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Thread of a Spider
˃˃˃ A bitter uprising in Ireland is taking place and two siblings are tossed in the battle, facing death, believing in love, and hoping in magic.
1920 found Ireland at the peak of tensions that had been building for centuries. Famine, tyranny and strife robbed the Irish of their homes, their lives and their country. Four years after the Easter Rising, pressure became so great, that the southern Irish took up arms against the British and fought for a free nation. Thread of a Spider, a historical fantasy, weaves history and Irish myth together to tell a story about two teenage siblings caught in the war and swathed in the legends of Erie.
˃˃˃ A fantasy based on history woven with rich Irish lore.
1920 found Ireland at the peak of tensions that had been building for centuries. Famine, tyranny and strife robbed the Irish of their homes, their lives and their country. Four years after the Easter Rising, pressure became so great, that the southern Irish took up arms against the British and fought for a free nation. Thread of a Spider, a historical fantasy, weaves history and Irish myth together to tell a story about two teenage siblings caught in the war and swathed in the legends of Erie.
˃˃˃ A fantasy based on history woven with rich Irish lore.
- GenresAudiobook
266 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2017
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Gardner
53 books184 followersWith a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she's won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2017/10/...
Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Dianne Lynn Gardner.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2017/10/...
Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Dianne Lynn Gardner.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 3, 2017
Wow, I just went to Ireland. The sights, the sounds, the smells were all around me and I felt like I could actually reach out and touch the things described in each scene. DL Gardner's writing is so vivid you are there with the characters, running, hiding, fighting and weeping. Thread of a Spider is such an amazing story, I had book depression when it ended. I wanted to go back to Ireland and spend more time with these wonderful characters and roam in this amazing country.
The main characters in the story are Paddy and his older sister Ailis. It is 1921 and the Upton Rail Station ambush had just taken place in County Cork. The IRA had attacked a passenger train carrying British soldiers. In retaliation, the British burned homes and beat or killed anyone they suspected of being involved with the rebellion. The story begins at this point in history. DL Gardner weaves the actual history of the time period with the folklore of the Irish. I really loved this idea as the reader is introduced to both real history as well as Irish myths. I liked very much how the real world stood in stark contrast to the beautiful world of the Fae, it added to the imagery. I also felt anyone who has lived through war or desperate times ‘would’ wish that mythical worlds, creatures or magic were actually real and could rescue them from their plight.
The story is appropriate for 13+, but adult readers please note this is not a childish portrayal. It is based on real history with its violence and horrors as viewed through the eyes of young adults. We study a lot of history in our family and I wish this book had been available when my kids were younger, though they will still love it now. Thread of a Spider is a part of history that kids today should learn. The characters are very normal teens living during a terrible time. They are brave, loyal and very likable characters that you root for all the way through the story. Their care and concern for each other is the light that keeps them fighting against the darkness brought by the Black and Tans and the dreaded Auxiliary soldiers.
Some favourite passages:
‘A soft evening to you.’
'I'm a coward, but I swear I'll get over it.'
‘He was so calm, a sharp contrast to the quivering of her heart.’
'Iridescent colours danced in the sunlight teasing the eye with shades of blue, purple and green.’
'I hear mournful hearts.'
'Humans puzzle us and often irritate us.'
'None of us has much defense, but we fight anyway.'
Favourite moment: When Ailis takes the Webley and does what she has to do. Amazing scene with no fluff or needless conversation. Unfair that she been put in this position, but there is no option.
Narration: Lee Brophy did an amazing job narrating. His beautiful Irish accent was perfect for the story, and combined with DL Gardner’s writing it really was a brilliant match. Lee did a great job of giving voice to each of the characters and expressing their emotions. I will be looking for more stories narrated by Lee.
Full disclosure: I listened to the story twice it was so good!
For those who like to know... there was no profanity or sex. There was violence, but not gore.
I received Thread of a Spider free in exchange for an unbiased review.
The main characters in the story are Paddy and his older sister Ailis. It is 1921 and the Upton Rail Station ambush had just taken place in County Cork. The IRA had attacked a passenger train carrying British soldiers. In retaliation, the British burned homes and beat or killed anyone they suspected of being involved with the rebellion. The story begins at this point in history. DL Gardner weaves the actual history of the time period with the folklore of the Irish. I really loved this idea as the reader is introduced to both real history as well as Irish myths. I liked very much how the real world stood in stark contrast to the beautiful world of the Fae, it added to the imagery. I also felt anyone who has lived through war or desperate times ‘would’ wish that mythical worlds, creatures or magic were actually real and could rescue them from their plight.
The story is appropriate for 13+, but adult readers please note this is not a childish portrayal. It is based on real history with its violence and horrors as viewed through the eyes of young adults. We study a lot of history in our family and I wish this book had been available when my kids were younger, though they will still love it now. Thread of a Spider is a part of history that kids today should learn. The characters are very normal teens living during a terrible time. They are brave, loyal and very likable characters that you root for all the way through the story. Their care and concern for each other is the light that keeps them fighting against the darkness brought by the Black and Tans and the dreaded Auxiliary soldiers.
Some favourite passages:
‘A soft evening to you.’
'I'm a coward, but I swear I'll get over it.'
‘He was so calm, a sharp contrast to the quivering of her heart.’
'Iridescent colours danced in the sunlight teasing the eye with shades of blue, purple and green.’
'I hear mournful hearts.'
'Humans puzzle us and often irritate us.'
'None of us has much defense, but we fight anyway.'
Favourite moment: When Ailis takes the Webley and does what she has to do. Amazing scene with no fluff or needless conversation. Unfair that she been put in this position, but there is no option.
Narration: Lee Brophy did an amazing job narrating. His beautiful Irish accent was perfect for the story, and combined with DL Gardner’s writing it really was a brilliant match. Lee did a great job of giving voice to each of the characters and expressing their emotions. I will be looking for more stories narrated by Lee.
Full disclosure: I listened to the story twice it was so good!
For those who like to know... there was no profanity or sex. There was violence, but not gore.
I received Thread of a Spider free in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 3, 2017
In this magical YA historical fantasy, Ailis and Paddy Kilpatrick, brother and sister, are caught up in the 1920's Irish war for independence. People they love and know are dying, suffering, fighting, and starving. Against all odds and with a little help from the Fae, faery folk, the war might yet be won and the British driven back across the sea.
Only a few chapters in, I began to dream of faeries and that's something. George MacDonald's Phantastes was less interesting to me. This best-selling author stirred my imagination and sense of wonder. The Fae do not give assistance easily. The fairies in this story are not your light-hearted Tinker Bell variety and there is a darkness to them.
D.L. Garnder's Thread of a Spider was a pleasure to read - most of all because the author celebrates love of country, family, friendship, courage, sacrifice, and honor. Traditional values - in other words. And those are rare treasures, today.
Other recent good reads include Morgan Smith's A Spell in the Country, S. A. Gibson's Feeling A Way, and Valerie Lioudis' zombie thriller, Aftershock.
Only a few chapters in, I began to dream of faeries and that's something. George MacDonald's Phantastes was less interesting to me. This best-selling author stirred my imagination and sense of wonder. The Fae do not give assistance easily. The fairies in this story are not your light-hearted Tinker Bell variety and there is a darkness to them.
D.L. Garnder's Thread of a Spider was a pleasure to read - most of all because the author celebrates love of country, family, friendship, courage, sacrifice, and honor. Traditional values - in other words. And those are rare treasures, today.
Other recent good reads include Morgan Smith's A Spell in the Country, S. A. Gibson's Feeling A Way, and Valerie Lioudis' zombie thriller, Aftershock.
October 1, 2017
Be wary of giving yourself a hero's name... what's legend and myth to you, may be actual history to those of another race, and they just may come a callin' on their hero!
The threads of this story weave together as history and legend come into play in this historic-fantasy. It takes place in 1921, as the Irish rebels fight against the Black and Tans for their independence... A brother and sister join the fight after their house burns...
This story covers actual history that I know little to nothing about ( except for maybe a folk song or two ), and I just loved it... the author did an exceptional job getting me into the moment... and the narrator, Lee Brophy, swept me away... There's a fun additional touch to the tale... The Fae are Real! Between that and the narrator's accent, it made this story a must-listen! Get this book, and like I was, be swept away!
The threads of this story weave together as history and legend come into play in this historic-fantasy. It takes place in 1921, as the Irish rebels fight against the Black and Tans for their independence... A brother and sister join the fight after their house burns...
This story covers actual history that I know little to nothing about ( except for maybe a folk song or two ), and I just loved it... the author did an exceptional job getting me into the moment... and the narrator, Lee Brophy, swept me away... There's a fun additional touch to the tale... The Fae are Real! Between that and the narrator's accent, it made this story a must-listen! Get this book, and like I was, be swept away!
October 13, 2017
Great read. I felt as if I was there. Quick paced and descriptions were fantastic.
August 31, 2017
Wow! a magical blending of land and lore,
the characters coming to life as each page turned.
My heart missed a beat as it tried to keep up with
my mind's eye...
On a personal note this brought back so many childhood memories,
of people, places, of those dear to my heart.
the characters coming to life as each page turned.
My heart missed a beat as it tried to keep up with
my mind's eye...
On a personal note this brought back so many childhood memories,
of people, places, of those dear to my heart.
August 26, 2017
Not my kind of usual read ,was asked to read it, was greatly surprised I liked it.I would certainly recommend it to others.
An intriguing,enjoyable,easy read from start to finish of families both real and magical. You felt the battles both went through. Brought out various emotions. Would like to read more from this author
An intriguing,enjoyable,easy read from start to finish of families both real and magical. You felt the battles both went through. Brought out various emotions. Would like to read more from this author
December 13, 2017
Siblings Paddy and Ailis struggle for freedom and hope in this harrowing, fae-touched tale of Ireland's struggle for independence.
Thread of a Spider takes place in Ireland of 1921, a time of strife and struggle. When her fiancé is captured by the British, and her family home is destroyed, Ailis, and her brother Paddy, become more active participants in the war. The siblings find themselves separated, each looking for missing friends and loved ones. Though they do find one another again, each one’s path has taken very different turns. Ailis gets caught up with the Volunteers, separated from them, and found by Garret, who's also been separated from the group. Paddy has gone looking for his friend Tommy, and finds dubious allies in Tommy's kidnappers- Fae folk. As the siblings are reunited, things come to a head. Will the Irish win the battle and the war?
I enjoyed the historical aspects of this story. This is an interesting and important time in history that I am sadly not as familiar with. The history part seemed well-researched. Those battles were intense, and I worried for Ailis and the other Volunteers. The betrayal, though seen early on, still hurt. I find it hard to fathom how someone could do that, could so turn on fellow countrymen and sell their compatriots to the enemy. Good for Ailis on how she dealt with it.
I was less keen on the mythic aspects, on the addition of Fae lore to this story. Okay, I get that time passes different in the Fae realms than in the human realm, but it still does not seem like Alastar could have trained Paddy all that much in the time since Paddy offered himself for Tommy's return. His 'training’ and 'initiation’ seemed to take all of an evening, as did the Fae battle.
The Fae themselves left much to be desired for me as well. Only one type of Fae was represented, the small winged types that one may also call sylphs, sprites, or fairies. There are many other types of fae. These sylphs were in a war with pixies (ok, so two were mentioned, but we don't really get a feel for them), but supposedly the sylphs can’t kill, but use enchanted weapons that send their enemies back home, with lost memory. Um what?
I have Welsh in my blood, a love for Celtic myth/ legend, and I taught mythic studies for a time. Fae are not so passive. Some points rang true- stealing away human children for one. But in myth, most Fae delight in tricking, if not outright harming humans. Garnering their help in a human conflict would have required greater sacrifice, if not been impossible. I found these fae, if not as watered down as Disney fairies, to still be fluffy compared to myths you will find. I would have enjoyed this book tons more if the whole Fae angle had been left out, and it had just focused on the historic aspects, which were interesting enough on their own.
**This book was reviewed for Silver Dagger Blog Tours, ARC provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thread of a Spider takes place in Ireland of 1921, a time of strife and struggle. When her fiancé is captured by the British, and her family home is destroyed, Ailis, and her brother Paddy, become more active participants in the war. The siblings find themselves separated, each looking for missing friends and loved ones. Though they do find one another again, each one’s path has taken very different turns. Ailis gets caught up with the Volunteers, separated from them, and found by Garret, who's also been separated from the group. Paddy has gone looking for his friend Tommy, and finds dubious allies in Tommy's kidnappers- Fae folk. As the siblings are reunited, things come to a head. Will the Irish win the battle and the war?
I enjoyed the historical aspects of this story. This is an interesting and important time in history that I am sadly not as familiar with. The history part seemed well-researched. Those battles were intense, and I worried for Ailis and the other Volunteers. The betrayal, though seen early on, still hurt. I find it hard to fathom how someone could do that, could so turn on fellow countrymen and sell their compatriots to the enemy. Good for Ailis on how she dealt with it.
I was less keen on the mythic aspects, on the addition of Fae lore to this story. Okay, I get that time passes different in the Fae realms than in the human realm, but it still does not seem like Alastar could have trained Paddy all that much in the time since Paddy offered himself for Tommy's return. His 'training’ and 'initiation’ seemed to take all of an evening, as did the Fae battle.
The Fae themselves left much to be desired for me as well. Only one type of Fae was represented, the small winged types that one may also call sylphs, sprites, or fairies. There are many other types of fae. These sylphs were in a war with pixies (ok, so two were mentioned, but we don't really get a feel for them), but supposedly the sylphs can’t kill, but use enchanted weapons that send their enemies back home, with lost memory. Um what?
I have Welsh in my blood, a love for Celtic myth/ legend, and I taught mythic studies for a time. Fae are not so passive. Some points rang true- stealing away human children for one. But in myth, most Fae delight in tricking, if not outright harming humans. Garnering their help in a human conflict would have required greater sacrifice, if not been impossible. I found these fae, if not as watered down as Disney fairies, to still be fluffy compared to myths you will find. I would have enjoyed this book tons more if the whole Fae angle had been left out, and it had just focused on the historic aspects, which were interesting enough on their own.
**This book was reviewed for Silver Dagger Blog Tours, ARC provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 17, 2019
•audiobook•
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
What can I say that other reviewers haven’t already noticed?
This is a fantastic historical account of the 1920s with a folklore twist. The fae, although magnificent to view, are known for stealing children or teens. But they have humanity at heart and even help.
It took me several, several tries to get into this book. It actually took listening to this narrator for a different book before I was seduced. In retrospect, I’m sure it was me or my mood at the time(s).
Lovely and highly recommended. It’s not a light read, but deeper than to be expected for a novel including fae.
Five illuminating stars!
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
What can I say that other reviewers haven’t already noticed?
This is a fantastic historical account of the 1920s with a folklore twist. The fae, although magnificent to view, are known for stealing children or teens. But they have humanity at heart and even help.
It took me several, several tries to get into this book. It actually took listening to this narrator for a different book before I was seduced. In retrospect, I’m sure it was me or my mood at the time(s).
Lovely and highly recommended. It’s not a light read, but deeper than to be expected for a novel including fae.
Five illuminating stars!
November 20, 2017
One of the things I love about the Irish is they always have a song and a dance, even when they are starving, poor, or in rebellion. Perhaps the little people do fill the souls of the Irish. Gardner brings the barely visible fairy land into the battle for Irish independence in the 1920s. Well, researched, written with a heart for the people, and a love of historical fantasy, the author takes you to the bogs of Ireland and shows you the heart of a people that will not be defeated. Even when their own turn against them.
August 16, 2018
Thread of a Spider is a beautiful, haunting tale. Set in the 1920s in Ireland, it mostly reads as a historical fiction yet there are these fantastical elements with the faeries and their magic. Tensions are high between the Irish and English as Ireland struggles to become completely autonomous from England.
Ailis Kilpatrick is a compelling character that captured my attention from the beginning and held it all the way through the story. Her family’s home has been burned to the ground by the English and her fiance Liam arrested. Meanwhile, her younger brother Paddy is missing. She’s torn about what to do and up pops Garett who has ideas about what should be done. There’s also Danny, Liam’s good friend, who is trying to keep Ailis out of the worst of the trouble even as Garett pulls her into it.
Paddy’s adventure with the Wee Folk was fun. Periwinkle, the grand dame of the faeries, has her own brand of wisdom to impart on the humans. Paddy wants them to join in the Irish resistance but Perriwinkle and her people don’t want to be part of such violence. And yet they seek Paddy’s help with their own confrontation with the pixies. I really liked that both the humans and the faeries had something to learn from each other by the end of the story.
While there’s no sex and much of the violence is implied, people still die. I appreciate that the author kept things real, giving the story weight. Ailis was no shrinking violet, holding her own among the men, knowing how to use a Webley, ride a horse, and much more. Perriwinkle not only contributed her wisdom but also her magical healing abilities. All around, an enchanting tale. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Lee Brophy was a joy to listen to. He had such an engaging voice, one that I could listen to for hours at a time. He performed a light Irish accent throughout the story. He even sang Perriwinkle’s song, which was haunting. There was a little bit of Gaelic, which sounded good to my untutored ear. I did notice that Brophy gave the word ‘breathed’ 2 syllables instead of the usual single syllable but it was done so smoothly that I suspect that’s how the Irish pronounce it (but I could be wrong). Brophy had great voices for Ailis, ancient Perriwinkle, and young Paddy. There were no technical issues with this recording. 5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of The Audio Book Reviewer.
Ailis Kilpatrick is a compelling character that captured my attention from the beginning and held it all the way through the story. Her family’s home has been burned to the ground by the English and her fiance Liam arrested. Meanwhile, her younger brother Paddy is missing. She’s torn about what to do and up pops Garett who has ideas about what should be done. There’s also Danny, Liam’s good friend, who is trying to keep Ailis out of the worst of the trouble even as Garett pulls her into it.
Paddy’s adventure with the Wee Folk was fun. Periwinkle, the grand dame of the faeries, has her own brand of wisdom to impart on the humans. Paddy wants them to join in the Irish resistance but Perriwinkle and her people don’t want to be part of such violence. And yet they seek Paddy’s help with their own confrontation with the pixies. I really liked that both the humans and the faeries had something to learn from each other by the end of the story.
While there’s no sex and much of the violence is implied, people still die. I appreciate that the author kept things real, giving the story weight. Ailis was no shrinking violet, holding her own among the men, knowing how to use a Webley, ride a horse, and much more. Perriwinkle not only contributed her wisdom but also her magical healing abilities. All around, an enchanting tale. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Lee Brophy was a joy to listen to. He had such an engaging voice, one that I could listen to for hours at a time. He performed a light Irish accent throughout the story. He even sang Perriwinkle’s song, which was haunting. There was a little bit of Gaelic, which sounded good to my untutored ear. I did notice that Brophy gave the word ‘breathed’ 2 syllables instead of the usual single syllable but it was done so smoothly that I suspect that’s how the Irish pronounce it (but I could be wrong). Brophy had great voices for Ailis, ancient Perriwinkle, and young Paddy. There were no technical issues with this recording. 5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of The Audio Book Reviewer.
March 17, 2019
•audiobook•
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
What can I say that other reviewers haven’t already noticed?
This is a fantastic historical account of the 1920s with a folklore twist. The fae, although magnificent to view, are known for stealing children or teens. But they have humanity at heart and even help.
It took me several, several tries to get into this book. It actually took listening to this narrator for a different book before I was seduced. In retrospect, I’m sure it was me or my mood at the time(s).
Lovely and highly recommended. It’s not a light read, but deeper than to be expected for a novel including fae.
Five illuminating stars!
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
What can I say that other reviewers haven’t already noticed?
This is a fantastic historical account of the 1920s with a folklore twist. The fae, although magnificent to view, are known for stealing children or teens. But they have humanity at heart and even help.
It took me several, several tries to get into this book. It actually took listening to this narrator for a different book before I was seduced. In retrospect, I’m sure it was me or my mood at the time(s).
Lovely and highly recommended. It’s not a light read, but deeper than to be expected for a novel including fae.
Five illuminating stars!
June 28, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the book through Audible... It made some nasty commutes bearable!
The storyline was intriguing, jumping between the world of the Fae and humans was entertaining! I found the characters relatable.
I definitely recommend the book and look forward to reading another book by D.L. Gardner.
The storyline was intriguing, jumping between the world of the Fae and humans was entertaining! I found the characters relatable.
I definitely recommend the book and look forward to reading another book by D.L. Gardner.
September 24, 2017
I loved the whole thing - the storyline, the characters, the setting. It really draws you in and takes you to the Ireland of the past. Action, adventure, romance and fantasy. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews