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Inyo’s Ring: The legend of a Spanish Armada Shipwreck Survivor in Ireland
Inyo’s A Spanish Armada sailor’s quest for survival turns into an epic battle for love, freedom, and justice in this gripping reimagined legend of the Tudor era.
The coast of Ireland, 1588: Aboard a lone galleon, part of what once was the mighty Armada, Inyo Fernández has barely survived weeks of starvation and harrowing sea battles, when his vessel is far off course, heading straight into a catastrophic storm.
In Ireland, the O’Malley chieftain’s granddaughter, Finley, has only recently discovered how badly her world is broken. And now, she and the entire clan are about to be plunged into a desperate struggle against foreign domination. So much is already at stake, and hiding someone hunted by the English will endanger everyone’s lives even more. Finley, however, is inexplicably drawn to the stranger and can’t shake the feeling that she knows him. But how?
Amid uncertain days, a spark ignites between Finley and Inyo, a growing flame that outshines the darkness around them. Yet both know that inevitable heartbreak looms because Inyo simply has to flee.
When Finley’s kin are ambushed and captured, facing the gallows, Inyo and Finley unexpectedly find themselves catapulted into untold dangers across the sea.
Grab your copy today!
The coast of Ireland, 1588: Aboard a lone galleon, part of what once was the mighty Armada, Inyo Fernández has barely survived weeks of starvation and harrowing sea battles, when his vessel is far off course, heading straight into a catastrophic storm.
In Ireland, the O’Malley chieftain’s granddaughter, Finley, has only recently discovered how badly her world is broken. And now, she and the entire clan are about to be plunged into a desperate struggle against foreign domination. So much is already at stake, and hiding someone hunted by the English will endanger everyone’s lives even more. Finley, however, is inexplicably drawn to the stranger and can’t shake the feeling that she knows him. But how?
Amid uncertain days, a spark ignites between Finley and Inyo, a growing flame that outshines the darkness around them. Yet both know that inevitable heartbreak looms because Inyo simply has to flee.
When Finley’s kin are ambushed and captured, facing the gallows, Inyo and Finley unexpectedly find themselves catapulted into untold dangers across the sea.
Grab your copy today!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2023
13 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
N.H. Schwabacher
1 book7 followersNicole H. Schwabacher has always been captivated by the sea and stories of bravery and endurance. Like Inyo, the protagonist of Inyo’s Ring, she once found herself on a ship in the Celtic Sea during a hurricane. This experience, although terrifying and surreal, couldn’t diminish her love for the oceans. She had the chance recently to sail aboard the San Salvador, a Spanish galleon.
A nomad more by chance than choice, she has lived and worked across Asia, Europe, and North America. She lives in the American West with her family.
A nomad more by chance than choice, she has lived and worked across Asia, Europe, and North America. She lives in the American West with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 27, 2025
This was a colorful, immersive, and compelling historical pageturner. I think its's a true gem. The story is filled with memorable characters from different cultures and young adult ? coming -of-age romantic elements
I read the historical notes at the end first, eager to see how the author would bring all those threads together.There's the Spanish Armada and its sweeping political backdrop. Then, the legend of the Claddagh ring ties a Spanish shipwreck survivor to its origin. There's Grace O'Malley, Queen Elizabeth, her fear of invasion, and the satisfying (sometimes agonizing) slow burn of watching Inyo and Finley fall in love.
The story is rich in naval action and adventure, and based on historical fact. The world is fully realized, and everything is nicely woven together and, for the most part, well-balanced.
The story is about Inyo, a young Spanish carpenter, and Fin, a farm girl from Ireland. Through their eyes, we experience the Spanish Armada and the O'Malley clan's resistance to English rule.
At times I wished for more about Queen Elizabeth, Drake, the Spanish king, the admiral of the Armada, or the Duke of Parma, the power players of the era. However, it was refreshing to see this era from the perspective of carpenters, traders, and clan members.
I was often surprised and intrigued by where the story went: from a pilgrimage to Santiago, into a fortress on the wild Irish coast, into Greenwich Palace, to the harbor town of Coruña, and best of all, aboard the doomed ship Santa Catalina. Any more would be spoilers, so I'll stop there.
If you're fascinated by the ties between Spain and Ireland, the era of the Spanish Armada, and figures like Grace O'Malley, you'll enjoy this story.
I read the historical notes at the end first, eager to see how the author would bring all those threads together.There's the Spanish Armada and its sweeping political backdrop. Then, the legend of the Claddagh ring ties a Spanish shipwreck survivor to its origin. There's Grace O'Malley, Queen Elizabeth, her fear of invasion, and the satisfying (sometimes agonizing) slow burn of watching Inyo and Finley fall in love.
The story is rich in naval action and adventure, and based on historical fact. The world is fully realized, and everything is nicely woven together and, for the most part, well-balanced.
The story is about Inyo, a young Spanish carpenter, and Fin, a farm girl from Ireland. Through their eyes, we experience the Spanish Armada and the O'Malley clan's resistance to English rule.
At times I wished for more about Queen Elizabeth, Drake, the Spanish king, the admiral of the Armada, or the Duke of Parma, the power players of the era. However, it was refreshing to see this era from the perspective of carpenters, traders, and clan members.
I was often surprised and intrigued by where the story went: from a pilgrimage to Santiago, into a fortress on the wild Irish coast, into Greenwich Palace, to the harbor town of Coruña, and best of all, aboard the doomed ship Santa Catalina. Any more would be spoilers, so I'll stop there.
If you're fascinated by the ties between Spain and Ireland, the era of the Spanish Armada, and figures like Grace O'Malley, you'll enjoy this story.
August 22, 2023
I stumbled upon this book after visiting a Celtic Festival in Flagstaff this year a few months ago. The author had a small table set up and as a writer and avid reader I took notice right away. I was lucky enough to meet the author, buy a copy of her book which looked interesting and have her sign it. She was very kind, encouraging to me as a young writer, and passionate about her work. That passion is reflected throughout the novel.
This book has great character development and beautiful descriptive imagery which transports you to a world of long ago. I first thought that the sailing parts of the book would be the best (they were brilliant, please read this book AAHHHH), but I was pleasantly surprised at how even little scenes like horseback riding in Ireland and two friends having a chat moved me so greatly. Splendid writing! I couldn't put it down. This book has easily become one of my favorite novels and I can't wait to re-read it in the future.
This book has great character development and beautiful descriptive imagery which transports you to a world of long ago. I first thought that the sailing parts of the book would be the best (they were brilliant, please read this book AAHHHH), but I was pleasantly surprised at how even little scenes like horseback riding in Ireland and two friends having a chat moved me so greatly. Splendid writing! I couldn't put it down. This book has easily become one of my favorite novels and I can't wait to re-read it in the future.
April 9, 2024
It's an atmospheric and intriguing story with a good cast of characters. Loved the map and the historical notes.
Very interesting to see the Spanish Armada events written from the perspectives of the Spanish and the Irish. Maritime fiction tends to be told from familiar and much covered Anglo perspectives. It's rare to get a glimpse into other nations' navies and maritime histories. Inyo's Ring was unique and in my opinion well done.
I immediately related to Inyo. My favorite characters were sidekicks like Juan and Antonio. I could see the entire story play out like a movie. If this book would be adapted to the screen, it would be epic!
I think there were some minor issues with pacing but all in all I found the read engrossing and highly entertaining.
Very interesting to see the Spanish Armada events written from the perspectives of the Spanish and the Irish. Maritime fiction tends to be told from familiar and much covered Anglo perspectives. It's rare to get a glimpse into other nations' navies and maritime histories. Inyo's Ring was unique and in my opinion well done.
I immediately related to Inyo. My favorite characters were sidekicks like Juan and Antonio. I could see the entire story play out like a movie. If this book would be adapted to the screen, it would be epic!
I think there were some minor issues with pacing but all in all I found the read engrossing and highly entertaining.
November 14, 2023
I really wanted to like this book...
The characters are okay, I like the concept behind it. I like the idea of a story about a Spanish Armada shipwreck survivor trying to survive in Ireland, but sadly, the historical research lets it down.
There are clearly bits that have been researched. eg. The description of how to use an astrolabe is correct, but it's also clear that the writer has relied on snippets of information from other people, rather than doing solid background reading herself.
Several times, I caught myself thinking 'Is that really correct?' By and large, I let those go, as it's hard to be certain one way or the other. eg. Glass fishing floats were definitely not available in this period - but it's possible that they might have used some other kind of float.
Likewise map usage. The author went with latitude lines on a Mercator projection map. I think a portolan map, like this Spanish one - https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/i... - from from a few decades before the Armada might have been more likely.
But it's quite possible they existed side by side.
The first one that really knocked me out of the story was the crew of a Spanish merchant ship started eating ship's biscuit on their first day at sea!
Sure, people ate ship's biscuit at sea, but NOT until the fresh food ran out.
(And merchant ships did not have crow's nest; and in any case you don't send a character with sea sickness up to the crow's nest even if there is one, because the ship rotates around it's centre of gravity and hence the motion high up the mast will be far worse than it is on deck.)
The point when I finally abandoned the book was when the evil English burned the fields of the Irish peasants as a punishment, becuase they didn't have enough money to pay their taxes.
I have no objection to the English being evil - the treatment of the Irish historically was appalling.
BUT - being evil does not make you stupid.
Every evil overlord knows that (unless the peasants are in active revolt and you're trying to starve them out) you wait for the peasants to harvest their grain, thresh it, and have all nicely stored in sacks for the winter - THEN you steal it.
Basically, if you want a story set in an interesting period in the past, and aren't too interested in the nitty gritty of historical detail, then the odds are that you will enjoy this.
But, if you're like me and read all sorts of odds and sods of historical bits and pieces, and wonder what those funny stars on old maps are actually for, then this book is best avoided before you throw your ebook across the room and damage it!
The characters are okay, I like the concept behind it. I like the idea of a story about a Spanish Armada shipwreck survivor trying to survive in Ireland, but sadly, the historical research lets it down.
There are clearly bits that have been researched. eg. The description of how to use an astrolabe is correct, but it's also clear that the writer has relied on snippets of information from other people, rather than doing solid background reading herself.
Several times, I caught myself thinking 'Is that really correct?' By and large, I let those go, as it's hard to be certain one way or the other. eg. Glass fishing floats were definitely not available in this period - but it's possible that they might have used some other kind of float.
Likewise map usage. The author went with latitude lines on a Mercator projection map. I think a portolan map, like this Spanish one - https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/i... - from from a few decades before the Armada might have been more likely.
But it's quite possible they existed side by side.
The first one that really knocked me out of the story was the crew of a Spanish merchant ship started eating ship's biscuit on their first day at sea!
Sure, people ate ship's biscuit at sea, but NOT until the fresh food ran out.
(And merchant ships did not have crow's nest; and in any case you don't send a character with sea sickness up to the crow's nest even if there is one, because the ship rotates around it's centre of gravity and hence the motion high up the mast will be far worse than it is on deck.)
The point when I finally abandoned the book was when the evil English burned the fields of the Irish peasants as a punishment, becuase they didn't have enough money to pay their taxes.
I have no objection to the English being evil - the treatment of the Irish historically was appalling.
BUT - being evil does not make you stupid.
Every evil overlord knows that (unless the peasants are in active revolt and you're trying to starve them out) you wait for the peasants to harvest their grain, thresh it, and have all nicely stored in sacks for the winter - THEN you steal it.
Basically, if you want a story set in an interesting period in the past, and aren't too interested in the nitty gritty of historical detail, then the odds are that you will enjoy this.
But, if you're like me and read all sorts of odds and sods of historical bits and pieces, and wonder what those funny stars on old maps are actually for, then this book is best avoided before you throw your ebook across the room and damage it!
May 23, 2023
*I received an ARC of this book from Reedsy Discovery
A tale of pirates, love, war, and the strength of ordinary people lies within the pages of Inyo’s Ring. The charm of the book is the perspective of everyday life. Following events that befell the coasts of England, Ireland, and Spain in the late 1500s, the story begins with adult Inyo on a storm-battered Spanish Armada ship damaged by the English navy. Jumping back in time, readers follow the lives of Inyo, once a young orphan trained as a carpenter, sailor, and mapmaker, and Finley, granddaughter of the formidable Irish pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Chapters alternate between the lives of Finley and Inyo, as they grow up. When the shipwreck foreshadowed at the start come to pass, Inyo and Finley’s lives become intertwined with a growing love threatened by political conflicts.
I’m drawn to anything about the Tudors, and learning the events after Queen Elizabeth turned down King Philip’s marriage proposal and Irish clans threatened her hold on power was a delight. The chapters jump between Finley, Inyo, and also Sarah, the abused wife of an English governor in Galway, but the plot is easy follow with all their lives eventually overlapping. Readers experience political conflict through the eyes of people trying to find happiness in a harsh world. Understanding the characters by watching them grow up made them feel like family friends and I admit to shedding a happy tear at the end.
Despite the looming war, the pace of Inyo’s Ring is slow, even action-packed chapters dedicate multiple pages to the events, slowing them down to match the overall pace. Though chapter titles include dates, I followed the growth of Finely through her baby brother growing up, and Inyo through his growing responsibilities aboard his uncle’s ship and as a cartographer. I’m a fan of faster paced novels, but I can’t deny how realistic this storytelling method made everything seem. I was challenged by over explanation throughout the book. Chapters begin with lyrical descriptions of emotions or scenery, but unfortunately the lyrical tone tapers off as each chapter wears on. The language becomes simplified, more like a list, until the next chapter begins. This made it difficult to continue reading at times. A bit of editing could maintain the slow, effective pace and improve flow.
Ultimately, this novel is a good read for anyone interested in Tudor, Irish, or Spanish history looking for a slice of life story with grand consequences.
A tale of pirates, love, war, and the strength of ordinary people lies within the pages of Inyo’s Ring. The charm of the book is the perspective of everyday life. Following events that befell the coasts of England, Ireland, and Spain in the late 1500s, the story begins with adult Inyo on a storm-battered Spanish Armada ship damaged by the English navy. Jumping back in time, readers follow the lives of Inyo, once a young orphan trained as a carpenter, sailor, and mapmaker, and Finley, granddaughter of the formidable Irish pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Chapters alternate between the lives of Finley and Inyo, as they grow up. When the shipwreck foreshadowed at the start come to pass, Inyo and Finley’s lives become intertwined with a growing love threatened by political conflicts.
I’m drawn to anything about the Tudors, and learning the events after Queen Elizabeth turned down King Philip’s marriage proposal and Irish clans threatened her hold on power was a delight. The chapters jump between Finley, Inyo, and also Sarah, the abused wife of an English governor in Galway, but the plot is easy follow with all their lives eventually overlapping. Readers experience political conflict through the eyes of people trying to find happiness in a harsh world. Understanding the characters by watching them grow up made them feel like family friends and I admit to shedding a happy tear at the end.
Despite the looming war, the pace of Inyo’s Ring is slow, even action-packed chapters dedicate multiple pages to the events, slowing them down to match the overall pace. Though chapter titles include dates, I followed the growth of Finely through her baby brother growing up, and Inyo through his growing responsibilities aboard his uncle’s ship and as a cartographer. I’m a fan of faster paced novels, but I can’t deny how realistic this storytelling method made everything seem. I was challenged by over explanation throughout the book. Chapters begin with lyrical descriptions of emotions or scenery, but unfortunately the lyrical tone tapers off as each chapter wears on. The language becomes simplified, more like a list, until the next chapter begins. This made it difficult to continue reading at times. A bit of editing could maintain the slow, effective pace and improve flow.
Ultimately, this novel is a good read for anyone interested in Tudor, Irish, or Spanish history looking for a slice of life story with grand consequences.
April 1, 2023
I like good history novels and was intrigued when I stumbled upon N.H. Schwabacher and her novel Inoy’s Ring. The story takes place on a sailingship and between countrys so different as Ireland and Spain. And circles around an old legend. I found that very fascinating because I’ve never read something like this before.
The background of her story seems well reseached. If there may be some (historical) faults – well it’s a novel, it’s fiction - not nonfiction ;-) Her writing style is very vivid, I've felt the rain and the salty air as soon as I started to read. And it caught me immediately. The characters were developed well and connected to the basic story . I felt like I could see things happening and feel the characters well. After a long time I hardly couldn’t stand to wait during my daily duties to continue reading in the evening.
I also liked that this novel isn’t that graphic and bloody like others of this genre. Don’t get me wrong, I know that medievial times were in fact cruel, bloody and certainly not all roses and honey but for my part I perfer those details a little bit clouded or being left to the imagination of the reader.
I think this novel is a fine piece of work especially for a first one and I sincerely hope that there might follow some more books.
The background of her story seems well reseached. If there may be some (historical) faults – well it’s a novel, it’s fiction - not nonfiction ;-) Her writing style is very vivid, I've felt the rain and the salty air as soon as I started to read. And it caught me immediately. The characters were developed well and connected to the basic story . I felt like I could see things happening and feel the characters well. After a long time I hardly couldn’t stand to wait during my daily duties to continue reading in the evening.
I also liked that this novel isn’t that graphic and bloody like others of this genre. Don’t get me wrong, I know that medievial times were in fact cruel, bloody and certainly not all roses and honey but for my part I perfer those details a little bit clouded or being left to the imagination of the reader.
I think this novel is a fine piece of work especially for a first one and I sincerely hope that there might follow some more books.
February 20, 2023
I read some early excerpts from INYO'S RING when it was in the revision stage and was really impressed with Schwabacher's writing style and attention to historical detail. Looking forward to writing a more detailed review once I've read the finalized version!
May 16, 2023
Great characters. The read was gone too soon.
February 2, 2024
Wonderful first novel!!
March 23, 2024
I really love Ireland, and I find the era of the Tudors and the Renaissance fascinating. I quite enjoyed this book.
The scenes at sea were all vivid and gripping, placing me right in the center of the action. At first I was worried that I might not understand all the nautical lingo /sailing commands /ship carpentry details and such, but I was surprised by how I learned all of it along with Inyo. It actually inspired me to read even more about the Armada, the people of Galicia, and about Ireland's fascinating history around 1588.
The romance between Inyo and Finley is very much what I was hoping for. Two young non-royals (well, Finley is the chieftain's granddaughter) finding their place in the world and finding each other. The level of sweetness reminded me a little of Hazel and Augustus in FAULT IN OUR STARS. I think INYO'S RING is an enjoyable read for YA and adult readers, especially if one has Irish ancestry, or has traveled to Ireland.
Without wanting to give away too many spoilers, if you have a CLADDAGH RING like I do, you might be amazed by how this story brings to life one of the origin stories of that ring.
I discovered so much about the Renaissance that I didn't know, about the Irish O'Malley clan, about the Spanish perspective regarding the sailing of the Armada, even about Queen Elizabeth, AND, oh (sigh) about Robin, her best friend.
I loved how the strands of the story were woven together. Many parts were set in Ireland, in Spain, and at sea, and a few in Greenwich Palace in England. It was a fast read that kept me curious throughout the story and surprised and delighted me over and over again.
The scenes at sea were all vivid and gripping, placing me right in the center of the action. At first I was worried that I might not understand all the nautical lingo /sailing commands /ship carpentry details and such, but I was surprised by how I learned all of it along with Inyo. It actually inspired me to read even more about the Armada, the people of Galicia, and about Ireland's fascinating history around 1588.
The romance between Inyo and Finley is very much what I was hoping for. Two young non-royals (well, Finley is the chieftain's granddaughter) finding their place in the world and finding each other. The level of sweetness reminded me a little of Hazel and Augustus in FAULT IN OUR STARS. I think INYO'S RING is an enjoyable read for YA and adult readers, especially if one has Irish ancestry, or has traveled to Ireland.
Without wanting to give away too many spoilers, if you have a CLADDAGH RING like I do, you might be amazed by how this story brings to life one of the origin stories of that ring.
I discovered so much about the Renaissance that I didn't know, about the Irish O'Malley clan, about the Spanish perspective regarding the sailing of the Armada, even about Queen Elizabeth, AND, oh (sigh) about Robin, her best friend.
I loved how the strands of the story were woven together. Many parts were set in Ireland, in Spain, and at sea, and a few in Greenwich Palace in England. It was a fast read that kept me curious throughout the story and surprised and delighted me over and over again.
January 5, 2024
A captivating, engaging and well written book that brings to life the era of the Spanish Armada. Highly entertaining and epic like a movie!
I loved the fresh perspectives, the historically researched background, the style of writing and the vivid characters. It's amazing how the story builds tension and blends naval action, a love story, and a fast-paced variety of scenes set in Ireland, in Spain, and in England.
I loved the fresh perspectives, the historically researched background, the style of writing and the vivid characters. It's amazing how the story builds tension and blends naval action, a love story, and a fast-paced variety of scenes set in Ireland, in Spain, and in England.
December 7, 2023
Raise a glass to Grace O'Malley, Sarah of Greenwich, the Virgin Queen, the sailors aboard the Armada, the people of Coruña and Galway, and -above all- young Inyo and Finley, from whom I learned much.
November 5, 2025
This was amazing!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews