What do you think?
Rate this book
Hiraeth #1
A Mark – Marc
Mona Jones has been on the run all her life without really knowing why. Her parents were murdered, and now, at twenty-one, her uncle and protector is dead too…
This dramatic chain of events compels Mona to spend time amid a Welsh-speaking community in Ynys Môn, also known as Anglesey. It is here that her druidic ancestry begins to emerge, identified more quickly by those around her. Attacked by an enemy druid, Mona quickly finds herself at the centre of an intense druid civil war.
Branded with 'the mark', she unleashes her power, only to discover she also has a terrible weakness. Mona quickly finds herself drawn to the warrior Cai, but they are soon separated when the community's fleet is lured out to sea by the threat of an Irish attack. With the Welsh druids convinced she is a spy working amongst them, Mona's uncontrollable power explodes for a second time.
The Welsh druids must decide if Mona is their saviour or their destroyer.
A fast-moving, contemporary action story, Hiraeth is a trilogy inspired by the ancient Celtic texts of the Mabinogion and the Ulster Cycle. The story has been woven into an epic power struggle, which straddles myth, Celtic identity and adventure.
This dramatic chain of events compels Mona to spend time amid a Welsh-speaking community in Ynys Môn, also known as Anglesey. It is here that her druidic ancestry begins to emerge, identified more quickly by those around her. Attacked by an enemy druid, Mona quickly finds herself at the centre of an intense druid civil war.
Branded with 'the mark', she unleashes her power, only to discover she also has a terrible weakness. Mona quickly finds herself drawn to the warrior Cai, but they are soon separated when the community's fleet is lured out to sea by the threat of an Irish attack. With the Welsh druids convinced she is a spy working amongst them, Mona's uncontrollable power explodes for a second time.
The Welsh druids must decide if Mona is their saviour or their destroyer.
A fast-moving, contemporary action story, Hiraeth is a trilogy inspired by the ancient Celtic texts of the Mabinogion and the Ulster Cycle. The story has been woven into an epic power struggle, which straddles myth, Celtic identity and adventure.
Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2014
6 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Liz Riley Jones
3 books8 followersLiz Riley Jones is the pen name of Sam Holland, a sculptor who lives and works in Kent.
It was the sculpture that Sam made of Dic Evans, an RNLI hero from Moelfre, Anglesey that reunited Sam with her family roots on the island.
Thomas Idwal Jones, her grandfather, was one of Dic’s lifelong friends, yet it was a chance phone call from the Moelfre Partnership over ten years ago that took Sam to Anglesey and changed her life.
Inspired by her newfound Celtic roots, Sam started learning Welsh and studying Celtic mythology, history and identity. This work has culminated in the story of Hiraeth - a mixture of personal experience, fantasy and homage to the great Celtic tales of the Mabinogion and the Irish Ulster Cycle.
It was the sculpture that Sam made of Dic Evans, an RNLI hero from Moelfre, Anglesey that reunited Sam with her family roots on the island.
Thomas Idwal Jones, her grandfather, was one of Dic’s lifelong friends, yet it was a chance phone call from the Moelfre Partnership over ten years ago that took Sam to Anglesey and changed her life.
Inspired by her newfound Celtic roots, Sam started learning Welsh and studying Celtic mythology, history and identity. This work has culminated in the story of Hiraeth - a mixture of personal experience, fantasy and homage to the great Celtic tales of the Mabinogion and the Irish Ulster Cycle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 7, 2015
Liz Riley Jones - Hiraeth a mark.
Warriors, Druids, RNLI, Welsh history, love, mystery and betrayal - something for everyone, whats not to love?
Hiraeth (homesickness tinged with grief or sadness over the lost or departed. It is a mix of longing, yearning, nostalgia, wistfulness, or an earnest desire for the Wales of the past - Wikipedia).
Loved it! A great, gripping story with a striding build of tension - try it, you wont be able to put it down.
Warriors, Druids, RNLI, Welsh history, love, mystery and betrayal - something for everyone, whats not to love?
Hiraeth (homesickness tinged with grief or sadness over the lost or departed. It is a mix of longing, yearning, nostalgia, wistfulness, or an earnest desire for the Wales of the past - Wikipedia).
Loved it! A great, gripping story with a striding build of tension - try it, you wont be able to put it down.
December 31, 2014
Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.
You might have guessed from the title that this novel is a novel of Celtic proportions – set mainly in modern day Anglesey (Ynys Mon), it’s a bit like a mixture between Harry Potter, Northern Lights and the legendary tales of Welsh and Celtic folklore. If that sounds pretty good to you, that’s probably because it is.
Loosely speaking, the story-line follows a powerful young woman called Mona Jones, who kicks ass at physical combat but who seems aligned with magic from the Irish and Welsh Celts. Her parents are dead, her uncle dies, and she heads off to Ynys Mon on his final instructions to join up with other remnants of the ancient tribes, where she’s initially distrusted and later on slowly accepted in to the community.
There she meets a warrior called Cai, who starts the novel seeming like a reticent and unassuming boy, quickly turns in to a ladies’ man and then transforms yet again, in front of our eyes. There’s a little bit of sex here and there if that’s your thing, but it doesn’t take away from the book as a whole and is dealt with well by the author, especially in one or two of the more delicate scenes.
I won’t spend much more time on the plot, partly because I don’t want to spoil it and partly because there’s a lot to go in to, but suffice to say that it’s a thrilling rollercoaster of an adventure, and a gentle introduction in to Jones’ alternative to our own world.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and if it’s anything to go by then the rest of the series is going to be pretty good and definitely one to watch – it set a precedent, and got me slightly addicted to Wales‘ language and its history. The author has clearly done her research – her fictional world is so authentic that she’s occasionally required to provide translations of Welsh words, and the title of the novel itself is in Welsh.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and even though I was hesitant at first, it was worth sticking with – I was hooked by the end and kind of reticent to leave the book behind.
You might have guessed from the title that this novel is a novel of Celtic proportions – set mainly in modern day Anglesey (Ynys Mon), it’s a bit like a mixture between Harry Potter, Northern Lights and the legendary tales of Welsh and Celtic folklore. If that sounds pretty good to you, that’s probably because it is.
Loosely speaking, the story-line follows a powerful young woman called Mona Jones, who kicks ass at physical combat but who seems aligned with magic from the Irish and Welsh Celts. Her parents are dead, her uncle dies, and she heads off to Ynys Mon on his final instructions to join up with other remnants of the ancient tribes, where she’s initially distrusted and later on slowly accepted in to the community.
There she meets a warrior called Cai, who starts the novel seeming like a reticent and unassuming boy, quickly turns in to a ladies’ man and then transforms yet again, in front of our eyes. There’s a little bit of sex here and there if that’s your thing, but it doesn’t take away from the book as a whole and is dealt with well by the author, especially in one or two of the more delicate scenes.
I won’t spend much more time on the plot, partly because I don’t want to spoil it and partly because there’s a lot to go in to, but suffice to say that it’s a thrilling rollercoaster of an adventure, and a gentle introduction in to Jones’ alternative to our own world.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and if it’s anything to go by then the rest of the series is going to be pretty good and definitely one to watch – it set a precedent, and got me slightly addicted to Wales‘ language and its history. The author has clearly done her research – her fictional world is so authentic that she’s occasionally required to provide translations of Welsh words, and the title of the novel itself is in Welsh.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and even though I was hesitant at first, it was worth sticking with – I was hooked by the end and kind of reticent to leave the book behind.
May 8, 2019
I found parts of this quite engaging but other aspects incredibly frustrating. There seemed to be a large number of continuity errors, including some characterisations (while others were really well done). I really enjoyed the premise and the general storyline but often found it jarring and thus didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to.
July 21, 2020
***July 2020 re-read***
May 17, 2021
HIRAETH Trilogy
by Liz Riley Jones

Marc, the Mark:
Baich, the Burden:
Colled, a Loss
A five star review *****
I came by this book purely by accident. I was looking for information on Celts and Druids and Hiraeth Marc came up on my Kindle. I was intrigued by the name and cover of the book, so I embarked upon the first part of a journey with young Mona Jones, the main character.
The word ‘Hiraeth’ is Welsh but has no direct translation into the English language but has been a description of feelings of yearning and longing.
For me, as I read the first book of the Hiraeth Trilogy, Marc, I could see this was a very unique and original story that fit into the time we live in. It is a work of fiction.
It tells a story of young Mona Jones whose parents are killed by unknown assailants while Mona was very young. She is raised by her Maternal Uncle Brendan, who trains her in fighting and self defence skills. Mona finds herself alone after Brendan is killed by unknown assailants. She must deal with all this and find safety. Brendan’s instructions send her to a community in Wales.
Her welcome is guarded by the most of the community, only one Druid insists she stays.
As the twists and turns of Mona’s life begin to unfold and she is purposely branded with the Marc by an enemy Druid. The community of Druidic peoples see her as a threat. Mona must prove herself as a leader and warrior.
This first book leads us to a point where we are informed of the backstory to the main characters and the function of the plot. Thus understanding the beginning of Mona’s journey.
This will not be a spoiler alert review for I believe it is a book and trilogy that should be read.
The story evolves but for me with something that can cause confusion as there are so many characters and getting to know them and their relationships can be an eliminating process. However this is really the only criticism I have of the first book and Hiraeth, the trilogy.
This is a very graphic, fast moving and developing story. It brings a modernised Wales into a setting of Ancient Rituals and Druidic traditions and beliefs so masterfully.
This is Liz Riley Jones first piece of writing and having read the complete trilogy I would happily recommend this book to any reader.
Liz Riley Jones has given life and breath to a character, Mona, and you will feel her hurt, her anger, her energy and fears but you will also cry with Mona and share her joys and developing friendships and love.
Beautifully written, graphically detailed and very unique. An excellent story that captures your attention. I read the first book shortly after publication and had to be very patient as I waited on the second and third books to become available. They were both equally as good as the first installment.
Excellent; five stars.
by Liz Riley Jones

Marc, the Mark:
Baich, the Burden:
Colled, a Loss
A five star review *****
I came by this book purely by accident. I was looking for information on Celts and Druids and Hiraeth Marc came up on my Kindle. I was intrigued by the name and cover of the book, so I embarked upon the first part of a journey with young Mona Jones, the main character.
The word ‘Hiraeth’ is Welsh but has no direct translation into the English language but has been a description of feelings of yearning and longing.
For me, as I read the first book of the Hiraeth Trilogy, Marc, I could see this was a very unique and original story that fit into the time we live in. It is a work of fiction.
It tells a story of young Mona Jones whose parents are killed by unknown assailants while Mona was very young. She is raised by her Maternal Uncle Brendan, who trains her in fighting and self defence skills. Mona finds herself alone after Brendan is killed by unknown assailants. She must deal with all this and find safety. Brendan’s instructions send her to a community in Wales.
Her welcome is guarded by the most of the community, only one Druid insists she stays.
As the twists and turns of Mona’s life begin to unfold and she is purposely branded with the Marc by an enemy Druid. The community of Druidic peoples see her as a threat. Mona must prove herself as a leader and warrior.
This first book leads us to a point where we are informed of the backstory to the main characters and the function of the plot. Thus understanding the beginning of Mona’s journey.
This will not be a spoiler alert review for I believe it is a book and trilogy that should be read.
The story evolves but for me with something that can cause confusion as there are so many characters and getting to know them and their relationships can be an eliminating process. However this is really the only criticism I have of the first book and Hiraeth, the trilogy.
This is a very graphic, fast moving and developing story. It brings a modernised Wales into a setting of Ancient Rituals and Druidic traditions and beliefs so masterfully.
This is Liz Riley Jones first piece of writing and having read the complete trilogy I would happily recommend this book to any reader.
Liz Riley Jones has given life and breath to a character, Mona, and you will feel her hurt, her anger, her energy and fears but you will also cry with Mona and share her joys and developing friendships and love.
Beautifully written, graphically detailed and very unique. An excellent story that captures your attention. I read the first book shortly after publication and had to be very patient as I waited on the second and third books to become available. They were both equally as good as the first installment.
Excellent; five stars.
May 6, 2017
Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.
You might have guessed from the title that this novel is a novel of Celtic proportions – set mainly in modern day Anglesey (Ynys Mon), it’s a bit like a mixture between Harry Potter, Northern Lights and the legendary tales of Welsh and Celtic folklore. If that sounds pretty good to you, that’s probably because it is.
Loosely speaking, the story-line follows a powerful young woman called Mona Jones, who kicks ass at physical combat but who seems aligned with magic from the Irish and Welsh Celts. Her parents are dead, her uncle dies, and she heads off to Ynys Mon on his final instructions to join up with other remnants of the ancient tribes, where she’s initially distrusted and later on slowly accepted in to the community.
There she meets a warrior called Cai, who starts the novel seeming like a reticent and unassuming boy, quickly turns in to a ladies’ man and then transforms yet again, in front of our eyes. There’s a little bit of sex here and there if that’s your thing, but it doesn’t take away from the book as a whole and is dealt with well by the author, especially in one or two of the more delicate scenes.
won’t spend much more time on the plot, partly because I don’t want to spoil it and partly because there’s a lot to go in to, but suffice to say that it’s a thrilling rollercoaster of an adventure, and a gentle introduction in to Jones’ alternative to our own world.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and if it’s anything to go by then the rest of the series is going to be pretty good and definitely one to watch – it set a precedent, and got me slightly addicted to Wales‘ language and its history. The author has clearly done her research – her fictional world is so authentic that she’s occasionally required to provide translations of Welsh words, and the title of the novel itself is in Welsh.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and even though I was hesitant at first, it was worth sticking with – I was hooked by the end and kind of reticent to leave the book behind.
You might have guessed from the title that this novel is a novel of Celtic proportions – set mainly in modern day Anglesey (Ynys Mon), it’s a bit like a mixture between Harry Potter, Northern Lights and the legendary tales of Welsh and Celtic folklore. If that sounds pretty good to you, that’s probably because it is.
Loosely speaking, the story-line follows a powerful young woman called Mona Jones, who kicks ass at physical combat but who seems aligned with magic from the Irish and Welsh Celts. Her parents are dead, her uncle dies, and she heads off to Ynys Mon on his final instructions to join up with other remnants of the ancient tribes, where she’s initially distrusted and later on slowly accepted in to the community.
There she meets a warrior called Cai, who starts the novel seeming like a reticent and unassuming boy, quickly turns in to a ladies’ man and then transforms yet again, in front of our eyes. There’s a little bit of sex here and there if that’s your thing, but it doesn’t take away from the book as a whole and is dealt with well by the author, especially in one or two of the more delicate scenes.
won’t spend much more time on the plot, partly because I don’t want to spoil it and partly because there’s a lot to go in to, but suffice to say that it’s a thrilling rollercoaster of an adventure, and a gentle introduction in to Jones’ alternative to our own world.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and if it’s anything to go by then the rest of the series is going to be pretty good and definitely one to watch – it set a precedent, and got me slightly addicted to Wales‘ language and its history. The author has clearly done her research – her fictional world is so authentic that she’s occasionally required to provide translations of Welsh words, and the title of the novel itself is in Welsh.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and even though I was hesitant at first, it was worth sticking with – I was hooked by the end and kind of reticent to leave the book behind.
December 30, 2016
Mona lives with her uncle in a caravan in the woods. Brendan teaches her to fight, insistent that her life is in danger and she needs to protect herself, following the murder of her parents and her brother going AWOL in the army in Afghanistan. She knows the drill if Brendan doesn’t come home. As Mona turns twenty one, that day comes.
The lawyer tells her that she is to go to Anglesey and spend a month, looking for her relations.
This first book in the Hiraeth trilogy, marc, is a cracker. The characters are well crafted and the settings, beautifully described, enabling the reader to picture life on an island. History, Welsh folk lore, language and music are magically entwined with everyday life to produce a compulsive story of love, hate, suspicion and revenge.
The lawyer tells her that she is to go to Anglesey and spend a month, looking for her relations.
This first book in the Hiraeth trilogy, marc, is a cracker. The characters are well crafted and the settings, beautifully described, enabling the reader to picture life on an island. History, Welsh folk lore, language and music are magically entwined with everyday life to produce a compulsive story of love, hate, suspicion and revenge.
May 8, 2015
"Hiraeth is a story told in three parts. Dark Celtic fantasy novels about a hidden Druid community. Set in modern day Wales and Ireland, Hiraeth is strongly influenced by Celtic history and mythology." from website http://hiraeth.me/
Finished this book last night and it's one of the best I've ever read. Liz Riley Jones is a masterful storyteller on par with T A Barron and Terry Brooks. This is an amazing amalgam of history, myth, and magic all told in a modern setting. What a great read! I can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
Finished this book last night and it's one of the best I've ever read. Liz Riley Jones is a masterful storyteller on par with T A Barron and Terry Brooks. This is an amazing amalgam of history, myth, and magic all told in a modern setting. What a great read! I can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
June 19, 2016
Not what I expected
As soon as I started reading I realised it must be part of a trilogy. I was excited to read this I am welsh and suffered desperately from Hireath when I first left home. But I expected more magic and more myth's. Maybe the sequel will fill that void . Welsh folk law is full of blood and guts. Sadly HIreath didn't have any.
As soon as I started reading I realised it must be part of a trilogy. I was excited to read this I am welsh and suffered desperately from Hireath when I first left home. But I expected more magic and more myth's. Maybe the sequel will fill that void . Welsh folk law is full of blood and guts. Sadly HIreath didn't have any.
March 19, 2016
I was sent this book by the author to review, and found myself totally immersed in the world she has created.
Read
May 29, 2017DNF at 25%
Read
July 21, 2017Mona Jones has been on the run ever since her parents died and her brother ran away. Her uncle, her only family, has gone missing (presumably dead) and has left her with very cryptic instructions that lead her to an unfriendly Welsh community. With only two who befriend her, Mona is left to solve the huge puzzle of her life, her parents life and the past that has caught up with her.
I absolutely could not put Hiraeth down! Not only was it new to me (in terms of druidic knowledge encompassing Wales) but Mona and Cai are really great characters – both strong, physically and mentally but willing to do whatever it takes to protect the small community from becoming brutally smaller.
It is a great blend of both old and new world and while I as predictably frustrated at the book ending on a cliffhanger, I will wait patiently until its sequel comes out!
I absolutely could not put Hiraeth down! Not only was it new to me (in terms of druidic knowledge encompassing Wales) but Mona and Cai are really great characters – both strong, physically and mentally but willing to do whatever it takes to protect the small community from becoming brutally smaller.
It is a great blend of both old and new world and while I as predictably frustrated at the book ending on a cliffhanger, I will wait patiently until its sequel comes out!
Read
August 15, 2017DNF
Imagine Twilight, but instead of vampires you have druids and instead of being in America you're in Wales, but not big city Wales, Anglesey Wales.
Ok, that probably isn't fair because our protagonist Mona has Druid powers whereas Bella isn't a vampire (at least not to start with). Not only does Mona have Druid powers, she has the strongest Druid powers that anyone's had for ages and I'm sorry but I've heard it all before.
It's not a bad book, it just isn't for me. I expect a Welsh supernatural YA would lap this up, sadly that isn't me.
Imagine Twilight, but instead of vampires you have druids and instead of being in America you're in Wales, but not big city Wales, Anglesey Wales.
Ok, that probably isn't fair because our protagonist Mona has Druid powers whereas Bella isn't a vampire (at least not to start with). Not only does Mona have Druid powers, she has the strongest Druid powers that anyone's had for ages and I'm sorry but I've heard it all before.
It's not a bad book, it just isn't for me. I expect a Welsh supernatural YA would lap this up, sadly that isn't me.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews