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A Celtic Legacy #2
Dark Isle
When evil begets evil, a choice is forced on Quinn, the one person who can see the danger. Does she save the ones she loves, or does she save the world from Chaos?
As the realms of Fae and human collide, Quinn's future has never looked so grim, or so damn impossible.
As the realms of Fae and human collide, Quinn's future has never looked so grim, or so damn impossible.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2012
743 people are currently reading
1010 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
161 books7,249 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 6, 2021
Better than the first book
This was better than the first one, it felt more like her writing. I absolutely loved all the interactions with the Banshees, you don't get to read about them much in most books but they were given a pretty big part in this and the twist I didn't see it, so that was awesome. They were like Banshees with Sirens mixed in, different than the usual heralds of woe. The story moves forward and becomes more in depth and it just got all around better in every way. As I move on to the last book, I'm curious to see how it's all going to come together, there's a fair amount going on and it will be fun to see how it all ends.
This was better than the first one, it felt more like her writing. I absolutely loved all the interactions with the Banshees, you don't get to read about them much in most books but they were given a pretty big part in this and the twist I didn't see it, so that was awesome. They were like Banshees with Sirens mixed in, different than the usual heralds of woe. The story moves forward and becomes more in depth and it just got all around better in every way. As I move on to the last book, I'm curious to see how it's all going to come together, there's a fair amount going on and it will be fun to see how it all ends.
April 21, 2022
2.5
No wonder this book is free on Amazon...
I'll still go on with the series though. It's not too bad, and the overall story is interesting. And the book is short, so why not.
No wonder this book is free on Amazon...
I'll still go on with the series though. It's not too bad, and the overall story is interesting. And the book is short, so why not.
May 3, 2015
3.5
This book picks up exactly where book one ended, further making me question why they are broken into three volumes. While it's quite action packed (Quinn spends the whole book running from one task to another) the reader is still denied any real depth of character. I also found myself wondering how Quinn managed to continue to best better fighters with skills she has only just acquired and had no time to practice or perfect.
The different threads of the story do start to come together here. And though I found the final twist quite obvious (and wondered how no one was supposed to have seen that one coming) it was still gratifying to get there. (I wonder if I'll feel the same way about the obvious ending I think I see coming too.)
Again, writing and dialogue seem fine and the editing was better than in book one.
This book picks up exactly where book one ended, further making me question why they are broken into three volumes. While it's quite action packed (Quinn spends the whole book running from one task to another) the reader is still denied any real depth of character. I also found myself wondering how Quinn managed to continue to best better fighters with skills she has only just acquired and had no time to practice or perfect.
The different threads of the story do start to come together here. And though I found the final twist quite obvious (and wondered how no one was supposed to have seen that one coming) it was still gratifying to get there. (I wonder if I'll feel the same way about the obvious ending I think I see coming too.)
Again, writing and dialogue seem fine and the editing was better than in book one.
February 2, 2021
This book picks up where book 1 ended. We dive straight into Quinn’s world and the tasks that she must pass in order to get to the ones she loves and cares about. Lots of action, and a fast pace read! Great listen as well.
July 30, 2025
Didn't know it was part of a series. it was good on its own. but now I want to read the other books too.
December 14, 2021
Good Series
This series is very interesting and this book was even better than the first. I cannot wait to read the third
This series is very interesting and this book was even better than the first. I cannot wait to read the third
January 5, 2021
Uneven and too fast paced
I’m liking this story, truly I am but if this is a much more updated and refined version of the original, I could imagine giving this one star, perhaps 2 just because Mayer always starts out so strong.
This story falls victim to just about all the heroines Mayer has written before (after? This story is like a decade old anyway), she gives them too much to do and there’s so much happening all at once that we kinda forget what’s really important and don’t pay close enough attention to just how much time has passed or how little we’re actually learning.
Case in point, Quinn frequently mentions how tired she is and is basically running on fumes... but she ate legit 2 meals of berries to burn all of those calories she’s used and to replenish her magic?
So her grandfather has died and that didnt even register as a loss for her? She learned of her grandmothers death, her sister being kept from her, her bio mom wanted little to do with her..but the man who helped to raise/train her doesn’t register as a loss.? It makes no sense especially when she fought for her mom and acknowledged that she could feel the direction of her grandfather.
What of the council? No one stopped to compare the two versions of the prophecy and wonder why one side would benefit most from it? The thing with Andet was weird too. It was said how banshees revere the dead, she swore on them like it meant nothing and yet after the battle was said and done Quinn forgot to make the honorable sister swear on the dead too to make sure her word meant anything. Like really? Are we gonna learn why she’s attracted to both Luke and Bres or is it because she simply hasn’t had that much experience and it’s a hormone/fae puberty thing?
All in all this was just too rushed to be believable.
I’m liking this story, truly I am but if this is a much more updated and refined version of the original, I could imagine giving this one star, perhaps 2 just because Mayer always starts out so strong.
This story falls victim to just about all the heroines Mayer has written before (after? This story is like a decade old anyway), she gives them too much to do and there’s so much happening all at once that we kinda forget what’s really important and don’t pay close enough attention to just how much time has passed or how little we’re actually learning.
Case in point, Quinn frequently mentions how tired she is and is basically running on fumes... but she ate legit 2 meals of berries to burn all of those calories she’s used and to replenish her magic?
So her grandfather has died and that didnt even register as a loss for her? She learned of her grandmothers death, her sister being kept from her, her bio mom wanted little to do with her..but the man who helped to raise/train her doesn’t register as a loss.? It makes no sense especially when she fought for her mom and acknowledged that she could feel the direction of her grandfather.
What of the council? No one stopped to compare the two versions of the prophecy and wonder why one side would benefit most from it? The thing with Andet was weird too. It was said how banshees revere the dead, she swore on them like it meant nothing and yet after the battle was said and done Quinn forgot to make the honorable sister swear on the dead too to make sure her word meant anything. Like really? Are we gonna learn why she’s attracted to both Luke and Bres or is it because she simply hasn’t had that much experience and it’s a hormone/fae puberty thing?
All in all this was just too rushed to be believable.
April 7, 2015
Overview of *Dark Isle
When evil begets evil, a choice is forced on Quinn, the one person who can see the danger. Does she save the ones she loves, or does she save the world from Chaos?
As the realms of Fae and human collide, Quinn's future has never looked so grim, or so damn impossible.
Praise for the first book in the series, Dark Waters
"This is a story of integrity, determination, sisterly bonds, and courage laced with fear. The characters are multi-layered, and they come to life in Mayer's skillful hands."
Author of Pibbin the Small, Gloria Repp
"The story . . . hooked me from the first page. . . what I loved most was the intensity of the world they were thrown into. . .the perfect blend of paranormal fiction. . loved it!"
Author of the Fang Chronicles, D'Elen McClain
*If you LOVED the fast action of The Hunger Games AND the bond between Katniss and Prim, this series is for you!
Other Works
--Dark Waters, Celtic Legacy Book I When the bond between sisters is stretched through the boundaries of this world, be prepared for a wild ride!
--Sundered, A Zombie-ish Apocalypse Book I A mixture of survival and romance you won't be able to put down!
--Ingredients of a Cauldron An anthology of Shannon Mayer's short stories and excerpts of her upcoming works!
August 30, 2012
Dark Isle is an intriguing and interesting novel.
The author did a great job creating multi-layered characters and strong relationships that come to life as you are reading. Dark Isle has plenty twists and turns that readers don't expect from Quinn's world and picks up where Dark Waters left off.
Quinn is the one person who can see the danger that looms. Can she save her loved ones or will chaos prevail? It wouldn't be fair for me to tell - you will have to read this novel to find out.
For sure: Dark Isle is great reading entertainment -"Release your power now, Quinn."
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
The author did a great job creating multi-layered characters and strong relationships that come to life as you are reading. Dark Isle has plenty twists and turns that readers don't expect from Quinn's world and picks up where Dark Waters left off.
Quinn is the one person who can see the danger that looms. Can she save her loved ones or will chaos prevail? It wouldn't be fair for me to tell - you will have to read this novel to find out.
For sure: Dark Isle is great reading entertainment -"Release your power now, Quinn."
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
August 13, 2012
I like this series, I just wish the books were a little longer. Just as I'm really getting into the story the book is over and I'm left wishing there was more to the story. I think there is supposed to be a final book in the series which I'll definitely grab. I hope it's st least long enough to get the story properly wrapped up.
April 26, 2013
Entire review of this trilogy was written after "Dark Fae". The entire trilogy should have been one book
October 28, 2022
2.5 Stars
Dark Isle continues the story of Quinn, the chosen one to fulfill a prophecy, having to choose between her sister and herself, perhaps herself and her father and two potential lovers. Despite the weight that seems to carry, I do not find the story overpowering by any of those things. Whether good or bad is to the opinion of each reader or listener, but I simply cannot find the drama and alure as I do in most pages within the same genre. Nonetheless, I listened and was rewarded with a pleasant surprise about the unexpected reveal about the prophecy between Quinn and Ashling.
Mild Spoilers:
It was unrealistic (even in fairy terms) for Quinn with reduced power, to overtake Anit (I listen to the audio book and cannot find how to spell her name anywhere). I also found the narrator's voice of Anit to be like fairy fingers trailing down a chalkboard.
Also, Chaos would have been able to tell the difference between an actual child and someone using a glamour or the like to appear as a child; I do not believe she would have been deceived.
Dark Isle continues the story of Quinn, the chosen one to fulfill a prophecy, having to choose between her sister and herself, perhaps herself and her father and two potential lovers. Despite the weight that seems to carry, I do not find the story overpowering by any of those things. Whether good or bad is to the opinion of each reader or listener, but I simply cannot find the drama and alure as I do in most pages within the same genre. Nonetheless, I listened and was rewarded with a pleasant surprise about the unexpected reveal about the prophecy between Quinn and Ashling.
Mild Spoilers:
It was unrealistic (even in fairy terms) for Quinn with reduced power, to overtake Anit (I listen to the audio book and cannot find how to spell her name anywhere). I also found the narrator's voice of Anit to be like fairy fingers trailing down a chalkboard.
Also, Chaos would have been able to tell the difference between an actual child and someone using a glamour or the like to appear as a child; I do not believe she would have been deceived.
June 28, 2021
When does this Rollercoaster of a ride stop because I'm not getting off until The End!!
I got sucked in again with a certain character the same way Quinn did & didn't see the outcome until it nearly knocked me over, HOW could she the little Biatch!
I'm off to read Book 3 & I'll be back here in 24 hours writing my review as I can't wait to read the last Book in the Trilogy!
Then onto the next set of Shannon's books, I've made a deal with myself that I'm not reading anything else until I've read every book she has written! I've read about half of them so far but excited to see what her other books have to offer in Her AMAZING Magical, Mysterious page's that keep you up all night!
Thank you Shannon.
Donna. Uk
I got sucked in again with a certain character the same way Quinn did & didn't see the outcome until it nearly knocked me over, HOW could she the little Biatch!
I'm off to read Book 3 & I'll be back here in 24 hours writing my review as I can't wait to read the last Book in the Trilogy!
Then onto the next set of Shannon's books, I've made a deal with myself that I'm not reading anything else until I've read every book she has written! I've read about half of them so far but excited to see what her other books have to offer in Her AMAZING Magical, Mysterious page's that keep you up all night!
Thank you Shannon.
Donna. Uk
January 10, 2023
Really like this series with Quinn and sister Ashling. Lots of different fae in this world. Luke and Bres competing for Quinn even though prophecy indicates it’s Luke. This second book is action packed. Also seems clear who Quinn is falling for. Only weird part is when she is debating with herself about these two fae. Quinn shows a little weakness in this area; she doesn’t necessarily completely believe or follow the prophecy until she is thinking about Luke and how she is supposed to be with him 🙄.
April 11, 2021
Okay
Over all, I enjoyed this book. However, I was often annoyed because Quinn was so blind. She was shown and told things several times but she didn't figure things out. She continued to hold on to false beliefs even though she was spoon fed the truth. In will still finish the series because the story is good and I love Shannon Mayer. I am glad that I read all of her other books first.
Over all, I enjoyed this book. However, I was often annoyed because Quinn was so blind. She was shown and told things several times but she didn't figure things out. She continued to hold on to false beliefs even though she was spoon fed the truth. In will still finish the series because the story is good and I love Shannon Mayer. I am glad that I read all of her other books first.
July 9, 2025
This is so fast-paced that it just flew by! Again it ends on a cliffhanger, but that is classic Mayer. Quinn is trying to save the world from the Fomorii who are threatening to unleash Chaos, who is basically an old god. She's still struggling with the whole chosen one bit, and having two beautiful men after her (I mean, who wouldn't). She's also coming into her power and fast learning through OJT how to use what she has. I'm a fan.
May 16, 2019
Dark isle book two
Very exciting, l. Could not put the book down. To begin with l found it difficult to enjoy because it was too un real. Then, suddenly the magic of the story gripped me. I had to follow Quinn and watch how she coped with all the difficulties thrown at her. I loved Cora. Cannot wait to read the third and last book of The Celtic Legend!
Very exciting, l. Could not put the book down. To begin with l found it difficult to enjoy because it was too un real. Then, suddenly the magic of the story gripped me. I had to follow Quinn and watch how she coped with all the difficulties thrown at her. I loved Cora. Cannot wait to read the third and last book of The Celtic Legend!
May 27, 2020
I’m so in love with this series 😍.. and it’s got so many omg moments.. I think iv got it all figured out and then another curve ball is thrown.. it keeps you on your toes... is fast paste.. funny and heart reaching... ITS SOOOO MANY THINGS.... as I said IM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES!!! 100% must read.. starting the next one right now 😊
August 2, 2020
Lucky for me, it’s a complete series
Because if it wasn’t, I’d be dying waiting for the next book! With a broken heart, knitting itself back together with little glowing threads of hope that this story comes together in the way I wish it. Can’t wait! I read the first two today, time to stay up extra late and read the last one! Love, love, love!
Because if it wasn’t, I’d be dying waiting for the next book! With a broken heart, knitting itself back together with little glowing threads of hope that this story comes together in the way I wish it. Can’t wait! I read the first two today, time to stay up extra late and read the last one! Love, love, love!
April 15, 2021
Very good. I liked it a lot. Good world building and good story line. Not sure how I feel about the potential "love triangle" yet, but I'll wait to see how that plays out. I did see the ending coming a mile a way. I suspected it very early on, but knew it when Quinn was shown the future by her deceased elders. Still I liked it and now I'm going to jump into book 3.
April 20, 2021
1 more
Storytelling at its best. I love that the characters have been filled out, and I wish for more detail and robust character development. Especially for central characters like Bres, Luke, Darcy, Lir and Cor.
Darcy is a bit of a week link for me, but no matter. I live this part of a series when loose ends start tying together. Looking forward to no. 3.
Storytelling at its best. I love that the characters have been filled out, and I wish for more detail and robust character development. Especially for central characters like Bres, Luke, Darcy, Lir and Cor.
Darcy is a bit of a week link for me, but no matter. I live this part of a series when loose ends start tying together. Looking forward to no. 3.
April 25, 2021
Another good one in the books!
This was a wild and crazy ride... All Quinn wants it to save her sister, and at every turn something pops up to stop her!
I’m almost afraid to read the last book.... in my mind I’m thinking will she win? Will she bring her back? Will she finally give into the love she feels??
This was a wild and crazy ride... All Quinn wants it to save her sister, and at every turn something pops up to stop her!
I’m almost afraid to read the last book.... in my mind I’m thinking will she win? Will she bring her back? Will she finally give into the love she feels??
March 5, 2022
The intensity increases!
This new strange world that Quinn has been placed in and finally opened up to continues to get more complicated and take from her. New losses and challenges are multiplied in this book. The definite cliffhanger ensures I have read on now! I normally read a different genres in between, But I can’t do that here I have to see what happens!
This new strange world that Quinn has been placed in and finally opened up to continues to get more complicated and take from her. New losses and challenges are multiplied in this book. The definite cliffhanger ensures I have read on now! I normally read a different genres in between, But I can’t do that here I have to see what happens!
June 27, 2023
I agree with a lot of the other reviewers...in that this trilogy should have been one long book. This series just feels so surface level to me. The characters and world building are shallow and just didn't pull me in. For those that have seen Insidious...this made me think of "the further" - where everything is grey and unclear until you're right up in front of it and it's convenient to the story.
April 9, 2018
I really wanted to like this book more, but it kinda bugged me a little. The on again/off again with the guys felt a little sudden, or unexplained sometimes, and Quinn seemed a little immature at times. However, after finishing the series I do think it’s worth continuing on to the last book.
August 14, 2019
Growing strong
The heroine faces ever more dire obstacles that she resolves with only determination and the maturation of her powers. It's hard for her to find those who won't use her. She survives by tenacity.
The heroine faces ever more dire obstacles that she resolves with only determination and the maturation of her powers. It's hard for her to find those who won't use her. She survives by tenacity.
December 31, 2020
Ok, I'm intrigued, a bit of Celtic lore, a bit of history, some tragedy, fighting, drama and suspense... characters are good, nice twist near the end. I'm moving to the final chapter...this is a good one.
January 20, 2021
Great adventure
If your a Mayer fan or just discovering Shannon then the Celtic trilogy is a good start. Loved the story and seeing how Quinn is growing. Thanks a million MS Shannon Mayer for another amazing read
If your a Mayer fan or just discovering Shannon then the Celtic trilogy is a good start. Loved the story and seeing how Quinn is growing. Thanks a million MS Shannon Mayer for another amazing read
April 22, 2021
So...Book two tries to give us more information and character building but I am having a hard time really caring about the main characters all that much. Something is missing for me but I will see it through to book 3 hoping for more
January 17, 2022
Audiobook read by Amara Jasper. Much better than the first book of the trilogy. Good enough to finish the trilogy. Main character is kinda annoying selfish whiny and doesn't have a very good memory ...... but the story keeps moving and eventually works out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews