1588. When Rafael de Silva’s ship is smashed on the rocks off the coast of Ireland, he must find a way to get by without access to any resources or help from the locals, since being apprehended will result in certain death for a soldier of the ill-fated Spanish Armada. Terrified and half-starved, Rafael gets help from an unexpected source, but safety is just an illusion, and love is a liability when Rafael’s very survival depends on keeping the secret of his birth from being discovered by those closest to him. 2015. Called upon to unearth the remains of a brutal crucifixion, Quinn must delve into the aftermath of the Spanish Armada’s fateful defeat, but as she tries to decipher the secret the victim took to his grave, she discovers that there are secrets much closer to home, and that the twin sister she couldn’t wait to be reunited with is not quite what she expected.
To write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
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I have such a bad habit of jumping from one book to the next and by the time I get around to reviewing a book I forget which book was which. In an effort to write an authentic "fresh" review of The Betrayed I am writing it before picking out another book. If Ms Shapiro takes the time to write an entire book I should take the time to show her I appreciate it. After 7 books in a series I truly doubted I would read anything new in this one. I have also read all the other series by Irina Shapiro so I anticipated relationships and outcomes based on characters from other books. That was a mistake on my part. I was pleasantly surprised by this series. Certain characters start out seemingly harmless, likable, and helpful, or maybe I simply wished them to be. The players in this series are very flawed some in good ways others not so much but it keeps you on your toes never knowing if you can fully trust anyone. I expected Quinn & Jo to be like Valerie and Louisa but they are far from it. The finding of a crucified body was fascinating and the story behind the Spanish Armada in Ireland intriguing. Every book starts with some poor souls end and that is on your mind throughout and you try to figure out how their demise came about. I was pleasantly surprised by Rafeal's story and was truly taken aback by the ultimate outcome. Well done!!!!
Not my favorite of the series, but I'm well hooked and enjoying them all so much. The present-day storyline has really heated up. In the earlier books, I was more excited by the past / flashbacks, but now I love both timelines equally.
This Armada-era historical plot is tough to swallow. Most of the historical lives and deaths in the entire series are pretty devastating and always fascinating. The juxtaposition with the present-day plotline is jarring, and intentionally so. The women in the pretense tense have so much agency, freedom, autonomy, and so many rights vs. our bygone predecessors. This series has really given me such an appreciation for modern times and the hard work achieved through feminism. We have amazing lives and opportunity today, thanks to the sacrifices of so many, many women - and yet, our work still isn't done. This series has been very inspiring for so many reasons.
In 2005, Dr. Quinn Allenby unearthed a crucified skeleton in Ireland. Among the bones and dirt is a hamsa charm, a protective amulet often often used by Muslims. She can't figure out how a Muslim would have found his way to Ireland and what led to the crucifixion.
In 1588, the Spanish Armada ship Rafael de Silva was sailing on crashes on the rocky coasts of Ireland. With limited English, a hidden hamsa, and wounded comrades, he's trapped in hostile territory with no way home. And as the Protestant English forces progress into Catholic Ireland, protecting his identity becomes more vital than ever.
While trying to learn more about Rafael, Quinn is mired in mysteries in the present day as well. Her long lost sister isn't lost anymore, not physically at least. But as Quinn pushes to get closer to Jo, Jo begins to run before her own past catches up to her. The secrets never end for poor Quinn, although she'll do anything to set things right.
As always, I need a breather after each of Shapiro's books. Not since Outlander has a series so completely set the bar for what a good book is. Each installment is so deliciously dark, but still makes you hope for just once, things won't be as bad as Quinn's skeletons make them out to be.
Quinn is completely lovable. Kind, selfless, and always eager to see the best in people, she's never prepared for those close to her to betray her. Every book, I root for things in her life to go east on her, just once, and things always seem to just fall apart in both the past and present.
Overall, I suggest this book in ebook and audio format to all book lovers.
I have loved every book in this series as they are all well written but this was a tough one to get through. Seemed to go on forever. It follows two time frames as is usual in this series. The historical portion deals with Spanish sailors who crash off the coast of Ireland. Many die but a group of them are rescued. One of them has an amulet that could betray his Jewish heritage and put him at risk of death. The story follows the survivors efforts to stay alive and hopes to return to Spain. The current time period story involves Quinn meeting her twin sister for the first time. Jo is not likable and I just wanted her to go away. That said, the two endings made up for my struggle to finish this book.
I have greatly enjoyed the Echoes from the Past books, and the parallel stories. I do believe at times Quinn is too naive and wants to redeem others. There does have to be a wicked person, and that is Jo now. I had never wondered what happened to the Spanish Armada after its defeat from the British. Just assumed that they had all returned to Spain. It was funny to hear Julio say Chingar, a totally Mexican word, never used in Spain, and even less back in the days of the Armada. I liked the ending. Quinn at times is obtuse, but otherwise the author wouldn't have the need to explain.
I have read and immensely enjoyed all in this series of books. My next to read is book 8 of the nine. I am totally captured by these stories, a mixture of both fact with fiction. I do not want this series to end. I'm hungry for more. Absolutely beautfully written. Irina is an exceptionally talented lady. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.!!!! Please read. You won't be disappointed.
Interesting read ! I had no idea that Spanish soldiers from the Armada were shipwrecked off the coast of Ireland and this was a good story about what might have happened to some of them. Religious differences, as always, highlight how little has changed over the years
Wow I love this series. Quinn an Archeologist works with Reese to find the stories of Remains they find. The Author has done a fantastic job at bringing this series to fruition. I would love to see it on netflix. The Narrator really brings the characters to life. I felt I was right there living vicariously through them. This is definitely a more than 5 star listen. Shauna Joesten
Another great quick read from Shapiro. I will say this is not my favorite from the series. The past ending felt very abrupt and a little unbelievable. I felt we needed a little more information as to why it ended the way it did, it felt a bit disjointed. But all in all, it was stil a great story.
I’ve really enjoyed all these books and loved getting to know the characters in the present time as well as the historical ones. Irina has a talent for holding the readers attention. I love a book you can escape into and feel the you are watching the action materialise in front of you especially as two time frames are going on in all these books. Amazingly clever and very talented writer.
Just finished The Betrayed and I am still astounded by the ending - totally unexpected and completely Brilliant! Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ are not enough for this latest addition to the Echoes of the Past series!!!
The back and forth from past to present works for this author‘s style. I’ve read all her books and though some devices get recycled, the stories still remain separate. I enjoy Quinn’s journey, family, friends, and gift.
This book was another page turner. The story was excellent ,the way it runs so smoothly from present day to the past made it so easy to read and stay tuned . As usual I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Another great story by Irina Shapiro. This author has a wonderful gift of mixing past and present successfully. Echoes from the Past series is a first class read. As soon as one book ends you can't wait to read the next.
I love this series! The regular characters are, for the most part, very likable. Didn't care for the newly found sister and I was glad to see her go. Looking forward to the next installment.
Just did not reach the level of intrigue to keep the reader interested. The only redeeming factor was the current episodes which were predictable but better than the past episodes. Hopeful the next in the series will be better.
I like the series. The characters are engaging but why does it seem there is always a baby or child that is a victim? Borderline formulaic and predictable at this point.
Which are really the most dificul time for Humanity..
I really liked the en of the book.... even if it is a little coventional in the sense that sometimes good actions are rewarded.. I really grew very fond of Rafael....and as always the story of Quinn's family
Danger, family conflicts and human endurance can exist both in the present and past. Quinn, with her psychic ability to see the past, must navigate through both the present and the the long ago. An engrossing read.
Learnt a lot about the Spanish and how the Irish treated the ship wrecked sailors, not something you know about, Quin has a lot to learn about her twin, unless the twin is gone! Has Rhys found his soulmate? Looking forward to finding out
Narrator: Wendy Wolfson really does a good job. This one wasn't as emotional as the others, still good not just great. One left to the series but I'll wait a while
So far this story has been my least favorite. I have loved all the books so far and can't wait to continue to the next mystery. The end always surprises me.