Intercession

by Kevin J Haar

Aoife is cursed. Everyone says so, except for her father, Niall, an innkeeper, who knows such things are nonsense. She was born under mysterious circumstances on an isolated island off the coast of Ireland after the Irish Civil War. Now nearing twelve, Aoife is willing to do whatever it takes to rid herself of the malediction and protect her father. She encounters saints and witches while she navigates the superstitions and Irish folklore that permeate her homeland and guide her towards understanding and adulthood. Niall, however, struggles with the coming-of-age and political awakening of his daughter, while his tight-knit island home grapples with its place in a fast-changing world newly lit by electricity.

Meanwhile, at the island's monastery, a monk is discovered to be an impostor, an Irish rebel wanted by the Crown. Brother Declan finds himself called again to be a revolutionary for a new Irish Republic. When he meets the innkeeper's mysterious daughter, he must come to terms with his past and the consequences of his political zealotry as he and Aoife become entangled in a political scheme that will shock the small community.

Full of Irish and Catholic folklore, Intercession weaves through the history and myths of Ireland to its thrilling and mysterious conclusion. In a place steeped in legend, Aoife must decide for herself what stories are worth believing and suffer the consequences of those beliefs, for better or worse.

Intercession, the unforgettable debut novel of author Kevin J Haar, expertly balances tradition with modernity, religion with politics, and history with superstition.

Genres: Historical Fiction

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2021

About the author

Kevin has been an educator and writer his entire life. He lives in the middle of the United States with his wife, who is also an educator, and their daughter. He holds a degree in History from Truman State University and a Master’s Degree in Education. Kevin has worked in various capacities for the public school system for more than twelve years. When not reading or writing, Kevin enjoys cycling, birding, and board games. Intercession is his first novel.

kevinjhaar.wordpress.com
Twitter: @kevinjhaar
Instagram: @kevinjhaar
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Reviews

[• Lindsey Dahling • · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this! It’s honestly been too long since I’ve read some historical fiction (because I can’t bear to be parted from the fantasy genre). You get a nice dash of Irish folklore in this, so I was pleased.

It’s also always really satisfying to me to read two different POVs that aren’t yet connected. It’s fun to see how they’re going to eventually intertwine and how that will change things. Also, I knew basically nothing about Irish history before reading this, so I liked learning about that, too.

Did I still butcher half the names even though there’s a handy pronunciation guide? Certainly did. Pretty sure I have a disease.

Great first novel, Kevin Haar!

[Lauren Masnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Intercession during a bit of a book hangover, so I (not the book, just me) kind of dragged my feet getting going. Once I made myself let go of my last read, I was finally able to bury myself in the story. And WHAT A GREAT STORY IT WAS! From the get go, readers find themselves rooting for the young heroine, as well as the disguised hero. I was at first jarred by the switching perspectives, but was rewarded for my patience when the storylines converged. By that point, I was so invested I had a hard time putting it down! The end was well worth the journey.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel had me gripped from the first chapter. The characters were intriguing, the setting was mysterious, yet cozy, and there were specific scenes that had me rapt for more. This is a magical tale that is beautifully told with snippets of supernatural, nature, and loyalty.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admire the research and detail that went into the seamless storytelling of this book. The characters were interesting, and I immediately connected to them as they were introduced into the storyline. The story seemed magical and real simultaneously; my favorite combination. The layers overlapped so transparently that I couldn't decide which of them intrigued me the most. You know how those old school medical illustrations of the human body start out with a skeleton, then, when you turn the page, it overlays the muscles, then the vital organs, and so forth? That's what happens in this novel. The bones are sturdy and fixed throughout. The layers that are attached aren't just decorative, they are integral parts of a bigger system.

[Rachael Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I don't often read historical fiction or folklore. This book was fantastic and had enough mystery to keep me interested. The stories of the saints were obviously well researched and leant an air of fantasy to the story. Once I got a couple chapters in, all I wanted to do was read to find out how the rest of the book would intertwine the characters' stories and backgrounds. This also makes me want to learn a little more about the Irish Revolution. The book has a little bit of everything and I definitely recommend it.

[K Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers. The story centers around a young Irish girl, Aoife, born in a freak storm on a small island off the coast of Ireland. The island's inhabitants are superstitious and believe she must be cursed. Aoife longs to break the curse, and the island obliges by bringing Catholic saints from her mother's book and Celtic legends across her path to share their wisdom and help her along. Another type of battle is brewing at a nearby monastery of grumpy monks. Political tensions are rising for some as the Irish wish to be rid of English rule and troublemakers have arrived on the island to stir things up. The story weaves a lot of elements together cleverly, but what I liked most were the characters themselves and their struggles to find the right paths.

[Keith Haar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be one of the few to read this novel prior to its release. Historic fiction and nonfiction are brilliantly blended with compelling storytelling and intrigue abound. Intercession invites readers to question not only the motives, myths, and histories of its characters, but those of themselves. For those willing to seek them out, this book will raise as many questions as it answers. Aiofe's plight is one to which we can all relate; we've all longed for a world in which truth and myth, fact and fable, saints and sinners, are as distinguishable as the Emerald Isle's jagged cliffs from her icy waters. In the end, all we have are our stories, and all we know for sure is what we choose to believe.

[JulieAnn Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through a beautiful blend of history and Irish Folklore, Intercession explores what it truly means to be free. I loved following the stories of each of these powerful characters, especially Aoife’s point of view, as she experienced religion, war and political strife through the eyes of a child. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters so much that it was sad to see the book end. This is a powerful story that will stay with me long after I’ve read it. Looking forward to more from Kevin Haar.

[Kelly Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Received My Copy Free From Voracious Readers Only

First I would like to say I really like this book. I wouldn't say love, but I did enjoy reading it. I was very surprised when I learned it was a debut novel.

The author's seamless blending between legend, fact, and fiction was so well interwoven that in some parts you can't tell one from another.

Trying to discover which parts might be historically accurate, I turned to Google, only to be frustrated. Despite the name Innis Aer sounding so familiar, I could find no trace of it a map. I tried searching locations from the story also coming up empty handed. Names are always next to useless to search as many names are used over and over so I didn't bother there.

All I can conclude is that the background of the Civil War and IRA are true, and the rest was fiction. But even in the face of failure to find answers I still remain uncertain. To the author I say wholeheartedly, "Well played sir! Well played!" Followed by what I describe as a snobby aristocratic golf clap lol

[Gail Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers.

If I hadn’t been told that this was a debut novel I would never have known. It is a well crafted story that shows an expertise of writing and research.

The story blends history, with Catholic stories of saints as well as folklore and superstition.

I was enthralled right from the first page and found it difficult to put down.

The characters are well described and believable and I found myself willing them to do the right thing while not knowing what the “right thing” would be.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be looking out for more from this author in the future.

[Najla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m impressed by the level of details and attention to detail by the author. This is historical fiction but has a bit of mysticism and folklore, which places it well in the time period it’s written for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful masterpiece of folklore and history. Kevin has perfectly intertwined the political events of a tumultuous revolutionary Ireland with the beautiful folktales of the Island along with the stories of the Saints. It perfectly weaves the story of a "cursed girl" and a "priest". It has so many elements that I just loves that I cannot aptly give it enough praise. I loved all of the details about the stories of the saints and the details provided about all of the wildlife on the island, especially the birds. In a way, it was a bird watchers guide to the Isles of western Ireland. There were elements that made me feel like I was reading a grand epic of Homer or Huckleberry Finn The father and daughter story line is beautifully crafted. The story of one of hope, redemption, sacrifice, revolution, freedom, growing up, peace, love, revenge, and self-actualization. I cannot recommend it enough!

[Kevin Haar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this novel and I would be honored if you considered reading it. While the novel takes place in 1929 Ireland, I believe it is a story very relevant to our times. Aoife, our protagonist and a twelve-year-old young woman, comes of age in a time of political turmoil. The traditions and lore of her homeland are being challenged by the advent of electricity and the radicalization of politics. With great respect to the traditions of Irish folklore and the hagiography of the Catholic Church, I send Aoife on a journey where she encounters her homeland's past while leading her to choose her own future.

Meanwhile, Brother Declan, a former revolutionary disguised as a monk, struggles between his fervent political beliefs and a desire to cut himself off from the world. Like many of us today, Declan feels obligated to engage politically and socially to make his country a better place but suffers greatly for it.

Both my Catholic upbringing and the seething politics of our time influenced this novel greatly. However, while folklore, religion, and politics provide the set pieces for the story, it is ultimately a coming-of -age tale that asks the reader to consider the consequences of the beliefs they hold most dear.

Thank you for taking a look at my novel. I am always available for questions and discussions about this work.

Sincerely,
Kevin J Haar

[Emily Wellham · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Obligatory note that I received a free copy for review from Voracious Readers Only)

I enjoyed watching the characters deal with their personal challenges in the face of a tumultuous period of history. The religious elements added to texture of the characters and their culture but was not preachy. While the writing was not always as polished, the tension between folklore and organized religion against a historical backdrop reminded me of The Bear and the Nightingale.
Content warnings: brief mentions of sexual harassment/assault, violence/PTSD, and homophobia. Would still be appropriate for a YA audience.

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's worth entering the list of modern classics.

I haven't much to say, except that it's a beautiful coming-of-age tale with Catholic undertones and a sprinkle of folklore. Fiction is at its best when mingling realism with fantastical elements, for it preserves the sense of wonderment while keeping the narrative anchored to human experience. It's a way to harmonize both the external and the interior world of man, and also the physical and spiritual ones. That's the beauty of the legends of the saints: they may be popular tales, but they always contain some truth, an aspect of the saint's character, an imaginary retelling of a true feat or a simple memento that spiritual realities do exist. I never forgot when Fr. Angelo Paredi, in his biography of Saint Ambrose, cited an anecdote from the Catena Aurea to illustrate the moral authority of the saint in the imaginary of the Middle Ages.

"Intercession" managed to capture this feeling of awe. At the heart of the narrative is Aoife's journey to maturity, as she struggles to break free from the ghost of her "curse". Brother Declan is a parallel to her story and mirrors what she could become if she succumbed to the prejudices of her people. The characters are perfectly flawed, that is, relatable and easy to root for, albeit broken and struggling like any of us. As the story progresses, the hearts of the secondary characters are revealed, one by one, and we are left with a sense that everyone has their blemishes. The book explores some dark themes, but Aoife's innocence and the apparitions of the saints kept it from becoming bleak. However, I don't think it's a read for the young.

I won't say I didn't find flaws, but they are few. The language gets rough sometimes, and the way one of the saints said certain things didn't sit well with me. But a novel doesn't have to be flawless to be perfect. It has to have beauty and execute its premise in the best way possible, and move the reader in a virtuous way.

Well, it achieved all of these marks for me.

[Caley Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I was given a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]

I loved this book so much! Haar is a talented storyteller, making the post-Civil War rural Ireland setting feel very real and tangible and I espescially liked the way the Catholic religiosity and Celtic mythology were woven into the the story. Aoife's such a plucky and endearing young protagonist and I kept reading to find out if she would find out about the origin of her curse and if she could lift it. I also liked how Brother Declan's sideplot with the mysterious occurrences at the priory ran in parallel with Aoife's and I was curious about how the mystery would be solved and how his story was going to intersect with hers. The side-characters are well fleshed-out also and I was satisfied with the ending. I really enjoyed reading this Irish history-filled novel and I think fans of similar historical fiction like All the Light We Cannot See and/or Scarlett will as well.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular read for all YA historical fiction fans!