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Fate Of The Furycks #1
The Shadow Isle
In Jael’s dream, she is dead. Her brothers, Axl and Raymon, too.
They are Furycks, rulers of kingdoms, heirs to the dynasty that has commanded Brekka for over eight hundred years, though Jael wakes from her dream with the chilling certainty that their end is coming.
She urgently seeks out her grandmother, Edela, certain that the wise dreamer will have answers, though discovering that she is missing, Jael sets out to find her. Her path soon leads to the home of her nightmares, then away from Osterland entirely, taking her to a place she fears she may never return from.
And in the shadows, her enemy waits, knowing that finally, after all this time, a reckoning is coming...
The Shadow Isle, is the first book in the enthralling epic fantasy series, Fate of the Furycks . Set in the world of The Furyck Saga , we follow Jael and her companions on a mysterious new adventure, where she is hunted by an enemy cloaked in darkness, whose identity she must uncover if she is to save her family in time.
What readers are
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘AE Rayne has an incredible gift for crafting characters that feel like old friends, and stories that grip your heart from start to finish.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘All I could say at the end of this first book was WOW, WOW, WOW!! I definitely did not see the ending coming; but of course, it is not the ending, it is just the beginning!!’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘This book was so intense, it has left me speechless. I just finished reading it, and wanted to give my review before re-reading this book again. Well done.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘...If you’re seeking captivating characters and immersive storytelling, AE Rayne is a must-read author.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘I absolutely LOVED this book, spend every possible minute reading, often late into the night. Familiar and new characters with so much excitement, unexpected twists and adventures, can’t wait for the next book.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘This book was amazing. Had me on the edge of my seat... So so good!!’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘What a great book! Rayne is a master of telling tales and giving the reader a wonderful cast of characters.’
This book contains adult themes and mature content
They are Furycks, rulers of kingdoms, heirs to the dynasty that has commanded Brekka for over eight hundred years, though Jael wakes from her dream with the chilling certainty that their end is coming.
She urgently seeks out her grandmother, Edela, certain that the wise dreamer will have answers, though discovering that she is missing, Jael sets out to find her. Her path soon leads to the home of her nightmares, then away from Osterland entirely, taking her to a place she fears she may never return from.
And in the shadows, her enemy waits, knowing that finally, after all this time, a reckoning is coming...
The Shadow Isle, is the first book in the enthralling epic fantasy series, Fate of the Furycks . Set in the world of The Furyck Saga , we follow Jael and her companions on a mysterious new adventure, where she is hunted by an enemy cloaked in darkness, whose identity she must uncover if she is to save her family in time.
What readers are
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘AE Rayne has an incredible gift for crafting characters that feel like old friends, and stories that grip your heart from start to finish.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘All I could say at the end of this first book was WOW, WOW, WOW!! I definitely did not see the ending coming; but of course, it is not the ending, it is just the beginning!!’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘This book was so intense, it has left me speechless. I just finished reading it, and wanted to give my review before re-reading this book again. Well done.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘...If you’re seeking captivating characters and immersive storytelling, AE Rayne is a must-read author.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘I absolutely LOVED this book, spend every possible minute reading, often late into the night. Familiar and new characters with so much excitement, unexpected twists and adventures, can’t wait for the next book.’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘This book was amazing. Had me on the edge of my seat... So so good!!’
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘What a great book! Rayne is a master of telling tales and giving the reader a wonderful cast of characters.’
This book contains adult themes and mature content
656 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2023
1524 people are currently reading
1138 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Rayne
22 books635 followersIntroducing myself
Hello, I’m Amy!
I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have done for three-quarters of my life. The other quarter was spent in England, where my kids were born. I have three of those, and they’re very cool. I’m a bit demented and thought it would be a good idea to have them a year or so apart. I’m still recovering from that misguided notion, but am convinced that a month in Bora Bora would set me right!
Speaking of travelling, as much as I crave a tropical island escape, you’re far more inclined to find me hankering after snow. We don’t have any of that in Auckland – not a drop! And, although it did snow occasionally in dear old England, I’m still looking for the up-to-your-window sort of snow experience. I come from Viking stock (my grandmother was Swedish), so maybe that’s why I have always craved the cold, white stuff. In fact, my husband and I bonded over our love of scarves.
'Twas love at first discussion about the pleasure of a good scarf!
My reading journey
I was drawn to historical romance as a young reader. I loved anything by the Brontë sisters, but I think Jane Austen was my favourite author at that time. It was a toss-up between Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre for my favourite book as a tween. As I got older and developed a real love of history, I became obsessed with anything do with Vikings. I fell in love with Bernard Cornwell and Robert Lowe, Giles Kristian, too. But there’s always been time to fit in the next Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series is probably my favourite series ever (great tv too!). History is my one true love, so some of my favourites lately have been C.J. Sansom’s thrilling Tudor series and Patrick O’Brien 19th century naval adventures.
I always thought I would write the Furyck Saga as a historical fiction series, but I never found a period or place where it felt possible. Ultimately, I realised that actual history was far too limiting, so I stepped away from reality and entered the wonderful world of fantasy, and that’s when the fun started…
It took me a long time to become a writer.
I have ring binders and ring binders of stories, screenplays, tv show concepts, and book ideas that I’ve been creating since I was 10-years-old.
I was always very fast with ideas but seeing them all the way through was a lot harder, and eventually, as I grew up, life and work got in the way.
I would try writing Winter’s Fury off and on, but I never got very far, and dissatisfied, I always gave up, telling myself there simply wasn’t enough
time to fit writing in around three children, two dogs, a graphic design business, etc. etc. But what I quickly discovered is that time is what you make of it.
Inspired by an article I read about James Patterson, who got up early to write his first book and fit it in around his job, I started making writing a
daily discipline; the idea being that, bit by bit, I would eventually create an actual book. At first, it was tough. It felt like I was training for a marathon
and I didn’t even know how to run. But every day it got a little easier and eventually, I started to write more freely, and one day I had enough of a
book to show my husband. At this point it was either, forget it again, or keep going.
He read it and said… keep going. So, I did.
And I haven’t stopped!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 2, 2023
A wonderful and suspenseful new novel!
Getting to see Jael back in action was amazing, and of course, I am left in suspense to her decision. I enjoyed every bit of this book and look forward to seeing how she gets out of this predicament but I know she will as she always does.
Getting to see Jael back in action was amazing, and of course, I am left in suspense to her decision. I enjoyed every bit of this book and look forward to seeing how she gets out of this predicament but I know she will as she always does.
August 17, 2023
Jael is back! I liked this first book in the new series quite a bit. Some favorite characters are back but also new ones that are fantastic. The Shadow Isle and it’s queen are an exciting new element to the world A. E. Rayne has created.
October 15, 2025
I read this book having not read any of the precursor series, as it was said that this could be taken as a standalone. There seemed to be a lot of references to previous events that I can only assume happened in one of these precursor novels. This (though frustrating) has made me want to perhaps stop this series and read those first.
It starts off slow, and frankly I almost put it down due to the pacing and the aforementioned references to past events. But it definitely got better towards the end.
It starts off slow, and frankly I almost put it down due to the pacing and the aforementioned references to past events. But it definitely got better towards the end.
August 10, 2023
Without a Doubt!
When I saw this copy about to release, I had to go back and start the entire series all over again for probably the 4th time. And yup! I was not disappointed. Wow. Just wow!.... sadly now I have to wait for book 2!!!! Ugh.
When I saw this copy about to release, I had to go back and start the entire series all over again for probably the 4th time. And yup! I was not disappointed. Wow. Just wow!.... sadly now I have to wait for book 2!!!! Ugh.
April 2, 2025
Glad to be back…
We have the foolish Axl and Edela at it again. Don’t hate me! Edela does some ridiculous crap! And Axl is still acting like a temperamental kid playing king. I thought he had mature from that during the quest for the battle at the Vale of the Gods because he seemed to have let all the whining go and let his grudge against Jael go and stepped up but nope… this is written like that never happened.
Eadmund is still the useless Eadmund, but he seemed to be trying to redeem himself a bit. I kinda bashed him in my notes and highlights, forgetting that he did have diplomatic skills and such and could command a fort.
The adventure we find Jael, the rest of the Furycks and Edela facing this time seems to be a doozy! So much is happening, so many moving parts. We have something happening in Tuura, Andala, Ollsvik (or wherever it is that Raymon Villander/Furyuck reigns), Oss, and now several islands within the Fire Islands area. I believe we will also be in Hest and Helsabor again.
On to the installment! See my notes highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading!
We have the foolish Axl and Edela at it again. Don’t hate me! Edela does some ridiculous crap! And Axl is still acting like a temperamental kid playing king. I thought he had mature from that during the quest for the battle at the Vale of the Gods because he seemed to have let all the whining go and let his grudge against Jael go and stepped up but nope… this is written like that never happened.
Eadmund is still the useless Eadmund, but he seemed to be trying to redeem himself a bit. I kinda bashed him in my notes and highlights, forgetting that he did have diplomatic skills and such and could command a fort.
The adventure we find Jael, the rest of the Furycks and Edela facing this time seems to be a doozy! So much is happening, so many moving parts. We have something happening in Tuura, Andala, Ollsvik (or wherever it is that Raymon Villander/Furyuck reigns), Oss, and now several islands within the Fire Islands area. I believe we will also be in Hest and Helsabor again.
On to the installment! See my notes highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading!
May 8, 2024
From the moment I started reading, I was completely gripped by the intricate world-building and complex characters. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
Rayne's writing is captivating and immersive, drawing me into the story and making me feel like I was right there alongside the characters as they navigated the dangerous Shadow Isle. The magic system is unique and well-developed, adding an extra layer of depth to the world.
The characters in this book are truly unforgettable. Each one is well-rounded, with their own motivations and flaws that make them feel incredibly real. I found myself rooting for them and becoming emotionally invested in their journeys.
Rayne's writing is captivating and immersive, drawing me into the story and making me feel like I was right there alongside the characters as they navigated the dangerous Shadow Isle. The magic system is unique and well-developed, adding an extra layer of depth to the world.
The characters in this book are truly unforgettable. Each one is well-rounded, with their own motivations and flaws that make them feel incredibly real. I found myself rooting for them and becoming emotionally invested in their journeys.
December 5, 2024
An okay fantasy novel.
I almost always have high hopes for fantasy novels because this genre is filled with great books. Unfortunately, this story was mediocre. This is the first book in a series that builds upon another series. I haven’t read that past series and unfortunately, the author did not make the magical elements clear in this novel. I think the world building was lacking. The backstories were not clear. The action really picked up in the last 30% of the book. But that’s too far back for me. What action and intrigue there was was exciting though. The writing was okay; not particularly interesting or lyrical.
Overall, I likely won’t look for book two. But the last few chapters in the story were actually exciting and a touch nerve wracking at times.
I almost always have high hopes for fantasy novels because this genre is filled with great books. Unfortunately, this story was mediocre. This is the first book in a series that builds upon another series. I haven’t read that past series and unfortunately, the author did not make the magical elements clear in this novel. I think the world building was lacking. The backstories were not clear. The action really picked up in the last 30% of the book. But that’s too far back for me. What action and intrigue there was was exciting though. The writing was okay; not particularly interesting or lyrical.
Overall, I likely won’t look for book two. But the last few chapters in the story were actually exciting and a touch nerve wracking at times.
January 13, 2025
I was really liking this book until that last handful of pages. Then the author made our heroine make a stupid decision so we could have another book. I understand that she’s a strong woman that will do the right thing but she’s not stupid and that ending was beyond stupid. Am I going to read the next book…yes. Why? Because they are captivating and I really like the world, characters, and storyline. But I do not forgive Rayne to succumbing to the trap of making your intelligent lead character making an impressively stupid moral decision just to build drama in the pursuit of a sequel. There were other, believable, ways to make that happen. The reader’s response should have been one of disbelief and lost hope NOT cursing out loud and throwing my arms up in the air.
July 4, 2023
Revisiting characters from earlier in the series was intriguing. Although they never left, their lives seemed to be on hold. Their personalities and unique ability to find themselves in difficult situations remains the same. Seeing the subtle changes in their growth and interactions nicely reflects their individual maturation levels.
The authors unique abilitiy to craft a new plot while keeping the previous ones intact is remarkable. Definitely something that I consider captivating and continually leaves me anticipating the next book.
Encore!
The authors unique abilitiy to craft a new plot while keeping the previous ones intact is remarkable. Definitely something that I consider captivating and continually leaves me anticipating the next book.
Encore!
March 11, 2024
OUTRAGEOUS PUNCTUATION ABUSE
These narratives are extremely entertaining. However, full reading gratification is compromised by the author's total disregard for punctuation rules. Run-on patterns are endless. Refusal to adhere to proper semi-colon usage is a constant irritant. The excessive misuse and overuse of the subordinating conjunction "though" and its attendant punctuation are equal irritants. I can only deduce that Rayne has no respect or consideration for readers who have even the slightest awareness of punctuation protocol - a lost art!
These narratives are extremely entertaining. However, full reading gratification is compromised by the author's total disregard for punctuation rules. Run-on patterns are endless. Refusal to adhere to proper semi-colon usage is a constant irritant. The excessive misuse and overuse of the subordinating conjunction "though" and its attendant punctuation are equal irritants. I can only deduce that Rayne has no respect or consideration for readers who have even the slightest awareness of punctuation protocol - a lost art!
July 11, 2023
LOVED EVERY MINUTE
Can't wait to read anything new that she writes. Her characters are real and I've formed an attachment to them all. None of her books have been slow to start for me. Don't believe every review you read of her books. There are a lot of haters out there! Just believe mine lol She has kept me very entertained. My only criticism is that I wish she wrote faster. In between I have to find other books to read, and finding a good Author is not easy
Can't wait to read anything new that she writes. Her characters are real and I've formed an attachment to them all. None of her books have been slow to start for me. Don't believe every review you read of her books. There are a lot of haters out there! Just believe mine lol She has kept me very entertained. My only criticism is that I wish she wrote faster. In between I have to find other books to read, and finding a good Author is not easy
July 14, 2023
Good story but told in too many voices
I have read all of A E Rayne’s books and have felt dissatisfied with the last few. While the stories are very good and keep you in the date of your seat, there are too many storylines and the length of them is quite frustrating. They are all very short and keep jumping between them all. She is a great storyteller and all of the main characters are well developed.
I have read all of A E Rayne’s books and have felt dissatisfied with the last few. While the stories are very good and keep you in the date of your seat, there are too many storylines and the length of them is quite frustrating. They are all very short and keep jumping between them all. She is a great storyteller and all of the main characters are well developed.
July 21, 2023
Another epic adventure
Jael is back with a bang. What an explosive start to this series. It has all the intrigue, plot twists, fabulous, well-loved characters and new characters, both villainous and heroically flawed that we've come to expect from A.E. Rayne.
I but through the side of my cheek reading the last few chapters!
Lots
Waiting for the next instalment will be torture!
Jael is back with a bang. What an explosive start to this series. It has all the intrigue, plot twists, fabulous, well-loved characters and new characters, both villainous and heroically flawed that we've come to expect from A.E. Rayne.
I but through the side of my cheek reading the last few chapters!
Lots
Waiting for the next instalment will be torture!
June 12, 2025
Its hard to believe that after the last series of 6 books, and all that Jael and Co. had to endure and overcome, that shortly thereafter, they are right back in the middle of it again! This book was a bit slow in developing, but picked up the pace towards the end. The ending was not what I thought or hoped it would be. It most likely sets the stage for the next book, which I will be looking forward to!
June 29, 2023
An excellent start to this outstanding epic fantasy with great world building and very well-developed realistic characters. Contains plenty of action, lots of magic, and several twists. Very well written page turner by an amazing fantasy writer. Highly recommended start to the Fate of the Furycks series. Bring on the next adventure with Jael and this great cast of characters.
July 7, 2023
Compelling
Jael is a warrior, queen, wife, mother, daughter and friend. Together with her husband she rules Oss. Proud,brave and loyal she fights to defend the weak, encourages men and women to value freedom and to defeat, dark magic, evil and predatory traitors.
I love A E Rainer's stories, his characters are vibrant and captivating. Binge reading at its very best
Jael is a warrior, queen, wife, mother, daughter and friend. Together with her husband she rules Oss. Proud,brave and loyal she fights to defend the weak, encourages men and women to value freedom and to defeat, dark magic, evil and predatory traitors.
I love A E Rainer's stories, his characters are vibrant and captivating. Binge reading at its very best
July 11, 2023
What a great book! Rayne is a master of telling tales and giving the reader a wonderful cast of characters. They all have their human frailties and odd quirks. It makes the story that much more believable. Warning, there is a cliffhanger and lots of violence, but I can't wait to see what happens next.
March 2, 2025
Furycks fate
What another wonderful adventure with these crazy to love people. Jael worries for her loved ones after horrible images come to her of everyone's death. She tries to find her grandmother to help her understand what it means and in the process is taken from her husband's side.
What another wonderful adventure with these crazy to love people. Jael worries for her loved ones after horrible images come to her of everyone's death. She tries to find her grandmother to help her understand what it means and in the process is taken from her husband's side.
June 23, 2025
I really enjoy this series! The characters have depth and most are quite likeable. There are multiple character journeys happening throughout the books and each tale is well-written. Definitely a page turner and one of the first series that I started because it was free, but purchased the following books to keep the story going.
July 13, 2025
Oh why can't they fight together more often?
Why why why...she was so close. Why can't you have them fighting together more instead of always ripping them apart....Arrrgh!!! Having said that...great story..on to the next one. It's your fault. My heart is still in my chest...I'm going to start the next book. It is Sunday, but it's your fault I will be grouchy all day!!!
Why why why...she was so close. Why can't you have them fighting together more instead of always ripping them apart....Arrrgh!!! Having said that...great story..on to the next one. It's your fault. My heart is still in my chest...I'm going to start the next book. It is Sunday, but it's your fault I will be grouchy all day!!!
July 6, 2023
Amazing....as expected this book was packed full of action and suspense. The writing is so thoughtful, allowing the reader to really get to know the characters and their environments. Everytime I read books from this author I think about them for weeks...now to patiently wait for the next one.
August 22, 2023
This book is great, the return the Furyck story is exciting and new. The adventure is great with new characters as well as your old favorites. I really hope the 2nd book is coming soon as I devoured this one quickly!
October 4, 2023
Thrilling Tale
I absolutely loved this story! I can't get enough of the characters and the plot twists and turns. Desperately wanting to find out what happens next! I have read every book in her last two series. The Arthur is one of the best storytellers I have read.
I absolutely loved this story! I can't get enough of the characters and the plot twists and turns. Desperately wanting to find out what happens next! I have read every book in her last two series. The Arthur is one of the best storytellers I have read.
January 3, 2024
Jael's Back
I love how tough and caring Jael is. I love the mystery of wondering who wants Jael kept alive.
I don't like that her and Eadmund were separated. Was sad that Sunni was killed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who reads.
I love how tough and caring Jael is. I love the mystery of wondering who wants Jael kept alive.
I don't like that her and Eadmund were separated. Was sad that Sunni was killed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who reads.
March 20, 2024
Shadow isle
Another great read from this author, could,not put this down and can't wait for the next book. This is as good if not better than the first series of Furycks adventures.
Another great read from this author, could,not put this down and can't wait for the next book. This is as good if not better than the first series of Furycks adventures.
dnf
May 23, 2024Nothng wrong with the book.
I am just not in the mood for something that requires this level of active participation and name memorization to keep up with the multiple povs and the incredible amount of disordered information comming my way in this one right now.
I am just not in the mood for something that requires this level of active participation and name memorization to keep up with the multiple povs and the incredible amount of disordered information comming my way in this one right now.
June 17, 2024
Jael oh Jael
I really love reading about a strong tough as nails woman and that's Jael. And just like her she seems to act without thinking. I love it. She wears her feelings on her sleeve. More please I need more Jael.
I really love reading about a strong tough as nails woman and that's Jael. And just like her she seems to act without thinking. I love it. She wears her feelings on her sleeve. More please I need more Jael.
Want to read
February 27, 2025I have enjoyed other series in this world, but I'm having a hard time getting into this one. Perhaps I just need a bread from this universe for a bit? Hopefully I'll come back to it someday, as the characters and writing are great.
March 5, 2025
GREAT READING!
Oh Wow what a amazing read. So many tweaks and turns secrets to find answers to. Furyck life's are in danger, one by one they are being take. The mystery runs deeper and deeper. Why???
Oh Wow what a amazing read. So many tweaks and turns secrets to find answers to. Furyck life's are in danger, one by one they are being take. The mystery runs deeper and deeper. Why???
June 26, 2025
While it was an interesting fantasy tale, it was difficult at first to follow because of quickly shifting point of views. I found it annoying that the author hinted at past occurrences without much explanation. Novel ended without an explanation for why hunted and captured.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews