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Manannan Trilogy #3
Emer's Quest
An Irish Sea Adventure
Sail to Staffa, Skye, Iona, the Isle of Man and even the Faeroe Islands
Emer has inherited her grandfather Manannan's ability to dream about future events. Foreseeing that her father, Olaf, will be shipwrecked on Staffa, Emer tries to stop him sailing but she is too late. Persuading her friends to go after him, they rescue one of his companions but Olaf has already been sold as a slave. A trader, Atli, discovers Emer's ability to dream and promises to rescue her father if she will marry one of his sons and use her gift for the good of his family. Olaf is found on the Faeroe Islands and returned home. Now Emer must keep her oath and marry Hari, who does not want her. She dreams that Hari will be burnt alive aboard the fireship carrying his dead father. Will her dream come true? Can she rescue her husband? Will they find anywhere to live in peace?
Would you leave a man to be burned alive?
Sail to Staffa, Skye, Iona, the Isle of Man and even the Faeroe Islands
Emer has inherited her grandfather Manannan's ability to dream about future events. Foreseeing that her father, Olaf, will be shipwrecked on Staffa, Emer tries to stop him sailing but she is too late. Persuading her friends to go after him, they rescue one of his companions but Olaf has already been sold as a slave. A trader, Atli, discovers Emer's ability to dream and promises to rescue her father if she will marry one of his sons and use her gift for the good of his family. Olaf is found on the Faeroe Islands and returned home. Now Emer must keep her oath and marry Hari, who does not want her. She dreams that Hari will be burnt alive aboard the fireship carrying his dead father. Will her dream come true? Can she rescue her husband? Will they find anywhere to live in peace?
Would you leave a man to be burned alive?
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
3 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Michele McGrath
68 books20 followersI was born on the Isle of Man and then moved to California, France and Lancashire before returning home. I graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, which was a wonderful experience, and I hold an M.A. from the University of Central Lancashire, both in History. Now retired as a Careers Advisor and former manager, I teach swimming to junior school pupils and write ebooks.
Although my books are in many genres, my favourites are historical fiction and fantasy. Usually, the periods I choose are Napoleon’s Consulate and Empire or the English Regency era. I was a prize winner at the West Cork Literary Festival and have been short-listed several times. I have recently rediscovered my love of research and started to write again. My latest book, Out of the Depths, and its prequel, Doctor Sam, which is a work in progress, are the result.
Although my books are in many genres, my favourites are historical fiction and fantasy. Usually, the periods I choose are Napoleon’s Consulate and Empire or the English Regency era. I was a prize winner at the West Cork Literary Festival and have been short-listed several times. I have recently rediscovered my love of research and started to write again. My latest book, Out of the Depths, and its prequel, Doctor Sam, which is a work in progress, are the result.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 15, 2014
A young girl, blessed (or cursed) with the ability to glimpse the future sees her father’s ship wrecked at sea during a prophetic dream. Setting out to prevent him from launching she finds herself almost perishing in the storm itself. A simple premise which begins a convoluted human drama. The “quest” in fact is merely the act one of what is structurally a three act novel.
I found much of Emer’s Quest very engaging and the well crafted prose often soared to almost poetic heights, my favourite being the, “huge dark cliffs like the wings of some great bird” which seem “to rise out of the sea and surround her.” Lines such as these reminded me somewhat of early Anglo-Saxon poetry.
The exception to this well told tale came with the section soon after Emer’s marriage which despite the hint of menace and attempts to create an ominous mood, I found too slow paced and little more than talking heads.
Although not historical fiction, the author Michele MacGrath Edwin does pay a great deal of attention to details of history and location. Some might find this laborious but I personally found them enjoyable and informative and felt they gave authenticity to the narrative’s setting and era. The author regularly interjects to explain Scandinavian terms such as when guests engage in entertaining “lygisogur” or lying stories . “Lovsigemann” we learn is the title for someone who reads and pronounces the law whilst Emer’s boat must follow the “Awin Vooar” or long river. One more I enjoyed was “Luanistyn” the traditional day for betrothals and marriages.
Emer’s Quest I feel has far more in common with an Icelandic Saga than it does with traditional high fantasy for the supernatural plays an extremely limited role whilst of central importance are such things as heroic fatalism, honour and defiance in the face of mortal danger.
Overall, it is a well crafted tale and the author’s passion for the locations and the history shine through. For those who prefer epic fantasy though with mythical characters, beast and magic then this might not be the one for you. For everyone else however I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
I found much of Emer’s Quest very engaging and the well crafted prose often soared to almost poetic heights, my favourite being the, “huge dark cliffs like the wings of some great bird” which seem “to rise out of the sea and surround her.” Lines such as these reminded me somewhat of early Anglo-Saxon poetry.
The exception to this well told tale came with the section soon after Emer’s marriage which despite the hint of menace and attempts to create an ominous mood, I found too slow paced and little more than talking heads.
Although not historical fiction, the author Michele MacGrath Edwin does pay a great deal of attention to details of history and location. Some might find this laborious but I personally found them enjoyable and informative and felt they gave authenticity to the narrative’s setting and era. The author regularly interjects to explain Scandinavian terms such as when guests engage in entertaining “lygisogur” or lying stories . “Lovsigemann” we learn is the title for someone who reads and pronounces the law whilst Emer’s boat must follow the “Awin Vooar” or long river. One more I enjoyed was “Luanistyn” the traditional day for betrothals and marriages.
Emer’s Quest I feel has far more in common with an Icelandic Saga than it does with traditional high fantasy for the supernatural plays an extremely limited role whilst of central importance are such things as heroic fatalism, honour and defiance in the face of mortal danger.
Overall, it is a well crafted tale and the author’s passion for the locations and the history shine through. For those who prefer epic fantasy though with mythical characters, beast and magic then this might not be the one for you. For everyone else however I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
June 28, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. It’s part fantasy and part history. It reminded me of a Viking saga book. I thought the names were complicated and longed to hear a familiar name like Kate, John or Mike. Once I got used to the weird names though the book got better.
I didn’t realize at first that this book was the 3rd part of a trilogy. I guess some of the backstory must have been in the previous two books. The author describes it as an Irish Sea adventure. I thought that was interesting since I didn’t know Irish people have names similar to Norwegian and Icelandic people.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and theme. There are interesting parts like Emer’s dreams which are visions where she can tell the future. I didn’t get to know the characters as well as I would have liked to though. I thought there should have been more character development. For instance Emer’s dad, Olaf is supposed to be the reason for her big quest. I didn’t feel like I knew who Olaf was though. I also didn’t like how the story dragged on when Emer got married to Hari. It got boring for a while there.
I liked when the author talked about Norse gods and their rituals. That was the best part. When I read fantasy I like more supernatural elements like vampires, dragons, fairies, werewolves or magic. I was hoping for more of that in this book. Readers who like quests and journeys will appreciate and enjoy this book.
I didn’t realize at first that this book was the 3rd part of a trilogy. I guess some of the backstory must have been in the previous two books. The author describes it as an Irish Sea adventure. I thought that was interesting since I didn’t know Irish people have names similar to Norwegian and Icelandic people.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and theme. There are interesting parts like Emer’s dreams which are visions where she can tell the future. I didn’t get to know the characters as well as I would have liked to though. I thought there should have been more character development. For instance Emer’s dad, Olaf is supposed to be the reason for her big quest. I didn’t feel like I knew who Olaf was though. I also didn’t like how the story dragged on when Emer got married to Hari. It got boring for a while there.
I liked when the author talked about Norse gods and their rituals. That was the best part. When I read fantasy I like more supernatural elements like vampires, dragons, fairies, werewolves or magic. I was hoping for more of that in this book. Readers who like quests and journeys will appreciate and enjoy this book.
May 20, 2014
This novel reminded me of a folk tale, both in the simplicity of the writing and the tone, yet the story has depth and complexity, and paints a believable picture of early Britain. The historical details are handled well and the characters are nicely drawn, the plot well-thought out and pacey.
This book would be an excellent platform for the introduction of older children into historical fiction, but will also be enjoyed by older readers.
I was given this book to review, but will definitely be reading other work by this author.
This book would be an excellent platform for the introduction of older children into historical fiction, but will also be enjoyed by older readers.
I was given this book to review, but will definitely be reading other work by this author.
June 8, 2014
Emer’s Quest, the final novel of the Manannan Trilogy, is as gripping and enjoyable as the first two. Emer, last of three generations of women with a gift (or a curse?) for telling the future from dreams, sets off on a perilous journey to save her father lost at sea in a storm. When she learns that he has been captured and enslaved, it appears her only chance of securing his release is to marry the weakling son of a chief rather than her childhood sweetheart (or even the handsome younger son of the chief!)… but only because of her ability to read the future. However, her new husband turns out to have hidEmer’s Quest, the final novel of the Manannan Trilogy, is as gripping and enjoyable as the first two. Emer, last of three generations of women with a gift (or a curse?) for telling the future from dreams, sets off on a perilous journey to save her father lost at sea in a storm. When she learns that he has been captured and enslaved, it appears her only chance of securing his release is to marry the weakling son of a chief rather than her childhood sweetheart (or even the handsome younger son of the chief!)… but only because of her ability to read the future. However, her new husband turns out to have hidden strengths as Emer becomes entangled in a tale of jealousy, rivalry and murder, her own loyalties tested to the limit.
Again, Michele McGrath takes the reader on a vivid journey to a time when hunger, disease, disputes and the constant threat of battle shaped the lives of the peoples of the island we now know of as the beautiful Isle of Man. Her characters are strong, her descriptions powerfully evocative, and the pacing is well-timed. Highly recommended!den strengths as Emer becomes entangled in a tale of jealousy, rivalry and murder, her own loyalties tested to the limit.
Again, Michele McGrath takes the reader on a vivid journey to a time when hunger, disease, disputes and the constant threat of battle shaped the lives of the peoples of the island we now know of as the beautiful Isle of Man. Her characters are strong, her descriptions powerfully evocative, and the pacing is well-timed. Highly recommended!
Again, Michele McGrath takes the reader on a vivid journey to a time when hunger, disease, disputes and the constant threat of battle shaped the lives of the peoples of the island we now know of as the beautiful Isle of Man. Her characters are strong, her descriptions powerfully evocative, and the pacing is well-timed. Highly recommended!den strengths as Emer becomes entangled in a tale of jealousy, rivalry and murder, her own loyalties tested to the limit.
Again, Michele McGrath takes the reader on a vivid journey to a time when hunger, disease, disputes and the constant threat of battle shaped the lives of the peoples of the island we now know of as the beautiful Isle of Man. Her characters are strong, her descriptions powerfully evocative, and the pacing is well-timed. Highly recommended!
August 7, 2014
This is a piece of well researched Nordic historical fiction. The use of colloquial language, character and place names together with the customs and practices of the time, interweave seamlessly with the heroine's story.
The story centres around Emer's gift of being able to see the future through her dreams. When she meets Atli it is this gift which will make her valuable to him. He will want to keep her within his sphere of influence and marry her to his eldest son, Hari. It is difficult to know if the harsh environment, or being a woman, makes her physically weak. She suffers in the beginning from the long journey following her father and at the end of the novel she stumbles through the heath trying to evade her captors. However she does have other less traditional skills, which can be seen when she wins a contest against one of the women with a bow and arrow.
Emer is portrayed very sympathetically, especially compared to the spiteful Drifa, although I feel her character is limited by the times she lived in. Inner monologue is limited as the book centres more on the action of the story to move things forward. There also appears to be little identifying speech, there does not appear to be any words, or phrases, specifically linked to her character.
The men, in contrast, are portrayed as big, strong, good fighters and protectors of the village. Atli and his son Hari are also portrayed as good negotiators and strategists, compared to the harshness of Rolf, the youngest son. Atli's life has been spent trading with his neighbours, Rolf sees more profit in taking what he wants. Hari appears to have inherited his father's intellectual acumen, but I am not convinced of Emer's ability to reawaken his interest in women and away from a monastic life.
The conclusion to this story is spectacular, with a definite sense of justice, order and resolution to the book.
The story centres around Emer's gift of being able to see the future through her dreams. When she meets Atli it is this gift which will make her valuable to him. He will want to keep her within his sphere of influence and marry her to his eldest son, Hari. It is difficult to know if the harsh environment, or being a woman, makes her physically weak. She suffers in the beginning from the long journey following her father and at the end of the novel she stumbles through the heath trying to evade her captors. However she does have other less traditional skills, which can be seen when she wins a contest against one of the women with a bow and arrow.
Emer is portrayed very sympathetically, especially compared to the spiteful Drifa, although I feel her character is limited by the times she lived in. Inner monologue is limited as the book centres more on the action of the story to move things forward. There also appears to be little identifying speech, there does not appear to be any words, or phrases, specifically linked to her character.
The men, in contrast, are portrayed as big, strong, good fighters and protectors of the village. Atli and his son Hari are also portrayed as good negotiators and strategists, compared to the harshness of Rolf, the youngest son. Atli's life has been spent trading with his neighbours, Rolf sees more profit in taking what he wants. Hari appears to have inherited his father's intellectual acumen, but I am not convinced of Emer's ability to reawaken his interest in women and away from a monastic life.
The conclusion to this story is spectacular, with a definite sense of justice, order and resolution to the book.
May 28, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is part historical novel and part fantasy. For lovers of this genre it would make an interesting read. The author brings up some "true to life" for the time issues that make the setting come alive. Due to some formatting issues it took me some extra time to read but those can be easily fixed. I had wanted a little more character development maybe with some tweaks to the dialog. There was a good bit of telling and not showing but there was also a great deal of knowledge that needed to be conveyed and if it had been drawn out I would be reading this book for another few weeks. In this book the author also had the tendency to re-explain a moment that, as a reader, I already understood. There were a couple logic flaws that messed up the story. Emer's mother was pregnant when she left home but later in the novel in Emer's internal dialog she says her mother had not been increasing since Emer had been born.
I enjoyed the references to the Norse gods and heir rituals. The author did quite a bit of homework it seems which made the book fun to read.
Overall I think fantasy readers or people with an interest in that period of History will like this book and I encourage you to give it a try.
I enjoyed the references to the Norse gods and heir rituals. The author did quite a bit of homework it seems which made the book fun to read.
Overall I think fantasy readers or people with an interest in that period of History will like this book and I encourage you to give it a try.
September 12, 2014
One of the things I really like to do when I read historical fantasy is to learn something about the era in which it is set. This is what Emer's quest excels at. It is well researched (or at least seems to be- I am not an expert in the era) and that adds depth and interest to the book. There are times when it drags a little and the sheer authenticity of the names etc can get a little difficult (how on earth do you pronounce them?) but this is a relatively small niggle. The book has a solid plot and a nice close. A solid read if you like authentic historical fantasy.
January 15, 2016
Like the other two before this last book in the trilogy, the narration went on quietly, describing how Emer, Nhiam's daughter and Manannan's granddaughter, sets out to find her father and rescue him, hoping the price she has to pay is not too high.
Good plot, nice characters and a good, calm narration style - I really liked reading this trilogy and would not mind reading more of this author.
Good plot, nice characters and a good, calm narration style - I really liked reading this trilogy and would not mind reading more of this author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews