Isles of the Blest

by Morgan Llywelyn

The mighty Connla is weary from the tiresome and bloody battle fought in the name of his father, Conn, and his land, Erin. Willingly, he lets himself become intoxicated by the surreal beauty of a fairy-woman who offers to take him to a faraway, forbidden land where all his desires will be fulfilled. He welcomes the opportunity to be away from the gruesome war that has consumed his life for so long, but what price will the warrior pay to be in a land void of death, loss and pain? Does the pleasure of the company of the stunning stranger outweigh the price he must pay to remain in THE ISLES OF THE BLEST?

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ireland, Irish Literature, Science Fiction Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Morgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down to 3.

This was a light retelling of an Irish legend. I have read other books by this author, and none of those have I ever described as "light". But this could have easily been categorized as YA, except it lacked angsty drama and love triangles. And thank goodness for that lack 😉

The story, while beautifully told, was relatively simple. Connla is enchanted by the fairy Blathine and follows her to the Isles of the Blest. Meanwhile back in Ireland, his father longs for his return. As always, a price has to be paid for the decisions made by the characters within the story.

[Samantha Matherne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fantastical, old Celtic faerie story of Connla the Fiery Hair. Thanks to Disney and similar adaptations of fairy tales, all most people know these days are certain tales recorded by the Grimm brothers and French tales such as Perrault’s Cinderella. Celtic fairy tales are under-appreciated outside of their homelands. Connla’s story is simple, but it highlights the meanings of humanity, love, death, and the difficult choices we all must make between different worlds - even if for us one of those worlds is not magical.

[Margaret Pinard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely telling of an 'ancient Irish tale' of humans and another world beyond our sight.
Favorite quotes:
"Hope is priceless," Coran assured him. "Hope is what is left at the bottom of the bag," Hundred Battles said. "Like lint." (36)
"...neither inside nor outside. Walking through them was like walking through a succession of brilliant soap bubbles surrounded by sheer and ephemeral color that might dissolve if one attempted to touch it." (117)

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was beautifully written but given the limited plot and character development it would make a better Disney movie than book. I was interested that this was an old Irish tale appropriately adapted after Christianity. Like religion these tales help us cope when times are hard and to be grateful for things like sunrises and even death.

[Lee Bartholomew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some seem to think this book as a story. It's plainly written as a tale. Which has different rules. Like it when Morgan switches gears now and then. Was looking for one of her books I didn't have and this one came up late in 2019. Took me Feb 11-13 to read it. Another book, hardcover same print and less pages took 2-3 weeks. Lost Swords series isn't easy to read sometimes. This one was fun. I do wish there was an end but like most books it doesn't. Use your imagination if you have one.. I think his love did love and wanted to warn him his father was dead. Whim had no such feeling. It was something that kept Connla wanting to go back . But no time passed... Druid magic = the wrong sort of Love... Ghost love vs real love. If the Sidhe can love or with Avalon I'd take that over Ghost love... Except for Red Branch I have loved every Morgan book since Elementals caught me in 1994. 28 yrs ago.. Right now Terry Pratchett is ahead 1 at 13 books read but Morgan's (and I know a friend since we met over 35 yrs ago, her daughter is easy to remember since her name is Morgan) She's a newly minted Teen:) But had to mention Morgan Llywelyn when that was announced Morgan's books are detailed. I must admit I've never come across such an unusual book at The Elementals. I loved that.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully told story of a very old Irish tale, Connla of the Fiery Hair. I often find the retelling of old legends unimaginative, as if the narrator seeks such fidelity to the history as to bury it in dry dust. The twists and turns of this story are amusing, and show a delightful understanding of the perplexing contradictions of fairy nature. Quick to read, a lively diversion.

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lightly entertaining read for younger teens. Fairly superficial treatment of the mythological age of Ireland, compared with Llywelyn's Bard or Red Branch, so maybe good as an introduction to that world. Rather heavyhanded treatment of the moral of the story, if that was what is was. It seemed like the author was trying to make a point about appreciating the life you have rather than always looking to greener pastures, but she did belabor it a bit. The writing could've been tighter, the book shorter. As it was, I read it in one day.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a fun, light-hearted, mythological read that would give me a short escape from reality for a couple of days, and this book certainly fit that description. If you’re at all interested in Celtic Myths and you haven’t read her, go pick up a few of her books now. She’s historically refreshing, intriguing and always delightful.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, epecially for anyone into the fairy folk type tales. Additionally, this is the first book I read on my newly acquired nook. I am loving it and hope to read many more this way!!