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The Enchanted Island
When Maeve O’Brien’s boss sends her to a dreary old island to finalise some paperwork, she couldn’t be happier. It’s the career boost she needs to become a fully-fledged lawyer – besides, it hasn’t been so great on the home front in Dublin.
Maeve’s oldest friend and flat-mate has kicked her out, and moving back in with her uptight mother has been less than cosy. But her reception on Hy Brasil, a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, couldn’t be any more hostile – it’s as if the island itself wants her gone. The locals are all ancient – and spookily well preserved – and they’re all so nasty. And what is that terrible screaming noise that echoes around the island?
But no island is going to scare Maeve off, even if she does miss her credit card, and her make-up, and bright shiny nightclubs, and the one night stands. She’s determined to track down Sean Fitzpatrick, the elusive islander, whose signature on Maeve’s paperwork is going to transform the island and open it up to the world.
And then, somehow, life begins to change. The island might be miserable and treacherous, but it’s also beautiful and strangely seductive. Maeve’s never felt better. And there’s also Killian, the dreamy teacher, who stirs up all kinds of unexpected feelings in Maeve.
But something’s brewing, and Maeve is going to discover just how far people will go to protect the ones they love.
Maeve’s oldest friend and flat-mate has kicked her out, and moving back in with her uptight mother has been less than cosy. But her reception on Hy Brasil, a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, couldn’t be any more hostile – it’s as if the island itself wants her gone. The locals are all ancient – and spookily well preserved – and they’re all so nasty. And what is that terrible screaming noise that echoes around the island?
But no island is going to scare Maeve off, even if she does miss her credit card, and her make-up, and bright shiny nightclubs, and the one night stands. She’s determined to track down Sean Fitzpatrick, the elusive islander, whose signature on Maeve’s paperwork is going to transform the island and open it up to the world.
And then, somehow, life begins to change. The island might be miserable and treacherous, but it’s also beautiful and strangely seductive. Maeve’s never felt better. And there’s also Killian, the dreamy teacher, who stirs up all kinds of unexpected feelings in Maeve.
But something’s brewing, and Maeve is going to discover just how far people will go to protect the ones they love.
411 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2015
11 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Ellie O'Neill
5 books103 followersEllie is an Irish Australian bestselling author. She writes commercial fiction and is the author of four books. Her new novel, FAMILY MATTERS, published with Allen and Unwin will be released in June 2022. Her writing has been described as charming, whimsical, funny and touching. To date all of her books have been set in Ireland and she’s not entirely sure why. Australia has been home for over ten-years but her storytelling blooms from the streets of Dublin. Her 2014 novel, Reluctantly Charmed, was a top ten Australian debut and a bestseller.
After completing every book, Ellie announces to anyone with ears, that she’ll never write again. She is currently working on her fifth book and looks forward to dramatically throwing in the towel once more.
After completing every book, Ellie announces to anyone with ears, that she’ll never write again. She is currently working on her fifth book and looks forward to dramatically throwing in the towel once more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 4, 2015
4.5 Stars.
I really enjoyed this mystery/adventure/romance/supernatural gem of a book.
When we first meet Maeve she isn't the most appealing person in the world. She is extremely self centred and completely selfie obsessed! A total social media junkie and shopaholic, she uses her best friends credit card without permission to get botox injections... After her friend kicks her out of the apartment, she is forced to move back in with her mother. With the recession in Ireland putting everyone's job security at risk, trainee solicitor Maeve gets sent to the island of Hy Brasil to get a signature from an old resident to sell his house so that they can build a bridge to the mainland. If she gets the signature, her job will be secured. However as soon as she arrives in Hy Brasil everyone is hostile towards her, especially the older residents, and the man whose signature she desperately needs is completely avoiding her. How is she going to get the signature and secure her job? How come strange things are happening on the island? Will she ever get out of there?
What a pleasant surprise The Enchanted Island was! When I first started the story and was introduced to Maeve I was less than impressed. She was so self centred - I was afraid that I was going to be completely annoyed with her for the entire book! However it didn't take too long before she started to mature a bit, and I became totally team Maeve!
I adored all of the characters in this book, especially on the island. The cute gay couple, the surfer boys, the old woman with the beard, the evasive Sean... I couldn't get enough of these fabulous characters and interactions. Killian was nice, but I found his character was the least interesting... However I still liked him and I really enjoyed the romance!
I love the way Maeve grew as a person. Its amazing what a bit of silence and reflection can do for the soul. I really loved how she started to let go of her online life and actually lived in the moment while she was on the island. I could totally relate to her in that way. I have done two 10-day silent meditation courses, where I couldn't even speak or make eye contact with anyone, and no internet... I was reminded of this as Maeve began to let go of the outside world.
The star of the novel though, was the island itself. O'Neill did a fantastic job of creating a wonderful atmosphere there. The island was dark for one scene and beautiful and majestic the next. I loved how everyone had their own special relationship with the island and how the island itself seemed to have a life force. And the characters on the island were an absolute hoot!
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! I thought it was such a sweet, clever and refreshing book! The Enchanted Island is for everyone who loves a good mystery, and a bit of magic.
Thanks to Ellie O'Neill via NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Follow me on twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
I really enjoyed this mystery/adventure/romance/supernatural gem of a book.
When we first meet Maeve she isn't the most appealing person in the world. She is extremely self centred and completely selfie obsessed! A total social media junkie and shopaholic, she uses her best friends credit card without permission to get botox injections... After her friend kicks her out of the apartment, she is forced to move back in with her mother. With the recession in Ireland putting everyone's job security at risk, trainee solicitor Maeve gets sent to the island of Hy Brasil to get a signature from an old resident to sell his house so that they can build a bridge to the mainland. If she gets the signature, her job will be secured. However as soon as she arrives in Hy Brasil everyone is hostile towards her, especially the older residents, and the man whose signature she desperately needs is completely avoiding her. How is she going to get the signature and secure her job? How come strange things are happening on the island? Will she ever get out of there?
What a pleasant surprise The Enchanted Island was! When I first started the story and was introduced to Maeve I was less than impressed. She was so self centred - I was afraid that I was going to be completely annoyed with her for the entire book! However it didn't take too long before she started to mature a bit, and I became totally team Maeve!
I adored all of the characters in this book, especially on the island. The cute gay couple, the surfer boys, the old woman with the beard, the evasive Sean... I couldn't get enough of these fabulous characters and interactions. Killian was nice, but I found his character was the least interesting... However I still liked him and I really enjoyed the romance!
I love the way Maeve grew as a person. Its amazing what a bit of silence and reflection can do for the soul. I really loved how she started to let go of her online life and actually lived in the moment while she was on the island. I could totally relate to her in that way. I have done two 10-day silent meditation courses, where I couldn't even speak or make eye contact with anyone, and no internet... I was reminded of this as Maeve began to let go of the outside world.
The star of the novel though, was the island itself. O'Neill did a fantastic job of creating a wonderful atmosphere there. The island was dark for one scene and beautiful and majestic the next. I loved how everyone had their own special relationship with the island and how the island itself seemed to have a life force. And the characters on the island were an absolute hoot!
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! I thought it was such a sweet, clever and refreshing book! The Enchanted Island is for everyone who loves a good mystery, and a bit of magic.
Thanks to Ellie O'Neill via NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Follow me on twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
January 18, 2016
Maeve O’Brien loved to shop; to spend every cent she earned and then some. Maxing her credit cards out was a way of life for her, as well as living life to its fullest and having fun. But when best friend Sasha exploded with rage over the line Maeve had finally crossed and kicked her out of their flat, Maeve was lost. She couldn’t work out why Sasha was so angry…
Maeve’s boss at the law firm approached her to do a job for the company on a remote island called Hy Brasil – all she needed to do was get a signature from Sean Fitzpatrick on a form and return to Dublin. Maeve was excited as she knew this was the step up in her career that she needed. She would do this simple job in a day or so and be back earning more money to spend.
But when she arrived on Hy Brasil after a distinctly rocky boat trip across the ocean, to be met by Dan, her contact with the boss, and island organiser, she was astounded to find her accommodation for the duration of her stay was a caravan – surrounded by mud flats. And the locals were unfriendly to say the least. As the days rolled on, her inability to find Sean Fitzpatrick was frustrating – the continued animosity from the islanders, and the strange noises and weird looks were starting to scare her.
Gradually Maeve realised she didn’t miss her make-up, her botox treatments, her selfies on social media – the beauty of the island was starting to get to her. And one local in particular – Killian – was making her heart race. Her determined nature was asserting itself; her attitude changed and her strength built. But there was danger of a different kind on the horizon – what was happening on Hy Brasil? What were the secrets the islanders were determined to keep?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Enchanted Island by Aussie author Ellie O’Neill. I had previously enjoyed Reluctantly Charmed and knew I had to read this one too, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Beautifully written with many laugh out loud moments, the magic and mystery of Hy Brasil is well portrayed. The irritating character that Maeve was at the start soon evolved – she was great! The Enchanted Island is a fabulous book that I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Maeve’s boss at the law firm approached her to do a job for the company on a remote island called Hy Brasil – all she needed to do was get a signature from Sean Fitzpatrick on a form and return to Dublin. Maeve was excited as she knew this was the step up in her career that she needed. She would do this simple job in a day or so and be back earning more money to spend.
But when she arrived on Hy Brasil after a distinctly rocky boat trip across the ocean, to be met by Dan, her contact with the boss, and island organiser, she was astounded to find her accommodation for the duration of her stay was a caravan – surrounded by mud flats. And the locals were unfriendly to say the least. As the days rolled on, her inability to find Sean Fitzpatrick was frustrating – the continued animosity from the islanders, and the strange noises and weird looks were starting to scare her.
Gradually Maeve realised she didn’t miss her make-up, her botox treatments, her selfies on social media – the beauty of the island was starting to get to her. And one local in particular – Killian – was making her heart race. Her determined nature was asserting itself; her attitude changed and her strength built. But there was danger of a different kind on the horizon – what was happening on Hy Brasil? What were the secrets the islanders were determined to keep?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Enchanted Island by Aussie author Ellie O’Neill. I had previously enjoyed Reluctantly Charmed and knew I had to read this one too, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Beautifully written with many laugh out loud moments, the magic and mystery of Hy Brasil is well portrayed. The irritating character that Maeve was at the start soon evolved – she was great! The Enchanted Island is a fabulous book that I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2015
The Enchanted Island is Ellie O'Neill's captivating second novel about self discovery, modern day malaise, and magic.
When apprentice solictor Maeve O'Brien is sent to Hy Brasil, a tiny island off the coast of Ireland, to finalise a deal for a client, she's determined to prove herself. Sure, she has made some mistakes, betraying her best friend and burying herself in debt among them, but she's confident that this assignment will help her turn things around. All Maeve needs is a signature from Sean Fitzpatrick, so that the client's plans to build a bridge between the mainland and the island can go ahead, but the landowner proves to be elusive, and most of the locals uniformly unhelpful.
Stuck on Hy Brasil, determined to complete her mission, Maeve is initially panicked at the thought of being on her own, but without the distractions of retail therapy and her busy city social life, she begins to reevaluate what she is looking for in life. O'Brien pokes fun at our modern day obsession with packaged beauty, social media and consumerism. I really liked the way in which Maeve changes through the novel, letting go of her shallow obsessions, and becoming a more confident, authentic person.
And while many of the locals, especially the elderly are distinctly unfriendly, Maeve makes some new friends including two stoner app developers, a charming gay couple and the handsome local schoolteacher, Killian. It's not until she finally corners Sean Fitzpatrick though that she learns the secrets of Hy Brasil.
As in Reluctantly Charmed, O'Neill draws on the folklore of Ireland to add a touch of mysticism to this contemporary novel. Hy Brasil is an island of great, almost unspoiled, beauty, rumoured to offer you your heart's desire, but there is an underlying atmosphere of menace that makes Maeve uneasy. The locals are secretive, bone chilling cries rent the night air, and a dark sort of energy seems to lurk unseen.
With an appealing mix of humour, intrigue and romance, this is an entertaining read. Well written, The Enchanted Island is an enchanting novel.
Want to read
June 9, 2024I would love to get my hands on a copy of Ellie O'Neill's new book The Enchanted Island because I loved Reluctantly Charmed so much, but sadly I can't find it in Amazon at all.
October 25, 2015
I was certainly enchanted with Ellie O'Neil's latest book.
With maxed out credit cards, Maeve makes the decision to use her flatmate's emergency funds card for her botox treatment. Unfortunately her best friend/flatmate is not so understanding and gives her a treatment of 'tough love' and tells her to basically grow up and get on top of her finances. Trouble is, that Maeve who is an apprentice in a lawyers firm has lost her confidence tries to find it through fashion, beauty and the social media.
One of her bosses offers her a job on the small island of Hy Basil, it seems simple enough, she just has to get a signature from one of the inhabitants, so that they can build a bridge to the mainland. But things aren't quite what they seem and she soon realises it's not going to be so easy and there are some strange things going on as well.
I really loved this book, I enjoyed watching Maeve grow and not care about how she appeard to people, gradually gaining more confidence with in herself and how she looked/felt. At the start I was quite perplexed about why it was so important that the bridge go ahead but all is revealed early in the book.
Once again there is that magical realism but with a much darker undertone which kept me reading. For me it seemed the book was having a fun poke at society and all it's obsession with beauty, social media and generally keeping busy.
Add a little romance, a little suspense and a chance to suspend reality makes for a book in which to immerse yourself in total escapism.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review
With maxed out credit cards, Maeve makes the decision to use her flatmate's emergency funds card for her botox treatment. Unfortunately her best friend/flatmate is not so understanding and gives her a treatment of 'tough love' and tells her to basically grow up and get on top of her finances. Trouble is, that Maeve who is an apprentice in a lawyers firm has lost her confidence tries to find it through fashion, beauty and the social media.
One of her bosses offers her a job on the small island of Hy Basil, it seems simple enough, she just has to get a signature from one of the inhabitants, so that they can build a bridge to the mainland. But things aren't quite what they seem and she soon realises it's not going to be so easy and there are some strange things going on as well.
I really loved this book, I enjoyed watching Maeve grow and not care about how she appeard to people, gradually gaining more confidence with in herself and how she looked/felt. At the start I was quite perplexed about why it was so important that the bridge go ahead but all is revealed early in the book.
Once again there is that magical realism but with a much darker undertone which kept me reading. For me it seemed the book was having a fun poke at society and all it's obsession with beauty, social media and generally keeping busy.
Add a little romance, a little suspense and a chance to suspend reality makes for a book in which to immerse yourself in total escapism.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review
October 22, 2015
Mysticism, science and laugh-out-loud insights—O’Neill’s second novel hits all the right notes with her usual charm and wit.
Maeve is single, ambitious and has so lost herself in her hectic social life of hook-ups and selfies that her best friend has kicked her out. So when her boss singles her out for an important job on the remote island of Hy Brasil she snatches the opportunity with both hands. Maeve soon learns there’s no better way to discover her real self than on a reclusive island where strange shrieks echo through the night, the town elders want her gone and the one person she’s come to see refuses to be found.
In The Enchanted Island O’Neill once again draws on Irish mythology to create an intriguing and transporting tale of a young woman’s search for identity in a world she’s trying hard to fit into. Maeve has a long journey to reach Hy Brasil and as a character she has just as far to travel emotionally. She’s lively, intelligent, often droll in her observations—all the characteristics I love in a heroine—and yet she initially does something so reprehensible she deserves to get sent home to her ‘difficult’ mother! Maeve is also selfie-obsessed and you can’t help wondering how this clueless girl is going to fair on this remote island.
I love O’Neill’s seemingly effortless writing style. You are drawn into Maeve’s world and for all her initial shallowness can’t help liking her and being intrigued by what’s behind all the weird goings on and strange attitudes of the locals. As always the characterisation is brilliant. Mythology and contemporary issues are woven into the island and its secrets in a way that keeps you reading even when you think you’ve got it figured out (I bet you haven’t). The pace slows a little when Maeve seems more interested in connecting with new friends than performing the job she’d been desperate to get, but it soon picks up with a couple of nice twists to remind us the island may well be enchanted.
O’Neill can make the implausible seem utterly plausible and in The Enchanted Island there is a maturity to the message that gives it an extra dimension. As with her first novel, Reluctantly Charmed, there are biting insights about the Irish economy and the state of the nation. Everything is wrapped in humour and a tale that will draw you in and keep you there.
Highly recommended.
*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia for an ARC of The Enchanted Island
Look for my forthcoming interview with Ellie O'Neill Aug 30 2015. http://rowenaholloway.com/coming-soon...
Novel released early November 2015
Maeve is single, ambitious and has so lost herself in her hectic social life of hook-ups and selfies that her best friend has kicked her out. So when her boss singles her out for an important job on the remote island of Hy Brasil she snatches the opportunity with both hands. Maeve soon learns there’s no better way to discover her real self than on a reclusive island where strange shrieks echo through the night, the town elders want her gone and the one person she’s come to see refuses to be found.
In The Enchanted Island O’Neill once again draws on Irish mythology to create an intriguing and transporting tale of a young woman’s search for identity in a world she’s trying hard to fit into. Maeve has a long journey to reach Hy Brasil and as a character she has just as far to travel emotionally. She’s lively, intelligent, often droll in her observations—all the characteristics I love in a heroine—and yet she initially does something so reprehensible she deserves to get sent home to her ‘difficult’ mother! Maeve is also selfie-obsessed and you can’t help wondering how this clueless girl is going to fair on this remote island.
I love O’Neill’s seemingly effortless writing style. You are drawn into Maeve’s world and for all her initial shallowness can’t help liking her and being intrigued by what’s behind all the weird goings on and strange attitudes of the locals. As always the characterisation is brilliant. Mythology and contemporary issues are woven into the island and its secrets in a way that keeps you reading even when you think you’ve got it figured out (I bet you haven’t). The pace slows a little when Maeve seems more interested in connecting with new friends than performing the job she’d been desperate to get, but it soon picks up with a couple of nice twists to remind us the island may well be enchanted.
O’Neill can make the implausible seem utterly plausible and in The Enchanted Island there is a maturity to the message that gives it an extra dimension. As with her first novel, Reluctantly Charmed, there are biting insights about the Irish economy and the state of the nation. Everything is wrapped in humour and a tale that will draw you in and keep you there.
Highly recommended.
*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia for an ARC of The Enchanted Island
Look for my forthcoming interview with Ellie O'Neill Aug 30 2015. http://rowenaholloway.com/coming-soon...
Novel released early November 2015
November 28, 2022
It's all going wrong for Maeve O'Brien. Her flatmate has kicked her out and isn't speaking to her, and moving back in with her mum isn't working out too well. When her boss asks her to travel to Hy Brasil to get a contract signed she jumps at the chance, not only will it get her away from her problems, it will give her the career break she has been chasing. Little does Maeve know that her task on Hy Brasil won't be as easy as it sounds, and that the locals have a serious aversion to newcomers.
This was a charity booksale find that has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time, and my first introduction to Ellie O'Neill.
I was a little concerned early on in the book because Maeve was not in the slightest bit likeable - self centered, shallow and very much like an overgrown teenager I could see why her friend stopped talking to her! I thought it could be a long book if something didn't change!
Thankfully once Maeve gets to Hy Brasil she stops being quite so self centred, and the book becomes much more enjoyable.
I thought for the most part this book was great. It has everything you would expect from this sort of rom com type book - a woman who's life is in need of transformation (whether she realises or not), a 'ticks all the boxes' love interest and just enough complications to get in the way of things running smoothly. It's funny in places, and has a great cast of supporting characters.
Then we get to the ending. Oh my days the ending. I disliked it so much that I've taken a full star off my rating! I thought it was ridiculous and a complete cop out. The magical elements felt totally out of the blue to me, didn't fit with the rest of the book and also weren't particularly well developed. On top of that I just couldn't believe that Maeve could turn a blind eye to the things that had gone on.
Having done a bit of reading around it seems that O'Neill's other books follow a similar style, so I'm very unlikely to read another.
This was a charity booksale find that has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time, and my first introduction to Ellie O'Neill.
I was a little concerned early on in the book because Maeve was not in the slightest bit likeable - self centered, shallow and very much like an overgrown teenager I could see why her friend stopped talking to her! I thought it could be a long book if something didn't change!
Thankfully once Maeve gets to Hy Brasil she stops being quite so self centred, and the book becomes much more enjoyable.
I thought for the most part this book was great. It has everything you would expect from this sort of rom com type book - a woman who's life is in need of transformation (whether she realises or not), a 'ticks all the boxes' love interest and just enough complications to get in the way of things running smoothly. It's funny in places, and has a great cast of supporting characters.
Then we get to the ending. Oh my days the ending. I disliked it so much that I've taken a full star off my rating! I thought it was ridiculous and a complete cop out. The magical elements felt totally out of the blue to me, didn't fit with the rest of the book and also weren't particularly well developed. On top of that I just couldn't believe that Maeve could turn a blind eye to the things that had gone on.
Having done a bit of reading around it seems that O'Neill's other books follow a similar style, so I'm very unlikely to read another.
January 18, 2016
I was looking forward to reading something light, so I picked this novel from my long list of Netgalley novels I need to read and review.
The first part wasn’t auspicious. The author set out our heroine, Maeve O’Brien, to be so annoying, superficial and vacuous, it took a long time for me to get over my dislike for her. While I understand why O’Neill chose to do that, it didn’t quite work for me.
For the first 20-30%, I was contemplating whether to drop it, because I couldn’t stand the first person narrative and the novel had a distinctive new adult flavour (not a favourite).
Things start to move along and change as Maeve is sent to a small, isolated island, Hy Brasil, to obtain the signature of a land owner, needed in order to build a bridge that will connect the main island to Hy Brasil. Simple enough, right? Wrong. The islanders are not very welcoming. Strange things keep happening. There’s something off and very usual about Hy Brasil.
As the man whose signature Maeve is chasing is nowhere to be found or when found refuses to sign the papers, she has to spend much longer on the island than planned.
After a week or so, Maeve starts meeting a few friendlier islanders, who were some of the newer people on the island. One of them is the very charming teacher, Killian, who is completely her opposite and, shock horror!, he doesn’t have a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account.
I must say the novel got better as I read on. The added mythological, paranormal elements made it different, although they’re really not my cup-of-teacoffee.
Through Maeve we learn that we should stop the constant business, we should put the technology away and just stop and smell the coffee, or tea. Nothing we haven’t heard before.
My initial strong dislike for the heroine and the tone of the novel has dwindled as I read on, but not enough to make me love it.
The Enchanted Island was an easy read, a somewhat quirky romantic novel, that, unfortunately, it failed to enchant me.
I've received this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first part wasn’t auspicious. The author set out our heroine, Maeve O’Brien, to be so annoying, superficial and vacuous, it took a long time for me to get over my dislike for her. While I understand why O’Neill chose to do that, it didn’t quite work for me.
For the first 20-30%, I was contemplating whether to drop it, because I couldn’t stand the first person narrative and the novel had a distinctive new adult flavour (not a favourite).
Things start to move along and change as Maeve is sent to a small, isolated island, Hy Brasil, to obtain the signature of a land owner, needed in order to build a bridge that will connect the main island to Hy Brasil. Simple enough, right? Wrong. The islanders are not very welcoming. Strange things keep happening. There’s something off and very usual about Hy Brasil.
As the man whose signature Maeve is chasing is nowhere to be found or when found refuses to sign the papers, she has to spend much longer on the island than planned.
After a week or so, Maeve starts meeting a few friendlier islanders, who were some of the newer people on the island. One of them is the very charming teacher, Killian, who is completely her opposite and, shock horror!, he doesn’t have a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account.
I must say the novel got better as I read on. The added mythological, paranormal elements made it different, although they’re really not my cup-of-
Through Maeve we learn that we should stop the constant business, we should put the technology away and just stop and smell the coffee, or tea. Nothing we haven’t heard before.
My initial strong dislike for the heroine and the tone of the novel has dwindled as I read on, but not enough to make me love it.
The Enchanted Island was an easy read, a somewhat quirky romantic novel, that, unfortunately, it failed to enchant me.
I've received this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2016
Enchanted or not?
This is another book by Ellie O'Neill that has magical realism at its core.
Maeve O'Brien is a modern city girl, who had more means than her mother's generation to get into overdraft, and as a twenty-something, she uses them all. A bunch of credit cards on online and store purchases is still not enough, however. So Maeve makes a bad choice. A very bad choice.
For Maeve is also extremely vain, and doesn't social media give her numerous opportunities to showcase her looks. Which must be maintained. At a cost.
Ireland in a recession after the global financial crisis is portrayed well. The threat of joblessness and the corporate politics in Dublin feel very real, right down to dirty tactics for climbing the corporate ladder.
In contrast, Hy Brasil, a little magical isle, is lovingly depicted. Ellie seems to miss her beloved Ireland.
There is a mystery about the island, its resources and most of all its alienating, unfriendly people. Maeve's task places her at odds with the island's inhabitants, a perfect plot device, and page turner.
Though there is much repetition from one chapter to the next, Ellie's conversational style of writing, and the suspense about the island, keeps one interested. The humour is less so here than in Reluctantly Charmed.
There are a few quibbles. There is inane detail, eg repetitive tellings about making tea and getting to sleep. And Maeve's gorgeousness. But mostly, it seems yet again, the author is reluctant to make a call on the turning point of the whole story. I won't give any spoilers away. But who is the banshee? The story would have been much enhanced by a resolution. What makes the isle tick? Is there magic? What's the source?
There's a place and time at the end of a fantasy book where an author has to make a call. Yet again, Ellie O'Neill has fallen just short in her world building. To have built it would have created a more powerful magical novel.
What was good was the love interest, Killian. And some of the characters were idiosyncratic and eccentric.
This is another book by Ellie O'Neill that has magical realism at its core.
Maeve O'Brien is a modern city girl, who had more means than her mother's generation to get into overdraft, and as a twenty-something, she uses them all. A bunch of credit cards on online and store purchases is still not enough, however. So Maeve makes a bad choice. A very bad choice.
For Maeve is also extremely vain, and doesn't social media give her numerous opportunities to showcase her looks. Which must be maintained. At a cost.
Ireland in a recession after the global financial crisis is portrayed well. The threat of joblessness and the corporate politics in Dublin feel very real, right down to dirty tactics for climbing the corporate ladder.
In contrast, Hy Brasil, a little magical isle, is lovingly depicted. Ellie seems to miss her beloved Ireland.
There is a mystery about the island, its resources and most of all its alienating, unfriendly people. Maeve's task places her at odds with the island's inhabitants, a perfect plot device, and page turner.
Though there is much repetition from one chapter to the next, Ellie's conversational style of writing, and the suspense about the island, keeps one interested. The humour is less so here than in Reluctantly Charmed.
There are a few quibbles. There is inane detail, eg repetitive tellings about making tea and getting to sleep. And Maeve's gorgeousness. But mostly, it seems yet again, the author is reluctant to make a call on the turning point of the whole story. I won't give any spoilers away. But who is the banshee? The story would have been much enhanced by a resolution. What makes the isle tick? Is there magic? What's the source?
There's a place and time at the end of a fantasy book where an author has to make a call. Yet again, Ellie O'Neill has fallen just short in her world building. To have built it would have created a more powerful magical novel.
What was good was the love interest, Killian. And some of the characters were idiosyncratic and eccentric.
March 9, 2016
Absolutely delightful book! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Maeve O’Brien is a floundering 20 something soon to become fully fledged lawyer, who is up to her eyeballs in debt, has recently been kicked out of her flat by her oldest friend and college room mate and has just moved back in with her mother. Maeve has hit an all time low - it is at this point that Maeve’s boss sends her to a dreary old island called Hy Brasil, a remote island off the west coast of Ireland to finalise some paperwork, and Maeve couldn’t be happier.
The reception at the strange town of Hy Brasil is anything but warm, but everything is tinged with a little magic - the food taste better, the water a little cleaner, the wine a little sweeter and the love she finds is all the more tender.
This book is charming, quirky and a more than a little whimsical, but a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Maeve O’Brien is a floundering 20 something soon to become fully fledged lawyer, who is up to her eyeballs in debt, has recently been kicked out of her flat by her oldest friend and college room mate and has just moved back in with her mother. Maeve has hit an all time low - it is at this point that Maeve’s boss sends her to a dreary old island called Hy Brasil, a remote island off the west coast of Ireland to finalise some paperwork, and Maeve couldn’t be happier.
The reception at the strange town of Hy Brasil is anything but warm, but everything is tinged with a little magic - the food taste better, the water a little cleaner, the wine a little sweeter and the love she finds is all the more tender.
This book is charming, quirky and a more than a little whimsical, but a thoroughly enjoyable read.
August 28, 2015
A fun and interesting book. It would make a good holiday/beach read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free kindle copy.
June 11, 2016
The main character was very shallow and I found it hard to relate to her.
April 26, 2017
Seriously loved this. Such a sweet ending to such a magical book. I couldn't get enough of this novel.. very good considering I picked it up from Kmart for $9! Love Love Love!!!
August 29, 2015
Review closer to publication.
August 9, 2017
I was excited to read The Enchanted Island because I absolutely loved Ellie O'Neill's Reluctantly Charmed. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
It is not that it is a bad book because I did like it, it just could have been a whole lot better. Basically, I was just bored. The story was not overly interesting, the characters were either annoying or dull and the charm of O'Neill's first novel was nowhere in sight, even if there was a tiny mention of Hugh, his wife (so he and Kate got married, good to know) and Knocknamee in chapter 38.
The main character of The Enchanted Island is Maeve O'Brien and she is simply annoying and shallow. Being a girl who doesn't like makeup and high heels, I could not relate to her at all at the start of the book. By the end, she became a little more relatable, but it wasn't until the very end that she became somewhat likeable. I think what made her more of an annoyance is her dedication to her boss, Harry Holmes, and his friend Dan and getting the signature from Sean Fitzpatrick, a guy we know basically nothing about until the end. That wild goose chase that seemed to be the main focus of the book was also the worst part of the book.
Most of the other characters faded into the background until they were needed, which is normal so I am not labelling it as a bad thing, but there was one that is featured a little more and that is Killian McCarthy. From the synopsis, I knew he was going to pop up somewhere and I was so happy when he did because finally, something interesting was going to happen. It was still slow and not anywhere near exciting to take away from the somewhat boring lead up, but it did give the book a bit more life.
I was honestly contemplating giving this book 2 stars but the ending was enough for me to give it one more. I am disappointed that it took 350 pages for something interesting to happen and that is wasn't until chapter 39 that all the weird little bread crumbs, that were less than interesting during the book, finally got explained in a somewhat interesting way.
Just to wrap it up, I feel this book could have been a lot better than what it is and I hope that any future books by Ellie O'Neill are more on par with Reluctantly Charmed.
It is not that it is a bad book because I did like it, it just could have been a whole lot better. Basically, I was just bored. The story was not overly interesting, the characters were either annoying or dull and the charm of O'Neill's first novel was nowhere in sight, even if there was a tiny mention of Hugh, his wife (so he and Kate got married, good to know) and Knocknamee in chapter 38.
The main character of The Enchanted Island is Maeve O'Brien and she is simply annoying and shallow. Being a girl who doesn't like makeup and high heels, I could not relate to her at all at the start of the book. By the end, she became a little more relatable, but it wasn't until the very end that she became somewhat likeable. I think what made her more of an annoyance is her dedication to her boss, Harry Holmes, and his friend Dan and getting the signature from Sean Fitzpatrick, a guy we know basically nothing about until the end. That wild goose chase that seemed to be the main focus of the book was also the worst part of the book.
Most of the other characters faded into the background until they were needed, which is normal so I am not labelling it as a bad thing, but there was one that is featured a little more and that is Killian McCarthy. From the synopsis, I knew he was going to pop up somewhere and I was so happy when he did because finally, something interesting was going to happen. It was still slow and not anywhere near exciting to take away from the somewhat boring lead up, but it did give the book a bit more life.
I was honestly contemplating giving this book 2 stars but the ending was enough for me to give it one more. I am disappointed that it took 350 pages for something interesting to happen and that is wasn't until chapter 39 that all the weird little bread crumbs, that were less than interesting during the book, finally got explained in a somewhat interesting way.
Just to wrap it up, I feel this book could have been a lot better than what it is and I hope that any future books by Ellie O'Neill are more on par with Reluctantly Charmed.
August 27, 2023
This is free on Audible for a couple more weeks, so I decided to give it a go before it expired.
Unfortunately I thought The Enchanted Island suffered from an identity crisis. You have to say the cover implies it's a romantic chick lit but it's not really. I didn’t think it was that funny and the romance was insta-love without any huge conflict. There’s an element of fantasy/scifi and, believe it or not, a touch of horror. It's contemporary and probably should be marketed towards new adult readers, and yet I didn't think many topical themes were included (except maybe environmental awareness). It may have worked much better if O’Neill had focused on one genre.
Maeve, our lead, isn’t very likeable. Her entire life is all about looks and consumerism. Her work ethic is questionable -- even before things become utterly ridiculous when she is sent to a remote Irish island to try and secure a piece of land from a reluctant owner.
One imagines the point of the story would be that Maeve would realise her shallowness and find herself in the small community, going on to shun the big city solicitor's false botoxed lifestyle. However, that isn’t really the case, mostly due to the locals on the island being so horrible and even more unlikeable than Maeve.
Saying that, O’Neill writing flows well and I hope she just finds her niche. 3 out of 5
Unfortunately I thought The Enchanted Island suffered from an identity crisis. You have to say the cover implies it's a romantic chick lit but it's not really. I didn’t think it was that funny and the romance was insta-love without any huge conflict. There’s an element of fantasy/scifi and, believe it or not, a touch of horror. It's contemporary and probably should be marketed towards new adult readers, and yet I didn't think many topical themes were included (except maybe environmental awareness). It may have worked much better if O’Neill had focused on one genre.
Maeve, our lead, isn’t very likeable. Her entire life is all about looks and consumerism. Her work ethic is questionable -- even before things become utterly ridiculous when she is sent to a remote Irish island to try and secure a piece of land from a reluctant owner.
One imagines the point of the story would be that Maeve would realise her shallowness and find herself in the small community, going on to shun the big city solicitor's false botoxed lifestyle. However, that isn’t really the case, mostly due to the locals on the island being so horrible and even more unlikeable than Maeve.
Saying that, O’Neill writing flows well and I hope she just finds her niche. 3 out of 5
April 16, 2023
3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4 for goodreads. I read one of the author's other books, Reluctantly Charmed, and absolutely adored it so I was super keen to read this one. I listened via audiobook and like the other book, it was narrated by Kate Rawson who is a fantastic narrator with a gorgeous irish accent.
Overall this was a fun story, but it took me quite a while to get into it. I took a long break somewhere in the middle of the book and came back to it which was fortunately when things started picking up.
Maeve is a flawed person who is used to keeping up with the Joneses which is partly born as a distraction from grief and also from her working environment. When Maeve travels to a strange island for work she is confronted with the excessive lifestyle she keeps and undergoes some serious personal growth whilst also uncovering the reason behind the shady actions of the people on the island along with the mysterious happenings.
Apart from some interesting little moral dilemmas towards the end of the book, this is a pretty nice light listen/read.
Overall this was a fun story, but it took me quite a while to get into it. I took a long break somewhere in the middle of the book and came back to it which was fortunately when things started picking up.
Maeve is a flawed person who is used to keeping up with the Joneses which is partly born as a distraction from grief and also from her working environment. When Maeve travels to a strange island for work she is confronted with the excessive lifestyle she keeps and undergoes some serious personal growth whilst also uncovering the reason behind the shady actions of the people on the island along with the mysterious happenings.
Apart from some interesting little moral dilemmas towards the end of the book, this is a pretty nice light listen/read.
May 11, 2022
3.5 stars
What a strange yet fun experience! Conflicting feelings about this one. Absolutely loved the Irish setting, found the main character irritating as hell, enjoyed the romantic side plot, and was intrigued by the mystery. Unfortunately the mystery was not definitively wrapped up which made for an unsatisfactory ending, but I did still enjoy myself while reading this book. Definitely a good light read!
What a strange yet fun experience! Conflicting feelings about this one. Absolutely loved the Irish setting, found the main character irritating as hell, enjoyed the romantic side plot, and was intrigued by the mystery. Unfortunately the mystery was not definitively wrapped up which made for an unsatisfactory ending, but I did still enjoy myself while reading this book. Definitely a good light read!
August 22, 2023
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)
A young woman whose life has gone downhill recently is sent to an island off the Irish coast.
Her objective is to get a signature from one of the island residents so a bridge could be built from the mainland to the island.
However, although it seems a straightforward assignment, life on the island is definitely different to that of the rest of the world.
How different is yet to be revealed.
A young woman whose life has gone downhill recently is sent to an island off the Irish coast.
Her objective is to get a signature from one of the island residents so a bridge could be built from the mainland to the island.
However, although it seems a straightforward assignment, life on the island is definitely different to that of the rest of the world.
How different is yet to be revealed.
September 15, 2023
What an interesting story, full of intrigue and mystery. There is a rather dark side to the island, which gradually becomes clearer. Not a place I would like to visit. However, the book was hard to put down (from the safety of my own bed)
November 20, 2025
Main character was really hard to like at first, but she had a good development arc. It just felt like the book wrapped up right when the questions about the island and the MC's love interest were finally revealed.
September 22, 2017
Easy breezy fluff :-)
December 3, 2017
nice easy read.
March 20, 2018
I didn't get this book!.
August 24, 2023
Another novel written by Ellie O’Neil about a story based in Ireland. Some interesting plots. A light reading. I listened to the audiobook read by an Irish person 😊.
July 20, 2025
Ending was a bit unsatisfactory but overall a good read
July 6, 2018
If you’re in the mood for some charming, funny, and slightly magical romantic comedy, be sure to pick up a copy of The Enchanted Island. The second novel from Irish-Australian author Ellie O’Neill is chick-lit that hits all the right notes – I couldn’t put it down.
Maeve O’Brien has hit rock bottom. Her best friend and flat-mate has kicked her out and she’s back living at home with her mother. She’s maxed out the credit cards that support her unrealistic lifestyle, and the only man in her life is an occasional hook-up that is entirely at his convenience. So when her boss sends her to a remote and rainy island off the west coast of Ireland, Maeve couldn’t be happier. Not only is this an opportunity to momentarily step away from her crumbling life, but this job also promises to send her career onwards and upwards. All Maeve has to do is get one signature.
Easier said than done. Her reception on Hy Brasil is not at all a welcome one, and most of the population look as old as the island itself. Then there’s the strange and eery noise she hears that nobody will talk about. But, as she’s forced to stay on the island, the place, the people and the mystery of it begin to grow on her – and Maeve begins to change. Perhaps Hy Brasil will work its magic on her, giving her exactly what she needs.
After a successful debut novel, it is usual for authors to feel a bit of pressure about book number two. Readers are eagerly awaiting their next offering, often wondering “will it be as good as the first?” as they do. I thoroughly enjoyed Reluctantly Charmed, O’ Neill’s first book, and her second book, in many ways, even more so. The Enchanted Island was a reminder of why I enjoyed the author initially, but there was the added sense of stepping into something familiar and comfortable, like putting on your favourite jumper. O’Neill writes with ease and effortlessness and has a wonderful way with words.
At first there was a lot I didn’t like about Maeve, the protagonist. Her fixation on her looks and social media accounts, combined with her selfish behaviour meant I couldn’t really relate to her. True to the genre, of course, this meant there was a lot of potential for change, and as Maeve begins to remember who she is, you cannot help but grow more fond of her, a little like watching a sister or a close friend becoming a better, more authentic person. The more she sheds her superficial Dublin ways, the more endearing she becomes. And so, when she meets the dreamy Killian, you can’t help but let out a whoop of joy…and a little swoon.
O’Neill skilfully weaves Irish folklore and mysticism into her stories, and it is one of the things that make her books so enjoyable. As she takes her heroine to the far away and untouched island Hy Brasil, it is not difficult to imagine more than a few mythical creatures roaming the place. This light dusting of magic works and feels entirely plausible because it is always just speculation, hearsay – you never directly see it, but rather get the feeling that it’s there. Folklore and mythology have played such an important part in culture around the world, and it is wonderful to see that integrated it into such a fun, contemporary text. Perfect pacing plays a big role in creating a believable enchanted island. Bit by bit the mysteries unfold, building the suspense and slowly revealing clues about the island’s secrets.
Without a doubt, The Enchanted Island is the best chick-lit I’ve read in a while, and Ellie O’Neill’s charm and wit are fast making her one of my favourite authors of the genre. If you like a little realistic sprinkling of magic with your quirky, well-crafted romantic comedy, then you’ll love this book.
Maeve O’Brien has hit rock bottom. Her best friend and flat-mate has kicked her out and she’s back living at home with her mother. She’s maxed out the credit cards that support her unrealistic lifestyle, and the only man in her life is an occasional hook-up that is entirely at his convenience. So when her boss sends her to a remote and rainy island off the west coast of Ireland, Maeve couldn’t be happier. Not only is this an opportunity to momentarily step away from her crumbling life, but this job also promises to send her career onwards and upwards. All Maeve has to do is get one signature.
Easier said than done. Her reception on Hy Brasil is not at all a welcome one, and most of the population look as old as the island itself. Then there’s the strange and eery noise she hears that nobody will talk about. But, as she’s forced to stay on the island, the place, the people and the mystery of it begin to grow on her – and Maeve begins to change. Perhaps Hy Brasil will work its magic on her, giving her exactly what she needs.
After a successful debut novel, it is usual for authors to feel a bit of pressure about book number two. Readers are eagerly awaiting their next offering, often wondering “will it be as good as the first?” as they do. I thoroughly enjoyed Reluctantly Charmed, O’ Neill’s first book, and her second book, in many ways, even more so. The Enchanted Island was a reminder of why I enjoyed the author initially, but there was the added sense of stepping into something familiar and comfortable, like putting on your favourite jumper. O’Neill writes with ease and effortlessness and has a wonderful way with words.
At first there was a lot I didn’t like about Maeve, the protagonist. Her fixation on her looks and social media accounts, combined with her selfish behaviour meant I couldn’t really relate to her. True to the genre, of course, this meant there was a lot of potential for change, and as Maeve begins to remember who she is, you cannot help but grow more fond of her, a little like watching a sister or a close friend becoming a better, more authentic person. The more she sheds her superficial Dublin ways, the more endearing she becomes. And so, when she meets the dreamy Killian, you can’t help but let out a whoop of joy…and a little swoon.
O’Neill skilfully weaves Irish folklore and mysticism into her stories, and it is one of the things that make her books so enjoyable. As she takes her heroine to the far away and untouched island Hy Brasil, it is not difficult to imagine more than a few mythical creatures roaming the place. This light dusting of magic works and feels entirely plausible because it is always just speculation, hearsay – you never directly see it, but rather get the feeling that it’s there. Folklore and mythology have played such an important part in culture around the world, and it is wonderful to see that integrated it into such a fun, contemporary text. Perfect pacing plays a big role in creating a believable enchanted island. Bit by bit the mysteries unfold, building the suspense and slowly revealing clues about the island’s secrets.
Without a doubt, The Enchanted Island is the best chick-lit I’ve read in a while, and Ellie O’Neill’s charm and wit are fast making her one of my favourite authors of the genre. If you like a little realistic sprinkling of magic with your quirky, well-crafted romantic comedy, then you’ll love this book.
April 2, 2016
In this, her second contribution to the literary world, Ellie O'Neill once again brings us a light-hearted, fun and imaginative novel about a woman finding her true self.
When Maeve O’Brien totally messes up the friendship between her and her bestie, she ends up moving back home to her mother. This mother/daughter relationship has always been tenuous at best so, it is with relief that Maeve accepts a task from her boss – go to the island of Hy Brasil to get a signature from a chap by the name of Sean Fitzpatrick. It won’t take long, a few days at the most!
Shucking off her busy city life for this claustrophobic little town proves to be easier said than done when it becomes apparent that Sean is a (little) elusive, the townsfolk are more than just a bit strange and then there are those awfully chilling wails emanating from a mysterious source and which almost always precede a death!
Thankfully it's not too much of a lonely journey and, as she continues her pursuit of Fitzpatrick, she makes some friends and also meets the gorgeous Killian - although she misses Dublin, her friends and her maxed-out credit cards, she (very) slowly begins to look at life from a different perspective, even if she is trying to uncover the many skeletons hiding in this town's closet!
I don’t know what it is, but I have always been attracted to the Irish, from their accent (yes Ellie, you could read to me every night and I’d never get sick of it) right through to their mystical folklore. This is only Ellie’s second novel but already she can be counted on for bewitching us with stories about old Irish lore featuring whimsical characters and an enchanting storyline that, like magic, pulls you right in.
It did take a bit for Maeve to grow on me because at first she came across as a bit superficial and up herself but this could possible be one of the greatest character developments I have read before because by the end I hardly recognised her myself. By the end of the novel, Maeve had begun to see the error of her ways, accepted that her mother was also a person with feelings, finally noticed the beauty in the world surrounding her and discovered that there definitely are things in life worth fighting for, thus letting go of all the artificiality in which she had become so enwrapped.
Ellie’s engaging style will keep you turning the pages while her warmth and wit illuminate every chapter as she weaves a rich tapestry of Irish folklore, myths, the people and their beliefs and traditions into a story where everything else pales into insignificance as her protagonist starts to see what is necessary and important. While there is some romance, Ellie keeps this light so that it doesn’t detract from the significance of Maeve’s journey.
Steeped in mysticism and legend, this is a fun, Irishly (is that even a word?) magical read that will sweep you away as you fall under Ellie’s spell.
For some added interest, why not listen to the lilting resonances of Enya or some modern goth sounds by the Eighties band, Shakespears Sister!
When Maeve O’Brien totally messes up the friendship between her and her bestie, she ends up moving back home to her mother. This mother/daughter relationship has always been tenuous at best so, it is with relief that Maeve accepts a task from her boss – go to the island of Hy Brasil to get a signature from a chap by the name of Sean Fitzpatrick. It won’t take long, a few days at the most!
Shucking off her busy city life for this claustrophobic little town proves to be easier said than done when it becomes apparent that Sean is a (little) elusive, the townsfolk are more than just a bit strange and then there are those awfully chilling wails emanating from a mysterious source and which almost always precede a death!
Thankfully it's not too much of a lonely journey and, as she continues her pursuit of Fitzpatrick, she makes some friends and also meets the gorgeous Killian - although she misses Dublin, her friends and her maxed-out credit cards, she (very) slowly begins to look at life from a different perspective, even if she is trying to uncover the many skeletons hiding in this town's closet!
I don’t know what it is, but I have always been attracted to the Irish, from their accent (yes Ellie, you could read to me every night and I’d never get sick of it) right through to their mystical folklore. This is only Ellie’s second novel but already she can be counted on for bewitching us with stories about old Irish lore featuring whimsical characters and an enchanting storyline that, like magic, pulls you right in.
It did take a bit for Maeve to grow on me because at first she came across as a bit superficial and up herself but this could possible be one of the greatest character developments I have read before because by the end I hardly recognised her myself. By the end of the novel, Maeve had begun to see the error of her ways, accepted that her mother was also a person with feelings, finally noticed the beauty in the world surrounding her and discovered that there definitely are things in life worth fighting for, thus letting go of all the artificiality in which she had become so enwrapped.
Ellie’s engaging style will keep you turning the pages while her warmth and wit illuminate every chapter as she weaves a rich tapestry of Irish folklore, myths, the people and their beliefs and traditions into a story where everything else pales into insignificance as her protagonist starts to see what is necessary and important. While there is some romance, Ellie keeps this light so that it doesn’t detract from the significance of Maeve’s journey.
Steeped in mysticism and legend, this is a fun, Irishly (is that even a word?) magical read that will sweep you away as you fall under Ellie’s spell.
For some added interest, why not listen to the lilting resonances of Enya or some modern goth sounds by the Eighties band, Shakespears Sister!
June 26, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When Maeve O’Brien’s boss sends her to a dreary old island to finalise some paperwork, she couldn’t be happier. It’s the career boost she needs to become a fully-fledged lawyer – besides, it hasn’t been so great on the home front in Dublin.
Maeve’s oldest friend and flat-mate has kicked her out, and moving back in with her uptight mother has been less than cosy. But her reception on Hy Brasil, a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, couldn’t be any more hostile – it’s as if the island itself wants her gone. The locals are all ancient – and spookily well preserved – and they’re all so nasty. And what is that terrible screaming noise that echoes around the island?
But no island is going to scare Maeve off, even if she does miss her credit card, and her make-up, and bright shiny nightclubs, and the one night stands. She’s determined to track down Sean Fitzpatrick, the elusive islander, whose signature on Maeve’s paperwork is going to transform the island and open it up to the world.
And then, somehow, life begins to change. The island might be miserable and treacherous, but it’s also beautiful and strangely seductive. Maeve’s never felt better. And there’s also Killian, the dreamy teacher, who stirs up all kinds of unexpected feelings in Maeve.
But something’s brewing, and Maeve is going to discover just how far people will go to protect the ones they love.
This was quite the pleasant surprise. I have read a few more well-known Irish authors and find them to be a little hit-and-miss (for my liking.) I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this but, in the end, I was happy enough!
The best part about this book was the character development of Maeve. In the beginning, I wasn't sure I could keep reading - she was self-absorbed and selfish - but as the story unfolded on Hy Brasil, her character grew and became a far different one than we first encountered. And that it what I would expect from a story like this. Maeve is sent to the island, something unlike she has ever done for her - and she should change as a result. And she did. So I liked that. The rest of the gang made the story flow really well - sometimes diverse characters can be a little too diverse and overwhelm the story but the author did a fine job keeping them just in the background.
The other things that kept me reading were the mystery and mysticism of the island. There was so much depth to the setting, at times I felt like I wanted to be right there - and that is always a good sign. The writing style, too, made this book flow really well and the pages just kept flicking past. It was a pleasure to read.
Paul
ARH
When Maeve O’Brien’s boss sends her to a dreary old island to finalise some paperwork, she couldn’t be happier. It’s the career boost she needs to become a fully-fledged lawyer – besides, it hasn’t been so great on the home front in Dublin.
Maeve’s oldest friend and flat-mate has kicked her out, and moving back in with her uptight mother has been less than cosy. But her reception on Hy Brasil, a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, couldn’t be any more hostile – it’s as if the island itself wants her gone. The locals are all ancient – and spookily well preserved – and they’re all so nasty. And what is that terrible screaming noise that echoes around the island?
But no island is going to scare Maeve off, even if she does miss her credit card, and her make-up, and bright shiny nightclubs, and the one night stands. She’s determined to track down Sean Fitzpatrick, the elusive islander, whose signature on Maeve’s paperwork is going to transform the island and open it up to the world.
And then, somehow, life begins to change. The island might be miserable and treacherous, but it’s also beautiful and strangely seductive. Maeve’s never felt better. And there’s also Killian, the dreamy teacher, who stirs up all kinds of unexpected feelings in Maeve.
But something’s brewing, and Maeve is going to discover just how far people will go to protect the ones they love.
This was quite the pleasant surprise. I have read a few more well-known Irish authors and find them to be a little hit-and-miss (for my liking.) I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this but, in the end, I was happy enough!
The best part about this book was the character development of Maeve. In the beginning, I wasn't sure I could keep reading - she was self-absorbed and selfish - but as the story unfolded on Hy Brasil, her character grew and became a far different one than we first encountered. And that it what I would expect from a story like this. Maeve is sent to the island, something unlike she has ever done for her - and she should change as a result. And she did. So I liked that. The rest of the gang made the story flow really well - sometimes diverse characters can be a little too diverse and overwhelm the story but the author did a fine job keeping them just in the background.
The other things that kept me reading were the mystery and mysticism of the island. There was so much depth to the setting, at times I felt like I wanted to be right there - and that is always a good sign. The writing style, too, made this book flow really well and the pages just kept flicking past. It was a pleasure to read.
Paul
ARH
November 2, 2015
Copy received from the publisher for an honest review
3.75-4.0 stars
This is the first I have read of Ellie O'Neill and it was quite an enjoyable read.
It did take me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, I kept right at it.
Maeve has become a bit superficial and a lot self indulged over the past couple of years, and when she does wrong by her best friend and roommate, and her boss sends her on an unusual work assignment, things start to change.
The island she is sent to is quite bizarre. Strange things are afoot at Hy Brasil. The island, the people are all unfriendly.
But at the same time, there is something about the place that brings out the best in Maeve. As much as this is a romance story, this is more a story of Maeve rediscovering herself.
The Enchanted Island straddles the line between a paranormal kind of read and a romance. It neither gets too dark and mystical nor too sweet and cutesy
I loved the characters - particularly the "non-islanders". The islanders, not so much!
I enjoyed Maeve's burgeoning relationship with Killian, and would really like to know what happens after the end of this book.
This is my first Ellie O'Neill read, but I would definitely read more in the future
3.75-4.0 stars
This is the first I have read of Ellie O'Neill and it was quite an enjoyable read.
It did take me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, I kept right at it.
Maeve has become a bit superficial and a lot self indulged over the past couple of years, and when she does wrong by her best friend and roommate, and her boss sends her on an unusual work assignment, things start to change.
The island she is sent to is quite bizarre. Strange things are afoot at Hy Brasil. The island, the people are all unfriendly.
But at the same time, there is something about the place that brings out the best in Maeve. As much as this is a romance story, this is more a story of Maeve rediscovering herself.
The Enchanted Island straddles the line between a paranormal kind of read and a romance. It neither gets too dark and mystical nor too sweet and cutesy
I loved the characters - particularly the "non-islanders". The islanders, not so much!
I enjoyed Maeve's burgeoning relationship with Killian, and would really like to know what happens after the end of this book.
This is my first Ellie O'Neill read, but I would definitely read more in the future
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