The Lighthouse Land

Lighthouse Trilogy #1

by Adrian McKinty

When Jamie's mother inherits a small island, and moves her little family from Harlem to Ireland, her troubled son sees a chance to start over, far away from the bullies and the pitying stares. Cancer has left Jamie without an arm or the will to speak. But Muck Island offers more than solitude and sea views. Jamie learns that he is heir to an ancient title, Laird of Muck, Guardian of the Passage, and certain otherworldly responsibilities. With the help of a mysterious object he discovers in the island's old lighthouse, Jamie sets out on a dangerous mission that will change the course of his life, and possibly the universe, forever.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Romance

387 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Adrian McKinty is an Irish novelist. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and grew up in Victoria Council Estate, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. He read law at the University of Warwick and politics and philosophy at the University of Oxford. He moved to the United States in the early 1990s, living first in Harlem, New York and from 2001 on, in Denver, Colorado, where he taught high school English and began writing fiction. He lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be brief as I have a lot of homework and study to do.

The Lighthouse Land is an interesting book, but probably not quite in my "most epic page turners of all time" list, but very few make it anyway.
However I am still going to read the rest of the series for lack of reading material.
#I decided to read this because...
I had nothing else to do and I randomly picked it off the public library shelf.
#What I liked...
relatively good action and some interesting concepts and it painted an interesting picture
and I understood the motives and personalities fairly well.
#What I didn't like...
a little bit of mush content and some of the other characters were a bit
difficult to visualize.
#I would recommend this to...
anyone who wants a distraction or something to do.

P.S Does anyone actually read these?

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several of McKinty's adult novels. They're dark mysteries full of human horror, so when I saw he'd written a trilogy of YA novels, I had to look. I've been burned badly before by this. Mickey Spillane, author of the tough guy Mike Hammer novels wrote a YA book, The Ship That Never Was. Avoid it as if it had the plague. It might. It was that bad. McKinty surprised me, though. His was quite good.

He starts out darkly with our young hero living as a latch-key cancer survivor in Harlem. He's been abandoned by his father & all sucks in his world. Then he & his mother inherit an obscure Irish title & we're off on an SF/fantasy quest. (It's all SF, but reads like a fantasy.) While McKinty takes some real liberties with science at times, especially with the speed of some things which you'll know if you read it, it's basically solid as is the adventure. The ending wasn't so well done & obvious, unfortunately. Still, it was pretty good for what it was.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as part of an Irish read-along in March. McKinty is known for his crime novels. It seems these days crime writers and novelists are being encouraged to try writing novels for younger readers. In this case, I think it was a good attempt but not a series that I see engaging kids outside of Ireland.

Thirteen-year-old Jamie and his mother leave New York after she inherits a lighthouse in Northern Ireland. Jamie is a cancer survivor and lost one arm to the disease. He makes friends with Ramsey, and learns that he is descended from the O'Neills who were lords exiled centuries ago. The two friends discover something magical and end up on another planet.

There are are nail-biting moments in the book. Overall, it was a satisfactory read.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun young adult novel written for teens 12-14 years of age (This is my favorite target age for books because books are dark enough to be interesting but chaste enough not to focus so much on Edward's smoldering eyes every page like in Twilight. Also I hate cussing in YA books, it sounds so forced like the Author thinks "Ya, this is how young people talk, I will add some swears to get street cred with the youngsters.)

Great story about traveling between worlds, had the feel of a fantasy story like Narnia, Tennis Shoes series, Beyonders series, etc. Well written I thought. Great characters and characterization. Great storyline.

So why couldn't I love this book? Well the author is clearly an atheist and instead of treating the issue of God with neutrality like many sci-fi or fantasy books do, the author clearly and continually pointed out to the reader that all of the protagonists were atheists and that this is the only appropriate position for a reasonable person to take. Anyone who thinks otherwise, or who even hope for otherwise were fools (or evil). It was subtle most of the time except for a few heavy handed parts at the end which left no doubt about the author's agenda. You can see how this constant agenda within the text would be distracting and off-putting to someone, like me, who believes that there is more to existence than what we can perceive through our 5 senses.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKinty is a wonderful storyteller and he has written something very special in this Lighthouse series. I was more familiar with his gritty, gory crime novels but Lighthouse series is completely different. I loved the vivid imagination and that the main characters are teens who have to work together, use history lessons, physics, trigonometry and other sciences to problem solve. McKinty also throws in large helpings of humor that truly made me laugh out loud. Gerald Doyle is a wonderful narrator -- young, old , male, female, Irish, American -- he can do it all.
If you know a youngster who can't quite focus on school, these books may help with that. After all, if you would like to be a valued person during an Intergalactic War, you need to know math, chemistry, history etc, etc, not to mention what to do if you fall in love with an alien ,,, a bit of a sticky wicket that ,,, compounded by the fact that you still think its great fun to put your tongue on an extremely cold surface to see if it will stick!

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars

The beginning of this book was great --- other than the pop culture references.

{Unless a book is all about pop culture, like Ready Player One, it seems like the author is trying too hard to prove that they're cool. (think: Dr Evil's "I'm with it, I'm hip.") And yes, I realize I just became a hypocrite, but it was worth it.}

In the beginning of this story I found myself thinking about it, when not reading it, and wondering what would happen next. It had promise! But once the two boys arrived in the other world, my interest waned. I'll probably give the second book a go, though.

AUDIOBOOK: Enjoyable. The narrator did a good job, especially on the accents. 5 stars.

[Дмитрий · Rating 3 out of 5]

Очень медленное начало, но сюжет довольно интересный. Неожиданный роман для детей от автора прекрасной серии Dead I Well May Be. Gerard Doyle читает обе серии, а читает он здорово.

[Shanna Ramon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept: a secret wormhole the ancient Irish used to travel to another planet is found by a one-armed cancer survivor and his rowdy, lovable friend. However intriguing the plot, it took a really long time before they actually traveled through the wormhole. Then, it seems more than usually hopeless and boring. I tried to force myself to finish the book. I got halfway through, and then hit a pet peeve: the author told me rather than showed me. All of sudden, the main character is hot for the alien girl? There had been no sparks, no lingering touches, no soft spoken flirtatious moments, nothing to indicate this was happening. The author just TOLD me there was something there. I thought, "Wait. What? I haven't seen them acting like this at all." So, I stopped reading right then. The story was already super slow at this point, and that was it for me.

[Andria · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has an interesting premise and an intriguing setting. But about a 100 pages the swearing begins and the 13 year old main character brings up statutory rape. There is no discussion of what those words mean but really was it necessary to bring it up and why after a 100 pages start swearing then. It doesn't seem authentic just more like it was placed there to shock the reader. Stopped reading at page 122. The book really had some promise.

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all what I was hoping for

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fine for a child’s book.

[Zechariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy Jamie and he finds that an island is more than meets the eyes. This book was a great read and it was only the first of the three part series. Adrian McKinty’s The Lighthouse Land was exceptional in the way that it made me feel as though I was inside the book.
McKinty’s style of how he writes just puts me in a good mood. I can really connect with the book to where it is almost realistic to me. He is good at not revealing too much so it keeps you wanting to find out the ending. Also since the narrator is a young kid, it appeals to the younger and also older readers and also gives a sense of humor to the book.
Also the main character, Jamie O’Neill, had lost his arm to a surgery for cancer and due to this he has not spoken a word to anyone since. His parents are divorced; he is living in poverty, and has not been living very well. I like this character because he is adventurous in this book. In the lighthouse around their new home he finds a special device that can teleport him and his friends to another world. He later finds out that he is said to be the savior of the planet.
The setting of this tale is amazing. The author described at first where Jamie lives and then to a whole new planet called Aldan. This world is not like Earth. They have different customs and people. It is truly a place I would want to visit if possible.
I personally like the book very much; it is a hard one to put down. The novel present intriguing mysteries, making the reader want to find out more.

[Marilyn Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young adult novel, first in a trilogy. is a blend of science fiction and a coming of age tale. In it, two thirteen year old boys discover a secret room in a lighthouse in Ireland and in it is a device that allows them to travel to a planet in a distant galaxy. The people on that planet are not as advanced scientifically as people on Earth so the boys are able to use their own background knowledge to assist in helping the people fend off an aggressive attack by their enemies. So many themes are in evidence here, ranging from how a young person finds a voice to the ethics of warfare. There is a bit of chaste romance and a lot of decisions requiring courage. Though I am not a young adult, I found the story exciting and absorbing. I think there is enough action and quandary to interest even the most jaded of young adult readers.

[Seana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this middle grade book, the first of a trilogy. McKinty's knowledge of Harlem, Northern Ireland and science fiction stand him in good stead and the young characters in their heroic endeavor to save a planet is warm and convincing. I particularly appreciate the strength of the female character in the mix. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson, and Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series. And frankly, when I get around to reading fiction for the younger reader, this is the kind of thing I like myself. In fact, I'm already on to the second!

[Nancy Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well done YA novel. Descriptions and setting were great, character development was good, and the plot was thoroughly engaging. It did feel like one main character had a severe personality shift three quarters through, which was off-putting, but overall, fun story that would make a very good movie. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

[Carmen Serra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Adrian McKinty. He is one of my favorite author. However, sci fi is not his forte. I hope to read more books that plays to his strength. Which is making the culture of the times a character in his stories.

[Meagan]

Really, really good...

[Abriel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get past 100 pages. After starting and stopping and starting and stopping for four months, I've finally decided to call it quits.

[Fizza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had quite a few issues with this book, good premise but poor execution, lacked momentum throughout most of the book, main character was very unrealistic.

[Skaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good in theory but the writing was sharp and I felt like I was in a car that braked every 20 seconds.

[Virginia sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much fantasy for my taste, I like time machine type books but this was too much of a meld of other stories to me

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series. a little time travel among friends, a war fought with teenagers in charge, some romance....very entertaining

[Samantha Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrian McKinty, known for his gripping thrillers, takes a bold departure with The Lighthouse Land, offering readers a captivating and immersive journey into the realms of fantasy and historical fiction. Set against a richly detailed backdrop, this novel blends suspense, adventure, and introspective moments, all with McKinty's signature narrative style.

The story revolves around a young boy named Alex, who, after a seemingly ordinary experience on a family vacation, discovers an extraordinary world through the eerie and mysterious lighthouse of the novel's title. What follows is a thrilling adventure that propels Alex and his friends into a world brimming with danger, historical secrets, and fantastical elements. McKinty crafts a story that plays with both the familiar and the unknown, creating a sense of wonder and suspense.

One of the novel's standout features is McKinty's ability to develop rich, multifaceted characters. Alex is a relatable and well-drawn protagonist whose curiosity and bravery drive the plot forward. His journey of self-discovery is one that resonates on an emotional level, especially as he confronts both personal fears and larger-than-life challenges. The relationships between Alex and his companions are equally well-executed, offering moments of camaraderie and tension that give the narrative depth.

The setting of The Lighthouse Land also deserves praise. McKinty does an exceptional job of describing both the fantastical elements of the world Alex discovers and the historical contexts that ground the story. The lighthouse itself becomes more than just a setting—it’s a symbol of mystery and hope, guiding the characters not only to new lands but to deeper understanding of themselves.

The pacing of the novel is tight and engaging, with McKinty expertly balancing action sequences with moments of introspection and philosophical exploration. The narrative's shift between action and quieter, more reflective moments keeps the reader engaged, never allowing the story to feel rushed or overly drawn out.

However, The Lighthouse Land isn't without its complexities. The fantasy elements may feel slightly unfamiliar to readers who are used to McKinty's more traditional thrillers. Some may struggle to adjust to the blending of genres, but those who embrace the genre shift will likely find themselves swept away by the imaginative world McKinty has crafted.

In conclusion, The Lighthouse Land is a testament to Adrian McKinty’s versatility as a writer. It offers a rich blend of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes, providing a refreshing and adventurous escape for readers. With vivid world-building, relatable characters, and a pace that keeps the heart racing, McKinty’s foray into the fantasy genre is a success that will undoubtedly appeal to a wide audience.

[Vee]

Nothing really inappropriate for younger kids, though they may be disgusted that the main character ends up falling prey to romance. Some mild hints and kissing, but definitely acceptable for at least the 11+ crowd. The main character and friend are about 13, though it can probably go either way on whether the story is interesting to adults. The kids are kids, but do have a more mature flair to them that makes the story easier to read.

This is a light science fiction story, involving a kid moving to Ireland with his mother, heirs to an old lighthouse, where travel between worlds is possible (one character suggests through wormholes). If I read it as a paper book, I probably wouldn't have continued past a few chapters in, because the characters, except for the hilarious and brilliant Irish friend, came across as very flat. There is next to no character building, and no character growth until the last couple of chapters. Perhaps it's spread out more because it's a series, but individual books need to be interesting too! As it stands, though, I finished it because it was read by Gerard Doyle, a brilliant narrator - though even that barely kept me interested when the first section was in second person... for anyone else who finds second person difficult to read, it *does* change to first person pretty quickly. It doesn't seem to do anything for the structure of the story, so I'm really not sure why it starts out that way.

[Arwen~Undomiel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible.

It started out good, with an interesting plot, but then everything went downhill. The ending was cheesy and predictable as well. The writing was inconsistent, along with the characters. McKinty seemed like he wanted to force his own personality into the boys, even though it didn't fit them at all. (For example, Jamie and Ramsey both swore multiple times, and I felt like it was completely out of character for them.) There was also mention of Ramsay watching inappropriate videos online. The romance between Wishaway and Jamie was completely ridiculous and not realistic whatsoever. It was like the author wanted the boys to be a certain age, (Middle school?) but then at random times converted them into stupid high school boys.

The author also heavily forced his atheistic beliefs. Both boys were atheists, and I'm okay with that. There are Atheists in the world, but what bothered me is that the author pushed it where it didn't need to be. The boys would both have an inner dialogue about how God was so fake and how people were stupid not to see the "facts" about Him being fake. Very frustrating.

I was very disappointed with this book, and will not be finishing the series.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this certainly was an interesting book. The main character was a selectively mute teenage amputee, which definitely gave it more points. His name is Jamie, and after inheriting an island in Ireland, he travels across the galaxy with his new friend to help save a race of aliens from war. Cool, right? The mechanics of the plot were easy to understand, but there were so many names to keep track of! I didn’t like the writing style; it had two sections in second person, while the rest of the book was in third. The narrator often changed between paragraphs as well. There were only two characters who were women in the entire novel. Good premise, characters and execution. Bad writing.

[JodiP · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't the strongest young adult fiction I've ever read. However, the Charming characters kept me really engaged. They all seem like such real kids. The story is completely impossible, but for me this was part of the charm. Not every story needs to be scientifically valid to be enjoyable. I immediately went on to listen to the second installment and just began physically reading the last of the trilogy.

[S. Glick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished two other books by Adrian McKinty and I saw this book for sale so I jumped on it it do you only reason I gave it four stars is because it you know I’m going to change it to five stars because it was aimed at youth audience, and a side read the back of a book before I bought it I would’ve known that it was a good story I recommended to to anyone who cares is moved along fast, and the feeling was aimed at youth and that’s fine. That’s what it was the very good book.

[Carmen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this because it was free on audible and I’m not one to say no to a free book. But…

My favorite thing about this book was that it reminded me that anyone can be a published author. Literally anyone. You don’t even need to have a good story or be a good storyteller. Don’t be overly critical and worry that your book isn’t good enough because some publishers will publish just about anything. 😬