Official Review: The Rock of Achill by Jim Sheehan
Posted: 24 Dec 2020, 11:52
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Rock of Achill" by Jim Sheehan.]
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
View: on Bookshelves
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.
******
The Rock of Achill
View: on Bookshelves