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Islands in the Mist #1
Islands in the Mist
J.M. Hofer delivers page-turning tales of adventure and sorcery in her award-winning novel, Islands in the Mist, and its sequels. Set in Iron Age Britain and steeped in Welsh legend, her series brings to life the mythic world before the arrival of King Arthur.
In Book I, the great warrior Bran is called home from the battlefield to his mother's deathbed. He vows to solve the mystery of what fatally attacked her in the night, for though many have dismissed it as a wolf attack, she insisted with her dying breath it was not.
On his journey for answers, Bran encounters the fiery prophetess Lucia and her strangely-gifted stable boy, Gwion, both of whom will loom large in his future.
Upon returning home with the terrifying truth about the threat they are facing, Bran finds himself at odds with the hot-tempered Aelhaearn, determined to become their clan's next chieftain.
Fate will wind tightly together as they attempt to defeat the creator of their nocturnal enemies—a creator who is patiently pulling all who oppose her deep into the seductive maelstrom of her power.
In Book I, the great warrior Bran is called home from the battlefield to his mother's deathbed. He vows to solve the mystery of what fatally attacked her in the night, for though many have dismissed it as a wolf attack, she insisted with her dying breath it was not.
On his journey for answers, Bran encounters the fiery prophetess Lucia and her strangely-gifted stable boy, Gwion, both of whom will loom large in his future.
Upon returning home with the terrifying truth about the threat they are facing, Bran finds himself at odds with the hot-tempered Aelhaearn, determined to become their clan's next chieftain.
Fate will wind tightly together as they attempt to defeat the creator of their nocturnal enemies—a creator who is patiently pulling all who oppose her deep into the seductive maelstrom of her power.
397 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2014
About the author
J.M. Hofer
10 books65 followersJ.M. Hofer delivers page-turning tales of adventure and sorcery in her award-winning novel, Islands in the Mist, and its sequels. Set in 6th century Britain and steeped in Welsh legend, her series brings to life the mythic world before the arrival of King Arthur.
Book 1 was chosen as one of five semi-finalists out of 2,000 in the Fantasy/Sci Fi/Horror genre of the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.
She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she can escape to the solace of the American Desert when it calls.
Book 1 was chosen as one of five semi-finalists out of 2,000 in the Fantasy/Sci Fi/Horror genre of the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.
She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she can escape to the solace of the American Desert when it calls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 3, 2018
Fine Dark Age Druid Fantasy
This was my first exposure to a text based on Welsh mythology. It was a huge help to have the pronunciation guide at the beginning. That said, the text flowed with tremendous ease and the characters were well-developed and likable. The descriptions of the druid rituals and beliefs make you feel like you’re a part of the ceremony. I did find some sections quite brief, especially the middle stretches of the scene with Camulos, which felt so brief it was almost mechanical, but that did not detract from the flow. The descriptions were very vivid, especially when it came to the scenery and the supernatural visuals. It contains many fantasy elements, including magic, spirit beings and gods, flaming swords, and human-like creatures (ie, selkies). The ending was a tad abrupt, and had several unexpected twists woven into its unwinding. Overall: an excellent, satisfying introduction to the series!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy of the book with me.
This was my first exposure to a text based on Welsh mythology. It was a huge help to have the pronunciation guide at the beginning. That said, the text flowed with tremendous ease and the characters were well-developed and likable. The descriptions of the druid rituals and beliefs make you feel like you’re a part of the ceremony. I did find some sections quite brief, especially the middle stretches of the scene with Camulos, which felt so brief it was almost mechanical, but that did not detract from the flow. The descriptions were very vivid, especially when it came to the scenery and the supernatural visuals. It contains many fantasy elements, including magic, spirit beings and gods, flaming swords, and human-like creatures (ie, selkies). The ending was a tad abrupt, and had several unexpected twists woven into its unwinding. Overall: an excellent, satisfying introduction to the series!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy of the book with me.
April 12, 2026
I just loved this. Didn’t quite get the five star tingles but it is only the first book in a series, I’m sure the time will come soon enough because I have faith this series is going to be a really great one. I was really in need of a good historical fantasy, and though this series does take place before the time of King Arthur, I felt similar feelings as when I would read an Arthurian book. It’s a book full of magic, warriors and sword-craft, creatures dead and undead, priestesses, Gods, you name it, they’re there. It’s packed with Celtic and Welsh mythology and you can’t ask for a better prequel to what is to come in the age of King Arthur.
We’re following multiple characters. Bran, a warrior, Lucia, a prophetess and her stable boy Gwion are our main focus. Bran is called back home from the battlefield to her mother who’s dying. She’s been wounded by this mysterious attacker she swears wasn’t a wolf. He meets Lucia on his journey for answers, and inevitably sparks begin to fly between them.
I will say, this is not a fantasy romance. There are romantic elements in this novel between the two characters I mentioned, but that’s not the main driving force of this book. I would say this is a pure historical fantasy that focuses on Celtic myths.
For all the Arthurian lovers like myself, at this point in the series we only have little surrounding that world. A few characters you can recognize because of their names. Gawain, to name one. But what I do know is (or at least I’m pretty sure) that as you progress through the series there will be more and more Arthurian elements and characters mentioned and will likely be important to the story. I still thoroughly enjoyed this book even without hardly any Arthurian elements, don’t get me wrong! But I will say I’m most excited to continue on with the series because of the fact that it will lean more Arthurian as it goes on.
All that aside, I have one more thing to praise and one thing only. The writing. It was so immersive, it’s a book that’s impossible to put down. The author did the outmost and it worked so well. It wasn’t a kind of overly flowery storytelling, more like the kind that is so good that you feel like you’re not even reading anymore. You feel like you’re in the book. The world building was insane as well, I can’t recommend this book enough.
I cannot wait to read more from this author, and especially to continue on with this series. Book one has been a journey and I can’t wait for book two. It’s around a 4.5/5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We’re following multiple characters. Bran, a warrior, Lucia, a prophetess and her stable boy Gwion are our main focus. Bran is called back home from the battlefield to her mother who’s dying. She’s been wounded by this mysterious attacker she swears wasn’t a wolf. He meets Lucia on his journey for answers, and inevitably sparks begin to fly between them.
I will say, this is not a fantasy romance. There are romantic elements in this novel between the two characters I mentioned, but that’s not the main driving force of this book. I would say this is a pure historical fantasy that focuses on Celtic myths.
For all the Arthurian lovers like myself, at this point in the series we only have little surrounding that world. A few characters you can recognize because of their names. Gawain, to name one. But what I do know is (or at least I’m pretty sure) that as you progress through the series there will be more and more Arthurian elements and characters mentioned and will likely be important to the story. I still thoroughly enjoyed this book even without hardly any Arthurian elements, don’t get me wrong! But I will say I’m most excited to continue on with the series because of the fact that it will lean more Arthurian as it goes on.
All that aside, I have one more thing to praise and one thing only. The writing. It was so immersive, it’s a book that’s impossible to put down. The author did the outmost and it worked so well. It wasn’t a kind of overly flowery storytelling, more like the kind that is so good that you feel like you’re not even reading anymore. You feel like you’re in the book. The world building was insane as well, I can’t recommend this book enough.
I cannot wait to read more from this author, and especially to continue on with this series. Book one has been a journey and I can’t wait for book two. It’s around a 4.5/5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2015
This was the first book I've received from a goodreads giveaway. I haven't read much fantasy in the past, so it makes it a little hard to rate this book in terms of how good it is within the genre. However, I really liked the book!! I was interested in the story and wanted to keep reading. I really loved some of the characters--Lucia and Gwion especially. It was easy to read. I would definitely read the sequel and hope there will be one. The book also gave me the desire to try some more books out of this genre. Thanks to the author and goodreads for the giveaway!
July 14, 2015
I had the privilege of reading this pre release. I must say for a first time author I was pleasantly surprised. The author definitely did her homework and spun a beautiful tale full of adventure, romance and fright. The imagery weaved throughout this books' prose really gave me a sense of who the characters were and who they will become. I highly recommend this book for a quick and fun filled read. Pick it up!
January 4, 2018
Islands in the Mist gives us a fantasy tale set in the dark ages, where magic and sorcery reign supreme—where gods are tangible and matriarchy is predominant. I’m an old-fashioned fantasy reader, so the book reminds me of “The Mists of Avalon”, where the island was invisible except to the initiated, where gifted and enlightened women watched over their world, and their flawed universe was corrupted by an equally gifted woman gone bad. Or at least, this is how I remember it! However, this novel is much darker, and the forces unleashed go way beyond the evil of King Arthur’s world. I don’t know the Welsh legends behind the story, so I came to it uninitiated. But this didn’t matter, as the novel is engaging and I enjoyed the characters and their world.
Our protagonist, Bran, is everything we would want from a hero. He’s modest, strong, incorruptible, with occasional shortcomings that allow the bad guy to temporarily prevail. Like any good classical hero, he gets supernatural help when all else fails—because he has proved himself worthy, of course. He falls in love with a woman who has just discovered her own special powers, and she must decide whether to devote herself to the greater good or give it all up for the love of a man. Meanwhile we have the wicked sorceress who has brought back the dead for her own selfish reasons; they threaten everything in their path and grow in their horrific powers.
Since this is only part one, there are many loose ends that promise to be tidied up in future volumes. The initial conflict hurtles to a resolution at the very end of the book, but the resolution feels incomplete to me—not exactly a cliffhanger, but more like a dream that leaves you unfulfilled. The love story, especially, doesn’t really get off the ground, though both parties are more than willing. Bran goes through hell (figuratively speaking) to acquire a special blade that doesn’t seem to serve him in battle when he needs it. There are some characters whose importance seems to fade away; other characters, like the powerful sorceress, put on a new mantle at the very end—a plot shift totally unforeseen. Was she really wicked or merely misguided? That remains to be discovered. Nonetheless, what looks to be an epic tale is rigorously laid out in volume one, so moving forward we have a firm foundation to a lively story that is sure to hold your interest. I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Our protagonist, Bran, is everything we would want from a hero. He’s modest, strong, incorruptible, with occasional shortcomings that allow the bad guy to temporarily prevail. Like any good classical hero, he gets supernatural help when all else fails—because he has proved himself worthy, of course. He falls in love with a woman who has just discovered her own special powers, and she must decide whether to devote herself to the greater good or give it all up for the love of a man. Meanwhile we have the wicked sorceress who has brought back the dead for her own selfish reasons; they threaten everything in their path and grow in their horrific powers.
Since this is only part one, there are many loose ends that promise to be tidied up in future volumes. The initial conflict hurtles to a resolution at the very end of the book, but the resolution feels incomplete to me—not exactly a cliffhanger, but more like a dream that leaves you unfulfilled. The love story, especially, doesn’t really get off the ground, though both parties are more than willing. Bran goes through hell (figuratively speaking) to acquire a special blade that doesn’t seem to serve him in battle when he needs it. There are some characters whose importance seems to fade away; other characters, like the powerful sorceress, put on a new mantle at the very end—a plot shift totally unforeseen. Was she really wicked or merely misguided? That remains to be discovered. Nonetheless, what looks to be an epic tale is rigorously laid out in volume one, so moving forward we have a firm foundation to a lively story that is sure to hold your interest. I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2018
The hard copy of J.M. Hofer’s Islands in the Mist proves a sensous experience. The spectacular cover serves as a welcome entry in this novel textured in Welsh lore. Myths are grounded in the historical reality of Saxon incursions after the abandonment of Britain after the Romans return to Italy to save the empire from barbarian invasions. The remaining inhabitants, vulnerable to attack by the Northmen, exist in a mythological universe beautifully conjured up by Hofer.
A sense of Hofer’s style can be seen in these evocative passages: “He watched the moon rise over the hills, covering everything in pale blue silk except for the river, which she adorned with ribbons of silver. The river wore the moon’s gifts as proudly as a young maiden, and they bounced and sparkled off her curves as she danced.” Nature, integral to the Welsh mythological world, is lovingly evoked: “They moved slowly to the edge of the large circular grove. And immense oak reigned at its center, her dark branches heavy with acorns and her gnarled roots twisting deep into the earth, clutching it for surely dozens of feet in all directions. Alder, birch, rowen, hazel and ash trees encircled her like graceful dancers around a bride, reaching toward the sky with fingers intertwined and feet rooted in the silver stream that curved around their ankles like a delicate crescent moon.”
Welsh material is tyically diffuse and confusing for most readers given the prevalence of Greek/Roman and Norse/Germanic mythology in Western culture. The medieval Welsh mythological tradition, as seen most completely in the sadly neglected Mabinogian (and its source texts) can be elusive to many readers. Hofer’s work succeeds in making this rich material not only understandable, but also enticing to new readers who, she hopes, will return to the original works. The oppression of the Celtic peoples ultimately mirrors that of the representation of Celtic myth Hofer happily revives in this lovely verbal tapestry. She helpfully provides a character index, with the etymological signification of each name, suggesting traits we see as the figures develop. The inclusion of Lady Charlotte Guest’s 19th-century translation of a key ancient myth in Hofer’s introduction proves helpful.
The compelling and graspable story weaves the everyday details of firestoking and horse husbandry with the weird and elusive magical mythology of the Welsh matter of the Four Branches. Helpfully, Hofer’s introduction shares some vital contest for the exciting story to follow, one replete with a selkie, the cauldron-born, and a “lake-dwelling demon.” Bran and Lucia’s relationship proves vexed yet enduring, leaving the reader wanting more, “Like a woman you can never have.” Yet you can have it in Hofer’s subsequent volumes.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book; thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
A sense of Hofer’s style can be seen in these evocative passages: “He watched the moon rise over the hills, covering everything in pale blue silk except for the river, which she adorned with ribbons of silver. The river wore the moon’s gifts as proudly as a young maiden, and they bounced and sparkled off her curves as she danced.” Nature, integral to the Welsh mythological world, is lovingly evoked: “They moved slowly to the edge of the large circular grove. And immense oak reigned at its center, her dark branches heavy with acorns and her gnarled roots twisting deep into the earth, clutching it for surely dozens of feet in all directions. Alder, birch, rowen, hazel and ash trees encircled her like graceful dancers around a bride, reaching toward the sky with fingers intertwined and feet rooted in the silver stream that curved around their ankles like a delicate crescent moon.”
Welsh material is tyically diffuse and confusing for most readers given the prevalence of Greek/Roman and Norse/Germanic mythology in Western culture. The medieval Welsh mythological tradition, as seen most completely in the sadly neglected Mabinogian (and its source texts) can be elusive to many readers. Hofer’s work succeeds in making this rich material not only understandable, but also enticing to new readers who, she hopes, will return to the original works. The oppression of the Celtic peoples ultimately mirrors that of the representation of Celtic myth Hofer happily revives in this lovely verbal tapestry. She helpfully provides a character index, with the etymological signification of each name, suggesting traits we see as the figures develop. The inclusion of Lady Charlotte Guest’s 19th-century translation of a key ancient myth in Hofer’s introduction proves helpful.
The compelling and graspable story weaves the everyday details of firestoking and horse husbandry with the weird and elusive magical mythology of the Welsh matter of the Four Branches. Helpfully, Hofer’s introduction shares some vital contest for the exciting story to follow, one replete with a selkie, the cauldron-born, and a “lake-dwelling demon.” Bran and Lucia’s relationship proves vexed yet enduring, leaving the reader wanting more, “Like a woman you can never have.” Yet you can have it in Hofer’s subsequent volumes.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book; thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
June 28, 2018
From the very first chapter, I was committed to see how Bran and Lucia’s story would play out. It was great to see Lucia come into her powers, and the way Hofer described her visions was enthralling. As for Bran, a warrior who needs closure on the death of his mother, his arch was just as interesting—and his relationship with his trusty mount, Gethen, was endearing.
I found this fantasy tale to be dark and gripping—the world, the magic, the lore—it all kept me engaged and turning the pages. And aside from that, the pace was remarkable. Each chapter was concise and interesting, and I felt like things were always happening with no generic filler or exposition. I’d definitely like to continue this adventure.
I found this fantasy tale to be dark and gripping—the world, the magic, the lore—it all kept me engaged and turning the pages. And aside from that, the pace was remarkable. Each chapter was concise and interesting, and I felt like things were always happening with no generic filler or exposition. I’d definitely like to continue this adventure.
July 19, 2018
This is a beautifully written fantasy, with a mystical background based on Welsh folklore. I’ve always been interested in Celtic mythology, and feel it’s neglected in fantasy fiction compared to Greek/Roman and Norse/Germanic myths and legends. However, even a reader with no previous knowledge would easily become immersed in this enchanting, magical world of heroes, monsters, Druids and powerful priestesses.
The story flows effortlessly with an excellent balance of action, dialogue and lyrical description. The characters are complex and engaging, from the main protagonists, Bran and Lucia, to the monstrous Arawn, God of the Underworld and the cruel and clever priestess Cerridwen, with her seductive guiles and army of hideous “cauldron-born” undead.
The fight scenes are gruesome and gripping and there are also scenes of creeping tension, such as when Bran becomes trapped in the clammy, creature-infested caverns of the Otherworld. The action is well-paced, with a few twists and surprises along the way, and moves inexorably to a climactic battle. The ending is far from predictable, but ties up the main threads of the plot well, while pointing the way to equally entertaining sequels.
The story flows effortlessly with an excellent balance of action, dialogue and lyrical description. The characters are complex and engaging, from the main protagonists, Bran and Lucia, to the monstrous Arawn, God of the Underworld and the cruel and clever priestess Cerridwen, with her seductive guiles and army of hideous “cauldron-born” undead.
The fight scenes are gruesome and gripping and there are also scenes of creeping tension, such as when Bran becomes trapped in the clammy, creature-infested caverns of the Otherworld. The action is well-paced, with a few twists and surprises along the way, and moves inexorably to a climactic battle. The ending is far from predictable, but ties up the main threads of the plot well, while pointing the way to equally entertaining sequels.
October 27, 2017
Welsh mythology is a chaos of stories and legends going far back into prehistory and being codified, though in fairly-unstructured form, in the four books of ancient Wales, The Black Book of Caermarthen, The Book of Anuerin, The Book of Taliesin, and The Red Book of Hergest. J. M. Hofer has surveyed them all and derived from them a coherent, cohesive tale that brings the mythological essence of those four books into a realistic and believable narrative that captivates the reader in its own right and subtly draws her or him into a desire to consult those original texts. This is the first book in a trilogy. It tells the story of four mighty tribes being afflicted by an equally mighty sorceress, Cerridwen, who has used her magical gifts and the Black Cauldron to raise an army of the dead into a marauding, cannibalistic force that feeds on cattle, goats, chickens, and women and children. It is indiscriminate in its ferocity and strikes fear into the hearts of even the bravest warriors. Opposing this loathsome force is Bran, a warrior and then chieftain of the north, and Lucia and Gwion, both magically gifted and with connections to Cerridwen’s birthplace, an island in the mist. Together, and with a host of others, these protagonists work to discover the sorceress’s plan and try to stop it. The story is an adventure and a quest. It begins in mystery: what voracious beast—wolf or something else—killed Bran’s mother? And it follows the main and minor characters through rugged terrain, dark forests, distant beaches, with a very real feel to them and peopled with some historical characters, such as the Romans. Even the underworld has a realistic and frightening feel. The result is a novel that seems at once ancient and contemporary, outside our grasp but also distinctly within it. The characters seem flat and one-dimensional as they do in the sources, for example; but they come alive and move closer to us as they engage with each other in real-life situations. They do not do that consistently nor do the main characters seem to develop much by the novel’s end, perhaps waiting for the transformative forces awaiting them in the following two novels of the trilogy. We will just have to read those to find out.
Some minor problems, mere bagatelles hardly worth mentioning, mar one’s experience in reading this book. The author supplies a list of characters in the front matter, for instance, but that list is incomplete, with over ten characters (e.g., Ambisagrus, Blodeuwedd, Caerwyn, Eirlys, Eurig, Owain, Urien) not mentioned at all. This poses a minor frustration for the reader but a frustration nonetheless. The writing is strong for the most part (e.g., I found just one major grammatical error, a dangling modifier, p. 37), but there are also a few typographical errors (e.g., pp. 58, 175) and a distracting quotation from Sir Walter Scott (p. 145). Nevertheless, I can see why this book, the author’s first novel, has attracted so much attention. It does make you want to follow Bran and Lucia especially to the end of their journey at the close of the trilogy.
I’m grateful to the author for supplying me with a copy of her novel, which I have reviewed voluntarily.
R. E. Bjork
27 October 2017
Some minor problems, mere bagatelles hardly worth mentioning, mar one’s experience in reading this book. The author supplies a list of characters in the front matter, for instance, but that list is incomplete, with over ten characters (e.g., Ambisagrus, Blodeuwedd, Caerwyn, Eirlys, Eurig, Owain, Urien) not mentioned at all. This poses a minor frustration for the reader but a frustration nonetheless. The writing is strong for the most part (e.g., I found just one major grammatical error, a dangling modifier, p. 37), but there are also a few typographical errors (e.g., pp. 58, 175) and a distracting quotation from Sir Walter Scott (p. 145). Nevertheless, I can see why this book, the author’s first novel, has attracted so much attention. It does make you want to follow Bran and Lucia especially to the end of their journey at the close of the trilogy.
I’m grateful to the author for supplying me with a copy of her novel, which I have reviewed voluntarily.
R. E. Bjork
27 October 2017
November 10, 2017
I really enjoyed Islands in the Mist - I couldn’t put it down! I was rooting for our heroes and heroines from the get-go, clan warrior Bran and more-than-meets-the-eye Lucia, and really cared about what happened to them and the people around them. I felt the most sorry for the tragic character of Morvran, though we never witnessed things from his point of view, and even the villain Cerridwen was sympathetic. Gwion was one of my favourite characters, but I also enjoyed the fact that the animals and landscapes in this book all had character too—fitting for a novel based on Welsh legends, native Britain and for a book that explores the religion of the Great Mother.
Not only does this book bring to life the Welsh legend of Cerridwen and Gwion Bach, but it also tells the tale of the time before the rise of the greatest druid of them all, Taliesin, creating an exciting base from which to launch the rest of this series. There are just as many heroines in this novel as there are heroes, if not more, and I found the scenes involving the Sisterhood of the Isle particularly refreshing. Every character was strongly crafted, though I did feel a list of the Clans and their most notable members would have been useful in the midst of the book, as well as a map roughly detailing the locations of clans and major landmarks of the time.
This novel was exciting, unexpected, magical and believable. Despite the sorcery, rituals and surprising occult in this tale it was all firmly rooted in folklore and mythology. The author handled notions of the gods and the Otherworld expertly, and the perils that faced our characters were sufficiently terrifying and brilliantly described. Lucia and Bran were sympathetic characters through which to live the narrative, and the prose was beautifully written and lyrical, giving a high-definition backdrop to every scene. The author was perhaps inspired by both Tolkien and Zimmer-Bradley in this work: fans of The Mists of Avalon and will particularly enjoy this read. This was a fantastic book and I can’t wait to get to the next instalment of the series.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy of the book with me.
Not only does this book bring to life the Welsh legend of Cerridwen and Gwion Bach, but it also tells the tale of the time before the rise of the greatest druid of them all, Taliesin, creating an exciting base from which to launch the rest of this series. There are just as many heroines in this novel as there are heroes, if not more, and I found the scenes involving the Sisterhood of the Isle particularly refreshing. Every character was strongly crafted, though I did feel a list of the Clans and their most notable members would have been useful in the midst of the book, as well as a map roughly detailing the locations of clans and major landmarks of the time.
This novel was exciting, unexpected, magical and believable. Despite the sorcery, rituals and surprising occult in this tale it was all firmly rooted in folklore and mythology. The author handled notions of the gods and the Otherworld expertly, and the perils that faced our characters were sufficiently terrifying and brilliantly described. Lucia and Bran were sympathetic characters through which to live the narrative, and the prose was beautifully written and lyrical, giving a high-definition backdrop to every scene. The author was perhaps inspired by both Tolkien and Zimmer-Bradley in this work: fans of The Mists of Avalon and will particularly enjoy this read. This was a fantastic book and I can’t wait to get to the next instalment of the series.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy of the book with me.
July 3, 2018
As a lover of all things Celtic, I looked forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed to find this creative and engaging retelling of the story of Ceridwyn and Gwion. The characters are interesting, and the adventure story is exciting. A great read I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves Celtic mythology or a good adventure story.
July 14, 2018
This was a wonderful saga of four “clans” that had four magical items one belonging to each of the four leaders of each group. However as is with most people greed takes over and one leader desires to own them all and become the greatest.
Hang on for a great adventure things are going to get wild
I was confused with some of the (to me) similarity in names once in awhile and if I had read more quickly might not have been , but an enjoyable book. I thought I had received this through NetGalley, but I didn’t. I didn’t document as well as I should have. I found on Amazon I did buy this one. Relief. Enjoy the book
Hang on for a great adventure things are going to get wild
I was confused with some of the (to me) similarity in names once in awhile and if I had read more quickly might not have been , but an enjoyable book. I thought I had received this through NetGalley, but I didn’t. I didn’t document as well as I should have. I found on Amazon I did buy this one. Relief. Enjoy the book
December 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what happens in the next books. Absolutely recommend
April 11, 2015
Amazing story! The Celtic influence make it all the more great.
September 13, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads
This book was good....had a kind of Song of Fire and Ice feel to it.
This book was good....had a kind of Song of Fire and Ice feel to it.
April 25, 2015
This is a fun fantasy, not very deep, but enjoyable. well written.
December 27, 2017
ATTENTION: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
With a dramatic prologue, J.M. Hofer’s Islands in the Mist promises an exciting tale. Bran, a young man, lights his mother’s funeral pyre while recalling her last words, when she told him she was attacked by something she couldn’t name or describe. Bran is hungry for answers and revenge.
Three days after the battle that culminated in his mother’s death, an exhausted Bran meets Lucia, a young widow, when he stumbles upon her villa. Bran and Lucia are attracted to each other. He stays for a few days to rest and heal. During that time he tells her the Saxons will come eventually. But for now, the local tribes face a different kind of evil, something otherworldly. No one knows exactly what it is, but it is likely the thing that killed Bran’s mother.
Through stories, monologues and, frankly, info-dumps, we learn that the scourge of the countryside is the power-hungry Cerridwen, loosely based on the witch/goddess/priestess of Welsh legend. Cerridwen has found a way to bring the dead to life, creating an army of loyal, fearless creatures with a physical description much like Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films. And, like that tale, possession of a certain item (or in this case, items) is the only thing that can defeat Cerridwen’s evil. Cerridwen loves Morvran, her disfigured, hideous son, above all else. When Bran kills Morvran, Cerridwen’s anger ignites. Beautiful and conniving, she is able to swindle even honorable men to her will.
Hofer’s writing is clear and at times poetic, enjoyable to read. She uses antiquated phrasing with a light touch, which aids in setting her story in myth, and there are many exciting scenes.
Aside from these good things, however, I did have some problems with the book. Through the mouths of her characters, Hofer tells tale after tale of the world she has created, and many of the tales don’t advance the novel. At one point, the character Gwion tells Bran the history of why men aren’t allowed on “the Island.” Hofer uses the pretense that Bran “forgot” some of the story, giving him the excuse to ask Gwion to continue. It becomes an awkward lecture, especially when Bran says he forgot about the priestess his own sister was named after. If this information is necessary for the reader—and I’m not sure it is—an author this good should be able to deliver it with more finesse.
A gaping hole in the plot is this: if Cerridwen has “the ability to bring back life” (Cerridwen’s own words), why doesn’t she bring Morvran back? Cerridwen is a powerful antagonist, and her son’s death is her primary motivation, yet bringing him back to life is never addressed.
Bran, our hero, does not save the day. In an anticlimactic climax, Arawn, the god of death, does the saving in exchange for an oath Bran swore earlier in the book. A deus ex machina is legitimate in a mythical story, but with a warrior hero like Bran, it is disappointing to see him passive and incapacitated during the final battle. Bran set out in the beginning to find answers and revenge. He gets his answers, but revenge is not his.
If Hofer’s writing wasn’t good, this might not be so frustrating. However, a good novel is more than just good sentences. It also includes the structure of a story, a dramatic build toward a cathartic climax, and careful consideration of how the reader experiences the story—through the hero.
J.M. Hofer is ambitious in this book, the first in a trilogy. Yet so much is packed in, and so much exposition is required, that Islands in the Mist might have been enhanced by being a trilogy itself.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy of the book with me.
With a dramatic prologue, J.M. Hofer’s Islands in the Mist promises an exciting tale. Bran, a young man, lights his mother’s funeral pyre while recalling her last words, when she told him she was attacked by something she couldn’t name or describe. Bran is hungry for answers and revenge.
Three days after the battle that culminated in his mother’s death, an exhausted Bran meets Lucia, a young widow, when he stumbles upon her villa. Bran and Lucia are attracted to each other. He stays for a few days to rest and heal. During that time he tells her the Saxons will come eventually. But for now, the local tribes face a different kind of evil, something otherworldly. No one knows exactly what it is, but it is likely the thing that killed Bran’s mother.
Through stories, monologues and, frankly, info-dumps, we learn that the scourge of the countryside is the power-hungry Cerridwen, loosely based on the witch/goddess/priestess of Welsh legend. Cerridwen has found a way to bring the dead to life, creating an army of loyal, fearless creatures with a physical description much like Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films. And, like that tale, possession of a certain item (or in this case, items) is the only thing that can defeat Cerridwen’s evil. Cerridwen loves Morvran, her disfigured, hideous son, above all else. When Bran kills Morvran, Cerridwen’s anger ignites. Beautiful and conniving, she is able to swindle even honorable men to her will.
Hofer’s writing is clear and at times poetic, enjoyable to read. She uses antiquated phrasing with a light touch, which aids in setting her story in myth, and there are many exciting scenes.
Aside from these good things, however, I did have some problems with the book. Through the mouths of her characters, Hofer tells tale after tale of the world she has created, and many of the tales don’t advance the novel. At one point, the character Gwion tells Bran the history of why men aren’t allowed on “the Island.” Hofer uses the pretense that Bran “forgot” some of the story, giving him the excuse to ask Gwion to continue. It becomes an awkward lecture, especially when Bran says he forgot about the priestess his own sister was named after. If this information is necessary for the reader—and I’m not sure it is—an author this good should be able to deliver it with more finesse.
A gaping hole in the plot is this: if Cerridwen has “the ability to bring back life” (Cerridwen’s own words), why doesn’t she bring Morvran back? Cerridwen is a powerful antagonist, and her son’s death is her primary motivation, yet bringing him back to life is never addressed.
Bran, our hero, does not save the day. In an anticlimactic climax, Arawn, the god of death, does the saving in exchange for an oath Bran swore earlier in the book. A deus ex machina is legitimate in a mythical story, but with a warrior hero like Bran, it is disappointing to see him passive and incapacitated during the final battle. Bran set out in the beginning to find answers and revenge. He gets his answers, but revenge is not his.
If Hofer’s writing wasn’t good, this might not be so frustrating. However, a good novel is more than just good sentences. It also includes the structure of a story, a dramatic build toward a cathartic climax, and careful consideration of how the reader experiences the story—through the hero.
J.M. Hofer is ambitious in this book, the first in a trilogy. Yet so much is packed in, and so much exposition is required, that Islands in the Mist might have been enhanced by being a trilogy itself.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy of the book with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
This book is the beginning of a series regarding Arthurian Lore. It has a lot of fighting and magic in it. It also has betrayal, love, magic, the various gods as well as a lot of other interesting lore in it. We get to see the Isle surrounded by Mists where the Sisterhood dwells. We get to meet Gwion, Lucia, Aveta. We learn about Saxons, Romans, and the different Clans that each hold one of the four powerful items- the cauldron, the sword, the shield and the helm are all separated and with a different clan. Bran is the son of the Priestess of the Firefolk, Lady Agarah, whose Chieftain is Cadoc. We find that weird beasties attack the various Clans and there are a lot of dead who died in horrific ways, like the Lady Agarah and Cadoc. So Bran must ride and see Talhaiarn, who is in charge of the castle at the Crossroads and the Great Oak.
One of Aveta’s sisters by blood is the cause of all of the trouble and death, Cerridwen who is using the cauldron in evil ways. Learning the legends, and seeing them come alive in the book was fascinating and epic. The fight scenes are awesome. The notion of the Firebrands was shocking and exciting. There are a lot of scary things happening in this book. But there are times when things are just ‘normal’ as well. We learn a lot about Bran and his past, as well as Lucia’s and hers is shocking. The powers of the sisterhood was amazing, they can fight and are epic healers. I was very impressed with them, as well as Bran’s sister, Seren. I loved her and my heart broke for her to be stuck between her loves. I also cried quite a bit throughout the book. I can’t wait to read the other books!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of Aveta’s sisters by blood is the cause of all of the trouble and death, Cerridwen who is using the cauldron in evil ways. Learning the legends, and seeing them come alive in the book was fascinating and epic. The fight scenes are awesome. The notion of the Firebrands was shocking and exciting. There are a lot of scary things happening in this book. But there are times when things are just ‘normal’ as well. We learn a lot about Bran and his past, as well as Lucia’s and hers is shocking. The powers of the sisterhood was amazing, they can fight and are epic healers. I was very impressed with them, as well as Bran’s sister, Seren. I loved her and my heart broke for her to be stuck between her loves. I also cried quite a bit throughout the book. I can’t wait to read the other books!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
Island of Mists is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys immersive high fantasy. It takes readers on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, magical encounters, and a storyline that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. There are moments of joy and moments of heartbreak, creating the kind of emotional depth that great fantasy storytelling delivers. Overall, a wonderful read and highly recommended!
April 22, 2026
I loved how this author told the story to incorporate Welsh legend. It was well written, the characters were great, and the world-building was awesome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2018
Enjoyed the story. She is a good story teller. Cannot wait to read her next book
April 20, 2020
Well written and fabulously narrated by John Keating this is a great audiobook! The storyline is developed so that it keeps you interested and the characters are dynamic! Must read!
January 22, 2026
This series immerses you into the world of Iron Age Britain and Welsh mythology. The author’s extensive research came across in the world building with the descriptions of rituals, fantasy elements, and battles. The characters are also well developed and engaging. All in all, this was a great start to the series.
January 16, 2026
This book was very enjoyable to read. Liked the characters in it and how they collide in this high fantasy. Definitely recommend this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2019
Great read!
Awesome story.
Have read the other books, too!
Awesome story.
Have read the other books, too!
October 18, 2019
Great read! Enjoyed it!
May 12, 2017
This is a splendid fantasy story, rich with character development, fantasy elements, and concepts of celtic god-lore. I did think the world building a bit limited in scope for such an epic, but that didn't diminish the depth of the epic struggle so well played out.
I do recommend this tale to readers of fantasy.
I do recommend this tale to readers of fantasy.
January 22, 2026
J. M. Hofer weaves a complex, compelling story based on ancient Welsh legends, making the characters – while convincingly historically accurate—as relatable and sympathetic as modern heroines and heroes.
The world she evokes in Islands in the Mist is a matriarchal society, presided over by the deity The Great Mother, whose handmaidens are a colony of women with supernatural powers, living in isolation on a remote island.
The book opens with the visit of a stranger to a farm on the mainland, home of Lucia, widow of a Roman nobleman, and her helpers, Aveta and Aveta’s young son, Gwion. Both Gwion and Lucia have unearthly abilities, Lucia’s to see the future, and Gwion’s to communicate in the language of animals, plants, and trees. The visitor is a large, handsome man named Bran who warns of recent attacks in nearby villages by strange beings who have been killing and devouring victims in gruesome ways.
After Bran’s departure, Lucia has a vision of her home being burned and pale figures slinking in the dark, searching for human prey. When she tells Aveta of her vision, the other woman says the three of them must depart for the island where the Sisterhood reigns. She then tells Lucia that she, Aveta, is the sister of Lucia’s departed mother, and a daughter of the High Priestess of the Sisterhood.
The current plague of attackers is the work of Cerridwen, the oldest sister of Aveta and Lucia’s mother. Cerridwen has left the island, taking the Sisterhood’s cauldron with her. She has used the supernatural power of the cauldron to reanimate dead bodies, creating a numberless army to give her control of the four kingdoms in the realm. Bran becomes the leader in the fight against Cerridwen’s plot. In the process, he and Lucia fall in love.
The final battle sees the sacrifice of two of the book’s most beloved characters as the army of warriors from the four kingdoms rise up against Cerridwen and her undead minions. It is a dramatic, suspenseful ending, and Hofer brings the book to a mystical conclusion.
Her writing is polished, lyrical, and lovely. Hofer especially excels at descriptions of natural beauty. The details of ancient Celtic life are vivid and convincing. Unlike many historical novels, this one had no anachronisms in speech or description to trip up the reader. Hofer sustains a steady pace throughout this epic tale, which is no mean feat.
My criticisms of the novel are minor: First, there are a great many characters with unusual names for the reader to keep track of. A chart of relationships – especially of the priestess, Lady Rowan, her daughters Aveta, Cordelia (Lucia’s mother), and Cerridwen, and Rowan’s granddaughter, Lucia, would help a lot. Too, the leaders and warriors in the book’s several realms are hard to keep straight.
Also, the book begins with Lucia and creates the expectation that Lucia will be the protagonist, but, although Lucia reappears throughout the book, she’s not a major character and another woman becomes the focus of the conclusion.
Last, the husband Lucia believed to be dead, the Roman Camulos, returns to her briefly, but is greatly changed for the worse and she wonders if he’s possessed. The implication is that he may be under Cerridwen’s spell, having been raised from the dead. He disappears from the narrative and the mystery of his altered nature is never solved.
None of this detracted from my admiration for Hofer’s achievement, creating a rich, imaginative book peopled by characters who will win readers’ hearts. The fact that there are four more books in this series makes her accomplishment even more impressive.
The world she evokes in Islands in the Mist is a matriarchal society, presided over by the deity The Great Mother, whose handmaidens are a colony of women with supernatural powers, living in isolation on a remote island.
The book opens with the visit of a stranger to a farm on the mainland, home of Lucia, widow of a Roman nobleman, and her helpers, Aveta and Aveta’s young son, Gwion. Both Gwion and Lucia have unearthly abilities, Lucia’s to see the future, and Gwion’s to communicate in the language of animals, plants, and trees. The visitor is a large, handsome man named Bran who warns of recent attacks in nearby villages by strange beings who have been killing and devouring victims in gruesome ways.
After Bran’s departure, Lucia has a vision of her home being burned and pale figures slinking in the dark, searching for human prey. When she tells Aveta of her vision, the other woman says the three of them must depart for the island where the Sisterhood reigns. She then tells Lucia that she, Aveta, is the sister of Lucia’s departed mother, and a daughter of the High Priestess of the Sisterhood.
The current plague of attackers is the work of Cerridwen, the oldest sister of Aveta and Lucia’s mother. Cerridwen has left the island, taking the Sisterhood’s cauldron with her. She has used the supernatural power of the cauldron to reanimate dead bodies, creating a numberless army to give her control of the four kingdoms in the realm. Bran becomes the leader in the fight against Cerridwen’s plot. In the process, he and Lucia fall in love.
The final battle sees the sacrifice of two of the book’s most beloved characters as the army of warriors from the four kingdoms rise up against Cerridwen and her undead minions. It is a dramatic, suspenseful ending, and Hofer brings the book to a mystical conclusion.
Her writing is polished, lyrical, and lovely. Hofer especially excels at descriptions of natural beauty. The details of ancient Celtic life are vivid and convincing. Unlike many historical novels, this one had no anachronisms in speech or description to trip up the reader. Hofer sustains a steady pace throughout this epic tale, which is no mean feat.
My criticisms of the novel are minor: First, there are a great many characters with unusual names for the reader to keep track of. A chart of relationships – especially of the priestess, Lady Rowan, her daughters Aveta, Cordelia (Lucia’s mother), and Cerridwen, and Rowan’s granddaughter, Lucia, would help a lot. Too, the leaders and warriors in the book’s several realms are hard to keep straight.
Also, the book begins with Lucia and creates the expectation that Lucia will be the protagonist, but, although Lucia reappears throughout the book, she’s not a major character and another woman becomes the focus of the conclusion.
Last, the husband Lucia believed to be dead, the Roman Camulos, returns to her briefly, but is greatly changed for the worse and she wonders if he’s possessed. The implication is that he may be under Cerridwen’s spell, having been raised from the dead. He disappears from the narrative and the mystery of his altered nature is never solved.
None of this detracted from my admiration for Hofer’s achievement, creating a rich, imaginative book peopled by characters who will win readers’ hearts. The fact that there are four more books in this series makes her accomplishment even more impressive.
February 4, 2026
The Islands in the Mist series is a patient, character-driven fantasy grounded in history and tradition, where myth and legacy emerge gradually rather than through spectacle. Across five books, the story explores leadership, responsibility, and long-arc character growth, rewarding readers who value continuity, consequence, and thoughtful pacing. It’s a cohesive, intentional series that unfolds with quiet strength from beginning to end.
The series reviews first appeared on GinaRaeMitchell.com.
The opening novel in the series takes its time, and I appreciated that from the very beginning. Islands in the Mist is not interested in rushing the reader toward spectacle. Instead, it focuses on place, tradition, and the slow shaping of character — grounding its story in history while allowing myth to quietly edge its way in.
I felt there was a sense of intention behind the worldbuilding. Cultural details, leadership structures, and belief systems feel considered rather than decorative. The pacing is deliberate, but purposeful, giving space for observation and learning to matter. This is very much a book about foundations — about who a character is before power, before responsibility fully settles in.
While this isn’t a flashy series opener, it is a confident one. Readers who enjoy historically grounded fantasy, patient storytelling, and character-driven arcs will find this a strong and thoughtful beginning.
This review first appeared on GinaRaeMitchell.com.
The series reviews first appeared on GinaRaeMitchell.com.
The opening novel in the series takes its time, and I appreciated that from the very beginning. Islands in the Mist is not interested in rushing the reader toward spectacle. Instead, it focuses on place, tradition, and the slow shaping of character — grounding its story in history while allowing myth to quietly edge its way in.
I felt there was a sense of intention behind the worldbuilding. Cultural details, leadership structures, and belief systems feel considered rather than decorative. The pacing is deliberate, but purposeful, giving space for observation and learning to matter. This is very much a book about foundations — about who a character is before power, before responsibility fully settles in.
While this isn’t a flashy series opener, it is a confident one. Readers who enjoy historically grounded fantasy, patient storytelling, and character-driven arcs will find this a strong and thoughtful beginning.
This review first appeared on GinaRaeMitchell.com.
February 7, 2026
I received a copy of Islands in the Mist in exchange for an honest review. What follows is my opinion and mine alone. There was no compensation for this review.
I believe every person can look back into their childhood and talk about a time where they fell in love with mythology. Usually, it’s Greek or Norse, but for me, Celtic mythology and the stories of King Arthur enthralled me. I remember reading about castles and how they were made. My dad would watch shows about archeological digs in the U.K. where the Romans left their mark on British soil.
Reading Islands in the Mist not only transported me to Iron Age Britain but to the 1990’s in my kitchen asking my dad what he would put in his moat. Just so you know, he was very candid and it was very disturbing. I personally wanted alligators, but alas.
That said, this book is the first in a historical fantasy series. You won’t find castles or moats of alligators, but you will find Roman villas and communities of clansmen protecting their homes from a dark and disturbing evil plaguing the lands. Bran is a soldier charged with finding out who killed his mother. After speaking with his mentor, he is told that a cauldron where the dead can be brought back to life is being used.
The first book is an easy read and definitely a start to a series I would encourage my son to read. Great for historical fiction fans and fans of fantasy, the story weaves fact and fiction together in a way that I could believe this is how it was. It was easy to get into and a quick read that kept me engaged. I will be reading the rest of the series as well and am excited to continue.
I believe every person can look back into their childhood and talk about a time where they fell in love with mythology. Usually, it’s Greek or Norse, but for me, Celtic mythology and the stories of King Arthur enthralled me. I remember reading about castles and how they were made. My dad would watch shows about archeological digs in the U.K. where the Romans left their mark on British soil.
Reading Islands in the Mist not only transported me to Iron Age Britain but to the 1990’s in my kitchen asking my dad what he would put in his moat. Just so you know, he was very candid and it was very disturbing. I personally wanted alligators, but alas.
That said, this book is the first in a historical fantasy series. You won’t find castles or moats of alligators, but you will find Roman villas and communities of clansmen protecting their homes from a dark and disturbing evil plaguing the lands. Bran is a soldier charged with finding out who killed his mother. After speaking with his mentor, he is told that a cauldron where the dead can be brought back to life is being used.
The first book is an easy read and definitely a start to a series I would encourage my son to read. Great for historical fiction fans and fans of fantasy, the story weaves fact and fiction together in a way that I could believe this is how it was. It was easy to get into and a quick read that kept me engaged. I will be reading the rest of the series as well and am excited to continue.
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