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Finnian is an Irish folk healer, a witch who specializes in healing magic. He's new to America and is going west to seek his fortune in a place rumored to be steeped in magic -- a town called Ruby Gulch, deep in the New Mexico Territory. When he meets Ishago, an injured Navajo on the trail, their lives become inexorably entwined. They risk their hearts and lives to steal a magic stone from a sleeping dragon, and in the process set events in motion that may destroy them all.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2020
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30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 19, 2020
2.5*
I wasn't as keen on this one as the other three in the series.
The overuse of the phrase boyo as an Irish-identifier just wound me up every time I saw it on page. It felt a bit like having a Yorkshire man say eh by gum all the time to demonstrate their Yorkshireness.
Anyways, that was just one of the niggles. My other one was that the actual plot itself seemed to be unsure where it was going. I'm not going to spoil anything, but the consequences of the two MCs actions weren't really addressed properly and it left me with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth as that saying goes.
***
Now I've read all of the books in the shared world, I'm just going to say I wish there'd been a bit more of an actual link between them all, other than the location itself.
While they were four individual stories, some which I liked better than the others, there really wasn't any sense of connectivity because the town itself was just a minor detail. They all could honestly have just been written as standalones without even needing the same place.
I would have really loved to have seen more made of Ruby Gulch itself and some kind of a clue over the timescales of how each book fit into the town or more on the shared world magic system to give me a feeling that any of the individual books was connected to the others.
I wasn't as keen on this one as the other three in the series.
The overuse of the phrase boyo as an Irish-identifier just wound me up every time I saw it on page. It felt a bit like having a Yorkshire man say eh by gum all the time to demonstrate their Yorkshireness.
Anyways, that was just one of the niggles. My other one was that the actual plot itself seemed to be unsure where it was going. I'm not going to spoil anything, but the consequences of the two MCs actions weren't really addressed properly and it left me with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth as that saying goes.
***
Now I've read all of the books in the shared world, I'm just going to say I wish there'd been a bit more of an actual link between them all, other than the location itself.
While they were four individual stories, some which I liked better than the others, there really wasn't any sense of connectivity because the town itself was just a minor detail. They all could honestly have just been written as standalones without even needing the same place.
I would have really loved to have seen more made of Ruby Gulch itself and some kind of a clue over the timescales of how each book fit into the town or more on the shared world magic system to give me a feeling that any of the individual books was connected to the others.
July 13, 2021
3.5 Stars
Review:
Old West + witches + angry serpent gods + mlm romance! The story was fairly simple, but good. The romance was nice, though I feel like we could've gotten to know Ishago a bit more or seen a bit more interaction / getting to know each other. Ishago was Navajo/Dine, but I don't know enough to comment on how good the rep was. Finn's familiar (an animal that chooses the witch and that the witch can speak with), a pine marten, was playful and cute. There was a touch of heaviness at one point, though mostly glossed over. Overall a cute, quick read.
*The books in this series are set in the same world but each one functions as a standalone about completely different characters, written by different authors. It helps to understand certain things about magic and the town if you read in order, but I think you could read these in any order without any real issue.*
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Ebook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the Old West, witches, light mlm romance, and quick reads.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
Old West + witches + angry serpent gods + mlm romance! The story was fairly simple, but good. The romance was nice, though I feel like we could've gotten to know Ishago a bit more or seen a bit more interaction / getting to know each other. Ishago was Navajo/Dine, but I don't know enough to comment on how good the rep was. Finn's familiar (an animal that chooses the witch and that the witch can speak with), a pine marten, was playful and cute. There was a touch of heaviness at one point, though mostly glossed over. Overall a cute, quick read.
*The books in this series are set in the same world but each one functions as a standalone about completely different characters, written by different authors. It helps to understand certain things about magic and the town if you read in order, but I think you could read these in any order without any real issue.*
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Ebook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the Old West, witches, light mlm romance, and quick reads.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
July 31, 2020
This book had me cracking up. It was a great mix of a lot of characters. Once I started reading it, I had to finish!! I now know where the Olympics started!!!
Read
August 1, 2024I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to read a western book where the bad guy wasn't automatcally the Native American. And I liked Pog, the cheeky familiar. I don't know, this review is hard to write because it was just a cute little book about magic and love.
June 27, 2020
To read this delightful quick read, you definitely need to read book 1 The Serpents Coil. Finnian and his familiar Pog, a snary little Pine Martin, find Ishago nearly dead after he meet up with the Eaters. Nasty creatures! They both travel to Ruby Gulch searching for the Ruby that will hopefully heal Ishago's dad. And yep, it's not that easy and more to the story. I wish the story would have been longer and given me more about Finnian and Ishago's story. A lot happened at the end and it just seemed like it ending too quickly.
Overall, I highly recommend reading all 4 stories.
Overall, I highly recommend reading all 4 stories.
June 27, 2020
I'm having a hard time coming up with anything I liked about this. The characters were fine, but not very deep or well developed. Their interactions weren't interesting and there was no romance. I can't really speak to the accuracy of the representation of Native Americans, but I thought there were some stereotypes going on. The magic system worked differently than the other three books, but it wasn't an improvement. Pog as a familiar was uninteresting and pointless. The plot was uninspired. Finn's accent grated on me. Overall, a missed opportunity.
May 23, 2020
Kiernan Kelly's Blood Ruby is the fourth in the shared-world series Tin Star Witches; The Witches of Ruby Gulch. Finnian, relatively recently arrived in America and very recently arrived in the West, stumbles across Ishago after he has been attacked by an evil creature. He learns the Navajo man is on a quest to retrieve a special gem from Ruby Gulch that he has been advised will heal his sick father - the head of their clan. A healed Ishago claims he owes Finn a life debt and the two men set out to Ruby Gulch together...
I like the premise of Blood Ruby; there are a lot of plot devices that work for me such as witch and familiar, alpha male stubbornness, interracial/intercultural relationship, etc. The adventure and peril are well-written, too, so it's not a bad story. It just doesn't quite read right to me for a couple of reasons, however. I want to really like Finn and Ishago but they feel a bit like caricatures of an Irish immigrant and a Navajo tribesman so I don't really connect with them. This is linked with the second thing that I struggled a bit with, which is the way their dialogue is written...more so for Finn than Ishago. I'm not that keen when a character's speech is written predominantly in their perceived dialect. Finn is all 'ye' instead of you, 'me' instead of my, etc, so in my head he sounds a little like someone putting on an Irish accent rather than an actual Irishman.
As with all reviews, these issues are entirely my own and they didn't stop me from being glad at the men getting their happy ending, but Blood Ruby gets an OK 3* from me.
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
I like the premise of Blood Ruby; there are a lot of plot devices that work for me such as witch and familiar, alpha male stubbornness, interracial/intercultural relationship, etc. The adventure and peril are well-written, too, so it's not a bad story. It just doesn't quite read right to me for a couple of reasons, however. I want to really like Finn and Ishago but they feel a bit like caricatures of an Irish immigrant and a Navajo tribesman so I don't really connect with them. This is linked with the second thing that I struggled a bit with, which is the way their dialogue is written...more so for Finn than Ishago. I'm not that keen when a character's speech is written predominantly in their perceived dialect. Finn is all 'ye' instead of you, 'me' instead of my, etc, so in my head he sounds a little like someone putting on an Irish accent rather than an actual Irishman.
As with all reviews, these issues are entirely my own and they didn't stop me from being glad at the men getting their happy ending, but Blood Ruby gets an OK 3* from me.
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2020
This was a fairly enjoyable read - not spectacular, but a pleasant way to spend the time. Three stars = "I liked it" - and I did. The length is somewhere between a short story and a novella; the romance & general plot moves along quickly, situations are dealt with swiftly, and everything is tied up neatly.
This is part of a loosely connected series of books, all set in a magical post-Civil War California, though the minority group most distrusted & oppressed in this story are the Native Americans, referred to as Indians during this time. Magic is also totally normal and part of ordinary society, with supplies for potions & such sold in stores, though not everyone has magic abilities. As in the other book I'd read in this set, same-sex relationships aren't totally taboo or illegal - not necessarily revered in white society, but not always frowned on. This book also goes into how the Native American village people viewed those relationships.
In this story, our main protagonists are a Native American man with a little bit of Shaman magic in his blood, Ishago, and a white man who is half fae, Finn, with his magic focused on healing. Their mission becomes to save Ishago's father. I found them both likeable & compatible. Finn also has an adorable familiar, Póg, who adds an element of humor to the story.
Literally, my only negative in this book is Finn's use of Irish vernacular that seems somewhat forced; his repetition of the words "boyo" and "bucko" seemed overdone, at least for me. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of this author's work or more of this series.
This is part of a loosely connected series of books, all set in a magical post-Civil War California, though the minority group most distrusted & oppressed in this story are the Native Americans, referred to as Indians during this time. Magic is also totally normal and part of ordinary society, with supplies for potions & such sold in stores, though not everyone has magic abilities. As in the other book I'd read in this set, same-sex relationships aren't totally taboo or illegal - not necessarily revered in white society, but not always frowned on. This book also goes into how the Native American village people viewed those relationships.
In this story, our main protagonists are a Native American man with a little bit of Shaman magic in his blood, Ishago, and a white man who is half fae, Finn, with his magic focused on healing. Their mission becomes to save Ishago's father. I found them both likeable & compatible. Finn also has an adorable familiar, Póg, who adds an element of humor to the story.
Literally, my only negative in this book is Finn's use of Irish vernacular that seems somewhat forced; his repetition of the words "boyo" and "bucko" seemed overdone, at least for me. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of this author's work or more of this series.
May 29, 2020
Only read books 2 and 4 of this Tin Star Witches series.
All four books in this series are written by individual authors and I find that with the two that I've read the only connection is the location setting of the town of Ruby Gulch. Oh, and the ruby dust that has dire effects on those of magic who live in and around the town. Not one of the characters from the other book I read "Forged In Magic" are ever referred to. I did like the premise of Finnian the Irish fairy witch and his familiar Pog (a pine marten) who is a laugh a minute but very dedicated to protecting and fighting for Fin. And then there's Ishago, the Navajo who after being attacked by an Eater is saved by Fin's medicinal knowledge. Ishago now owes Fin a debt of honor. Finn is heading for Ruby Gulch and so is Ishago so they combine forces to steal the cure that will save Ishago's father. The underlying current of subterfuge, envy, and greed stir up the plot quite a bit. There is prejudice aplenty in this book; both for being Irish and for being an Indian and these prejudices were evident in how Ruby Gulch's citizens treated both Finn and especially Ishago. I believe this book ends the series but I could be getting a wrong read o this book's ending. I got this read as an ARC for my honest review.
P.S. I forgot that The Eaters were in the 2nd book I read and as evil as any demon can be.
All four books in this series are written by individual authors and I find that with the two that I've read the only connection is the location setting of the town of Ruby Gulch. Oh, and the ruby dust that has dire effects on those of magic who live in and around the town. Not one of the characters from the other book I read "Forged In Magic" are ever referred to. I did like the premise of Finnian the Irish fairy witch and his familiar Pog (a pine marten) who is a laugh a minute but very dedicated to protecting and fighting for Fin. And then there's Ishago, the Navajo who after being attacked by an Eater is saved by Fin's medicinal knowledge. Ishago now owes Fin a debt of honor. Finn is heading for Ruby Gulch and so is Ishago so they combine forces to steal the cure that will save Ishago's father. The underlying current of subterfuge, envy, and greed stir up the plot quite a bit. There is prejudice aplenty in this book; both for being Irish and for being an Indian and these prejudices were evident in how Ruby Gulch's citizens treated both Finn and especially Ishago. I believe this book ends the series but I could be getting a wrong read o this book's ending. I got this read as an ARC for my honest review.
P.S. I forgot that The Eaters were in the 2nd book I read and as evil as any demon can be.
May 31, 2020
One thing I’ve enjoyed about this shared world is how different the stories and characters are. This story has the setting and dragon in common, but explores a very different kind of magic and familiar. This author is new to me, but I’d love to read more.
I loved how Finn and Ishago came from very different backgrounds, and how their upbringing was reflected in the way they reacted to what happens, and each other. I also liked how the story doesn’t shy away from how many white people reacted to with a different background and skin colour. I loved how they worked together to make things right, both with the dragon, and then later with Ishago’s people.
Póg is adorable and steals every scene he’s in. I love his and Finn’s relationship as witch and familiar. The scenes with him and Ishago are cute, especially with the way they bond so quickly.
Although this final story in the series is quite short, it still feels very rich in character and world building and I was left with a very strong sense of time, place, and magic. I found the ending very satisfying, and would love to read more about Finn and Ishago, and Póg, in the future.
I loved how Finn and Ishago came from very different backgrounds, and how their upbringing was reflected in the way they reacted to what happens, and each other. I also liked how the story doesn’t shy away from how many white people reacted to with a different background and skin colour. I loved how they worked together to make things right, both with the dragon, and then later with Ishago’s people.
Póg is adorable and steals every scene he’s in. I love his and Finn’s relationship as witch and familiar. The scenes with him and Ishago are cute, especially with the way they bond so quickly.
Although this final story in the series is quite short, it still feels very rich in character and world building and I was left with a very strong sense of time, place, and magic. I found the ending very satisfying, and would love to read more about Finn and Ishago, and Póg, in the future.
May 25, 2020
Finn was traveling towards Ruby Gulch because he hoped to make a home for himself there, and Ishago had the same direction because he wanted to steal a huge ruby situated on a mythological snake's head (supposedly the only cure for his father's illness). They did manage to take the ruby, the snake conveniently asleep, but *drum rolls* the beast woke up immediately after, and in his fury caused a huge earthquake that almost destroyed Ruby Gulch and forced all the population run away. Finn and Ishago felt so sorry for the destruction they've caused, they decided to put back the gem. Annddd , what do you know? *Please, another drum roll*, the mighty creature's only reaction was a ear splitting raw, to then return, serenely, back to its realm in the bowls of the earth.
Don't get me wrong, this was an interesting enough story, but I couldn't help but find everything rather pointless, you know? That being said, maybe this wasn't the book for me and others would consider it perfect for their taste. Give it a try.
Don't get me wrong, this was an interesting enough story, but I couldn't help but find everything rather pointless, you know? That being said, maybe this wasn't the book for me and others would consider it perfect for their taste. Give it a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2020
Ishago and Finn had a rather auspicious meeting and while it made things interesting and drew me in, there wasn't a whole lot to maintain that interest. Their interactions felt like words on a page rather than organic and fluid and even Finn's personality couldn't really make up for the dialogue that felt slightly contrived. The action was reserved for near the end of the book rather than something that built based on multiple events that carried them to that point. Things would probably have worked better if the confrontation and resolution weren't reserved for the very end. There could have been quite a lot more build up and anticipation for the end as well as more care given to crafting Ishago. Finn stole the show as did his familiar and I wish that Ishago would have been as compelling as Finn.
May 24, 2020
Finnian, a witch with healing magic and his familiar Póg were on their way to Ruby Gulch when they came across a wounded Navajo man, Ishago. Dangerously wounded by a Night Eater, it took all of Fin and Pógs combined magic to heal him. He is on his way to Ruby Gulch also. Their quest to take a ruby from a monster goes horribly wrong.
Again, as with most of the books in this series, the familiar may be my favorite character. Póg has so much personality for such a little guy. I liked Finn and Ishago, they just didn’t quite fit as well together as the other couples in the series have.
This series has been interesting with the different writing styles of different authors. I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
I received an arc of this book.
Again, as with most of the books in this series, the familiar may be my favorite character. Póg has so much personality for such a little guy. I liked Finn and Ishago, they just didn’t quite fit as well together as the other couples in the series have.
This series has been interesting with the different writing styles of different authors. I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
I received an arc of this book.
May 26, 2020
This was the 4th story in the Tin Star Witches series. It was a good story that kept me interested. Finnian is an Irish Folk witch, he comes upon Ishago a Navaho who has been wounded. Finn along with the help of his familiar Pog helps to heal Ishago. Finn decide to go to Ruby Gulch to the Mine to help Ishago save his father. It had many feels for me. Recommend…
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received from Gay Romance Reviews. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received from Gay Romance Reviews. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
June 5, 2020
I am enjoying a lot this multiauthor series. In this world of magic, cowboys, fantastic creatures and dangerous monsters, now we can find the story of Finn and Ishago about courage, sacrifice and love. It is fantastic the way the author managed they to get together and I specially loved the concept of Nádleeh the author created. I promise no spoilers so I just going to say that the plot in this book 4 is one of the best in this series. Brilliant!
I received this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
I received this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
June 7, 2020
The mixture of Old West and magic in this series just keeps me coming back from more. In this story, we have Finnian and Ishago. When these two met, they set out on a course that could change everything. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of everything, Finn's familiar, and the development of the story. Pog is a delight and this story is another win for this series.
October 13, 2020
Inconsistent
I enjoyed the story, but there are some inconsistencies in each book. As in a character spoke to someone about a thing and then a chapter later they spoke again as if they’d not spoken of it before and got a different answer. But I feel like this one had more inconsistencies than the others partly within its own story but also just within the series in general.
I enjoyed the story, but there are some inconsistencies in each book. As in a character spoke to someone about a thing and then a chapter later they spoke again as if they’d not spoken of it before and got a different answer. But I feel like this one had more inconsistencies than the others partly within its own story but also just within the series in general.
June 5, 2020
Great story
I really liked this story.
It's a grand, interesting adventure. I liked both Idhago and Finn. They are great together.
It was exhilarating, sad, sweet, hot and fun in turns.
Very well rounded story
I really liked this story.
It's a grand, interesting adventure. I liked both Idhago and Finn. They are great together.
It was exhilarating, sad, sweet, hot and fun in turns.
Very well rounded story
June 6, 2020
So good!
I love this series! Each author brings their twist to the magic of Ruby Gulch. Having historical facts as well as the Navajo and Irish cultures enriched the story so much more. Not only was it a great read, it made me want to check out more of the author’s work.
I love this series! Each author brings their twist to the magic of Ruby Gulch. Having historical facts as well as the Navajo and Irish cultures enriched the story so much more. Not only was it a great read, it made me want to check out more of the author’s work.
June 13, 2020
My least favorite of the group. The magic system presented didn't fit with the other three, and there seemed to be an odd power dynamic, with one person making the decisions and saving the day, for the most part.
June 6, 2020
Good
Póg made me smile. I liked the characters and the stories coming full circle back to the serpent from book 1.
Póg made me smile. I liked the characters and the stories coming full circle back to the serpent from book 1.
June 14, 2021
Enjoyable, but
Not quite as rich in detail as the previous novels in the series. Still, this author had a intriguing take on the storyline, and a satisfactory ending.
Not quite as rich in detail as the previous novels in the series. Still, this author had a intriguing take on the storyline, and a satisfactory ending.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews