book sounds amazing! Thank you for your informative review. I will be checking this one out!

Thanks for taking time to read my review. I hope you enjoy this book.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 05 Jan 2021, 10:14

Tarilan wrote: ↑30 Dec 2020, 15:16 I enjoy adventure and fantasy reads with a touch of romance. I also don't know if love at first sight exists, but am sure about one thing. I want to read this book. Thanks for engaging me in this awesome review.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 05 Jan 2021, 10:17

Prisallen wrote: ↑28 Dec 2020, 23:18 This is an interesting mix of history and fantasy, with the fairies, witches, demons, etc. I enjoy historical fiction, but I'm not sure of the fantasy part. However, I appreciated reading your wonderful review. Great job!

Thanks for taking time to read my review. It is definitely an interesting mix. I prefer the historical parts and am less interested in the fantasy.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 05 Jan 2021, 10:18

Sou Hi wrote: ↑29 Dec 2020, 22:40 Thanks for your interesting review. I also find it hard to believe you can love someone without really knowing them, as it would feel unreal.

Thanks for stopping by. I have always struggled with love at first sight. I think it is infatuation and admiration at first sight, which may eventually lead to love.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 05 Jan 2021, 10:19

duskdawn09 wrote: ↑29 Dec 2020, 22:34 I really enjoy reading books that contain a handful of both classic mythology and plot made by the author. Will read soon, great review.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the book!

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 05 Jan 2021, 10:20

Jennifer Aldo wrote: ↑28 Dec 2020, 23:31 This is totally my style. Would love to read. Thanks for the review.

Hope you enjoy the book. Thanks for stopping by.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 05 Jan 2021, 10:22

Joan642 wrote: ↑29 Dec 2020, 17:06 This book contains interesting themes that makes me more interested in reading it, aside from the well developed characters. Thanks for the review.

Thanks for reading my review. I hope you enjoy the book.