The Forbidden Land

The Witches of Eileanan #4

by Kate Forsyth

After her adventures with the League of the Healing Hand, Finn the Cat finds her life at Castle Rurach boring. Snowbound for the winter and faced with the prospect of being molded into “Lady Fionnghal” by her mother, she pines to be on the battlefront with her father against the sea demons.
 
But Finn’s talents are needed elsewhere. Summoned by the Righ, Lachlan the Winged, she must embark on a perilous journey into the Forbidden Land. Imprisoned in the Black Tower is a rebellious prophet whose beliefs have made him an enemy among his own people.
 
Now Finn must help rescue the one whose words can free a land enshrouded in darkness.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Witches, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Adventure

403 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.

Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'

Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.

Reviews

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I know I said that the last book was my favourite in the series but this one takes the cake. I loved reading about Finn and her adventures, she's a complex and strong character that also had me laughing to myself. This is an amazing storyline!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite a lot shorter than the previous three, which was good, but also sad. Also sad was that the book focused on one of the minor characters from the first two books and made her the main character, but this also meant that the main characters from the first three books were pushed to the side. I did quite enjoy it, even with the chapters being too long, and am looking forward to the next one.

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable book with a very entertaining story but without my favourite character in this series, Isabeau. However Finn is also fun to read about and she entertains with her tomboyish behaviours and her delightful little cat. There is lots of action and magic and a whole array of interesting characters. Apparently the next book returns to the story of Isabeau which makes me happy!

[Amanda Botten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The forbidden land once again delivered in beauty, amazement and delight. I love how some characters return to who/how they were at the beginning of the series. It makes it feel more real and less forced. The settings are like the first of the series, the characters remain to grow in the book and in your heart. But the story does not slow down whatsoever and you find your self speed reading to find out what is going on.

[Maša · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are back at Eileanan, where one war chases another, and we are in the company of Finn the thief, unwilling baroness that wants to live a life of adventure, because being on the verge of death every day seems like great fun to teenagers. She also hates everything feminine and swears like a sailor, because that is a measure of open-mindedness as we all know.

As you can see, I didn't much care for our protagonist, and the "blood of aristocracy" thing was even more pronounced in the book than before - the dialogue is the same slog, the pacing all over the place, some words threw me off (roaring like lions in a land where there are none)... but it is still enjoyable, trope filled romp through magical land filled with magical beings. There is friendship, bravery, sea creatures, and faeries and it feels very nostalgic. I hope we come back to the main story-line in the next book, though. And lie off with the preaching about holiness of the bloodlines and such, please. I mean, one of the things highlighted about the main antagonist were "whore" and "she spoke in a rough way because she was a cobbler's daughter and not of the blood". Eeeh.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, but not as good as the previous books in the series because it didn't follow my favourite characters. There was also a lot less magic which is one of the aspects I love about this series. That being said, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Georgi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite so far! I love Finn and her adventures, I'd read a whole series from her perspective.

[Yassy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging story, but not of the epic proportions of the first three books in this series and I really missed the multiple narratives of the earlier books.

In the middle of the story, there was an error - Elfrida having stayed behind with the main army while Lachlan & Iseult rode off to rescue the crew of the Speedwell, but later Elfrida is with the group at Kirkclanbright, even though they have not joined the rest of the troops. The ebook version I read also contained numerous typos - while this is not a reflection of Forsyth's writing skills, it did begin to irritate me by the 5th or 6th mistake.

Even so, I have thoroughly enjoyed the series as a whole & will continue with the final two books.

[Readasaurus Rex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book ended suddenly. Like it was still in the middle of something. It was odd lol

[keri. · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://teensniper.tumblr.com/post/587...

[Yolande · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the fourth book in the Witches of Eileannan series, Kate Forsyth narrows her focus down to one adventure staring Finn the Cat, who has discovered that life as a noble woman and heir to a throne is rather dull, albeit comfortable, in comparison to life on the streets. Her wish for a life of adventure and excitement is granted when she is summon by the Rhy himself to be a part of a top secret and highly dangerous mission, that, if success, will finally put an end to the Bright Wars.

What ensues is a rollicking adventure featuring journeys with the jongleurs, havoc on the high seas, a jail break, an ambush and a trial by combat.

I enjoyed the smaller scope of this novel and the chance to get to know some more minor characters. I also liked the creative way Forsyth resolved the military tensions from the previous novels. As with the previous novels this was expertly and most enjoyable narrated by Elle Newlands.

Definitely one of my favourite fantasy series!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2023/0...

I think this series was initially a trilogy that spread into six books because it had so much going on. This fourth one is a slight departure, in that it has only one POV character, the little thief girl from the first two books (now in her teens), but it is still continuing the main story from the first three books and we see plenty of those characters. There’s been some business over the last few books with an enemy army made up of what are basically Christians, and that continues here. (The first half of this book is basically a heist/prison break, and I liked that much more than the war stuff in the second half.) I keep waiting for more of the THEYRE ON ANOTHER PLANET! to kick in, but there are still just brief mentions here and there. I am enjoying these, though. B+.

[Laura Iriarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forbidden Land kind of takes a left turn out of no where. In the previous books the author had followed several storylines simultaneously- so this just seemed weird.
This book follows the storyline of Finn the Cat as she is sent on a quest by Lachlan, the Righ (king). Because of her skills he sends her into The Forbidden Land of the Bright Soldiers to retrieve someone who could be significant in helping them win the war.
I was unhappy with this at first (where’s my Isabeau, Meghan, and Iseult???) but as the story continued I became more invested and began to cheer for Finn the Cat! You will, too!

[Isabeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

So the issue I have with this one is it feels very drawn out, and only in the middle third is much happening. And yes, it was a good middle third, but the beginning and the end were awfully slow.

Finn is very frustratingly predictable although that’s probably partially her age. My biggest gripe is that there was no character development. In fact, there was none except for Brangaine, which I actually did enjoy. In the world of Eileanan, other than the quest and the result from that, nothing really moved forward. It really was a filler book.

Or maybe I just hated the lack of appearance of Isabeau and Meghan.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another chapter of this epic is complete.

This book I enjoyed more than the previous ones because it was mostly told from a single point of view. Finn is an appealing enough character other than the pipe smoking. Teenagers who smoke will never be appealing to me. No one who smokes will ever be appealing to me, but I particularly dislike it when kids do it. I suppose, since they have miraculous healing in this world, they can always fix cancer-riddled lungs but it’s an ugly look. I suspect the author disagrees.

Anyway, this one was okay and now I’m off to the next one.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it ten stars I would! I just finished this book about five minutes ago and I still have tears welling in my eyes, tears of pure joy for how wonderful and captivating book four of the Witches Of Eileanan was! Kate Forsyth’s writing is so expansive and vast, within each book of the series she has explored a different aspect of the Eileanan continent, painting such a rich and detailed picture of the magical world she has created, so much so it has become real enough within my imagination that I can travel across the mountains, seas and forests by thought alone.

[Dandie Lynas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forsyth, you’ve done it again! Admittedly, I was unhappy at the start of this book, I missed Isabeu and Iseult and Meghan, and Finn’s impatience was making me inpatient! However, this slowly but surely became one of my favorites. I really enjoyed watching Finn grow, take risks, sacrifices, as well as embrace her needs and find boundaries on how to live her life. I loved finding out there are more Nyxes, and that we got to meet and understand more the people of Tirsoilleriean. Finally the Bright Wars are over! I can’t express how much I love this series.

[Alison Mitchell]

I took a liking to Finn in the previous books so was excited to see she got her own story. Her development was well done. I do enjoy this series and particularly appreciate that the straightforwardness of the characters. What needs to be said will be, and so I don’t sit there getting frustrated at the characters for failing to mention or ask something.
I listened to the audiobook of this and very much enjoyed the accent and reading, and even took to using some of the mannerisms myself for the next few days after finishing.

[Heather Rohrer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Forbidden Land has Finn as the protagonist. The reader observes her beginning to slowly grow up. She goes on an adventure in order to help Lachlan conquer Tirsoilleir. I felt that the novel was okay but at some points dragged on and was a little cheesy with all the text about the League of the Healing Hand. Also, I got frustrated with Finn's nativity. Overall, not a bad addition to The Witches of Eileanan series.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful fantasy story set in the land of Eileanan. Set a few years after the events of The Cursed Towers, we follow Finn the Cat on a grand adventure across land and sea and into the Forbidden Land.

I enjoyed all the updates on so many characters from the first three books; seeing where they are, who they've become, and what they're doing.

Well written and full of magic and myth, Kate Forsyth's books continue to pull me into her fantastic world.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was odd, after three books of rotating perspective from different characters, to focus entirely on Finn's adventures in this book. I had a feeling that Forsyth had more plans for the feisty young girl and her elven cat, and I think she's going to play a part in the finale of the series as well. Overall, another great journey into the depths of Eileanan... onto the next!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favourite of the series so far - mostly because it focuses on Finn and I am more invested in Isabeau as the main character. I thought about stopping the series here but heard that the next book has Isabeau again so will continue. This book just didn’t have as exciting of a plot compared to the previous books and fizzled out.

2/5 stars ⭐️

[Bek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not to sound biased, but this was my favorite of the series because it features my favorite character, Finn as the lead. Her ability is so unique and her personality was really empowering when I was reading it back in high school.

[Ann Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting and exciting

Great adventures with a lovable heroine abound. Witches, sea fairies, ship wrecks, impossible rescues, and tense battle scenes ensure excitement on every page

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did like this even though Isabeau and Maya and Meghan weren’t in it. Lachlan as a character is starting to grow on me. I can’t wait to see what happens with the Fairgean. It seems like we’re getting some foreshadowing as to how it will all end finally.

[DeAndre Theisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting while we meet some characters from the previous books. This truly is the story of Finn. Now usually I was all about Isabeau, but Finn is so interesting I loved following her on her adventure to help Lachlan. 4.4 out of 5.

[Aida Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovvvving this world! At first was not convinced about a plot surrounding Finn, but I warmed up to it in the end and really loved all the supporting characters, so excited for the next one!!! Getting back to Isabeau yay!!

[Crystal Joxertd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didnt like this one as much as the first three. I do like Finn, but more so as a side character instead of a main.

[Semi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent

[Duckie84]

The change to a single perspective in this book is odd.