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Grey Isles #2
Songs from the Drowned Lands
The Grey Isles—Across the seas they wait, wrapped in a mist of sorcery and wonder. Their people are wise, noble, and brave: learned in the shaping of Order that we call magic. But among them are those who have courted Chaos, calling to them creatures out of dream, tearing a hold in the Great Pattern—and to that opening the Old Gods, the Lords of Chaos, are flocking, massing their dark powers to make the waves rise up like mountains, to doom the Grey Isles and their people forever beneath the sea...
204 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1983
6 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Kernaghan
32 books18 followersEileen Kernaghan lives in New Westminster B.C. Her short stories and poems have appeared in many
North American publications, both mainstream and speculative. Her
nine historical fantasy novels reflect her lifelong fascination with
ancient cultures and lost civilizations. Eileen's latest young adult
novel is Sophie, in Shadow, from Thistledown Press. It's set in India under the Raj, circa 1914.
North American publications, both mainstream and speculative. Her
nine historical fantasy novels reflect her lifelong fascination with
ancient cultures and lost civilizations. Eileen's latest young adult
novel is Sophie, in Shadow, from Thistledown Press. It's set in India under the Raj, circa 1914.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 8, 2024
This novel has a melancholy vibe weaving throughout. There is an unnamed sadness hanging over each and every chapter- a sense of loss of things that have been and will never be again. Songs from the Drowned Lands is broken up into five short stories. It is the end of their world through five different character's eyes- a princess, a bard, a sea captain, a scientist/mathematician, and a sorceress. They are attempting to battle the end of their world as they know it, as it has been foretold in dreams and prophecy. It reads like a combination of morality tales, fairy tale retellings and European mythology.
It was slow in parts, and there were sections of action sequences that were difficult to follow. Characters kept talking about the end of their world, but we never were told the actual prophecy, where it came from, or who gave it. It also baffles me that in all of the Grey Isles, only one boat was built to sail away from the oncoming tragedy, with 19 souls on board. I understand they all held a stake in sorcery and thought they might have a chance to fend off the water, but to me their choices were foolish.
All in all, it's an interesting fantasy that can stand alone, and a decently fast read.
It was slow in parts, and there were sections of action sequences that were difficult to follow. Characters kept talking about the end of their world, but we never were told the actual prophecy, where it came from, or who gave it. It also baffles me that in all of the Grey Isles, only one boat was built to sail away from the oncoming tragedy, with 19 souls on board. I understand they all held a stake in sorcery and thought they might have a chance to fend off the water, but to me their choices were foolish.
All in all, it's an interesting fantasy that can stand alone, and a decently fast read.
September 22, 2010
2.75 stars, rounded up
Songs from the Drowned Lands is a collection of short stories about 5 people from the Grey Isles (Atlantis) and their responses to the imminent destruction of their land.
The second book set in the world first encountered in Kernaghan's Journey to Aprilioth, review here), it's a prequel to that volume and the magical/fantasy elements are predominant. Journey could be read as historical fiction, there're no overtly fantasy elements that can't be explained as the perceptions of 1st millennium BC people, but spells and fantastic beings abound in this one.
Thieras, a young, precognitive woman, decides to remain and drown with her people even though this means giving up the man she loves, Dhan (whose story is the third part of the book). Eirech, a brilliant singer and musician, has given in to despair and wiles away the last days in wine, women and other debauchery. Dhan has organized a group that sails to Aprilioth, the colony established on Thera in the Mediterranean. Siod'h is a young priest-engineer who tries to bind the Old Gods and save the Grey Isles. And Ainn is an old priestess who knows the end is inevitable but still tries to hold back the waters.
The most interesting story is Eirech's. One of his mistresses conjures a succession of lovers for him, the final one being a lady of Fairy who he follows to her land. There he pays for deathlessness with his voice and talent only to find that it bars him from ever living in Fairy or from ever going beyond the carnal life of Earth.
Songs from the Drowned Lands is a collection of short stories about 5 people from the Grey Isles (Atlantis) and their responses to the imminent destruction of their land.
The second book set in the world first encountered in Kernaghan's Journey to Aprilioth, review here), it's a prequel to that volume and the magical/fantasy elements are predominant. Journey could be read as historical fiction, there're no overtly fantasy elements that can't be explained as the perceptions of 1st millennium BC people, but spells and fantastic beings abound in this one.
Thieras, a young, precognitive woman, decides to remain and drown with her people even though this means giving up the man she loves, Dhan (whose story is the third part of the book). Eirech, a brilliant singer and musician, has given in to despair and wiles away the last days in wine, women and other debauchery. Dhan has organized a group that sails to Aprilioth, the colony established on Thera in the Mediterranean. Siod'h is a young priest-engineer who tries to bind the Old Gods and save the Grey Isles. And Ainn is an old priestess who knows the end is inevitable but still tries to hold back the waters.
The most interesting story is Eirech's. One of his mistresses conjures a succession of lovers for him, the final one being a lady of Fairy who he follows to her land. There he pays for deathlessness with his voice and talent only to find that it bars him from ever living in Fairy or from ever going beyond the carnal life of Earth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2019
If you're a fan of folklore, fantasy, and/or Irish mythology, then this short, but satisfying book is an excellent choice! Note: I was unaware this was book #2 of a series; however, they standalone from one another, and there is no reason they can't be read out of order!
This story takes place in ancient Ireland, where there is still a little bit of the ancient magic left in the inhabitants of the Grey Isles. The story is divided into five parts, or "songs," that take on the perspective of a different character as they each struggle with the imminent demise of their island home. Each character (Thieras, Eirech, Dhan, Siod 'h, and Ainn) each have their own distinct voice and were characterized very well. I found myself able to identify with each character in some small way, so I appreciated how relatable Kernaghan was able to make each of them.
Ostensibly, the author was inspired by Irish mythology and folklore, though not myself being familiar with her references, I still found myself entranced by the story/characters. In other words, you don't have to already be familiar with Irish folklore to enjoy this book--it's one of those books where you think about it when you're doing other things and can't wait to pick it back up to see what happens next.
Far from perfect, the narrative lost me sometimes due to the confusing topography and geography of the environment of the story. I was often confused about where the characters were, and where they were going. I did wish for a little more from each character, especially Thieras, but I don't think the vignettes suffered from being as short as they were.
Reservations aside, coming in at a short 203 pages (Ace Fantay 1983 edition), it was a well crafted story, with strong characters and a compelling narrative. A nice little weekend read if you're looking for a little light fantasy with an interesting story and relatable characters.
Songs from the Drowned Lands
Eileen Kernaghan
This story takes place in ancient Ireland, where there is still a little bit of the ancient magic left in the inhabitants of the Grey Isles. The story is divided into five parts, or "songs," that take on the perspective of a different character as they each struggle with the imminent demise of their island home. Each character (Thieras, Eirech, Dhan, Siod 'h, and Ainn) each have their own distinct voice and were characterized very well. I found myself able to identify with each character in some small way, so I appreciated how relatable Kernaghan was able to make each of them.
Ostensibly, the author was inspired by Irish mythology and folklore, though not myself being familiar with her references, I still found myself entranced by the story/characters. In other words, you don't have to already be familiar with Irish folklore to enjoy this book--it's one of those books where you think about it when you're doing other things and can't wait to pick it back up to see what happens next.
Far from perfect, the narrative lost me sometimes due to the confusing topography and geography of the environment of the story. I was often confused about where the characters were, and where they were going. I did wish for a little more from each character, especially Thieras, but I don't think the vignettes suffered from being as short as they were.
Reservations aside, coming in at a short 203 pages (Ace Fantay 1983 edition), it was a well crafted story, with strong characters and a compelling narrative. A nice little weekend read if you're looking for a little light fantasy with an interesting story and relatable characters.
Songs from the Drowned Lands
Eileen Kernaghan
July 10, 2011
Gorgeous lush descriptions, more like poetry than prose in some places. One "tale" recounted the strange adventures of a prince/captain and his crew on a long sea journey, rather like The Odyssey. None of the tales had an ending I expected, either, which was lovely if a bit surprising in a fantasy novel -- they're usually predictable at least in the general outlines.
March 9, 2014
A lovely book in which to get lost.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews