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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
68 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Hofer
8 books58 followersJ.M. Hofer's novel series, Islands in the Mist, is inspired by Celtic mythology and takes place in Iron Age Britain.
Book 1 of the series was chosen as one of five semi-finalists out of 2,000 entries 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 of the series was chosen as one of five semi-finalists out of 2,000 entries 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 34 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.
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 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 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 19, 2026
This is where a long, myth-rooted epic begins.
Islands in the Mist opens not with spectacle, but with atmosphere. Mist, water, sacred places, and the quiet unease of a world standing at the edge of change. From the start, Hofer establishes the foundations of the series: ancient powers, fragile alliances, spiritual traditions, and characters whose personal lives are inseparable from the fate of their people.
What struck me most is how deliberately this book builds its world. Rather than rushing into large-scale conflict, it spends time grounding the reader in belief systems, landscapes, and relationships. Bran and Lucia are not introduced as destined heroes, but as people—shaped by loss, duty, and uncertainty. Watching those foundations being laid is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
The mythological influence is woven into the fabric of the story rather than layered on top of it. Priestesses, relics, prophecy, and old gods feel culturally embedded, not decorative. The result is a setting that feels lived-in and spiritually charged, where magic is inseparable from history and consequence.
This is also a restrained novel. Much of its power comes from tension, mystery, and mood rather than action. The pacing is measured, at times almost contemplative, allowing space for the world to breathe. It won’t work for readers looking for constant battles, but it is deeply rewarding if you enjoy slow-burn fantasy that prioritizes immersion.
If there is a limitation, it’s that you can feel the series just beginning to stretch its limbs. The full scope is only hinted at, not yet unleashed. But as an opening volume, that subtlety works. It creates curiosity, investment, and a sense that something much larger is waiting beyond the mist.
Overall, Islands in the Mist is a thoughtful, atmospheric beginning to a multi-book epic—one rooted in myth, place, and character rather than spectacle.
Would I continue the series? Yes.
Would I recommend it to readers who enjoy mythology-driven, contemplative fantasy? Absolutely.
🌫 Quiet, mystical, and foundational. The first ripple of a widening circle.
Islands in the Mist opens not with spectacle, but with atmosphere. Mist, water, sacred places, and the quiet unease of a world standing at the edge of change. From the start, Hofer establishes the foundations of the series: ancient powers, fragile alliances, spiritual traditions, and characters whose personal lives are inseparable from the fate of their people.
What struck me most is how deliberately this book builds its world. Rather than rushing into large-scale conflict, it spends time grounding the reader in belief systems, landscapes, and relationships. Bran and Lucia are not introduced as destined heroes, but as people—shaped by loss, duty, and uncertainty. Watching those foundations being laid is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
The mythological influence is woven into the fabric of the story rather than layered on top of it. Priestesses, relics, prophecy, and old gods feel culturally embedded, not decorative. The result is a setting that feels lived-in and spiritually charged, where magic is inseparable from history and consequence.
This is also a restrained novel. Much of its power comes from tension, mystery, and mood rather than action. The pacing is measured, at times almost contemplative, allowing space for the world to breathe. It won’t work for readers looking for constant battles, but it is deeply rewarding if you enjoy slow-burn fantasy that prioritizes immersion.
If there is a limitation, it’s that you can feel the series just beginning to stretch its limbs. The full scope is only hinted at, not yet unleashed. But as an opening volume, that subtlety works. It creates curiosity, investment, and a sense that something much larger is waiting beyond the mist.
Overall, Islands in the Mist is a thoughtful, atmospheric beginning to a multi-book epic—one rooted in myth, place, and character rather than spectacle.
Would I continue the series? Yes.
Would I recommend it to readers who enjoy mythology-driven, contemplative fantasy? Absolutely.
🌫 Quiet, mystical, and foundational. The first ripple of a widening circle.
January 20, 2026
Islands in the Mist starts off the series, also called, Islands in the Mist, by J M Hofer. I am not one that likes to read fantasy. I usually am not able to easily follow along those stories. However, that was not the case with this book. I enjoyed going back in time to Britain during the Iron Age. The author brilliantly brings to life Welsh mythology. I loved meeting the main character, the great warrior Bran. He took me on an adventure to a new world of intrigue, danger, mystery, suspense, and romance. I had no difficulty in keep turning the pages and keep reading from scene to scene. I did not want to put it down until the very end. Of course, it ends with me wanting more and more. I thought it was a great example why I should go outside my comfort zone and read something new. I would have missed out on a great read if I had not given this one a chance.
I am giving Islands in the Mist five stars. I have no doubt readers who love to read historical fantasy fiction will love it as much as me. I can not wait to get the second installment from the Islands in the Mist series, Across the Sea, in my hands to see what J M Hofer has in store for their characters and readers.
I received a digital copy of J M Hofer's Islands in the Mist from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Islands in the Mist five stars. I have no doubt readers who love to read historical fantasy fiction will love it as much as me. I can not wait to get the second installment from the Islands in the Mist series, Across the Sea, in my hands to see what J M Hofer has in store for their characters and readers.
I received a digital copy of J M Hofer's Islands in the Mist from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
January 19, 2026
Islands in the Mist is a beautifully atmospheric fantasy rooted in Celtic mythology and ancient magic. The story follows Bran, a warrior drawn into a mystery that uncovers old powers, forgotten legends, and dangerous truths. With immersive world-building, subtle magic, and strong mythic undertones, this book is a solid and engaging start to the series. Perfect for readers who enjoy folklore-inspired fantasy with depth and mood.
The writing style is lyrical and immersive, perfectly suited to the story’s mythic tone. Mist-filled forests, tribal settlements, sacred groves, and battlefields are described with vivid detail, making the setting feel alive and ever-watchful. The pacing balances introspective moments with tension and action, allowing both the characters and the lore to unfold naturally.
The writing style is lyrical and immersive, perfectly suited to the story’s mythic tone. Mist-filled forests, tribal settlements, sacred groves, and battlefields are described with vivid detail, making the setting feel alive and ever-watchful. The pacing balances introspective moments with tension and action, allowing both the characters and the lore to unfold naturally.
April 10, 2019
Most extraordinary
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The storyline captivating and full of adventure. The world of fantasy from another wonderful angle. It's a page turner that you will have trouble putting down. Four tribes, an island with priestess box of men. The great mother watching all. A fallen priestess teams havoc over the team and all four tribes. At the crossroads a great soccer is the central leader spiritually to all four tribes. A young boy, a former chieftain and a list priestess of the isle to the land intervene to bring this tale to light. An adventure I am delighted to have taken. I can't wait to read another novel by J.M.Hofer.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The storyline captivating and full of adventure. The world of fantasy from another wonderful angle. It's a page turner that you will have trouble putting down. Four tribes, an island with priestess box of men. The great mother watching all. A fallen priestess teams havoc over the team and all four tribes. At the crossroads a great soccer is the central leader spiritually to all four tribes. A young boy, a former chieftain and a list priestess of the isle to the land intervene to bring this tale to light. An adventure I am delighted to have taken. I can't wait to read another novel by J.M.Hofer.
December 12, 2025
This book is a promising opening for this series, Islands in the mist.
It’s a fantasy adventure, fluently written and with detailed descriptions of the world and its surroundings.
It’s a story with many magical creatures, based on Welsh Mythology with druids, flaming swords, gods, …
Positive is also that there is a pronunciation guide included, it helps you connect even more with the characters and their journey.
This first part kept me engaged and willing to continue this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a fantasy adventure, fluently written and with detailed descriptions of the world and its surroundings.
It’s a story with many magical creatures, based on Welsh Mythology with druids, flaming swords, gods, …
Positive is also that there is a pronunciation guide included, it helps you connect even more with the characters and their journey.
This first part kept me engaged and willing to continue this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
A magical story full of mystery and Welsh intrigue. Bran and Lucia are strong solid characters who I really liked. The mythology and fantasy were easy to comprehend and the words flowed beautifully together creating a fresh tale. I was excited by the mysterious circumstances which I felt immediately drawn to solve. My favourite character Bran felt a mystery to me in the beginning but by the end it felt like I had known him for my whole life. The next book is going to be great if it is like this one!
November 2, 2017
Outstanding
I give this book 5stars for a lot of reasons. First it's like no other book I have had the honor to read. The characters are awesome with twists you don't see coming. The story line keeps you wanting more. This book almost had the pages turning by themselves. This author is going to knock your socks off. So please give this book a chance you won't regret it.
I give this book 5stars for a lot of reasons. First it's like no other book I have had the honor to read. The characters are awesome with twists you don't see coming. The story line keeps you wanting more. This book almost had the pages turning by themselves. This author is going to knock your socks off. So please give this book a chance you won't regret it.
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