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The Revolutionary #1
Bury the Living
Rebellion has always been in the O’Reilly family’s blood. So when faced with the tragic death of her brother during Northern Ireland’s infamous Troubles, a teenage Nora joined the IRA to fight for her country’s freedom. Now, more than a decade later, Nora is haunted by both her past and vivid dreams of a man she has never met.
When she is given a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, patron saint of Ireland, the mystical artifact transports her back eighty years—to the height of Ireland’s brutal civil war. There she meets the alluring stranger from her dreams, who has his own secrets—and agenda. Taken out of her own time, Nora has the chance to alter the fortunes of Ireland and maybe even save the ones she loves. In this captivating and adventurous novel from Jodi McIsaac, history belongs to those with the courage to change it.
When she is given a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, patron saint of Ireland, the mystical artifact transports her back eighty years—to the height of Ireland’s brutal civil war. There she meets the alluring stranger from her dreams, who has his own secrets—and agenda. Taken out of her own time, Nora has the chance to alter the fortunes of Ireland and maybe even save the ones she loves. In this captivating and adventurous novel from Jodi McIsaac, history belongs to those with the courage to change it.
302 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2016
211 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Jodi McIsaac
12 books345 followersJodi McIsaac is the author of the Irish contemporary fantasy series The Thin Veil (47North) the thriller A Cure for Madness (Thomas & Mercer) and the Revolutionary series (47North).
She grew up in New Brunswick, on Canada's east coast. After abandoning her Olympic speed skating dream, she wrote speeches for a politician, volunteered in a refugee camp, waited tables in Belfast, and earned a couple of university degrees. When not writing novels, she runs a boutique copywriting agency serving the non-profit sector.
She grew up in New Brunswick, on Canada's east coast. After abandoning her Olympic speed skating dream, she wrote speeches for a politician, volunteered in a refugee camp, waited tables in Belfast, and earned a couple of university degrees. When not writing novels, she runs a boutique copywriting agency serving the non-profit sector.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 20, 2025
4-4.5⭐️
This was the perfect balance between fantasy and historical. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this and I’m going to be reading the next one for sure.
I liked the time traveling aspect and learning about different history and culture. I got to learn about Ireland in an interesting ways. I know that not all of it is true however, some of it is true. With enough fantasy to make it interesting and fictional.
This was the perfect balance between fantasy and historical. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this and I’m going to be reading the next one for sure.
I liked the time traveling aspect and learning about different history and culture. I got to learn about Ireland in an interesting ways. I know that not all of it is true however, some of it is true. With enough fantasy to make it interesting and fictional.
May 20, 2017
Rating: 3.0/5.0
An interesting historical fantasy fiction story. The book can be considered cultural as it concentrates more on the Irish Civil War. So basically you have factual history combined with fantasy and science fiction (time travel). I think it was interesting to read about the Northern Irish conflict as I have not read anything about it before. The author has created a good balance between the historical part and the fantasy part with staying very close to the historical records.
The story basically follows Nora who one day is taken back in time to change the outcome of the going on war. I like historical books a lot but I felt that the story here at some parts was getting slow. I also wish if the author was a bit more detailed in describing her characters as it was hard for me to imagine or build a clear physical picture for them specially the main character. The end of the book leaves the room open for the next book but it definitely gives you an idea where the next book is heading.
Overall, this was a good read and should appeal to readers who enjoy to read about the history of different cultures with added time travel element.
An interesting historical fantasy fiction story. The book can be considered cultural as it concentrates more on the Irish Civil War. So basically you have factual history combined with fantasy and science fiction (time travel). I think it was interesting to read about the Northern Irish conflict as I have not read anything about it before. The author has created a good balance between the historical part and the fantasy part with staying very close to the historical records.
The story basically follows Nora who one day is taken back in time to change the outcome of the going on war. I like historical books a lot but I felt that the story here at some parts was getting slow. I also wish if the author was a bit more detailed in describing her characters as it was hard for me to imagine or build a clear physical picture for them specially the main character. The end of the book leaves the room open for the next book but it definitely gives you an idea where the next book is heading.
Overall, this was a good read and should appeal to readers who enjoy to read about the history of different cultures with added time travel element.
September 7, 2016
4.5 Stars
Synopsis (from Amazon): Rebellion has always been in the O’Reilly family’s blood. So when faced with the tragic death of her brother during Northern Ireland’s infamous Troubles, a teenage Nora joined the IRA to fight for her country’s freedom. Now, more than a decade later, Nora is haunted by both her past and vivid dreams of a man she has never met.
When she is given a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, patron saint of Ireland, the mystical artifact transports her back eighty years—to the height of Ireland’s brutal civil war. There she meets the alluring stranger from her dreams, who has his own secrets—and agenda. Taken out of her own time, Nora has the chance to alter the fortunes of Ireland and maybe even save the ones she loves. In this captivating and adventurous novel from Jodi McIsaac, history belongs to those with the courage to change it.>
This book is perfect for lovers of historical fiction AND an appreciation for fantasy. If you love one genre but loathe the other, you might struggle with this book. I personally really enjoyed it!
I love history, and I thoroughly enjoyed that this book centered on the conflict in Northern Ireland. This conflict is often overlooked in favor of other larger conflicts in history despite this event’s historical impact and continued relevance.
There a few things, in particular, that really just grab me when I read any story about war:
1.The impossible choices that must be made. I always internalize them as I read about them. What would I do? Sooo many times a good choice is not an option. The choices are limited between multiple terrible choices and it is just heartbreaking. It hits me at my very core every time… because it’s real. Those things happened. Real people had to make those choices. To put your head down and endure or to fight. To leave your family. To flee or to stay. To pick a side. To break the law in order to put food on the table. I just cant’ imagine.
2. The woman’s war. Women and their role in war is often overlooked or minimized. Women have played incredibly important roles in Every. Single. Conflict. Whether they are (or were) fighting, nursing/medics/doctors, spying, or keeping everything else from falling apart at home. I love to hear their stories.
3. The impact. There is no other human action that has had a more profound impact on history than war. I’m always drawn into the causes, the strategy, and the decisions…how decisions lead to actions which lead to consequences which lead to more decisions and actions and consequences until you have our history. How would things have been altered if a single decision had been made differently??
Because “Bury the Living” has political conflict, revolution, war, and time travel it has all of the things that grab me when I read about war EXCEPT it has them with the added dimension of presenting them in multiple eras….which it did very well and I loved! You have a 1990’s conflict with a teenaged Nora--angsty, angry, frustrated, and forced to make impossible adult decisions without having the life experience of an adult. Then you have modern times humanitarian Nora working in relief camps in Darfur Sudan. The familiar modern conflict that starts with violence and ends with refugees. It’s very relevant. Lastly, you have the time travel aspect and Nora winds up in 1920’s war torn Ireland. I felt McIsaac moved through the time periods seamlessly, which is difficult to do! Sometimes this can result in a stilted, jarring, underdeveloped mess, but I thought it was done well. Each setting was well developed and distinctive yet woven together effectively. I never lost my sense of place and time.
Quick and to the point verdict:
-Characters: were they complex, relatable, multi-dimensional, and layered with their own personalities = Yes.
-Setting: Was the world/Sense of place and time well developed= Yes.
-Writing: Can the author write= Yes.
-Engagement: Was I engaged? Did I care about what was happening and who it was happening to = Yes.
-Snags: It WAS a bit slow in the beginning, and this is where if a reader doesn’t have a decent appreciation for historical fiction they may struggle.
Solid start to a series, and I will definitely be reading the next one.
I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not shape or change my opinion of the book. Thank you 47North and Netgalley for the review copy!
Synopsis (from Amazon): Rebellion has always been in the O’Reilly family’s blood. So when faced with the tragic death of her brother during Northern Ireland’s infamous Troubles, a teenage Nora joined the IRA to fight for her country’s freedom. Now, more than a decade later, Nora is haunted by both her past and vivid dreams of a man she has never met.
When she is given a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, patron saint of Ireland, the mystical artifact transports her back eighty years—to the height of Ireland’s brutal civil war. There she meets the alluring stranger from her dreams, who has his own secrets—and agenda. Taken out of her own time, Nora has the chance to alter the fortunes of Ireland and maybe even save the ones she loves. In this captivating and adventurous novel from Jodi McIsaac, history belongs to those with the courage to change it.>
This book is perfect for lovers of historical fiction AND an appreciation for fantasy. If you love one genre but loathe the other, you might struggle with this book. I personally really enjoyed it!
I love history, and I thoroughly enjoyed that this book centered on the conflict in Northern Ireland. This conflict is often overlooked in favor of other larger conflicts in history despite this event’s historical impact and continued relevance.
There a few things, in particular, that really just grab me when I read any story about war:
1.The impossible choices that must be made. I always internalize them as I read about them. What would I do? Sooo many times a good choice is not an option. The choices are limited between multiple terrible choices and it is just heartbreaking. It hits me at my very core every time… because it’s real. Those things happened. Real people had to make those choices. To put your head down and endure or to fight. To leave your family. To flee or to stay. To pick a side. To break the law in order to put food on the table. I just cant’ imagine.
2. The woman’s war. Women and their role in war is often overlooked or minimized. Women have played incredibly important roles in Every. Single. Conflict. Whether they are (or were) fighting, nursing/medics/doctors, spying, or keeping everything else from falling apart at home. I love to hear their stories.
3. The impact. There is no other human action that has had a more profound impact on history than war. I’m always drawn into the causes, the strategy, and the decisions…how decisions lead to actions which lead to consequences which lead to more decisions and actions and consequences until you have our history. How would things have been altered if a single decision had been made differently??
Because “Bury the Living” has political conflict, revolution, war, and time travel it has all of the things that grab me when I read about war EXCEPT it has them with the added dimension of presenting them in multiple eras….which it did very well and I loved! You have a 1990’s conflict with a teenaged Nora--angsty, angry, frustrated, and forced to make impossible adult decisions without having the life experience of an adult. Then you have modern times humanitarian Nora working in relief camps in Darfur Sudan. The familiar modern conflict that starts with violence and ends with refugees. It’s very relevant. Lastly, you have the time travel aspect and Nora winds up in 1920’s war torn Ireland. I felt McIsaac moved through the time periods seamlessly, which is difficult to do! Sometimes this can result in a stilted, jarring, underdeveloped mess, but I thought it was done well. Each setting was well developed and distinctive yet woven together effectively. I never lost my sense of place and time.
Quick and to the point verdict:
-Characters: were they complex, relatable, multi-dimensional, and layered with their own personalities = Yes.
-Setting: Was the world/Sense of place and time well developed= Yes.
-Writing: Can the author write= Yes.
-Engagement: Was I engaged? Did I care about what was happening and who it was happening to = Yes.
-Snags: It WAS a bit slow in the beginning, and this is where if a reader doesn’t have a decent appreciation for historical fiction they may struggle.
Solid start to a series, and I will definitely be reading the next one.
I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not shape or change my opinion of the book. Thank you 47North and Netgalley for the review copy!
July 13, 2016
RECIEVED ARC FROM NETGALLEY FOR AND HONEST REVIEW!!
The story starts off with a 15 year Nora O'Reilly being caught by the Provos Slang for Provisional Irish Republican Army for selling drugs. She was warned and then caught a second time. So she can go free a second time her brother Eamon O'Reilly must join the PIRA. Which is a dangerous business as people my age know from the news coverage from the late 1960's to early 2000's. Everyday was a bloody day and I live in the U.S. But I remember. Catholic against Protestant!! Back to the story. Eamon was a hard working young man providing for his family after the death of his father. Now he is trapped. He joins the IRA to save his sister only to be beaten to death a year later. This part of the story starts out OK, but remember this is suppose to be a time travel story. Guilt over her brothers death Nora Joins the IRA and then the story jumps 14years into the future with her doing Humanitarian works in Darfu, Sudan. Ok Why this particular scenario? It didn't fit for me. Nora starts dreaming of man which many pages later we find out is Thomas Heany who is believed to have been killed in 1923. She eventually follows the clues given to her in her dreams by Thomas and his catapulted back 80 years. The story was just boring and a total disconnect.
It takes too long to get to the bottom line of the story and the time travel. The story is not very cohesive, Its a bunch of different scenes thrown together to make a story. I do think the author's Historical writings are fact and true. It just wasn't delivered in a interesting way. Not in the same boat as Outlander!! what Bury the Living is compared too!!
The story starts off with a 15 year Nora O'Reilly being caught by the Provos Slang for Provisional Irish Republican Army for selling drugs. She was warned and then caught a second time. So she can go free a second time her brother Eamon O'Reilly must join the PIRA. Which is a dangerous business as people my age know from the news coverage from the late 1960's to early 2000's. Everyday was a bloody day and I live in the U.S. But I remember. Catholic against Protestant!! Back to the story. Eamon was a hard working young man providing for his family after the death of his father. Now he is trapped. He joins the IRA to save his sister only to be beaten to death a year later. This part of the story starts out OK, but remember this is suppose to be a time travel story. Guilt over her brothers death Nora Joins the IRA and then the story jumps 14years into the future with her doing Humanitarian works in Darfu, Sudan. Ok Why this particular scenario? It didn't fit for me. Nora starts dreaming of man which many pages later we find out is Thomas Heany who is believed to have been killed in 1923. She eventually follows the clues given to her in her dreams by Thomas and his catapulted back 80 years. The story was just boring and a total disconnect.
It takes too long to get to the bottom line of the story and the time travel. The story is not very cohesive, Its a bunch of different scenes thrown together to make a story. I do think the author's Historical writings are fact and true. It just wasn't delivered in a interesting way. Not in the same boat as Outlander!! what Bury the Living is compared too!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2016
Find this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
Nora O’Reilly has a history of being a rebel. So when a stranger in a dream calls her to the Cathedral of St.Bridget of Kildare (patron saint of Ireland), Nora follows. Once there she finds more than she bargained for. At the cathedral she touches a relic of Saint Bridgett and is flung back eighty years .
You all know I love a good time travel story. This one also had some unique twists. Nora goes back in time only a relatively few years. The book also highlights some of the tough warfare that Ireland has endured. I saw a few reviews that have said that ‘Bury the Living’ is the Irish ‘Outlander’. From what I know of ‘Outlander’, one of the main themes is romance. This novel does touch on romance but is not its main theme. Before reading ‘Bury the Living’, I knew about the strife in Ireland but I guess I never really knew how awful it was. This book really brings home some of the struggles and hardships of the Irish people during this time.
I did really loved this book. It stuck to the main storyline well and did not stray much. The characters were solid and the prose was wonderful. I really identified with Nora, a good person, but a bit of a rebel. The history in this novel is amazing. I can’t imagine the research that must have gone into it.
The beginning did start a little thick in history and politics but leveled off deeper into the story. I did have to keep checking back to the beginning where the abbreviations were but with a Kindle it wasn’t such a big deal. The end left me wanting more but it is a series so I will have to read the next installment to find out what happens.
All in all, I loved it. A great time travel book. I can’t wait until the next book it out.
Nora O’Reilly has a history of being a rebel. So when a stranger in a dream calls her to the Cathedral of St.Bridget of Kildare (patron saint of Ireland), Nora follows. Once there she finds more than she bargained for. At the cathedral she touches a relic of Saint Bridgett and is flung back eighty years .
You all know I love a good time travel story. This one also had some unique twists. Nora goes back in time only a relatively few years. The book also highlights some of the tough warfare that Ireland has endured. I saw a few reviews that have said that ‘Bury the Living’ is the Irish ‘Outlander’. From what I know of ‘Outlander’, one of the main themes is romance. This novel does touch on romance but is not its main theme. Before reading ‘Bury the Living’, I knew about the strife in Ireland but I guess I never really knew how awful it was. This book really brings home some of the struggles and hardships of the Irish people during this time.
I did really loved this book. It stuck to the main storyline well and did not stray much. The characters were solid and the prose was wonderful. I really identified with Nora, a good person, but a bit of a rebel. The history in this novel is amazing. I can’t imagine the research that must have gone into it.
The beginning did start a little thick in history and politics but leveled off deeper into the story. I did have to keep checking back to the beginning where the abbreviations were but with a Kindle it wasn’t such a big deal. The end left me wanting more but it is a series so I will have to read the next installment to find out what happens.
All in all, I loved it. A great time travel book. I can’t wait until the next book it out.
July 22, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book! It was an amazing read - so gripping I actually couldn't put it down until I was basically falling asleep.. McIsaac made Nora and the rest of the characters in the story come alive for me - I was cheering her on like I would any real person. I felt like I was right alongside her at times. She really makes you love the characters she brings to life for the novel. I was especially into it because it's one of my favorite topics - Irish history. I find the history so rich and interesting, the fairytale aspect is so enchanting, and for her to combine both the way she did was so appropriate for the time period in which it was set - like adding magic to the real world. Then to make one of the characters an actual person taken from a fairytale? Unreal..
It was in the same realm as Outlander and Exit Unicorns - being a historical fiction - and a good way to fill the gap between those. While I feel it should have been longer and more in depth, that's probably me being selfish because it didn't last nearly as long as I wanted it too. I wísh there had been more detail, though, because more of the history could have used explanation - especially for those who know nothing about the time period. I got really into it, but felt it moved along too fast in some instances. I truly cannot wait for the second installation of this series. I believe it could be as good as the other series I mentioned above. I truly hope the next one is longer and more detailed! She's an amazing author and this is going to be a classic series some day.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book! It was an amazing read - so gripping I actually couldn't put it down until I was basically falling asleep.. McIsaac made Nora and the rest of the characters in the story come alive for me - I was cheering her on like I would any real person. I felt like I was right alongside her at times. She really makes you love the characters she brings to life for the novel. I was especially into it because it's one of my favorite topics - Irish history. I find the history so rich and interesting, the fairytale aspect is so enchanting, and for her to combine both the way she did was so appropriate for the time period in which it was set - like adding magic to the real world. Then to make one of the characters an actual person taken from a fairytale? Unreal..
It was in the same realm as Outlander and Exit Unicorns - being a historical fiction - and a good way to fill the gap between those. While I feel it should have been longer and more in depth, that's probably me being selfish because it didn't last nearly as long as I wanted it too. I wísh there had been more detail, though, because more of the history could have used explanation - especially for those who know nothing about the time period. I got really into it, but felt it moved along too fast in some instances. I truly cannot wait for the second installation of this series. I believe it could be as good as the other series I mentioned above. I truly hope the next one is longer and more detailed! She's an amazing author and this is going to be a classic series some day.
September 15, 2016
I found this to be a good blend of historical fiction (Ireland's troubles) and fantasy (time travel, fairy tales, and Irish mythology!) This is NOT a romance, so if you are expecting an 'Outlander' set in Ireland, you may be disappointed. I thought the author moved smoothly between the different times and provided a lot of historical information about the conflicts that have taken place in Ireland without once being boring--this is why I like historical fiction better than just studying history: it's usually more interesting and has better character development. :)
I will say that the book started off a bit slowly--the beginning seemed to be the weakest part of the book--but it certainly picked up. I'll be looking for the second in this series for sure.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book.
I will say that the book started off a bit slowly--the beginning seemed to be the weakest part of the book--but it certainly picked up. I'll be looking for the second in this series for sure.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book.
January 19, 2017
*I've got this book from NetGalley in exchange of a honest review*
Well there is not much to say, except that it was absolutely boring, it felt like I was reading a badly written textbook. I hated main character from the beginning. So there is no point to continue with this book and torture myself.
Well there is not much to say, except that it was absolutely boring, it felt like I was reading a badly written textbook. I hated main character from the beginning. So there is no point to continue with this book and torture myself.
March 1, 2017
[I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review]
A girl from the present. A legendary man from the past. Together, they can change the future.
It is not simple to intertwine history and fantasy; at least, not without risking to fall into the absurd. More then every when you even take in consideration religion and myths. I mean, in any other situation a saint that helps a girl traveling in the past would seem rather strange, wouldn't she?
And still, the world described by Jodi McIsaac felt so real that I could imagine every single detail seen by Nora's eyes and feel her emotions. She's a strong character, yet she must carry an heavy burden related to her family. Stubborness and sarcasm are her second name, but probably this is why I liked her so much. Such a shame that the narrator was in third person and not first person! It would have been much better in order to involve the reader more.
Historical fictions can be hard to read sometimes, but this wasn't the case. It's true that till the second half the pace was rather slow, but not so slow to be boring. Maybe it is even useful, so as to understand better the historical background (Irish situation in the 20es and 90es). To be honest, I think that there should be a short summary of Irish history at the beginning of the book, because probably I'm not the only one to be not very informed about it, and sometimes I had difficulties with following the events. Nothing that prevented me from continuing the reading, but that could have made me enjoy it more.
The only thing that I really found annoying was the ending. I'm rather accostumed to open endings and I completely understand their charm, but not when for the end of the book no objective is reached. At least one, small step should be done, but in my opinion this doesn't happen. Thomas and Nora just go around and around withouth accomplishing nothing concrete, leaving me embittered.
"You've buried your dead, Nora. Don't try to bury the living as well."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It just means that I know a thing or two about regret. About moving on without the people you love. Sometimes it's hard to remember that you're not the one who died."
A girl from the present. A legendary man from the past. Together, they can change the future.
It is not simple to intertwine history and fantasy; at least, not without risking to fall into the absurd. More then every when you even take in consideration religion and myths. I mean, in any other situation a saint that helps a girl traveling in the past would seem rather strange, wouldn't she?
And still, the world described by Jodi McIsaac felt so real that I could imagine every single detail seen by Nora's eyes and feel her emotions. She's a strong character, yet she must carry an heavy burden related to her family. Stubborness and sarcasm are her second name, but probably this is why I liked her so much. Such a shame that the narrator was in third person and not first person! It would have been much better in order to involve the reader more.
Historical fictions can be hard to read sometimes, but this wasn't the case. It's true that till the second half the pace was rather slow, but not so slow to be boring. Maybe it is even useful, so as to understand better the historical background (Irish situation in the 20es and 90es). To be honest, I think that there should be a short summary of Irish history at the beginning of the book, because probably I'm not the only one to be not very informed about it, and sometimes I had difficulties with following the events. Nothing that prevented me from continuing the reading, but that could have made me enjoy it more.
The only thing that I really found annoying was the ending. I'm rather accostumed to open endings and I completely understand their charm, but not when for the end of the book no objective is reached. At least one, small step should be done, but in my opinion this doesn't happen. Thomas and Nora just go around and around withouth accomplishing nothing concrete, leaving me embittered.
October 1, 2016
Bury the Living
By Jodie McIsaac
Rating 4.25
Bury the Living is the best of both worlds…historical fiction with a dash of fantasy thrown in to spice things up. I was totally taken with this book from the very beginning. Anything Irish or Scottish and throw in some fantasy, in this case, time travel, well you have me. All you have to do to keep me happy is to develop believable characters with whom I can connect, create a setting that I can visualize and pen a well written story that flows well…I don't like getting lost. Ms. McIsaac did it all for me. This is a story that makes you come back and beg for more.
I loved Nora right away. Hands down. No questions asked. She grew up in Belfast during a very tumultuous time and was rebellious by nature; but not bad …just slightly self-misguided. She managed to survive all of this due to self inflicted guilt. Guilt that she felt she deserved. The time was right for a major revamping of self; but what of the situation that pulled her into this web to begin with…the plight of Northern Ireland? Sooo, now she is right back into the thick of things once again. However, this time her eyes are wide open; but is she prepared for the sacrifices and the risks? All of the other characters who she meets along the way are quickly developed and become flesh and bone. They are believable and you take them to heart. Ohhh, I so love the Irish dialect! I know, I'm only reading the words; but heaven help me, I swear, I heard that Irish brogue! My heart just sighed. Then there is Thomas. Thomas is different. He took a bit longer to get to know; but it is well worth the wait. He has lots to tell. I was in love!
The beginning is 1990, skips to 2005 and then time travels backwards to 1923 amidst the Irish Civil War. This is where the author excels because she doesn't lose you in the "travel". We see the violence of present day Belfast and the devastation of the early 1920s. It is important to understand that Ireland has been at war for hundreds of years beginning with the Normans in the late 12th century which marked the beginning of more than 800 years of English rule or involvement. Wars, uprisings, revolutions, rebellions, civil wars, riots and bombings have plagued much of Ireland's history. We become aware of the sacrifices, decisions, fears and worries of the mothers, daughters, sons and fathers through the lives and eyes of the women Nora meets. I really liked and appreciated this perspective. The portrayal of this time period was vividly done. It was gut retching to read. The research was remarkable and the Historical Note at the end is a must...do not skip it.
It can be difficult to bring together two different time periods. The author needs to expertly weave all the threads of both worlds seamlessly together to create a smooth flowing and flawless story. This was done very well and effortlessly. There were frequent references of present day Ireland going through Nora’s head while she was “living” in 1923. Thus raising an important question…can history be changed? And maybe more important, if it can be changed, then what???
The story ends with this Irish Gaelic saying, “Ádh mór ort.” . I will definitely be continuing this series.
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By Jodie McIsaac
Rating 4.25
Bury the Living is the best of both worlds…historical fiction with a dash of fantasy thrown in to spice things up. I was totally taken with this book from the very beginning. Anything Irish or Scottish and throw in some fantasy, in this case, time travel, well you have me. All you have to do to keep me happy is to develop believable characters with whom I can connect, create a setting that I can visualize and pen a well written story that flows well…I don't like getting lost. Ms. McIsaac did it all for me. This is a story that makes you come back and beg for more.
I loved Nora right away. Hands down. No questions asked. She grew up in Belfast during a very tumultuous time and was rebellious by nature; but not bad …just slightly self-misguided. She managed to survive all of this due to self inflicted guilt. Guilt that she felt she deserved. The time was right for a major revamping of self; but what of the situation that pulled her into this web to begin with…the plight of Northern Ireland? Sooo, now she is right back into the thick of things once again. However, this time her eyes are wide open; but is she prepared for the sacrifices and the risks? All of the other characters who she meets along the way are quickly developed and become flesh and bone. They are believable and you take them to heart. Ohhh, I so love the Irish dialect! I know, I'm only reading the words; but heaven help me, I swear, I heard that Irish brogue! My heart just sighed. Then there is Thomas. Thomas is different. He took a bit longer to get to know; but it is well worth the wait. He has lots to tell. I was in love!
The beginning is 1990, skips to 2005 and then time travels backwards to 1923 amidst the Irish Civil War. This is where the author excels because she doesn't lose you in the "travel". We see the violence of present day Belfast and the devastation of the early 1920s. It is important to understand that Ireland has been at war for hundreds of years beginning with the Normans in the late 12th century which marked the beginning of more than 800 years of English rule or involvement. Wars, uprisings, revolutions, rebellions, civil wars, riots and bombings have plagued much of Ireland's history. We become aware of the sacrifices, decisions, fears and worries of the mothers, daughters, sons and fathers through the lives and eyes of the women Nora meets. I really liked and appreciated this perspective. The portrayal of this time period was vividly done. It was gut retching to read. The research was remarkable and the Historical Note at the end is a must...do not skip it.
It can be difficult to bring together two different time periods. The author needs to expertly weave all the threads of both worlds seamlessly together to create a smooth flowing and flawless story. This was done very well and effortlessly. There were frequent references of present day Ireland going through Nora’s head while she was “living” in 1923. Thus raising an important question…can history be changed? And maybe more important, if it can be changed, then what???
The story ends with this Irish Gaelic saying, “Ádh mór ort.” . I will definitely be continuing this series.
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June 23, 2017
GNAB I received a free, electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Jodi McIsaac, and 47North Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for sharing your work with me.
I ask for this novel because although set in modern (2005) times, it carried back to Ireland's Civil War, a period that I find intensely interesting. The whole time travel thing usually doesn't work for me. But Jodi McIsaac is able to immerse you in the prose until you suspend your sense of reason and the time travel seems inevitable. Her characters are ordinary, their personalities varied, and they all feel like friends and family. This was an excellent waste of my time. Thank you, Jodi McIsaac. I hope you will be writing many more novels, and that this is the first of a series.
I find it very interesting that several reviewers did not cotton to the rebellious teenaged Nora of 1995. Maybe she - and I - were more trouble than normal - I understood her every contrary thought despite the fact that my youth was mid-60's southwestern US against her mid-90's Ireland. And that tendency to contrary carries over into every aspect of this tale, which might be why I gave it four and a half stars....
pub date Sept 6, 2016
47North
I ask for this novel because although set in modern (2005) times, it carried back to Ireland's Civil War, a period that I find intensely interesting. The whole time travel thing usually doesn't work for me. But Jodi McIsaac is able to immerse you in the prose until you suspend your sense of reason and the time travel seems inevitable. Her characters are ordinary, their personalities varied, and they all feel like friends and family. This was an excellent waste of my time. Thank you, Jodi McIsaac. I hope you will be writing many more novels, and that this is the first of a series.
I find it very interesting that several reviewers did not cotton to the rebellious teenaged Nora of 1995. Maybe she - and I - were more trouble than normal - I understood her every contrary thought despite the fact that my youth was mid-60's southwestern US against her mid-90's Ireland. And that tendency to contrary carries over into every aspect of this tale, which might be why I gave it four and a half stars....
pub date Sept 6, 2016
47North
September 9, 2016
I’ve become a bit of a time travel addict over the last few years. This new addiction, paired with my well established love of historical fiction, has me constantly searching high and low for my next book to devour. I’ve been steadily working my way through the Outlander series (which is no easy task) and felt the need for something similar, but not as long and in a different place or era. I opened an email from NetGalley that was advertising a new series that involved both time travel and historical Ireland. What!? Are they reading my mind? I logged in and requested immediately. & I’m so glad I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jodi McIsaac’s series debut, Bury the Living. It offers a detailed overview of the troubles Ireland citizens have faced over a large span of time. Main character, Nora, was strong and tough. I really loved her. She was such a great character to see the world through. She also spends most of her time around a fascinating cast of secondary characters-----including a few kick ass ladies. My only tiny complaint is the romance was on the light side. Hoping they’ll delve more into the romantic aspects in the next book. I’m super curious about what is next for Nora. The ending was killer. The wait for the next book is the worst thing about reading a fabulous debut.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jodi McIsaac’s series debut, Bury the Living. It offers a detailed overview of the troubles Ireland citizens have faced over a large span of time. Main character, Nora, was strong and tough. I really loved her. She was such a great character to see the world through. She also spends most of her time around a fascinating cast of secondary characters-----including a few kick ass ladies. My only tiny complaint is the romance was on the light side. Hoping they’ll delve more into the romantic aspects in the next book. I’m super curious about what is next for Nora. The ending was killer. The wait for the next book is the worst thing about reading a fabulous debut.
September 20, 2016
Thank you for NetGalley and 47North for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Reality was a different beast than she'd believed it to be."
The best part of historical fiction (when it's done right) is when you are introduced to a slice of history that you either don't know about or know a bit about but would like to know more. I found this peek into the Irish fight for independence quite interesting here. Comparisons to Outlander will abound here but there are definitely differences. The romance/connection is a slow burn here and, while critical to the storyline, does not drive the narrative for almost the entire story like it does in Outlander. I also thought the author did a terrific job presenting all sides of the Irish conflict fairly - there are several conflicted characters that are portrayed in terms of grey (not the usual stark black and white/good and evil that you find in most historical novels). My only quibble is that the characters go in and out of dialect (sometimes in the same sentences) which was slightly disjointing. Bonus points for a strong female lead not always dependent on her male counterpart - always appreciated in novels. A nice escapist read and I look forward to the sequel.
"Reality was a different beast than she'd believed it to be."
The best part of historical fiction (when it's done right) is when you are introduced to a slice of history that you either don't know about or know a bit about but would like to know more. I found this peek into the Irish fight for independence quite interesting here. Comparisons to Outlander will abound here but there are definitely differences. The romance/connection is a slow burn here and, while critical to the storyline, does not drive the narrative for almost the entire story like it does in Outlander. I also thought the author did a terrific job presenting all sides of the Irish conflict fairly - there are several conflicted characters that are portrayed in terms of grey (not the usual stark black and white/good and evil that you find in most historical novels). My only quibble is that the characters go in and out of dialect (sometimes in the same sentences) which was slightly disjointing. Bonus points for a strong female lead not always dependent on her male counterpart - always appreciated in novels. A nice escapist read and I look forward to the sequel.
September 10, 2016
**An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I did enjoy this a good bit - it kept me interested throughout, the writing was pretty good, I liked the characters well enough and especially the female friendship between Pidge and Nora, and the romance was blessedly light. But I had some issues with it,
I did enjoy this a good bit - it kept me interested throughout, the writing was pretty good, I liked the characters well enough and especially the female friendship between Pidge and Nora, and the romance was blessedly light. But I had some issues with it,
September 4, 2016
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I became so absorbed that I started and finished it in one day. It had a fantastic balance between historical fiction and fantasy, and was very well executed. It didn't rely on Nora, the protagonist's, gender as a plot device (no needlessly sexy scenes), and handled issue of sexism incredibly well, given that is was largely a period piece. It was timely, for me, given the current conversations around gender equality (though this may be less of a sticking point if its not something you often dwell on, and doesn't factor largely into the plot, I was just impressed with how well it was handled). There was just the right amount of ruthlessness and cursing to give it reality and grit, and I enjoyed watching Nora gracefully handle the turmoil she faced.
I may add to this review as I process it even more over the next few days!
I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I became so absorbed that I started and finished it in one day. It had a fantastic balance between historical fiction and fantasy, and was very well executed. It didn't rely on Nora, the protagonist's, gender as a plot device (no needlessly sexy scenes), and handled issue of sexism incredibly well, given that is was largely a period piece. It was timely, for me, given the current conversations around gender equality (though this may be less of a sticking point if its not something you often dwell on, and doesn't factor largely into the plot, I was just impressed with how well it was handled). There was just the right amount of ruthlessness and cursing to give it reality and grit, and I enjoyed watching Nora gracefully handle the turmoil she faced.
I may add to this review as I process it even more over the next few days!
July 21, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Irish history, time travel, romance with a strong female character, what's not to love? This is book one in the series and ends in a cliff-hanger, didn't want to put it down and can't wait for the next one. Read my review at http://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogsp...
August 16, 2017
My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars
*spoilers are hidden in spoiler tags*
In 1990, Nora O’Reilly is fifteen years old with an unruly temper that gets her into far more trouble than would be otherwise necessary. Being angry at the poor situation her family finds itself in, a murdered father, a mother that can’t put down the bottle, and a brother that is the sole breadwinner, Nora takes it upon herself to start selling pills in order to make some side cash. Cash that will hopefully one day get her family out of Ireland and away from the ongoing war for freedom. The only thing it does it get her into more trouble than her temper ever did and before long, she’s signed up to be a member of the Irish Republican Army, and won’t manage to leave Ireland for another 10 years. Flash forward to the year 2004, Nora is now thirty years old and has been spending the last several years of her life as a relief worker in various foreign countries. She’s been having strange dreams for many months which feature the same man who never actually says anything to her yet leaves her with a sense of urgency that has her puzzled. When she dreams of him one night and he actually speaks, asking her to go to a town in Ireland because he needs her help, she brushes it off as nothing but a dream but she can’t completely shake off the pull to follow through on his request. When she does as the man in her dream requested, she ends up on an adventure through time itself, ending up in the year 1923.
Bury the Living was initially tempting to me because it’s a time travel adventure and marketed to fans of Outlander. It’s an understandable similarity, yet, Bury the Living falls undeniably short of living up to the comparison. The writing was enjoyable and kept me reading till the end but the characters themselves really blurred together after a point, except for the main character who seemed to have never grown out of her teenage temper. There’s an extensive focus on the historical detailing of the time as well as a romance, but the confusing aspects of the time travel itself, the inclusion of some puzzling fantasy aspects, and the lack of a logical plot made any positive aspects of this story fall by the wayside.
The historical detailing: This was the best part of the story. This is all information I had to take at face value because I knew little to nothing about the history of Ireland and the wars and strife they went through for decades. It was terrible yet fascinating but quite clear that the author did a lot of research for this book.
The romance: There isn’t a Claire and Jamie type of love, although, they’re truly incomparable. The building blocks were established for the romance in this first installment of the planned series, but I can’t say I felt any sort of chemistry between our two supposed love birds. I expect that will come later.
The time travel: After Nora’s dreams send her to a church in Kildare to find ‘Brigid’, a nun there is prepped and ready because she also had been having dreams warning her of Nora’s impending arrival. With the help of an ancient relic from Saint Brigid herself, Nora is sent back to the year 1923. I don’t know, it was all just a little too methodical for my liking.
The fantasy aspects/Plot: The majority of this is quite spoilery so I’ll just include these bits in spoiler tags.
Bury the Living is an informative time travel adventure through the arduous 1920s of Ireland. It’s evident this is the first installment of a planned series and the ending definitely leaves you hanging whether Nora will ever manage to accomplish her goal of changing the future. Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll be picking up the next book to find out.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
*spoilers are hidden in spoiler tags*
In 1990, Nora O’Reilly is fifteen years old with an unruly temper that gets her into far more trouble than would be otherwise necessary. Being angry at the poor situation her family finds itself in, a murdered father, a mother that can’t put down the bottle, and a brother that is the sole breadwinner, Nora takes it upon herself to start selling pills in order to make some side cash. Cash that will hopefully one day get her family out of Ireland and away from the ongoing war for freedom. The only thing it does it get her into more trouble than her temper ever did and before long, she’s signed up to be a member of the Irish Republican Army, and won’t manage to leave Ireland for another 10 years. Flash forward to the year 2004, Nora is now thirty years old and has been spending the last several years of her life as a relief worker in various foreign countries. She’s been having strange dreams for many months which feature the same man who never actually says anything to her yet leaves her with a sense of urgency that has her puzzled. When she dreams of him one night and he actually speaks, asking her to go to a town in Ireland because he needs her help, she brushes it off as nothing but a dream but she can’t completely shake off the pull to follow through on his request. When she does as the man in her dream requested, she ends up on an adventure through time itself, ending up in the year 1923.
Bury the Living was initially tempting to me because it’s a time travel adventure and marketed to fans of Outlander. It’s an understandable similarity, yet, Bury the Living falls undeniably short of living up to the comparison. The writing was enjoyable and kept me reading till the end but the characters themselves really blurred together after a point, except for the main character who seemed to have never grown out of her teenage temper. There’s an extensive focus on the historical detailing of the time as well as a romance, but the confusing aspects of the time travel itself, the inclusion of some puzzling fantasy aspects, and the lack of a logical plot made any positive aspects of this story fall by the wayside.
The historical detailing: This was the best part of the story. This is all information I had to take at face value because I knew little to nothing about the history of Ireland and the wars and strife they went through for decades. It was terrible yet fascinating but quite clear that the author did a lot of research for this book.
The romance: There isn’t a Claire and Jamie type of love, although, they’re truly incomparable. The building blocks were established for the romance in this first installment of the planned series, but I can’t say I felt any sort of chemistry between our two supposed love birds. I expect that will come later.
The time travel: After Nora’s dreams send her to a church in Kildare to find ‘Brigid’, a nun there is prepped and ready because she also had been having dreams warning her of Nora’s impending arrival. With the help of an ancient relic from Saint Brigid herself, Nora is sent back to the year 1923. I don’t know, it was all just a little too methodical for my liking.
The fantasy aspects/Plot: The majority of this is quite spoilery so I’ll just include these bits in spoiler tags.
Bury the Living is an informative time travel adventure through the arduous 1920s of Ireland. It’s evident this is the first installment of a planned series and the ending definitely leaves you hanging whether Nora will ever manage to accomplish her goal of changing the future. Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll be picking up the next book to find out.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 9, 2016
Intrigued by the premise mixing recent and past history through the eyes of Nora, a 15 year old girl on a dangerous path in 1990’s. Mouthy with a penchant for trouble, her brother is shanghaied into the Provos (a militant arm of the IRA) to obtain her freedom. Struggle and strife are nothing new to the family, since the death of Nora’s father he’d been working to put food on the table and help the family survive. Unhappily, he does what needs be done, only to be beaten to death nearly a year later.
Now, Nora is angry, and jumps full in with the IRA – and the fun begins. Soon she is running back in time to the last big series of events in the Irish Civil War, with the blessing of Brigid Kildare a patron saint of Ireland. Soon her dreamed about man is there in front of her, the war is raging and Nora finds that the fairy tales and stories of her youth have a grounding in this time she now finds herself in.
Overall, the time-travel portion of the story and Nora’s voice are outstanding, if a bit meandering as the story unfolded. While the historical detail was present, the connection between the two didn’t work smoothly for me, and the long treatise of factual information as a lead in, while helpful would have read better if it were better integrated into Nora’s voice and story. The premise for me is still wonderful, but the feeling of this being a series of moments connected by their Irishness never quite left me.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Now, Nora is angry, and jumps full in with the IRA – and the fun begins. Soon she is running back in time to the last big series of events in the Irish Civil War, with the blessing of Brigid Kildare a patron saint of Ireland. Soon her dreamed about man is there in front of her, the war is raging and Nora finds that the fairy tales and stories of her youth have a grounding in this time she now finds herself in.
Overall, the time-travel portion of the story and Nora’s voice are outstanding, if a bit meandering as the story unfolded. While the historical detail was present, the connection between the two didn’t work smoothly for me, and the long treatise of factual information as a lead in, while helpful would have read better if it were better integrated into Nora’s voice and story. The premise for me is still wonderful, but the feeling of this being a series of moments connected by their Irishness never quite left me.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
July 23, 2016
2.5 stars -okay - The blurb to Bury the Living sounded promising, like a time travel romance set in an important period in Ireland's history - their Civil War. This didn't really end up with a romance though - at least not yet - but if you like history this may be the book for you. I am actually more fantasy/romance focused in my tastes so this wasn't quite what I was hoping for, but my bigger problem was that I wasn't able to connect with our time traveling leading lady, Nora.
Bury the Living starts out with Nora in her late teens living in 1990 in a divided Ireland in turmoil and with her being stupid. Nora's actions ultimately lead to her brother's death, which is the catalyst for her to become a foot soldier in Irish Republic Army. We don't really see any of those years and there's a big time jump that shows us that she's now a relief worker in Africa - as penance I guess. There are circumstances that lead Nora back to Ireland instead of on the vacation she's planned. And since she's there, it is convenient for Nora to attempt to follow the instructions of a man she's been dreaming of, a man who begs her to save him, and pretty quickly Nora ends up back in 1923 Ireland.
In all of this setup there wasn't really anything to make me like Nora or care about her. Maybe the focus was too much on giving Nora motivation to act when she goes to the past. And in the past she just kind of blunders quickly through events that are significant to a short time period in that the Civil War. There is a bit of a sense of that history, since the story is based on some actual events but somehow it just wasn't that engaging either - even with the addition of some characters from Irish myth (which is totally up my alley) providing the reason for Nora's journey back in time.
Bury the Living is just the start of the series, with the next book jumping even further back in time.
ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Release date September 6th
Bury the Living starts out with Nora in her late teens living in 1990 in a divided Ireland in turmoil and with her being stupid. Nora's actions ultimately lead to her brother's death, which is the catalyst for her to become a foot soldier in Irish Republic Army. We don't really see any of those years and there's a big time jump that shows us that she's now a relief worker in Africa - as penance I guess. There are circumstances that lead Nora back to Ireland instead of on the vacation she's planned. And since she's there, it is convenient for Nora to attempt to follow the instructions of a man she's been dreaming of, a man who begs her to save him, and pretty quickly Nora ends up back in 1923 Ireland.
In all of this setup there wasn't really anything to make me like Nora or care about her. Maybe the focus was too much on giving Nora motivation to act when she goes to the past. And in the past she just kind of blunders quickly through events that are significant to a short time period in that the Civil War. There is a bit of a sense of that history, since the story is based on some actual events but somehow it just wasn't that engaging either - even with the addition of some characters from Irish myth (which is totally up my alley) providing the reason for Nora's journey back in time.
Bury the Living is just the start of the series, with the next book jumping even further back in time.
ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Release date September 6th
July 19, 2016
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After her brother's death, teenage Nora decides to follow in her brother's footsteps and join the IRA to fight for her country's freedom. A decade later, she starts to have dreams of a man telling her to go to Kildare and find a lady named Brigid in order to help him. She does and with the help of a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, she travels back in time eighty years during Ireland's civil war. Sounds cool right? It honestly was, but there were so many things that made this book fall short.
At first I thought it was because I really didn't know anything about the war, but really Nora was basically given all of the information she needed on a silver platter. It made everything so... anticlimactic. And when the action started to pick up, I had to force myself to continue reading because of how choppy the writing was. There was unnecessary details forced into the story and dialogue that could have probably just been summed up in a sentence or two, especially in the beginning. I really didn't care about how character A blinked ten times in the last five minutes.
All of the characters were so boring. If you were to throw them all into a big pot and asked me to tell the difference between them, I wouldn't be able to. Even the ones that were remotely interesting became boring because of how their backstories would be revealed so quickly. At the end of the book, I really didn't care about any of them, and while that may work in a different type of book, it doesn't work here.
Really this was kind of a goldmine of infodumps. If all of the information had started to be revealed closer to the last quarter of the book, it would have been a whole lot more interesting.
After her brother's death, teenage Nora decides to follow in her brother's footsteps and join the IRA to fight for her country's freedom. A decade later, she starts to have dreams of a man telling her to go to Kildare and find a lady named Brigid in order to help him. She does and with the help of a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, she travels back in time eighty years during Ireland's civil war. Sounds cool right? It honestly was, but there were so many things that made this book fall short.
At first I thought it was because I really didn't know anything about the war, but really Nora was basically given all of the information she needed on a silver platter. It made everything so... anticlimactic. And when the action started to pick up, I had to force myself to continue reading because of how choppy the writing was. There was unnecessary details forced into the story and dialogue that could have probably just been summed up in a sentence or two, especially in the beginning. I really didn't care about how character A blinked ten times in the last five minutes.
All of the characters were so boring. If you were to throw them all into a big pot and asked me to tell the difference between them, I wouldn't be able to. Even the ones that were remotely interesting became boring because of how their backstories would be revealed so quickly. At the end of the book, I really didn't care about any of them, and while that may work in a different type of book, it doesn't work here.
Really this was kind of a goldmine of infodumps. If all of the information had started to be revealed closer to the last quarter of the book, it would have been a whole lot more interesting.
February 10, 2017
Bury the Living starts off in Belfast Ireland, 1990. A tumultuous time in Irish history. Nora O'Reilly has always believed in the IRA cause. Because of the deaths in her family because of the "Troubles", Nora is now a missionary in Africa, where there is also danger. She comes back to Ireland for another funeral and is brought back into the fight for freedom. She starts having dreams about a man that she has never met, vivid dreams that she can't ignore.
Nora is given a historical artifact and is instructed to meet with Bridget of Kildare. This artifact mysteriously sends Nora back to the Irish Civil War in the 1920's. This civil war was between two factions, Irish republicans and Irish nationalists. This is where the book gets really good, her search for Thomas who is the man from her dreams who is actually Fionn mac Cumhaill, a mythical character from Irish legends. He is on a mission also to fight for what he believes in and with Nora's help, they try to change the course of history.
Since I am Irish, this book really intrigued me and I also love time travel novels so this book was doubly interesting. The addition of Bridget of Kildare, an Irish patron saint, who was a nun and founder of several monasteries for nuns is interesting.So for Nora to have this ability to go back in time and try to change the outcome of the Civil War is particularly intriguing. I won't tell you whether she accomplished her goals or not, you need to read the book. I think if you love Irish historical fiction mixed with a bit of fantasy, you absolutely need to read this book! I look forward to reading Summon the Queen which takes Nora and Fionn back to 1500's to meet with Granuaile Ni Mhaille or Grace O'Malley and Queen Elizabeth I to continue their quest for Irish freedom.
This review is voluntary.
Nora is given a historical artifact and is instructed to meet with Bridget of Kildare. This artifact mysteriously sends Nora back to the Irish Civil War in the 1920's. This civil war was between two factions, Irish republicans and Irish nationalists. This is where the book gets really good, her search for Thomas who is the man from her dreams who is actually Fionn mac Cumhaill, a mythical character from Irish legends. He is on a mission also to fight for what he believes in and with Nora's help, they try to change the course of history.
Since I am Irish, this book really intrigued me and I also love time travel novels so this book was doubly interesting. The addition of Bridget of Kildare, an Irish patron saint, who was a nun and founder of several monasteries for nuns is interesting.So for Nora to have this ability to go back in time and try to change the outcome of the Civil War is particularly intriguing. I won't tell you whether she accomplished her goals or not, you need to read the book. I think if you love Irish historical fiction mixed with a bit of fantasy, you absolutely need to read this book! I look forward to reading Summon the Queen which takes Nora and Fionn back to 1500's to meet with Granuaile Ni Mhaille or Grace O'Malley and Queen Elizabeth I to continue their quest for Irish freedom.
This review is voluntary.
May 14, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the main character, Nora, who is very realistically drawn, especially at the beginning of the book. Her motivations are established early when we meet her as a teen. Then there's a rather jarring jump to a refugee camp where we see how she is trying to atone for her past, and hear how she is plagued with dreams about a mysterious man. Her return to Ireland, visit with an aunt and discovery of a photo of the man she's been dreaming of, sets her on an adventure that takes her back in time.
I appreciated the setting of Ireland in the 1920s and the introduction to some of the history of women during that time. I read Leon Uris's Trinity as a teen, but I don't remember anything about women in there. (That was a long time ago, so it may just not have stuck!). I felt there was a lot more I wanted from the Thomas character, in terms of depth and development. I was annoyed with the ending that leads us into another book. Perhaps we'll learn more about Thomas in the next book, since we've learned his great secret by the end of the Bury the Living. (Still trying to figure out the title, actually).
It was quite a page turner, and if I'd started it on a weekend when I have time, I'd have finished in one sitting. Overall, I give it 4.5 stars.
I liked the main character, Nora, who is very realistically drawn, especially at the beginning of the book. Her motivations are established early when we meet her as a teen. Then there's a rather jarring jump to a refugee camp where we see how she is trying to atone for her past, and hear how she is plagued with dreams about a mysterious man. Her return to Ireland, visit with an aunt and discovery of a photo of the man she's been dreaming of, sets her on an adventure that takes her back in time.
I appreciated the setting of Ireland in the 1920s and the introduction to some of the history of women during that time. I read Leon Uris's Trinity as a teen, but I don't remember anything about women in there. (That was a long time ago, so it may just not have stuck!). I felt there was a lot more I wanted from the Thomas character, in terms of depth and development. I was annoyed with the ending that leads us into another book. Perhaps we'll learn more about Thomas in the next book, since we've learned his great secret by the end of the Bury the Living. (Still trying to figure out the title, actually).
It was quite a page turner, and if I'd started it on a weekend when I have time, I'd have finished in one sitting. Overall, I give it 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2016
The book has a thrilling plot, nonstop action. The characters are flawed, real and relatable. I really enjoyed how McIsaac was able to pull in Irish folklore to a very real setting, and tied it in with revolutionary history. I'm a sucker for time travel stories, and this one is done well, with just the right touch of confusion and related facts that make the situation captivating. A great read.
November 6, 2025
Unfortunately, Bury the Living just wasn’t for me. From the synopsis, I thought this was a time traveling romance based around historical events…Okay, I was thinking OUTLANDER, instead of Scotland it would be Ireland based but that really wasn’t the case. There is a time jump that gives you two different prospective on discontent with the liberation of Ireland but beyond the time jump it lots of history.
If you love to read strong historical based fictional read, Bury the Living would be a good book for you. Again, this is just not my cup of tea.
I received this ARC copy of Bury the Living from 47North in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 06, 2016
My Rating: 2 Stars (it was okay)
If you love to read strong historical based fictional read, Bury the Living would be a good book for you. Again, this is just not my cup of tea.
I received this ARC copy of Bury the Living from 47North in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 06, 2016
My Rating: 2 Stars (it was okay)
July 26, 2016
Nora O’Reilly has a knack for getting into trouble. That's not good when she lives in Ireland's Troubles. After losing her family, Nora becomes an Aid worker. Now she is plagued by dreams of a man she has never known. She ends up connecting with the Brigidine Sisters, who venerate Saint Brigid, who was a pagan patron of Ireland long before the Catholic Church, when she was part of the Tuatha Dé Danann. A relic takes Nora back to the Irish Civil War, a much different war than The Troubles. She is trying to help Michael break the curse on him to be immortal until Ireland is free of it's enemies. This curse is quite the challenge if you know the history of Ireland.
June 14, 2016
Full review to come!
Want to read
August 7, 2016#BLOGGERS.....BURY THE LIVING is touring with Tasty! Sign up here, http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/08...
abandoned
August 31, 2016DNF at 6%. I can tell this one is not for me.
September 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It's an excellent Historical Fantasy. I've just preordered the next in the series.
February 4, 2017
Ireland – Past and Present
Nora O’Reilly has always been a rebel. It runs in her family. Growing up in Belfast in the time of The Troubles, she has already lost her father, her mother has taken to drinking to drown out the pain, and now, because of her bad decisions, her brother has had to join the IRA. Eamon had resisted falling into his family’s pattern of rebellion, but in order to protect his sister, he becomes a rebel. And then he is brutally murdered by the Protestant faction, sending Nora on the path of revenge. She, too, joins the IRA.
Fourteen years later, Nora is in the Sudan working for a relief organization. Her mother has died, the Troubles may not be over, but the brutality is. Due to mandatory regulations, Nora must take time away from her work. She returns to Belfast to attend the funeral of one of her fellow rebels. Nora has been having mysterious dreams of a man asking for her help. The dreams are persistent, and increasingly urgent. Although she doubts its authenticity, she does follow the instructions to meet with “Brigid”, who gives her a relic which transports her back eighty years to the height of Ireland’s civil war. She must search for Thomas Heaney, the man in her dreams.
When Nora finally tracks Thomas down, he is as baffled as she is as to why she is there. But Thomas has many secrets, and he’s not about to reveal them to this outspoken stranger. Nora is befriended by a local family who secretly are working against the British-led government, a dangerous position for anyone. No one is safe from the government forces who use brutal and sometimes fatal tactics to tamp down the underground rebels. Nora is caught up in the atmosphere and hopes to be able to change the past so that her father and brother are not killed in the future.
BURY THE LIVING is the first book in the Revolutionary Series. It’s gritty, it’s poignant, and it’s beautifully written. The Troubles in Ireland are well known and, while the terrorism has diminished, Ireland is still a divided country with a tragic history. Nora is a tough, in-your-face patriot who sometimes gets herself in over her head. Her relationship with Thomas starts out rather stormy as he, and others, question whether she is a spy for the government. But soon, the truth will be revealed about both Nora and Thomas.
A riveting tale, and, having ancestors from Northern Ireland, I highly recommend BURY THE LIVING. The historical aspect has been well researched.
Nora O’Reilly has always been a rebel. It runs in her family. Growing up in Belfast in the time of The Troubles, she has already lost her father, her mother has taken to drinking to drown out the pain, and now, because of her bad decisions, her brother has had to join the IRA. Eamon had resisted falling into his family’s pattern of rebellion, but in order to protect his sister, he becomes a rebel. And then he is brutally murdered by the Protestant faction, sending Nora on the path of revenge. She, too, joins the IRA.
Fourteen years later, Nora is in the Sudan working for a relief organization. Her mother has died, the Troubles may not be over, but the brutality is. Due to mandatory regulations, Nora must take time away from her work. She returns to Belfast to attend the funeral of one of her fellow rebels. Nora has been having mysterious dreams of a man asking for her help. The dreams are persistent, and increasingly urgent. Although she doubts its authenticity, she does follow the instructions to meet with “Brigid”, who gives her a relic which transports her back eighty years to the height of Ireland’s civil war. She must search for Thomas Heaney, the man in her dreams.
When Nora finally tracks Thomas down, he is as baffled as she is as to why she is there. But Thomas has many secrets, and he’s not about to reveal them to this outspoken stranger. Nora is befriended by a local family who secretly are working against the British-led government, a dangerous position for anyone. No one is safe from the government forces who use brutal and sometimes fatal tactics to tamp down the underground rebels. Nora is caught up in the atmosphere and hopes to be able to change the past so that her father and brother are not killed in the future.
BURY THE LIVING is the first book in the Revolutionary Series. It’s gritty, it’s poignant, and it’s beautifully written. The Troubles in Ireland are well known and, while the terrorism has diminished, Ireland is still a divided country with a tragic history. Nora is a tough, in-your-face patriot who sometimes gets herself in over her head. Her relationship with Thomas starts out rather stormy as he, and others, question whether she is a spy for the government. But soon, the truth will be revealed about both Nora and Thomas.
A riveting tale, and, having ancestors from Northern Ireland, I highly recommend BURY THE LIVING. The historical aspect has been well researched.
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