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The Fianna Trilogy #2
The Web
In Victorian New York, seventeen-year-old Grace Knox is tangled in the web of an ancient prophecy.
The Fianna, legendary Irish warriors, have been magically called from their undying sleep to aid Ireland in its rebellion against Britain. But the Fianna have awakened in New York alongside their bitter enemies, the Fomori. A prophecy demands that a Druid priestess—a veleda—must choose between these two sides. Grace is this veleda.
But being the veleda means she must sacrifice her power—and her life—to her choice. On one side are her fiancé, Patrick Devlin, and the Fomori. On the other are the Fianna—and the warrior Diarmid Ua Duibhne, with whom Grace shares an undeniable connection. Patrick has promised to find a way to save her life. In three months, at the ancient ritual, Diarmid must wield the knife that kills her.
Grace doesn’t know whom to trust. As dark forces converge on the city, she struggles to discover the truth about her power. Can she change her own destiny? Can she escape the shadows of the past and reach for a future she could never have imagined?
The Fianna, legendary Irish warriors, have been magically called from their undying sleep to aid Ireland in its rebellion against Britain. But the Fianna have awakened in New York alongside their bitter enemies, the Fomori. A prophecy demands that a Druid priestess—a veleda—must choose between these two sides. Grace is this veleda.
But being the veleda means she must sacrifice her power—and her life—to her choice. On one side are her fiancé, Patrick Devlin, and the Fomori. On the other are the Fianna—and the warrior Diarmid Ua Duibhne, with whom Grace shares an undeniable connection. Patrick has promised to find a way to save her life. In three months, at the ancient ritual, Diarmid must wield the knife that kills her.
Grace doesn’t know whom to trust. As dark forces converge on the city, she struggles to discover the truth about her power. Can she change her own destiny? Can she escape the shadows of the past and reach for a future she could never have imagined?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
189 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Megan Chance
32 books701 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 17, 2017
The web is the second book in the Fianna trilogy, and despite it being a more mature book in writing style (yay for author growth!) it does suffer from book 2 syndrome. Despite quite a lot happening, the reader learns very little in this book and is almost at the same point they were at the end of book 1.
The main benefit of having read The Web is that you get a richer look at the characters. A little growth occurs with some of the key players, but it's mainly a lot of action with little substance. Not that that is a bad thing, just not really necessary.
The writing flowed well, the pace frantic, and sweeps the readers upon the crazy along with Grace, Patrick, Aidan and Derry.
I am quite pleased about the progress with supporting characters in this book, although Lucy irritates me to no end and Rose needs to grow a backbone.
The Irish folklore and legend was a little lighter touch this time, but it worked with the story and characters. A good mix.
I am still keen to read book 3, if for no other reason than to see where things end for Grace. I have some ideas of where things are going, we'll see if they come true soon.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
The main benefit of having read The Web is that you get a richer look at the characters. A little growth occurs with some of the key players, but it's mainly a lot of action with little substance. Not that that is a bad thing, just not really necessary.
The writing flowed well, the pace frantic, and sweeps the readers upon the crazy along with Grace, Patrick, Aidan and Derry.
I am quite pleased about the progress with supporting characters in this book, although Lucy irritates me to no end and Rose needs to grow a backbone.
The Irish folklore and legend was a little lighter touch this time, but it worked with the story and characters. A good mix.
I am still keen to read book 3, if for no other reason than to see where things end for Grace. I have some ideas of where things are going, we'll see if they come true soon.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
February 13, 2015
Even though this is the second book of a trilogy I was able to follow along without much problem. I will need to go back and read the first one now since I really loved this one.
Grace is seventeen and has come into her magical inheritance or so it is supposed to have been. She unfortunately doesn't feel any magic in her at all and that in itself could be a very large problem since she is to decide the fate of the Irish with said magic as she is sacrificed on Halloween. She doesn't want to die but who would! It takes her some time to come to terms that she is to be the chosen one and in the meantime she is being tugged around like a bag of potatoes going to the one who can grab her and hold her the longest.
Derry is very old as in several thousand years old and he is what seems to be the most dangerous of gang boys with a reputation that precedes him by miles. He is to be Grace's protector but can he keep her safe long enough to make it to Halloween and not only that but convince her that his side is actually the good side not the evil side. It becomes quite clear quickly that Derry is fast in love with Grace and the few who do know hope he won't repeat the mistakes of the past ever so long ago.
The storyline is really quite interesting and the writing is very smooth and easy to follow. There is enough action scenes throughout the book to keep you engaged and sitting on the edge of your chair to see what the outcome will be with whatever happens to be going on at that particular moment.
This book is right at the top of the YA list for most interesting as far as I'm concerned. I don't read a lot of YA because nothing ever peaks my interest enough but this one grabbed my interest and ran with it. Can't wait for book three now.
Grace is seventeen and has come into her magical inheritance or so it is supposed to have been. She unfortunately doesn't feel any magic in her at all and that in itself could be a very large problem since she is to decide the fate of the Irish with said magic as she is sacrificed on Halloween. She doesn't want to die but who would! It takes her some time to come to terms that she is to be the chosen one and in the meantime she is being tugged around like a bag of potatoes going to the one who can grab her and hold her the longest.
Derry is very old as in several thousand years old and he is what seems to be the most dangerous of gang boys with a reputation that precedes him by miles. He is to be Grace's protector but can he keep her safe long enough to make it to Halloween and not only that but convince her that his side is actually the good side not the evil side. It becomes quite clear quickly that Derry is fast in love with Grace and the few who do know hope he won't repeat the mistakes of the past ever so long ago.
The storyline is really quite interesting and the writing is very smooth and easy to follow. There is enough action scenes throughout the book to keep you engaged and sitting on the edge of your chair to see what the outcome will be with whatever happens to be going on at that particular moment.
This book is right at the top of the YA list for most interesting as far as I'm concerned. I don't read a lot of YA because nothing ever peaks my interest enough but this one grabbed my interest and ran with it. Can't wait for book three now.
March 19, 2016
The triangle between Patrick, Grace & Denny continues. Patrick & Denny are now enemies due to Patrick siding with the Fomori. Patrick demands that the Fianna join them, Patrick’s group & the Fomori, to free Ireland from Britain. The Fianna & the Fomori are bitter enemies, one fighting to prevent the other from destroying Ireland. (But sadly, even the heroes aren’t perfect.)
Grace is the veleda, the one who must decide if the Fianna’s cause is worthy. If she decides it is, then they will live to fight … otherwise they will fade away. Grace does not believe she is the powerful veleda, but she listens to the others who are trying to convince her of this simple truth. The only problem is, who is telling her the complete truth & who is lying … something she must decide before she choose which side she is on.
Ms. Chance provides you with more folklore, and details in those stories. She provides you with more information about the quests, as well as the prophecies.
I enjoyed this story. I began reading it directly after book 1. These books run together, so there is a small cliff hanger at the end of the book. But you pick right up in the following book.
I would suggest you get all 3 books together. The story has that strong of a pull. It makes you wonder what will happen next. How will Grace’s powers become complete? What will happen between the love triangle? Which side of the battle will Grace decide?
https://booksbooksbooksmorebooks.word...
Grace is the veleda, the one who must decide if the Fianna’s cause is worthy. If she decides it is, then they will live to fight … otherwise they will fade away. Grace does not believe she is the powerful veleda, but she listens to the others who are trying to convince her of this simple truth. The only problem is, who is telling her the complete truth & who is lying … something she must decide before she choose which side she is on.
Ms. Chance provides you with more folklore, and details in those stories. She provides you with more information about the quests, as well as the prophecies.
I enjoyed this story. I began reading it directly after book 1. These books run together, so there is a small cliff hanger at the end of the book. But you pick right up in the following book.
I would suggest you get all 3 books together. The story has that strong of a pull. It makes you wonder what will happen next. How will Grace’s powers become complete? What will happen between the love triangle? Which side of the battle will Grace decide?
https://booksbooksbooksmorebooks.word...
June 4, 2015
First off... BOOK THREE IS OUT IN AUGUST 2015??? I DON'T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT JANUARY???
The issues I had with the first book were cleared up here, so it's easily 4 stars without any quibbles from me about giving it a little extra for this or that.
There was still one annoyance that held over though...the long index of names and pronunciations and famous legends and this and that and the other at the very beginning of the book. I get that Celtic words are difficult to pronounce. But we are also introduced to all the characters and reminded of who they are and who they were and what place they hold in Celtic mythology in the text. It's unnecessary.
This time I just kept flipping pages until it was gone.
Once the book opens, it only took me a few pages to be reminded of what had happened in the last book, and what was ahead. The action was good throughout and I liked the addition of the sidhe, especially Battle Annie.
Grace was even a bit better this time, even though I got so annoyed with her being convinced "Derry" had used the lovespot on her....and then him not believing her about things and it just seems like it's a misunderstanding held out for suspense or effect, but two books is too long. Seriously.
They way things are set up at the end, I really hope that book 3 sees Grace continuing to become a stronger character.
The issues I had with the first book were cleared up here, so it's easily 4 stars without any quibbles from me about giving it a little extra for this or that.
There was still one annoyance that held over though...the long index of names and pronunciations and famous legends and this and that and the other at the very beginning of the book. I get that Celtic words are difficult to pronounce. But we are also introduced to all the characters and reminded of who they are and who they were and what place they hold in Celtic mythology in the text. It's unnecessary.
This time I just kept flipping pages until it was gone.
Once the book opens, it only took me a few pages to be reminded of what had happened in the last book, and what was ahead. The action was good throughout and I liked the addition of the sidhe, especially Battle Annie.
Grace was even a bit better this time, even though I got so annoyed with her being convinced "Derry" had used the lovespot on her....and then him not believing her about things and it just seems like it's a misunderstanding held out for suspense or effect, but two books is too long. Seriously.
They way things are set up at the end, I really hope that book 3 sees Grace continuing to become a stronger character.
August 12, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Wicked Reads Review Team
In book 2 the stakes are opened for the young heroine as she finds herself accepting and facing choices that no one show have to make. You can feel her heartbreak at what has become her reality and her struggle on how to best serve her family while being true to herself still. The mythos surrounding young Grace and Derry becomes clearer. I love the way the author has their story unfold. So while you see the love triangle it feels more natural. I cannot way to dive into book 3.
Wicked Reads Review Team
Wicked Reads Review Team
In book 2 the stakes are opened for the young heroine as she finds herself accepting and facing choices that no one show have to make. You can feel her heartbreak at what has become her reality and her struggle on how to best serve her family while being true to herself still. The mythos surrounding young Grace and Derry becomes clearer. I love the way the author has their story unfold. So while you see the love triangle it feels more natural. I cannot way to dive into book 3.
Wicked Reads Review Team
July 20, 2015
(Source: I own a copy of this book.)
This was an okay story, but I didn’t like it as much as the first one in the series. I found Diarmid to be quite whiney, and not a lot happening in general. Grace was abducted by Diarmid, and then the rest of the book was Patrick looking for her! The whole second ‘ogham’ stick, and finding out what the key was was lost on me also.
6 out of 10
This was an okay story, but I didn’t like it as much as the first one in the series. I found Diarmid to be quite whiney, and not a lot happening in general. Grace was abducted by Diarmid, and then the rest of the book was Patrick looking for her! The whole second ‘ogham’ stick, and finding out what the key was was lost on me also.
6 out of 10
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never-read
April 19, 2019Read the first book in the Fianna Trilogy, The Shadows. 1 Star, therefore will not continue with the series.
March 17, 2017
I gobbled up Megan Chance's Fianna trilogy like it was candy--reading so quickly through it that I didn't even take the time to review the first book before going on to the second book (and then the third) and by the end of it all, I was kind of overwhelmed by the thought of reviewing the first book in a trilogy when I've already finished the trilogy and so I just never reviewed it at all. But you know, I got to thinking tonight that I'm not sure if anyone actually reads my reviews or not, but if they do, I probably should tell them just how awesome this series was.
Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of the Fianna warriors of Irish mythology. Yes, I'd dabbled into books about Celtic druids and the sidhe, but I had never heard of Diarmid Ua Duibhne or the Fianna leader, Finn MacCumhail, or any of the rest of the warriors and gods of ancient Ireland. The Fianna trilogy was set in 1870's New York, rather than Ireland, as one would expect. While this is somewhat of an urban fantasy/romance novel, there are also a lot of great historical detail that the history junkie in me loved. New York in the late 1800's was a pretty dark and tumultuous city, full of gangs (think "Gangs of New York", that Leonardo DiCaprio film in which literally everybody died in gang fights) and starving immigrants living in filthy tenements. This made for a really awesome setting as New York society's elite clashed with the poor in a fight between ancient warriors and gods.
While I loved all of the above, I must admit that my favorite element of the trilogy was the tale of star-crossed, yet fated lovers, Diarmid and Grace. There was the classic battle between Grace's head and heart and ancient prophecies that made the love triangle that much more suspenseful. I loved every single character. I can even say that I loved the audible narration of this book (I mostly listened to the first book, listened to half of the second, and read most of the third myself). The accents were on point and really enriched the story.
This trilogy is a total winner winner chicken dinner.
And yes, I'm using this review on all three books, which I admit may be cheating.
I will add that The Web was my favorite installment of the trilogy.So, so good.
Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of the Fianna warriors of Irish mythology. Yes, I'd dabbled into books about Celtic druids and the sidhe, but I had never heard of Diarmid Ua Duibhne or the Fianna leader, Finn MacCumhail, or any of the rest of the warriors and gods of ancient Ireland. The Fianna trilogy was set in 1870's New York, rather than Ireland, as one would expect. While this is somewhat of an urban fantasy/romance novel, there are also a lot of great historical detail that the history junkie in me loved. New York in the late 1800's was a pretty dark and tumultuous city, full of gangs (think "Gangs of New York", that Leonardo DiCaprio film in which literally everybody died in gang fights) and starving immigrants living in filthy tenements. This made for a really awesome setting as New York society's elite clashed with the poor in a fight between ancient warriors and gods.
While I loved all of the above, I must admit that my favorite element of the trilogy was the tale of star-crossed, yet fated lovers, Diarmid and Grace. There was the classic battle between Grace's head and heart and ancient prophecies that made the love triangle that much more suspenseful. I loved every single character. I can even say that I loved the audible narration of this book (I mostly listened to the first book, listened to half of the second, and read most of the third myself). The accents were on point and really enriched the story.
This trilogy is a total winner winner chicken dinner.
And yes, I'm using this review on all three books, which I admit may be cheating.
I will add that The Web was my favorite installment of the trilogy.So, so good.
October 18, 2017
This worked well as a follow-up to the first book in the series. Both books have ended in a cliff hanger sort of situation, but fortunately, I've been reading them on the Kindle/Audible app on my phone, so it was fast work fetching and getting started on the next installment.
As a side note: I like the narrator for the audiobook as well. Are her Irish accents on point? Well ... maybe not. (Though, come on, how many Americans CAN do a realistic Irish accent? Also, pretty sure they shouldn't actually be speaking English in the first place, but never mind that.) But I get a guilty sort of pleasure out of Irish accents, even inaccurate ones, and she does a really good job of giving the different characters distinct voices.
As a side note: I like the narrator for the audiobook as well. Are her Irish accents on point? Well ... maybe not. (Though, come on, how many Americans CAN do a realistic Irish accent? Also, pretty sure they shouldn't actually be speaking English in the first place, but never mind that.) But I get a guilty sort of pleasure out of Irish accents, even inaccurate ones, and she does a really good job of giving the different characters distinct voices.
February 18, 2021
Totally entralling
I am so pleased I found this trilogy. I've read the first book and I loved it but I had to read the second one before I could review simply because sometimes the story fades, not this one. I don't usually go for fantasy but this tale had reeled me in and I'm not complaining. I'm with Grace/Grainne all the way. Of course I'm routing for the Fiannia. If you love adventure, excitement and a love story this trilogy has it in spades. I'm off to start reading the third and last book. Read them back to back and they just flow into each other without repeating a lot of what has gone on before and that is why I'm loving them too. Fantastic stuff.
I am so pleased I found this trilogy. I've read the first book and I loved it but I had to read the second one before I could review simply because sometimes the story fades, not this one. I don't usually go for fantasy but this tale had reeled me in and I'm not complaining. I'm with Grace/Grainne all the way. Of course I'm routing for the Fiannia. If you love adventure, excitement and a love story this trilogy has it in spades. I'm off to start reading the third and last book. Read them back to back and they just flow into each other without repeating a lot of what has gone on before and that is why I'm loving them too. Fantastic stuff.
January 21, 2020
I didn't think this second volume was as good as the first one. The first one really drew me in and I really liked how the author built the legend into events in historical New York. The second one felt more like filler. I found myself skimming over sections and it didn't hold my attention as well as the first book did. I'm also not sold on the romance. It just doesn't feel real. I actually think this series might work better as adult novels rather than YA. I still can't reconcile the images of these legendary warriors as teenage boys.
February 5, 2021
I enjoyed the first work in this series and was interested to see where the story would go. I was also excited about the Irish folklore and a continued exploration of fighting for Irish independence, but most of that went unexplored in this book. Almost nothing happened except the protagonist finally admits she's in love with someone she feels she shouldn't love; she also is only able to "unleash her powers" and realize her full potential after sleeping with him. No thanks. I won't be reading the next work in this series and was highly disappointed by this one.
October 6, 2020
Still a lot of lead up
Though a good enough book that I'm going to continue reading the series, the things that happen still feel, to me, like just more introductory information. Players are still being introduced, we are still learning their places within the grand scheme of the plot, and there isn't much grand action. It's another book of lead up for the ultimate clash that will happen later on.
Though a good enough book that I'm going to continue reading the series, the things that happen still feel, to me, like just more introductory information. Players are still being introduced, we are still learning their places within the grand scheme of the plot, and there isn't much grand action. It's another book of lead up for the ultimate clash that will happen later on.
June 27, 2021
most of the action happened towards the last 100+ pages of the book, which was exciting, but left a majority of the book feeling slow and draggy. however, i love diarmid so much that i'm gonna overlook that. patrick's povs - honestly i couldn't care less about them. but overall, i think this book just suffers from middle book syndrome, not necessarily making it bad because i still enjoyed it, and i'm just looking forward to having more excitement in the next one.
September 13, 2022
A good follow up to #1, I did enjoy this one a bit more than the first. But feel like we are just dragging out the inevitable. Will Grace live or die?
A good YA story for teens as there is not any graphic sex in the book, And it seems to be a young love story. Enjoyable just not my cup of tea. Got one more to finish the trilogy, because I've come this far !
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing, Skyscape for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
A good YA story for teens as there is not any graphic sex in the book, And it seems to be a young love story. Enjoyable just not my cup of tea. Got one more to finish the trilogy, because I've come this far !
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing, Skyscape for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2018
Much like the first book in this series, The Web has a slow start. The characters continue from where the last story left off. Grace has chosen Patrick to marry and align with before the end of the world. She had not yet embraced her powers because she keeps denying her attraction to Derry. Derry and Grace go on an adventure to find the archdruid, and realize how to unlock their powers.
May 6, 2017
As the plot thickens for Grace, she begans to grow into a strong Velada. She learns that her choice depends on much more than who she loves, Patrick or Diarmid. I look forward to the conclusion in the third book.
September 8, 2020
Action packed sequel
There is never a moment of rest in this action packed sequel where we finally see Grace take ownership of her plight.
Plenty of development for all the main characters too. Don't want to spoil anything.
Great audio narration too.
There is never a moment of rest in this action packed sequel where we finally see Grace take ownership of her plight.
Plenty of development for all the main characters too. Don't want to spoil anything.
Great audio narration too.
December 14, 2020
As good as the first
I was really excited to read this book after I read the 1st 1 in the trilogy and I wasn't disappointed I love the characters I continue to love where the story is going and the new details are just filling in all the gaps can't wait for the next 1.
I was really excited to read this book after I read the 1st 1 in the trilogy and I wasn't disappointed I love the characters I continue to love where the story is going and the new details are just filling in all the gaps can't wait for the next 1.
July 3, 2021
Gripping historical fantasy
Megan Chance has a gift for conjuring up Victorian settings intertwining fact and fiction. Her Fianna trilogy sweeps you up in a wave of romance, history and mythology which will grip you on every page. Highly recommended.
Megan Chance has a gift for conjuring up Victorian settings intertwining fact and fiction. Her Fianna trilogy sweeps you up in a wave of romance, history and mythology which will grip you on every page. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2021
5 Stars
Great 2nd book about the story of Grace, Derry & Patrick. I gave 5 stars because it was entertaining but there was a couple times I felt the writer added too many problems to keep the story going.
Great 2nd book about the story of Grace, Derry & Patrick. I gave 5 stars because it was entertaining but there was a couple times I felt the writer added too many problems to keep the story going.
March 12, 2024
This was a very good story and sadly I started wit at the third book. So, I went found book one to fill in the details. Regardless, this was such a fascinating story that weaves elements of the Celtic lore into it and brings it really to life in a more modern day world. Really fascinating.
September 30, 2017
Wonderful reading .i did injoy the first two
Books. I am abouf to start three. It kept me interested.the characters are great. I hope the next one is as good
Books. I am abouf to start three. It kept me interested.the characters are great. I hope the next one is as good
February 27, 2020
Great!
I liked the series. Irish folklore with a modern twist. Good reading for anyone who likes fae, and the like.
I liked the series. Irish folklore with a modern twist. Good reading for anyone who likes fae, and the like.
June 2, 2020
Another book I had to search via author! Note the two word title and one word is The!
January 10, 2021
It's well done for a YA book.
August 29, 2021
Megan Chase you’re a wonderful writer
I’ve enjoyed every single book I’ve read from Megan. Such imagination and story telling. It will draw you in! Enjoy
I’ve enjoyed every single book I’ve read from Megan. Such imagination and story telling. It will draw you in! Enjoy
November 27, 2015
The juxtaposition of Celtic legends, fantasy and magic with late 19th century life in New York City makes for an intriguing read. This is book 2 of the Fianna series. The author is a wonderful storyteller. She is able to set the scene so beautifully and bring the characters to life. I was pulled into this story and eagerly awaited each development of the plot.
This is a fun and well-written series for teenagers and young adults. Because the writing is so skillful, mature adults may like this series, as well.
Two ancient Celtic groups of warriors come to life. 2000 years have passed. Diarmid Ua Duibhne, a legendary Celtic warrior, arrives with the rest of the Fianna warriors in a tenement apartment building in New York City. Patrick Delvik wants them to fight for Ireland against the British. He summons the Fianna with an incantation using the "dord fainn", the Fianna leader Finn MacCumbail’s hunting horn. Unfortunately, since Patrick initially thinks the incantation did not work, he also summons the Fomori, ancient enemies of the Fianna.
Grace Knox, Patrick’s fiancée, is torn between two men, Patrick who supports the Fomori and Diarmid who is loyal to the Fianna. Grace is the "veleda", a Druid priestess with special powers, and she must choose between the two groups of warriors. Once she has chosen, she is to be sacrificed at the celebration of Samhain, Oct. 31st, to give them her power. According to the legend, Diarmid is under a "geis" that makes him do as he is asked; he is supposed to cut her throat. Without the sacrifice, all members of the Fianna will die. Patrick is determined to keep her from the Fianna and save her from death. He believes that the Fomori will not demand her sacrifice.
Diarmid falls in love with Grace and wants nothing more than to have Grace fall in love with him. However, he does not want to use the "ball seirce", a powerful lovespot on his forehead, to cast a spell on her. Any woman who sees it will fall helplessly in love with him. He wants Grace to truly love him without losing who she is.
Grace thinks her feelings of love and attraction for Diarmid are due to the spell of the ball sierce. However, when she brushes his hair away from his forehead and sees the ball sierce for the first time, Grace realizes that her feelings for him are real. Although, she insists her feelings are the same as before she saw his lovespot, Diarmid distrusts her feelings for him.
Grace’s grandmother had said the "sidhe" or fairies could help her find the archdruid. The archdruid might have an incantation to negate the need for Grace to be sacrificed at Samhain. Grace makes an alliance with Battle Annie, Queen of the River Pirates, who commands a number of sidhe, and pursues her quest for the archdruid. She realizes she must not let love blind her from her duties as veleda. She needs to make an important choice. Although she loves Diarmid, Grace realizes she has a different fate than he does. She must do what she is supposed to do to save Ireland. Grace knows she is descended from a line of veledas and her decision to choose Fianna or Fomori is vital. When Diramid leaves her with a guard while he goes to rescue Oscar, a Fianna warrior, Grace feels the call to go on alone on her quest.
In the beginning of the book, there is a list of Irish names of people and power objects that is very helpful to refer to as you read. However, readers should still read the first book, “The Shadows” first to understand this second. The plot will be confusing otherwise. After reading the first book, I started reading the second without a break.
I bought the Audible as well as Kindle version and could switch between them. There is also an audio version in sync with the pages that you can listen to as you read. Karen Peakes does an excellent job with the various voices in the narration.
This is a fun and well-written series for teenagers and young adults. Because the writing is so skillful, mature adults may like this series, as well.
Two ancient Celtic groups of warriors come to life. 2000 years have passed. Diarmid Ua Duibhne, a legendary Celtic warrior, arrives with the rest of the Fianna warriors in a tenement apartment building in New York City. Patrick Delvik wants them to fight for Ireland against the British. He summons the Fianna with an incantation using the "dord fainn", the Fianna leader Finn MacCumbail’s hunting horn. Unfortunately, since Patrick initially thinks the incantation did not work, he also summons the Fomori, ancient enemies of the Fianna.
Grace Knox, Patrick’s fiancée, is torn between two men, Patrick who supports the Fomori and Diarmid who is loyal to the Fianna. Grace is the "veleda", a Druid priestess with special powers, and she must choose between the two groups of warriors. Once she has chosen, she is to be sacrificed at the celebration of Samhain, Oct. 31st, to give them her power. According to the legend, Diarmid is under a "geis" that makes him do as he is asked; he is supposed to cut her throat. Without the sacrifice, all members of the Fianna will die. Patrick is determined to keep her from the Fianna and save her from death. He believes that the Fomori will not demand her sacrifice.
Diarmid falls in love with Grace and wants nothing more than to have Grace fall in love with him. However, he does not want to use the "ball seirce", a powerful lovespot on his forehead, to cast a spell on her. Any woman who sees it will fall helplessly in love with him. He wants Grace to truly love him without losing who she is.
Grace thinks her feelings of love and attraction for Diarmid are due to the spell of the ball sierce. However, when she brushes his hair away from his forehead and sees the ball sierce for the first time, Grace realizes that her feelings for him are real. Although, she insists her feelings are the same as before she saw his lovespot, Diarmid distrusts her feelings for him.
Grace’s grandmother had said the "sidhe" or fairies could help her find the archdruid. The archdruid might have an incantation to negate the need for Grace to be sacrificed at Samhain. Grace makes an alliance with Battle Annie, Queen of the River Pirates, who commands a number of sidhe, and pursues her quest for the archdruid. She realizes she must not let love blind her from her duties as veleda. She needs to make an important choice. Although she loves Diarmid, Grace realizes she has a different fate than he does. She must do what she is supposed to do to save Ireland. Grace knows she is descended from a line of veledas and her decision to choose Fianna or Fomori is vital. When Diramid leaves her with a guard while he goes to rescue Oscar, a Fianna warrior, Grace feels the call to go on alone on her quest.
In the beginning of the book, there is a list of Irish names of people and power objects that is very helpful to refer to as you read. However, readers should still read the first book, “The Shadows” first to understand this second. The plot will be confusing otherwise. After reading the first book, I started reading the second without a break.
I bought the Audible as well as Kindle version and could switch between them. There is also an audio version in sync with the pages that you can listen to as you read. Karen Peakes does an excellent job with the various voices in the narration.
September 10, 2015
ARC kindly provided by Skyscape via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
Review
'The Web' was probably better than I hoped for. For one, it was better than its predecessor, 'The Shadows'. Secondly, it did not suffer from second-book-syndrome! YAY! It also expanded on the story plot we first receive in the first book in such a way, that it all transitioned smoothly from one thing to another. 'The Web' also concentrated a LOT more on the romantic attraction between Grace and Diarmid. The hopelessness of those two just made me want to tear my hair out. ARGH! They both love each other but all this stuff keeps getting in their way such as lies, emotions, engagements, the prophecy, Diarmid's geis, Grace's sacrificial death, etc.
You'll understand what I mean when you read the book. And you have to. Read the book I mean. Go on; pick it up, read it!
This was a nice contrast the first book in the series where Grace's relationship with Patrick was at the centre whereas now it's Grace and Derry. There was a point in their interaction where I just wanted to cry because they would never get together and it was all sooo emotional and heartfelt that...you know...I cried. And then finally when you think it will never happen... I'll leave that to you to ponder in distress.
The writing was as excellent as always. Once again we get multiple perspectives from multiple characters and lovely Irish myth jargon. No mistakes, typos, errors or poor phrasing - just like in the previous. This book was purely YA, even though the cover makes it seem more children's than it actually is. I mean, there was this one scene... :) I really have nothing to complain about. If you haven't read this series yet or 'The Shadows' you really should. Ignore the ratings and open it 'cause its compelling, intriguing, romantic, fantastic, heartfelt and...you get the idea. Congratulations to Megan Chance on publishing yet another riveting book in 'The Fianna Trilogy'. Can't wait for more young-adult novels from you!
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
April 23, 2016
I have not yet read the first book but I really wanted to read this one, so I did. There was a bunch of piecing together to do in the beginning because I was missing some of the backstory. That is my own fault. After reading The Web, I feel like I need the next book immediately. Since that isn’t possible, I’m going to find a way to lay my hands on the first book, The Shadows.
The story is set in Victorian New York. The Fianna and the Fomori were summoned to the city by Patrick Devlin who want to help Ireland. What Patrick didn’t know was that, by summoning both the Fianna and the Fomori, he has put an ancient prophecy into motion. That prophecy demands the life of his fiancée, Grace Knox.
Grace has a choice to make. Does she side with the Fianna and Diarmid with whom she has an obvious connection? Or does she side with the Fomori whom her fiancé trusts? The decision Grace makes will influence more than she can imagine. But she still doesn’t want to die which is the prophecy says must happen.
I like Grace. She is trying to figure who is good and which side is right. And she’s discovering that neither side is perfect, neither side is completely honest. So Grace tries her best to figure out what to do. I like this struggle. It makes everything seem more real. In Grace’s confusion, she is more relatable, more real. All of us have been in situations where we don’t know what the right decision is, the best choice to make. I can relate to Grace in this.
Diarmid has some problems throughout the book. First, he knows he’s the one who has to kill Grace as part of the ritual the prophecy demands. Second, he loves Grace. Third, he is Fianna and faithful, loyal to his brothers. He has so much pulling at him, telling him to do different, opposite things. He, too, has some choices he needs to make.
I enjoyed reading this book. Like I said, I want to read The Shadows now. This book had highly believable characters, at least to me. I could relate with Grace. I could understand the decisions Patrick was making. I could feel the tension in Diarmid’s decisions. I really liked this book, more than I thought I would. I wasn’t sure what to expect but even if I had, this book would have met them.
I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared at CatholicAmanda.com.
The story is set in Victorian New York. The Fianna and the Fomori were summoned to the city by Patrick Devlin who want to help Ireland. What Patrick didn’t know was that, by summoning both the Fianna and the Fomori, he has put an ancient prophecy into motion. That prophecy demands the life of his fiancée, Grace Knox.
Grace has a choice to make. Does she side with the Fianna and Diarmid with whom she has an obvious connection? Or does she side with the Fomori whom her fiancé trusts? The decision Grace makes will influence more than she can imagine. But she still doesn’t want to die which is the prophecy says must happen.
I like Grace. She is trying to figure who is good and which side is right. And she’s discovering that neither side is perfect, neither side is completely honest. So Grace tries her best to figure out what to do. I like this struggle. It makes everything seem more real. In Grace’s confusion, she is more relatable, more real. All of us have been in situations where we don’t know what the right decision is, the best choice to make. I can relate to Grace in this.
Diarmid has some problems throughout the book. First, he knows he’s the one who has to kill Grace as part of the ritual the prophecy demands. Second, he loves Grace. Third, he is Fianna and faithful, loyal to his brothers. He has so much pulling at him, telling him to do different, opposite things. He, too, has some choices he needs to make.
I enjoyed reading this book. Like I said, I want to read The Shadows now. This book had highly believable characters, at least to me. I could relate with Grace. I could understand the decisions Patrick was making. I could feel the tension in Diarmid’s decisions. I really liked this book, more than I thought I would. I wasn’t sure what to expect but even if I had, this book would have met them.
I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared at CatholicAmanda.com.
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