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Wolf Land #1

Bluebells

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In 1652, Ireland is known as Wolf Land. Oliver Cromwell’s army have arrived. Properties will be seized. Land will be cleared. Wolves will be destroyed.

In the small village of Wolf Wood, Cromwell’s men face far worse enemies than those in the rest of the country. The wolves here are bigger, stronger, more intelligent. Could these wolves be something different? Could these wolves be forming an army of their own?

Sorcha Moore has grown up hearing stories about the unusual wolves of Wolf Wood, but her fears are more immediate. She fears what will happen to her older sister, Peggy. Peggy is to become the latest mistress of Lord Tolbert, so that the Moores can keep their farm. Sorcha is frightened, too, of her own future marriage to Sean, a farmhand. If the decision were hers she would be with Rory Farrrell, a young blacksmith.

Peter Moore has never let his daughters have their freedom. If he had, they might have turned out like their mother before them – a woman many thought was a witch.

On the night of Bealtaine, Rory Farrell is bitten. Unable to tell Sorcha that he must join the ranks of the werewolves who protect Wolf Wood, he tells her he is moving to Dublin.

No matter what his new responsibilities, Rory cannot truly abandon Sorcha. As the years pass, and Sorcha grows from girl to woman, he watches over her night after night. But when Lord Tolbert’s eyes turn to Sorcha, will Rory be able to keep her safe?

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2015

147 people are currently reading
238 people want to read

About the author

Fiona McShane

13 books26 followers
Hello Goodreaders,

I'm Fiona McShane author of The Man in the Barn, Watching Them, The Shouting Man and the Wolf Land Series. I live in rural Ireland, where I just about have a broadband connection. I try to fit the unimportant stuff (working, cooking, eating ...) in around my favourite pastimes: writing and reading.

Feel free to get in touch with me here on Goodreads, or through any of the social media I've listed above.

Happy reading.

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5 stars
44 (42%)
4 stars
28 (27%)
3 stars
22 (21%)
2 stars
7 (6%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Belinda Vlasbaard.
3,368 reviews101 followers
May 27, 2022
4 stars - English ebook.
A young aldult historical shapeshifter story.
Historica Ireland in the time of Oliver Cromwell was well witten. I enjoyed the the story about were-wolves and found it introguing how the story interwove with the extermination of the last of the wolvs in Ireland with the fictional existance of were-wolves. A friendship/lovestory between a boy and a girl. A were-wolf and a young witch.
Profile Image for Minerva.
156 reviews
May 29, 2015
Would like to thank Fiona McShane for gifting me this book for a honest review.

I love reading about Werewolves, and this book did not disappoint. We are introduced to Sorcha and Rory, both very young but having feelings for each other. Sorcha and Peggy have lived very hard lives, having to take care of all the hunters that stay at their farm. Everyone has heard rumors surrounding the woods about the wolves. Both girls are promised to different men, But Peggy's fate is far worse, you couldnt help but like Peggy and my heart really went out to her.


On the night of Bealtaine, Rory is bitten and joins the other werewolves that are there to protect the woods, these werewolves are different and Rory himself is a special kind of werewolf. But Rory has to leave his family and Sorcha behind. After years pass, Sorcha grows up to be a lovely young lady, but her heart still belongs to Rory and his to her. The night before she is to marry Sean, things take a turn when Lord Tolbert sets his eyes on Sorcha and Rory needs to protect her. What a horrible person is Lord Tolbert, and the things he did. Oh and his wife another character , what a horrible woman and a crazy witch too. There was some witchcraft surrounding Sorcha's mom and the Tolberts.


I loved this story, from beginning to end, loved Sorcha and Rory and the way the book ended there seemed to be more ahead. I loved that we get both Sorcha's and Rory's point of views.
Profile Image for Joselyn  Moreno.
871 reviews33 followers
August 26, 2015
It was an amazing book, I can't wait for the release of the second book.

this one surprised me a lot, it was one of the best werewolf book I have read in a long time and wao it had me thrilling over all the characters and asking for more.

I loved Sorcha, she was so fierce but at the same time has a very delicate heart and Rory, he was so sensitive but good in the heart and Cormac, still in love with her witch. They all were so human and interesting, I want to know more about them and i'm intrigued for how they will evolve throughout the series.

Other mystery will be the Tolberts those two are incredibly shrouded by a mist of oddities if you ask me, nobody seems to know much about them but one thing is certain they're not your average villain.

The only thing I could say that bother me was poor Peggy, I hoped she will be able to be happy at the end but well things happens and in some manner I saw that destiny coming to her, sad but we can't have everything.

And what to say about that end, I just loved it I sense something important coming.

Any paranormal fan should read this book.

More reviews www.bookwormiespot.com
Profile Image for Angie ~aka Reading Machine~.
3,746 reviews134 followers
May 27, 2016
Sorcha Moore, a young woman, that is considered more than a slave by her father. She and her sister Peggy can only rely on each other. Lord Tolbert is a cruel man that believes everything belongs to him whether it be land, animals, or people. Nothing is out of reach to Lord Tolbert. Rory Farrell is an apprentice blacksmith whose completely in love with Sorcha Moore. Rory lets everyone believe he's heading to Dublin when he's really moved into the Heart of Wolf Wood. In the Wolf Wood is home to werewolves led by Cormac. Cormac has seven years to train Rory because he's not like rest of the werewolves. Rory is a special wolf with abilities that are resented by Malcolm. Seven years has passed Sorcha has been learning all the things her mother Aine wasn't able to teach her. Sorcha is still engaged to Sean. Sorcha is the only one running things at The Lodge. Meanwhile Rory has trained well and proving himself to be a capable leader much Malcolm's dismay. Lord Tolbert takes a fancy to have Sorcha even though she's to be married. What is special about Wolf Wood? Can Sorcha ever forget Rory? Will Rory truly leave Sorcha? What is Lord Tolbert after? Your answers await you in Bluebells.

This new to me author really captured my attention with this fascinating story. The characters and story had flaws in a good way, vulnerable, compelling, down to earth, real, honest, and raw. I loved Sorcha's strength and fearlessness! I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this series.
Profile Image for Boundless Book Reviews.
2,242 reviews77 followers
June 5, 2015
I was asked to read and review this book for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.

Honestly, I was a bit weary when I first started reading. It took me a bit to get into the book, but when I finally got into it I was hooked. It is a great story full of love, family, and struggle.

Throw in some werewolves and a tradition to keep their land safe and you have a very good book. I am very happy with the ending and the way things turned out, even though some things are not as they seem. I am looking forward to book two....Stormi

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Profile Image for CARLA.
995 reviews40 followers
Read
April 22, 2017
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

I couldn’t get through this one. I made it about 20% in before stopping. It was too dry for me. I didn’t feel anything for the characters and the storyline was too linear for me if that makes sense. Too bad, I love shifter books.
Profile Image for Ally.
95 reviews
June 7, 2016
I downloaded this one after reading another book by the same writer. This is a very different book to the other (the other being The Shouting Man). It’s paranormal/historical/some romance, and it’s somewhat shorter. Going by description alone, you might think the writer has gone in a totally different direction. But upon reading, I found that this wasn’t the case. She had the same way of easing me in, slowly but surely, so that when the characters went through their dramas, I actually gave a damn. She had the same way of weaving dialogue neatly into prose. Once again, the writing was extremely polished. And, though there are no swear-words in this one, the plot has that same dark edge.
Lord and Lady Tolbert … what can I say? Villains extraordinaire. This is one of those books when I relish the bits with the bad guys. But then, I relished reading about all of the characters. Sorcha and Rory’s love story was the main focus, and it was well done. A satisfactory ending. But, being Book One, there’s clearly more to come.
As well as the werewolf action, this book has a historical aspect. It’s set in the 1600s, with Ireland under English occupation. I’ve read a few books that would be classed as historical fiction. Some go into great detail, sometimes too much. When I read those books I find myself imagining the writer sticking their hand up in class and saying, ‘Miss, Miss, I did my research. Can I go out and play now?’ And on the opposite end of the spectrum are the ones where the historical setting is just a vague backdrop – just there so that the heroine can be wearing a pretty dress when she smooches the hero. On this occasion, I’d have to say that Bluebells falls neatly in the middle. The historical detail is there, but it’s interwoven with the plot rather than in your face. I mean, the writer knows the price of a bible in 1652 for heaven’s sake.
I loved this book. Nuff said.
385 reviews20 followers
Read
May 21, 2016
I really like this book over all. The main characters were great, and there was definitely chemistry between them throughout the book. The pacing was great, and I liked how it was resolved. I am definitely interested in reading the second book in the series. I can't wait to pick it up.
The only thing I thought that could've been improved was the dialogue. I didn't really think it was realistic, but other than that, this was a great book. I can't wait to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Dee L.
52 reviews
June 23, 2016
I enjoyed this one. I hated Lord Tolbert, pitied Peggy, fell a little bit in love with the Major, and as for Sorcha and Rory's romance ... so sweet. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Beth.
914 reviews17 followers
April 7, 2018
Young adult? historical shapeshifter fantasy. I have very mixed feelings about this one. The good is that it was very well written, and the historical setting of Ireland in the time of Oliver Cromwell was very interesting to me. I also enjoy stories about werewolves, and found it intriguing how this story interwove the extermination of the last of the wolves in Ireland with the fictional existence of werewolves. On the negative, I thought that this crossed over the line for young adult literature in that there was much implied sexual slavery and abuse in the story, beyond even what I think actually would have happened in the time. I felt this added quite an unnecessary ick factor to the story, even for this adult. Overall it was a dark story, and didn't leave with a really great feeling. I don't think I will be continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Rachel Brune.
Author 33 books100 followers
May 26, 2016
Set against a backdrop of the struggle between the English and the Irish under Cromwell, this book brings in elements of the supernatural. Local men turn to werewolves to protect their land, and Sorcha, a local woman, grows into her witch powers to complement the struggle.

I found the first part of the book hard to get into, but once the story got going, I was hooked. (I think this might have to do with the back and forth POV switching, which may be something other readers have no issue with.) The characters don't have it easy -- they have to fight against the local Lord Tolbert, who doesn't seem to be all that natural himself, and his wife, the ever-veiled Lady Tolbert. Additionally, they have to fight against restrictive laws that tell them what religion they may practice, or restrictive parents who determine for them who they must marry.

As a fan of werewolf fiction, I enjoyed the idea of men who turn as werewolves to fight against the evils of the nobles. In a land where the locals are forbidden any weapons, it was only natural that they should use the way of the werewolf to turn themselves into weapons to fight back.

There were only a few quibbles I had with the story. I felt that too little was resolved before the book ended, which of course means I now want to read the next book in the series, but also meant I felt a little bit like the story was unfinished. Also, I wanted to see more agency from the main female character, Sorcha, as most of the book felt like she was training and preparing, but doesn't really have the opportunity to really come into her magic until a little at the end of the book. Still, the way the author set it up, I would expect to see her really step it into high gear in the next book. Which I would like to read.

Overall, if you are a fan of werewolf fiction, or supernatural historical fiction, I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for mirba.
880 reviews25 followers
July 28, 2017
so not sure in which category this falls.
There's main characters dying, people dying everywhere, and historically accurate country and war which work very well with the storyline, and would be quite typical of historical books.
Then there's real magic and werewolves, which would be more of the urban fantasy.
Maybe it should be a historical urban fantasy?
Not sure.

It's a really good book. The story flows, the dialogues work, and the overall dark atmosphere is kept through the whole story. There's also romance, and a lot of bluebells.
Profile Image for Ryan M.
24 reviews11 followers
October 11, 2018
A different take on a romantic werewolf story set in a historical setting. I really enjoyed reading this book, the character development got me hooked and invested in the plight of these two young adults put in an impossible situation. I am curious to see where the author will go next and what will happen to these two love-struck teens. I will also add that I do not normally like romance stories as I find them too graphic or overly mushy, this book kept the romance at a nice balance without having to go into detailed descriptions and actually had a storyline I could follow along with.
895 reviews
April 7, 2019
A Very Good Story of Witches, Werewolves, and Somethings Still Not Told at the Cliffhanger...

A friendship/ love story of a a child witch and a young boy. At sixteen,after being changed into a werewolf, is told by his side that "his witch" had chosen him to be changed. As the young witch and the young man deal with their lives that bring them back to each other they start to figure out things of the past . Then the cliffhanger.. Guess we will all need the next book so we can see how they manage to solve all their problems.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,475 reviews18 followers
May 9, 2017
Good story

Great beginning but it d I especially end and doesn't conclude! So you have to read on, and that is not something I like. I wish it was longer and more complete.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,050 reviews12 followers
June 22, 2018
Wolf's and humans

Good read lots of action and mystery,magic and the storyline is great good characterization plenty of surprises and humor,some romance good read
406 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2018
Imaginative

This is a story of ancient times. It is well written and easy reading. Wolves are not every thing we imagined.
Profile Image for Samantha.
631 reviews
October 28, 2020
Honestly, I was a bit weary when I first started reading. It took me a bit to get into the book, but when I finally got into it I was hooked. It is a great story full of love, family, and struggle.
Profile Image for Danielle Forrest.
Author 15 books107 followers
August 17, 2015
Bluebells, which is the first book in a series called Wolf Land, is a story that is intriguing, different, and well thought out. The author is clearly a good storyteller, and I can see, with a few more books under her belt, her having very good, high quality novels.

I really liked the characters. One cannot help but feel drawn into the love stories of both Sorcha and Rory, and the Major and Peggy. As the story develops, Sorcha becomes such a strong character, even when the circumstances make her weak, and the way she never really loses hope makes me root for her all the more. Rory, poor Rory, leaves me a little sappy feeling. Peggy bothered me, but then I imagined she was supposed to. And I imagine how her story turns out just makes the Major so much more likable. With every encounter we have with him, I just liked and respected him more and more.

I've always said that a really good book can evoke visceral responses in the readers, and while I didn't feel any real visceral response, the author was very good about pulling the visceral descriptions of her characters. Scents, sounds, sights, feelings of hot and cold, throbbing and screaming feelings in one's head. It brought a certain life to the story.

That being said, the book isn't without it's flaws. The book cover is clearly not professional grade, and there were repeated editing mistakes. The mistakes were not terribly pervasive, and the average reader might not even notice them, but they were assuredly there. In the early chapters, I noticed at least one per chapter.

The author wrote in multiple first person POVs, which I've always seen as a hallmark of an amateur writer. It is almost non-existent among professional writers, and among the published, I really only see it with those that are new to the business. I had some trouble at first following the POV shifts, largely because I had no idea who these people were as they hadn't been introduced yet, but it became easier as the story progressed.

Along the same lines, I felt the second chapter could have been omitted entirely. It did nothing to advance the story, advance the plot, and it divulged far too much information, far too quickly. What's worse, it didn't provide the information in a clear way, so that I was left scrambling to piece all the information together, and discovering that it did not make a full picture.

The author did do a good job of cleanly ending the story, and as the story progressed, I noticed issues less and less, becoming absorbed in the story, which makes me think one of two things: either the author is a phenomenal storyteller and was about to distract me from the mistakes (which is near impossible) or the editing mistakes became fewer and fewer as the book went on. The story, as I said, ended cleanly, which isn't always true with series. Though there was clearly a larger story arc that was incomplete, there was a sense of finality, and I felt satisfied with the ending.

All in all, this was a quick read (especially considering my weird work schedules this week), and I enjoyed it thoroughly, becoming immersed in the intrigue and mystery of the author's version of historical Ireland, with a paranormal twist, of course.

Source: Free book provided by author
Format: Kindle
Profile Image for Perry Richard Gerfen.
23 reviews
February 18, 2017
Very nice story

I enjoyed the story very much. A cross between an old story of medieval times with a Lord and his Lady who ruled as far as the eye could see, including controlling all the lives of the people who lived in the local community. Add a paranormal love story, and you had a great weekend story to while the nights away,
Profile Image for Lennie McDonald.
339 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2017
A task page Turner!

Fast paced... Good action.. Strong plot.. Does continue so best to buy whole set...Loved this story a and feel anyone who likes shifter books will to.
4 reviews
April 17, 2017
Would love to find out if Sorcha & Rory got the box her mother left her. More stories in the making from this book. Looking forward to reading them.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 12, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/12/2018)!💝

Blurb:
On the night of Bealtaine, Sorcha Moore shares a kiss with Rory Farrell, a kiss that makes bluebells spring up beneath their feet ...

The very next day, Rory leaves Wolf Wood. Has he really gone to Dublin, or is he closer than Sorcha thinks?

The year is 1652. Ireland is known as Wolf Land. Oliver Cromwell's army has arrived. Properties will be seized. Land will be cleared. Wolves will be destroyed.

But in the small village of Wolf Wood, Cromwell's men face far worse enemies than in the rest of the country. The wolves here are bigger, stronger, more intelligent. Could these wolves be forming an army of their own?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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