Summon the Queen

The Revolutionary #2

by Jodi McIsaac

It may be impossible to alter the past, but Irish revolutionary Nora O’Reilly is determined to try. Armed with a relic given to her by the goddess Brigid and joined by immortal Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill, Nora is hurled back through time to the sixteenth century. There Nora and Fionn seek the infamous pirate queen Granuaile—Grace O’Malley—the one woman who may be fierce enough to stop Queen Elizabeth I’s tyranny over the Irish people.

But finding Granuaile is no easy feat, and securing her help is tougher still. Nora and Fionn face enemies at every turn, risking capture, separation, and even death in their quest to save Ireland and finally put an end to the centuries-long curse that torments Fionn. But as Nora’s connection to Fionn grows stronger, her loyalties are tested: she may not be able to save both her country and the man she’s grown to love.

In Jodi McIsaac’s thrilling and heartbreaking sequel to Bury the Living, Nora will once again battle time, history, and her own intense desires in an attempt to rewrite the past—and to change the fate of all she holds dear.

Genres: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2017

About the author

Jodi 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.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had absolutely no idea( when requesting an ARC) that this was the second book in a series. I strongly recommend reading the first book in the series Bury the Living because it took me awhile to grasp hold of what exactly was happening in the series. Luckily, the book does repeat some of the happenings in the first book and the book synopsis clearly outlines the first chapter. But even supplied with that information, it took me awhile to get an understanding of what was happening.

Similar to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, the plot revolves around a woman from the future traveling back into time. In this case trying to stop Ireland from a devastating future under the thumb of the English. Unlike the aforementioned series, Jodi McIssac's Nora O'Reilly, can actually leap through several different time periods in the same book. In Summon the Queen, Nora and her time traveling sidekick, the immortal Fionn mac Cumhail( aka Finn MacCool), are doing what they can to rid 16th century Ireland from the harsh rule of Elizabeth I.

I actually enjoyed this book much more thanThrough the Door and believe it shows that McIssac's writing is getting much stronger. However, I did find that there were times the plot moved a little faster than I would have liked. A weird comment to make since often I can find plots drag on, but when the storyline saw Nora and Finn separated from each other for 5 years in a handful of chapters, it was a little too much.

All in all, Summon the Queen intrigued me enough that I would certainly read the entire series.

Thanks to NetGalley and 47North for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Constantine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5/5.0

This is the second book to the revolutionary series. It is a mixture between historical fiction and fantasy/science fiction with time travel element. I feel the first book was more inline with the theme of revolution and also had some suspense to it. Although not a lot better but I was not bored while reading it. With this one I was bored and day dreaming a lot. The story was not able to grasp my full attention to it even though I liked the characters somehow (again not more than the first book). The ending seemed more like an open ended without redemption or conclusion. Not sure if the author has any intention to turn this duology to a trilogy but I would rather make it stop there. I don't think I will be reading this if there will be a third book.
The book is not bad but I feel it could be reduced in size while maintaining the same events.

Note: I won this book in a giveaway

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: 4 Stars
This is the second book in The Revolutionary series by Ms. McIsaac. Though I have not read the first book, Bury the Living, I had no real problems picking up the story and knowing what was going on. So, no, you don't need to have read the first book to understand the second one. I think it's mostly because the couple has now gone further back in time. So they are in a new place with all new problems and people. Yes, this is a time travel romance. And the young lady just happens to speak passable Gaelic as they did at that time, some 300 years before her time.

There are some things that you just have to accept when you read time travel stories, to begin with. The fact of the time travel is the primary one, of course. The rest of it depends on how outrageous the author gets. For me, the fact that Nora spoke the Gaelic of 300 years ago was one of those things. Most languages change over time, but she was able to understand and be understood. And very few people made any fuss about the modern weapon she flourished about, or the handbag she carried it in.

I really liked the touch with the Irish wolfhound that accompanied Nora and Fionn on their adventures. The dog's name is Bran. Her story must be in the first book, or at least I hope it is. It looks like I'll be reading Bury the Living

so I can find out. If it's as good as the second book, I know I'll thoroughly enjoy it. Nora O'Reilly and Fionn mac Cumhaill are an outrageous couple who each has their own agenda, but somehow seem to get the job done while not really working together any more than absolutely necessary. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who likes a lively book with or without the Gaelic.

Summon the Queen was provided to me by 47North and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The God Aengus Óghad had cursed & taken Fionn mac Cumhaill (legendary warrior, aka Fionn O’Hanlon) power from him until he could save Ireland from doom.
Nora O’Reilly was of no help to him either as the Irish Civil War ravaged on.
Turlough O’Moore had heard Robert O’Hanlon (wealthy merchant/adventurer) had been hung & died.

He seemed to be quite alive & well.
Dublin, Ireland. Nora (ex-Provo, Andersonstown) & Fionn needed to make a trip.
She would leave a note for Cormac (husband), & Katherine “Kat” (Cormac’s wife) telling them where the 2 had gone.
Captain Deane was mighty proud of the Barke Burre (ship).
With some reluctance, he agreed to transport Nora, Fionn & Bran (dog).
MacSweeney (quartermaster) greeted the 3 of them.
The ship & crew had been attacked by pirates.
Captain Deane had been hurt.
Nora treated his wound, but new infection would take its toll on him sooner/later.
The ship was going to make a pit stop at Cork (village) for major repairs to its hull.
4 other crew were buried at sea.

Eamon had given her a rosary long ago.
Pirate Queen Granuaile (aka Grace O’Malley) is in Clew Bay (County Mayo)
She is the only 1 who can help them save Ireland.
There 1st. stop was Dunton’s Tavern.
Big mistake. She was taken into custody & charge with treason.
Nora would have to see Donough O’Brien (Earl of Thomond), at the Doonbeg Castle for his decision.
Nora, Fionn & Bran were now aboard the Queen Medb (boat).
The storm quickly came/went.
Fionn had vanished.

Upon landing Sir ”Red” Hugh O’Donnell (Lord of Tyrconnell), Lady Tyrconnell wife), & Iníon Dubh (Dark Daughter), welcomed Nora to Donegal Castle.
Later “Red Hugh” was taken hostage.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great time travel movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; 47 North; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really have a hard time reading books out of order and if I find part of a series that looks good, I will usually go back to the beginning and read forward rather than jump around. Even with my particular need for order, you could easily start here with “Summon The Queen” and then go back and read “Bury The Living.” Even if you start out of order, the author Jodi McIsaac, has written in just enough about the previous book that new readers will feel caught up, and readers who have just finished the previous book won’t feel as if they are simply rehashing the past.

Writing about Irish-English relations during this time can get tricky for writers, especially since many times Queen Elizabeth is written as a good and just queen. By putting her on such a pedestal it can be difficult for writers to pull her off in order to show her flaws and shortcomings. The tendency is to show her as a strong woman who doesn’t need a man, instead of showing that she was definitely her father’s daughter in her temper, and her paranoia, which lead to the deaths of many she believed plotted against her. McIsaac has not only managed to bring light to some of the other strong women living in Elizabeth’s time, such as Grace O’Malley, but also has personalized the Irish who were struggling against Tudor rule at the time. There is also the clear distinction made, one that I felt the first book lacked, that it’s not as simple as “The English are evil” and “The Irish are good.”

This is great for people who enjoy reading about Elizabeth the First’s reign, from another angle. Historical fiction and even a bit of fantasy time travel through in rounds out this part of the series, though if I am to believe the cliffhanger, this won’t be the last I see of Jodi McIsaac’s work.

*This eBook was provided by NetGalley and 47North in exchange for honest feedback*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle book of the trilogy keeps the magic flowing with Fionn and Nora traveling to late 1500s Ireland, the grip of Elizabethan England ever expanding westward. McIsaac knows how to keep the story moving forward, not an achievement every middle book of a trilogy can boast. This book whetted my appetite for more Nora and Fionn, all the while building up anticipation for book three.

The favorite part for me was the exploration into more of the Irish history of this period. I don't think it's a timeframe that gets written about much, especially Irish history. Yet, it's got so much potential. We're right on the cusp of Gaelic Ireland’s death and the complete domination by Britain.

McIsaac uses Nora, Fionn, and their magical journey as a fantastic foil through which to explore it. We get to meet influential figures from the time: Grace O'Malley, Hugh O’Connell, Donough O'Brien, and Elizabeth I herself. We also get a picture of a society on the brink, Irish chieftains and nobles fighting tooth and nail to keep their traditions alive and family land intact, to varying degrees of success. Some saw the benefit of cooperating with the English and some fought for the old ways with every fiber of there being. I was held in thrall seeing how each figure dealt with the timeframes perils, and my heart was torn by the plight of the everyday person caught in the middle.

The time spent in establishing Nora's and Fionn’s characters in book one really paid off in the second volume. With such well-established personalities, we were able to focus on their relationship, both working and personal. I enjoyed watching the romantic feelings for each other grow with each passing chapter, despite the many obstacles that arose against them. From wild magic to rivals to imprisonment, the author holds nothing back in throwing stones into the romantic pathway. Reading Nora and Fionn rise to the challenge made my heart soar. Even though by the end everything wasn't worked out nor rosy (far from it!), the reader could still get a sense that this romance might have a HAE after all.

I like the additions we got to the folklore and magical aspects as well. McIsaac really tested how far Fionn’s powers go, keeping him alive through some pretty ghastly circumstances. With the timeframe these two are going to next and the individual they're going to face, I have to wonder what's in store for this poor guy. That specific individual also will add a ton more to this area of the story, too; I definitely look forward to that. I loved getting more insight into the actual time travel stuff too; we learn the details about the real power behind that. What that means for Nora's family history and herself makes me twitch in anticipation for book three.

Between historical setting stuff, awesome characters themselves, a vibrant central relationship, and time travel magic, this book ticks off all the right boxes for me. Keeping strong despite being the middle of a trilogy, a position notorious for mediocrity, this book keeps the trilogy and narrative rocketing forward with suspense, emotion, and anticipatory glory. I hope to the high heavens that book three follows as quickly as two did to one; I don't think my anticipation can take any longer of a waiting period. LOL I highly recommend this book along with book one; I'll be the first in line for book three!

[Anna Beste · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time travel aspect definitely became more confusing in the second book of The Revolutionary Series. Instead of just one jump there are 3, each with its own historical events that Nora and Fionn are experiencing and want to change. The addition of the past Fionn also added some complexity, I feel like that is one of the number one rules of time travel is to leave your past self alone. The poor guy probably thought he was going crazy. This book explored the idea that history is set in stone and cannot be changed drastically. Little things can change but the final outcomes are going to be the same. I missed Pidge but the addition of the pirate queen, Granuaile O'Malley, was appreciated. I wasn't aware that this series was incomplete so I'm bummed that I have to wait to find out what happens.

[Megs C · Rating 2 out of 5]

What? Why? I don’t know. I read the first book and thought it was a hot mess. I hoped the second would redeem it. Not giving it just one star bc it was somewhat enjoyable and a different take on Queen Elizabeth. This book was definitely less polished than the first. So 2 stars/ maybe 1.5. I mean, it was readable. Just.

But then.. the story just ended. I was wondering how they’d wrap it in the last 5%, when all of a sudden they introduced a whole other direction. And then the story ended, and there’s no 3rd book. Weird. I wouldn’t read on, anyway, all these devastatingly handsome people and a quota-like sex scene at the end of the book (Editor: not enough sex; author: I’ll fix that gimme 5; editor: ok I’m satisfied. Print it.)…

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the sequel to Bury the Living, Nora and Fionn are sent back to Elizabethan times to meet up with notorious pirate Gráinne Ní Mháille to try to stop of the hold of Anglos on Ireland and Queen Elizabeth's brutal treatment of its people. I always enjoy reading about Gráinne and liked the development of Nora and Fionn's relationship, the banter between the characters, learning more about Fionn's looooong life, as well as Nora's increasing ability to time travel. Please, please, please let there be a part three!

[Faith Sarfaty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trime travel

What a great book, travel back in time over and over to find and save a man and most of all Ireland. I love Celtic history and the Fae. This book was wonderful. Can't wait for the sequel!

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited for this (what I thought was a) sequel. My only disappointment is that it didn’t wrap up. I don’t feel like there’s enough meat for this to be a multi book series. Nora and Fionn get together and lose each other how many times?

[Dianna Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaves you hanging

Very interesting step through time and struggles of love and !ife!!
Read both these books they lead you into yesterday!

[Kimberly Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great series. The second book leave you thinking there’ll be a 3rd, but it doesn’t look like that’s in the cards??? I’ll still be keeping an eye on it though, who knows. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once a member of the paramilitary Provisional Irish Republican Army, Nora O’Reilly wishes she could go back and change the past. That way her brother might still live, rather than be caught up in the Troubles of Northern Ireland. She gets her wish with the help of Brigid, both an ancient goddess and a Catholic saint, after she dreams of a man calling out for help.

Cursed with eternal life, Fionn mac Cumhaill has wandered through time for centuries. Once a legendary warrior, he is now just a man, who lives with the agony of watching those he loves grow old and die while he remains forever young. The only way to break the curse is to free Ireland from her enemies – a task he’s attempted over and over again without success. Now Nora offers him hope that he might achieve this goal and, in the process, restore her brother to life and reunite with his loved ones who have passed.

But their first attempt during the Irish Civil War failed, and now they find themselves traveling back to 1592 to find the pirate queen Granuaile. But things never go quite according to plan, and they arrive five years too early and a long way from her home in County Mayo. They also “land” amidst the ruins of a church and a band of men, returning from a raid on the English. Nora shoots one rebel in a confrontation, but his partner recognizes Fionn as a friend and they are left alone to continue their arduous journey.

After a brief respite in Fionn’s home – the one in which his 16th century persona, Robert O’Hanlon, lived – they ride to Dublin to find a ship willing to take them to Galway. Gold assuages the sea captain’s qualms about putting to sea with a woman aboard. Just as Fionn and Nora kiss, Spanish pirates attack and he hastily disguises her as a man to protect her. After the pirates leave with their booty, the crew blames Nora for their bad luck. The only way to save herself is to keep the wounded captain from dying as Fionn and the crew try to reach Cork to repair the damaged ship.

Any hope of finding assistance there proves fruitless since the plague has struck the town. It’s a four-day ride to Galway, but Fionn and Nora have little choice. To remain is more dangerous than venturing through a burned-and-slashed countryside populated by desperate, starving people. Once they reach the city, Fionn goes to the docks to learn what he can about where Granuaile might be. But Galway is a dangerous place, and Nora’s innocent questions soon get her arrested. Sir Richard Bingham, the Governor of Connacht, believes her to be in league with Granuaile, his arch enemy, and Nora is imprisoned just as Granuaile is being taken to the gallows. Then Nora is whisked away to an Irish castle whose earl has been raised in the English court, and his methods of finding out the truth are far more subtle and dangerous than Bingham’s. Nora’s only hope is to escape, but how? Once free, how will she ever find Fionn so they can convince the distrusting clans to unite against their common enemy, the English?

Summon the Queen is the second book in Jodi McIsaac’s The Revolution series, and ’tis a grand tale indeed. Nora’s feistiness, determination, and caring heart make her a character readers easily connect with, although she has the annoying habit of often saying “ta” when answering questions. Deftly portrayed as a legendary-hero-turned-ordinary-man, Fionn is equally captivating and his reticence to form attachments that will only cause more heartache is a trait with which most of us can identify. Granuaile steps from the curtains of history to come to life and her exploits are dramatically portrayed, be it when she tells a story about her favorite son or risks everything to meet Queen Elizabeth herself. Whether depicting a starving woman or the banded corpse of a pirate on display as a warning to others, McIsaac vividly recreates sixteenth-century Ireland. Her skill at interweaving history with romance is reminiscent of Irish bards who mesmerized listeners with adventurous stories fraught with danger and intrigue, where each peril is more heart-stopping than the last.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway program. When I entered to win this book, I did not see that it was book 2 of the series. I did enjoy the book, but it felt like it took me awhile to get up to speed on what was going on.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"You've picked the wrong enemy, Nora. The only one you'll never defeat. Time."

Summon the Queen is the second installment in The Revolutionary series. I recommend folks interested in this book read the first one (Bury the Living) before picking up this one since it picks up right where the first book in the series left off. Nora time travels to a different pivotal part of Irish history in an attempt to change the past to fix the future. Readers are treated to great historical fiction writing complete with pirates, Queen Elizabeth, and the turmoil of living in 16th century Ireland. The character of Nora undergoes further self-discovery with her role as time traveler and partner in crime with the immortal Fionn. The author's use of time travel in the storytelling aspect of this book was also more creative than the first. Sometimes this got a little strange in terms of setting a pace, especially when the author skipped ahead five years in a matter of pages. Not surprisingly, Fionn and Nora's relationship continues to evolve as they become closer. Same overall theme as the prior book (Can you really change history?) but with more evolution of characters and concepts.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed the second installment of 'The Revolutionary' series by Jodi McIsaac. Probably even more than the first. It explores ancient Ireland in a way that is thorough without becoming bogged down with information overload, commonplace with so many books in the time travel/historical genre.

The characters are the kind you want to see come out on top. Nora is about as stubborn as it gets, which can be frustrating as a reader at times, but I feel represents a modern day woman who finds herself in a much different time accurately. Fionn is just dreamy in every sense of the word. I loved seeing their relationship blossom. I felt the first book needed more romantic elements, so I was excited to see that my wish was answered in Summon the Queen. This installment also features several other fascinating characters who I guarantee you'll love......or love to hate.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Karin Boasci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful,Amazing

[Claudia Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am usually not a fan of fiction that has historical backgrounds and is rooted in actual events, but this one was the odd novel out. Summon The Queen is more a combo of paranormal, mystical, with the historical and a touch of romance.
While it can be read as a stand-alone book, this novel would be better read in sequence with its other series companions. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did, I really did not want to leave.
Until the end that was where I had to scratch my head, and wonder if this could not have ended on a much nicer note if the Author would have decided to finish the series there. It seemed a little forced, more based on the want to make another book, than what was best for the reader.

I did, however, find both main characters very charming - as well as the many side character (how cool is a female pirate queen!) their actions and connections believable, with a balance of true tension, and irresistible connection. They were meant to be companions, no matter what time they were from, or what curse they had to burden.

Summon The Queen is a well-written, entertaining ride. Now, I have to read the rest of the series, because it surely left me wanting more.

[Vicki Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summon the Queen is the second in The Revolutionary Series. The series begins with the book, Bury the Living. For some reason, it escaped me and didn't realize I was beginning the series in the second book. That said, it gave me a new perspective on reading mid series, and I'm quite happy to say there was enough backstory that I wasn't lost on how Fionn and Nora came to meet and began this adventure.

The book begins with Fionn and Nora traveling back in time to sixteenth century Ireland. They've been tasked with changing the past, in order to change the future, and save Ireland. The story is filled with lots of visuals of what the time period would have looked like. All of the characters are well written and come to life on the pages. I especially loved the character of Grace O'Malley, pirate queen. The story moves along well, and keeps a nice, lively pace. There is a love story aspect, but it's well written and not overwhelming or the sole focus of the story.

I am planning to go back and read the first book now, just because I'd like more detail on where Fionn and Nora begin. And, I look forward to seeing where they go in the next book!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I saw it was book 2, so I bought book 1 to read first. I'm glad I did. Although book 2 is a great read, having read book 1, I had insight into the lead characters and their motivation for their actions. Not only was the story itself a good read, the Irish history I learned was very interesting. Book 1 was the primarily the early 1900's, but this book took us to Ireland in the late 1500's. Filled with pirates, patriots and traitors, it gave a lot of insight into the ongoing problems of the time. There was action and excitement, time travel, a goddess-saint and an immortal. What more could you want?
I hope a third book in this saga will be forthcoming.

[Sherry Bledsoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book but leaves you ......

Great book but it left me ready to read book 3 but there is no mention of a Book 3 and I was left feeling like I did not know what happens to Finn and Nora and I WANT TO KNOW!!. If you like Irish history, Irish fairy tales, or if your just Irish then read this book.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It's pretty well written. If you care about the dynamics of the United Kingdom (actually pretty timely given the Brexit craziness), then this is quite nice. I'm a big Elizabeth I nerd, so I was sort of nervous about reading something about the rebels, but I still liked the book.

[Serena]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have won this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.

[KarnagesMistress]

I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is a Kindle book.