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Sisters at the Edge of the World
When Morragh speaks to another person for the very first time, she has no idea that he is an invader in her land.
What she does next constitutes a huge betrayal of her people, threatening her closest relationships and even her way of life itself.
As the conflict between the Caledonian tribes and the Roman Sons of Mars intensifies, can she use her high status in the community to lessen the coming death toll or even prevent outright war?
Set in 1st century Northern Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a story of chosen sisters, fierce warriors, divided loyalties and, ultimately, love.
"Ethereal and spellbinding..." Historical Novel Society
What she does next constitutes a huge betrayal of her people, threatening her closest relationships and even her way of life itself.
As the conflict between the Caledonian tribes and the Roman Sons of Mars intensifies, can she use her high status in the community to lessen the coming death toll or even prevent outright war?
Set in 1st century Northern Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a story of chosen sisters, fierce warriors, divided loyalties and, ultimately, love.
"Ethereal and spellbinding..." Historical Novel Society
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2022
17 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Ailish Sinclair
11 books457 followersAilish Sinclair trained as a dancer and taught dance for many years. She now lives beside a loch with her husband and two children where she writes, dances (yes still, medical conditions allowing) and eats a lot of chocolate.
BOOKS:
Her historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears, kidnappers and Romans to be found in them.
She has written two contemporary series, the spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.
BOOKS:
Her historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears, kidnappers and Romans to be found in them.
She has written two contemporary series, the spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 3, 2023
It’s the energy of the book that really blows me away - the feel of the ancient world steeped in every word of Ailish Sinclair’s writing. The perfect book for when you’re in that Roman mood.
October 14, 2022
A marvellous story of love that transcends borders, peoples, blood and even life - and I’m not just speaking about the romance. By far and away Sinclair’s best work yet - if I could give it higher than five stars, I would.
June 7, 2023
That settles it, I’m building my Time Machine now 😁
September 26, 2022
I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (author, check here if you are interested in getting your book reviewed) and thank her and the author for this opportunity.
I have read many glowing reviews of Ailish Sinclair’s previous books, and when I saw this one, I thought it was my chance to finally get to read one of them. I must confess to not remembering the exact details when I started to read the story, and I found it a pretty unique reading experience.
Morragh, the main protagonist, doesn’t talk at the beginning of the story (we don’t know if she can’t or chooses not to), at least she doesn’t talk to other people, but she communicates with gods, animals, and can see the future, We know all that because the story is narrated in the first person, from her point of view, and that gives the story a special feel, as she doesn’t experience things as most of us do. Reality, dreams, and visions of the past and the future (her own and others') are all one for her, and she doesn’t always know when she is being herself or when she is being inhabited by the goddess. The language is poetic, made up of impressions and abstract images, and I felt as if I was in the middle of an ancient world I didn’t know the rules of, witnessing something momentous but alien. Her relationship with her sister (Onnagh) —who is not her biological sister but rescued her from a tragic fate— is one of the strengths of the book for me. I loved the bond between these chosen sisters, because, despite their closeness, they don’t always see things the same way. There are conflicts, moments when they don’t understand each other, and moments of anger and disappointment, but, ultimately, theirs is the strongest relationship in the book, as the beautiful title indicates.
Morragh learns much during the book, about love, about men, the importance of speaking, and the trade-off of communicating and interacting with the larger community, as there is something to be gained and something to be lost by changing her ways. Ultimately, though, she does what she thinks is right and necessary, even if it doesn’t always seem wise or advisable. Being her (as we know because we are inside her head) is not easy, and that is what makes her, her decisions, and her actions, such an extraordinary character.
The description of the book contains enough details of the plot, so I won’t add too much to it. There are quiet and contemplative moments when Morragh reflects, thinks, chats to her sister and peers, meets new people... and there are also rites, battles, fleeing, tragedy, and plenty of drama for those who love action, although they are not what fans of most historical fiction would expect. This is not an objective account full of detailed descriptions of clothes, strategies, and locations, as if the reader was an observer watching everything from the sideline, but a whirlwind of impressions, thoughts, and feelings, as if one was suddenly dropped in the middle of the battle. And some of the events take on a magical and mythological quality that adds much to the story but are not the usual fare of narrowly-defined historical fiction.
I am not very familiar with Celt folklore and mythology or ancient Scottish history, so although I enjoyed the story, I was grateful for the historical note the author includes at the end of the book. It clarifies which parts of the novel are based on historical fact, giving readers the opportunity to explore that era of Scottish history further if they are interested, and it provides locations for those keen to visit Aberdeenshire. I also enjoyed her comments about the process of creating the novel. Having read it, I can easily understand why it took her so long to write and publish it. The melding of the magical, mythological, historical, fictional, and, especially, emotional elements of the story, require a special kind of talent. And plenty of time and work.
There is much pain, death, loss, and destruction in this novel, but there is also plenty of love, loyalty, a sense of community, dedication, self-sacrifice, generosity, a sense of duty... There are moments of joy and very sad moments too, but, in my opinion, the sense of wonder and hope prevails, and I loved the ending.
Here are a few fragments of the novel, although I recommend checking a sample of the book to be sure the style suits the reader’s taste.
She did not get to be a child, my dear sister. Not after she saved m. And I am so sad for this. Onnagh should have been carefree and full of joy and fun and had someone to care for her too.
We cannot go back. Not ever. And nor should we. We can learn from the past, but we must only ever create the new. Water flows ever on. As do we.
And we all change.
The small metal discs are shiny with the heads of men who have been made important on them. These are the men who play games of war and conquest. But these are not the men who will fight or die in those games. There we differ from Rome. Our leaders will be among us in the fullness of the fray. The heads on these coins? They will stay in their grand and shiny stone houses, eating the oily little fruits that I have come to love. These metal men are not in any danger.
From some of the reviews I’ve read, I understand that the book is set in the same location as some of the author’s previous novels, but not having read any of them, at times I missed having access to more standard descriptions of the places and the people who play a part in the story, but, in all fairness, I don’t think it would have suited the style of writing, which at times reminded me of stream of thought, especially when Morragh was experiencing unusual events.
I cannot compare this novel to others by the author, but I am pretty sure her fans will enjoy this story as much or even more than the previous ones, and those who are looking for a strong females protagonist, love lyrical and expressive writing styles, and favour stories with a touch of magic and ancient mythology, particularly set in Scotland, should put it on their list. They are bound to discover a new author to follow, and a protagonist they’ll never forget.
I have read many glowing reviews of Ailish Sinclair’s previous books, and when I saw this one, I thought it was my chance to finally get to read one of them. I must confess to not remembering the exact details when I started to read the story, and I found it a pretty unique reading experience.
Morragh, the main protagonist, doesn’t talk at the beginning of the story (we don’t know if she can’t or chooses not to), at least she doesn’t talk to other people, but she communicates with gods, animals, and can see the future, We know all that because the story is narrated in the first person, from her point of view, and that gives the story a special feel, as she doesn’t experience things as most of us do. Reality, dreams, and visions of the past and the future (her own and others') are all one for her, and she doesn’t always know when she is being herself or when she is being inhabited by the goddess. The language is poetic, made up of impressions and abstract images, and I felt as if I was in the middle of an ancient world I didn’t know the rules of, witnessing something momentous but alien. Her relationship with her sister (Onnagh) —who is not her biological sister but rescued her from a tragic fate— is one of the strengths of the book for me. I loved the bond between these chosen sisters, because, despite their closeness, they don’t always see things the same way. There are conflicts, moments when they don’t understand each other, and moments of anger and disappointment, but, ultimately, theirs is the strongest relationship in the book, as the beautiful title indicates.
Morragh learns much during the book, about love, about men, the importance of speaking, and the trade-off of communicating and interacting with the larger community, as there is something to be gained and something to be lost by changing her ways. Ultimately, though, she does what she thinks is right and necessary, even if it doesn’t always seem wise or advisable. Being her (as we know because we are inside her head) is not easy, and that is what makes her, her decisions, and her actions, such an extraordinary character.
The description of the book contains enough details of the plot, so I won’t add too much to it. There are quiet and contemplative moments when Morragh reflects, thinks, chats to her sister and peers, meets new people... and there are also rites, battles, fleeing, tragedy, and plenty of drama for those who love action, although they are not what fans of most historical fiction would expect. This is not an objective account full of detailed descriptions of clothes, strategies, and locations, as if the reader was an observer watching everything from the sideline, but a whirlwind of impressions, thoughts, and feelings, as if one was suddenly dropped in the middle of the battle. And some of the events take on a magical and mythological quality that adds much to the story but are not the usual fare of narrowly-defined historical fiction.
I am not very familiar with Celt folklore and mythology or ancient Scottish history, so although I enjoyed the story, I was grateful for the historical note the author includes at the end of the book. It clarifies which parts of the novel are based on historical fact, giving readers the opportunity to explore that era of Scottish history further if they are interested, and it provides locations for those keen to visit Aberdeenshire. I also enjoyed her comments about the process of creating the novel. Having read it, I can easily understand why it took her so long to write and publish it. The melding of the magical, mythological, historical, fictional, and, especially, emotional elements of the story, require a special kind of talent. And plenty of time and work.
There is much pain, death, loss, and destruction in this novel, but there is also plenty of love, loyalty, a sense of community, dedication, self-sacrifice, generosity, a sense of duty... There are moments of joy and very sad moments too, but, in my opinion, the sense of wonder and hope prevails, and I loved the ending.
Here are a few fragments of the novel, although I recommend checking a sample of the book to be sure the style suits the reader’s taste.
She did not get to be a child, my dear sister. Not after she saved m. And I am so sad for this. Onnagh should have been carefree and full of joy and fun and had someone to care for her too.
We cannot go back. Not ever. And nor should we. We can learn from the past, but we must only ever create the new. Water flows ever on. As do we.
And we all change.
The small metal discs are shiny with the heads of men who have been made important on them. These are the men who play games of war and conquest. But these are not the men who will fight or die in those games. There we differ from Rome. Our leaders will be among us in the fullness of the fray. The heads on these coins? They will stay in their grand and shiny stone houses, eating the oily little fruits that I have come to love. These metal men are not in any danger.
From some of the reviews I’ve read, I understand that the book is set in the same location as some of the author’s previous novels, but not having read any of them, at times I missed having access to more standard descriptions of the places and the people who play a part in the story, but, in all fairness, I don’t think it would have suited the style of writing, which at times reminded me of stream of thought, especially when Morragh was experiencing unusual events.
I cannot compare this novel to others by the author, but I am pretty sure her fans will enjoy this story as much or even more than the previous ones, and those who are looking for a strong females protagonist, love lyrical and expressive writing styles, and favour stories with a touch of magic and ancient mythology, particularly set in Scotland, should put it on their list. They are bound to discover a new author to follow, and a protagonist they’ll never forget.
September 15, 2022
In the same part of Aberdeenshire that is the setting for the earlier books written by Ailish Sinclair, the reader returns to the stone circle but in much earlier times, circa AD 83, when the Romans attempted to stretch the boundaries of their Empire, marching to the far north of Scotland. There lived the Taezali, a Caledonian tribe living simple, satisfying lives. Our heroine, Morragh, an orphan, is a seer, believed to know the future, even though she does not speak. Cared for her by her strong sister, Onnagh, Morragh has visions, believing she can communicate with the Goddess, but in a surprising introduction, her life changes forever.
As she travels to Cullakhan Bay with her tribe, Morragh finds herself to be a bridge between the Men of Mars and her own people. She meets the Calgach, a Celtic leader who will lead them into battle against the Romans. She likes and admires him but knows that he will not survive.
‘Are they not magnificent?” asks the Calgach, striding towards me through the camp, his hair loose and flowing back in the breeze today. He looks like the God of this sea, this great ocean, strong and invulnerable and beautiful.’
This is a complex mystical tale of bloody conflict between two disparate civilisations, but also about sisterhood, romantic love and dramatic choices. Morragh is not like most of us. Her actions are instinctive and passionate, but her certainty is persuasive. A thought-provoking story seated in the traditions and superstitions of the past.
As she travels to Cullakhan Bay with her tribe, Morragh finds herself to be a bridge between the Men of Mars and her own people. She meets the Calgach, a Celtic leader who will lead them into battle against the Romans. She likes and admires him but knows that he will not survive.
‘Are they not magnificent?” asks the Calgach, striding towards me through the camp, his hair loose and flowing back in the breeze today. He looks like the God of this sea, this great ocean, strong and invulnerable and beautiful.’
This is a complex mystical tale of bloody conflict between two disparate civilisations, but also about sisterhood, romantic love and dramatic choices. Morragh is not like most of us. Her actions are instinctive and passionate, but her certainty is persuasive. A thought-provoking story seated in the traditions and superstitions of the past.
September 26, 2022
What a marvellous book this is. I read it quickly, trying not to whizz through it once I got to the last twenty percent! The title refers to the relationship between Morragh and her sister, Onnagh; they are not birth sisters. Morragh was treated in the most brutal way as a young child, and Onnagh saved her.
The notes at the back of the book tell of the historical facts and theories on which Ms Sinclair has based this story. It takes place in a time before Christianity, when the ancient Scottish Taezali tribe believed in pagain spiritual presences. Morragh, in whose voice the tale is told, is mute - until the events of one spring and summer change her life and that of her community; the men from Rome have travelled north to conquer their villages and challenge every aspect of their existence.
Morragh is blessed with second sight and acute intuition; she is also able to see what might take place in the future. I love this aspect of the book - I am not usually a fan of the fantastical or supernatural, but her gift felt oddly real. Possible.
It's a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.
The notes at the back of the book tell of the historical facts and theories on which Ms Sinclair has based this story. It takes place in a time before Christianity, when the ancient Scottish Taezali tribe believed in pagain spiritual presences. Morragh, in whose voice the tale is told, is mute - until the events of one spring and summer change her life and that of her community; the men from Rome have travelled north to conquer their villages and challenge every aspect of their existence.
Morragh is blessed with second sight and acute intuition; she is also able to see what might take place in the future. I love this aspect of the book - I am not usually a fan of the fantastical or supernatural, but her gift felt oddly real. Possible.
It's a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.
January 6, 2023
Set near the beach of Cullykhan Bay in Scotland, this is a book that does justice to a spiritual representation of times long ago and one that will hold your hand as you traverse your very own spiritual journey. The only way you can truly enjoy this book is to keep your mind open to the journey. Each character is treated carefully and Morragh brings them all together. She is the one connected directly to their Goddess. She receives visions, the Goddess speak through her and guides the tribe through their biggest trial to come. The arrival of Rome to their homelands and the change that this will bring.
Told in first-person, all from Morragh's perspective, be prepared to experience everything as she does. From her awakening out of muteness, to her embracing of her role as the spiritual leader of their tribe and eventually to her transition to the next stage. I will admit the final chapters had me emotional. Sinclair weaves transformation and re-birth into a moment that I was not expecting. Through all their experiences of war and death, comes new life.
A beautifully told story about awakening the soul to higher spiritualities, remembering our ancestors and honoring the time we all have together in this life and what comes next.
Told in first-person, all from Morragh's perspective, be prepared to experience everything as she does. From her awakening out of muteness, to her embracing of her role as the spiritual leader of their tribe and eventually to her transition to the next stage. I will admit the final chapters had me emotional. Sinclair weaves transformation and re-birth into a moment that I was not expecting. Through all their experiences of war and death, comes new life.
A beautifully told story about awakening the soul to higher spiritualities, remembering our ancestors and honoring the time we all have together in this life and what comes next.
April 8, 2023
The tone of this book is amazing. At the beginning, the narrator is mute, and the book feels so quiet, so in touch with the earth and stone and air and water. As the girl learns to speak and interact with others, not only does she grow, but the feeling of the story changes. Amazing writing. Excellent story. Highly recommend.
January 8, 2023
This is utter otherworldly historical fiction. It’s written beautifully, perfectly. The characters are vivid and strong.
I'm not super familiar with very early Britain but the parts that I do know, mesh with this story. It's absolutely worth reading. I think it will stay with me for a long time.
I'm not super familiar with very early Britain but the parts that I do know, mesh with this story. It's absolutely worth reading. I think it will stay with me for a long time.
September 21, 2022
Definitely my favourite from Ailish so far. Everything is perfect, smooth, poetic, human and powerful. So much love thrive all along that pages and it’s such a beautiful path to follow for the reader 👏👏👏
October 30, 2022
I chose to read this book as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and because it was recommended by another member of that team. The author sent me a copy but that does not affect my review in any way.
Morragh and Onnagh are not birth sisters but Morragh was saved by Onnagh as a child and they have been together ever since. Morragh is mute until a particular incident causes her to speak. Blessed with second sight she foresees the coming battle between her Caledonian tribe and the Roman Sons of Mars, the bloodshed that will entail and the fates of those around her.
This book was very well written and the story compelling which kept the pages turning and while it is not my usual choice of book, I’m glad it was recommended as I enjoyed the storyline and the links to the history of northern Scotland.
Morragh and Onnagh are not birth sisters but Morragh was saved by Onnagh as a child and they have been together ever since. Morragh is mute until a particular incident causes her to speak. Blessed with second sight she foresees the coming battle between her Caledonian tribe and the Roman Sons of Mars, the bloodshed that will entail and the fates of those around her.
This book was very well written and the story compelling which kept the pages turning and while it is not my usual choice of book, I’m glad it was recommended as I enjoyed the storyline and the links to the history of northern Scotland.
December 15, 2022
Wow. Just wow.
May 1, 2023
Northern Scotland in the 1st century is on the cusp of great change. Inhabited by the spirit of a god and a goddess, two people meet: a daughter of the Taezali and a son of Mars. They should be enemies, but they share a night before returning to their mortal lives. The daughter, Morragh, keeps the old ways for her people and serves as a spiritual leader. The son, “Guy-us,” is a spy for the Romans invading her land. As the Roman army marches towards the Caledonian tribes, Morragh seeks a way to bring peace. The old ways are being forgotten, and new gods are encroaching on the land. Culminating with the Battle of Mons Graupius, Sinclair has penned a tale of love, sacrifice, and changing times that tugs at the heart strings.
In the vein of Lucy Holland’s Sistersong with the narrative style of Rena Rossner’s The Sisters of the Winter Wood, Sinclair’s novel centers on two sisters and is told from Morragh’s point of view. The prose is deeply personal to Morragh’s struggles. She loves the land, her connection to the gods, and her people, which lends a positive and somewhat innocent slant to her narrative voice while everything around her is in upheaval. She can see glimpses of what’s to come and is pivotal in attempting to unite the tribes against the Romans, despite the fact she knows so many of those gathered will never return to their homes. Choices and their consequences are a constant driving force of the plot. The setting is ethereal and spellbinding as our main characters walk a fine line between what has been and what is to come. A beautiful tale of ancient wonders and kindred souls.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
In the vein of Lucy Holland’s Sistersong with the narrative style of Rena Rossner’s The Sisters of the Winter Wood, Sinclair’s novel centers on two sisters and is told from Morragh’s point of view. The prose is deeply personal to Morragh’s struggles. She loves the land, her connection to the gods, and her people, which lends a positive and somewhat innocent slant to her narrative voice while everything around her is in upheaval. She can see glimpses of what’s to come and is pivotal in attempting to unite the tribes against the Romans, despite the fact she knows so many of those gathered will never return to their homes. Choices and their consequences are a constant driving force of the plot. The setting is ethereal and spellbinding as our main characters walk a fine line between what has been and what is to come. A beautiful tale of ancient wonders and kindred souls.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
October 21, 2022
This was a compelling read. As ever, Ailish has brilliantly woven aspects of character, plot and the setting to create a seamless, affecting and memorable story. It is a book that will keep its hooks in me and I shall think of it often.
The story takes place as Scottish tribes square up to the invading Roman army. With the main character, Morragh, taking centre-stage, it is fascinating to see how her feelings and her development unfold in step with the central conflict. The delicate balancing of her own desires and attitudes with this impending battle is beautifully conceived and is written exquisitely. Despite Morragh's extraordinary gifts, the author has cast her as a wonderfully human and vulnerable narrator. This only adds to the compelling nature of the book; my fears for her grew the further through the tale I got.
I was swept along by this book and would, without hesitation, recommend reading it.
The story takes place as Scottish tribes square up to the invading Roman army. With the main character, Morragh, taking centre-stage, it is fascinating to see how her feelings and her development unfold in step with the central conflict. The delicate balancing of her own desires and attitudes with this impending battle is beautifully conceived and is written exquisitely. Despite Morragh's extraordinary gifts, the author has cast her as a wonderfully human and vulnerable narrator. This only adds to the compelling nature of the book; my fears for her grew the further through the tale I got.
I was swept along by this book and would, without hesitation, recommend reading it.
October 12, 2022
A striking novel with a striking narrator who the reader feels close to – thanks to Ailish Sinclair’s masterful use of first-person present tense narration: bringing Morragh’s perspective and spiritual essence to life with both lyricism and stark impact.
Morragh’s sister, Onnagh, is a turbulent character. Honestly, I became so frustrated with her (proof of the author’s strength of characterization).
I had sympathy for where her perspective and her anger was coming from but became so frustrated with the lengths she took it to.
In the three books I have now read by Ailish Sinclair (now cemented as one of my favourite authors) the storyline always manages to cover tumultuous, vast and fast-paced plotlines while being simultaneously rich in emotional and character development. She always seems to be breaking my heart in the most strangely uplifting and hopeful way. Go figure!
Sisters at the Edge of the World (love that title, and the cover is perfection) is a rich tale of lives caught up in a changing world. Eye-opening, heartbreaking and beautiful.
Morragh’s sister, Onnagh, is a turbulent character. Honestly, I became so frustrated with her (proof of the author’s strength of characterization).
I had sympathy for where her perspective and her anger was coming from but became so frustrated with the lengths she took it to.
In the three books I have now read by Ailish Sinclair (now cemented as one of my favourite authors) the storyline always manages to cover tumultuous, vast and fast-paced plotlines while being simultaneously rich in emotional and character development. She always seems to be breaking my heart in the most strangely uplifting and hopeful way. Go figure!
Sisters at the Edge of the World (love that title, and the cover is perfection) is a rich tale of lives caught up in a changing world. Eye-opening, heartbreaking and beautiful.
March 6, 2023
Historical fiction dating back to Scotland (Caledonia) 1st Century is a poignant romance between a spiritual lass of the ‘old ways’ and a Roman soldier, leading up to & post the Battle of Mons Graupius. The climax was unexpected, where I thought the story was heading completely twisted & turned but only made it that extra bittersweet. I loved the writing and I could see and feel what Morragh saw and felt. She is a character that will stay with me.
January 18, 2024
A beautiful tale of sisterhood, family, motherhood, love, war, romance and ancient traditions. I was completely lost (in a good way!) in the world Ailish Sinclair created. Her skills with historical fiction are astounding. The story moved in a way that was reminiscent of music. There was a rhythm to it that makes sense when you learn the author was/is a dancer.
January 1, 2024
I've read each book by the author. This is the best one so far. A great story on so many levels.
February 18, 2023
This is a beautiful and tragic story that I easily lost myself in. Morragh is an easy character to invest in. I wanted to finish her story even in the most heartbreaking moments. I also fell in love with those around her, including Mother Bear. Nothing is simple about Morragh and Onnagh's journey, but it is a rewarding one.
June 3, 2025
The novel weaves together too many narrative threads: the encroachment of Roman forces, a love story between Morragh and the man she calls Guy-us, her role in uniting the tribes against a foreign threat, and the tension—though lightly sketched—between Morragh and her sister Onnagh. In theory, these elements could have made for a rich, complex story, but I found that most of them weren’t explored in enough depth. I’m not sure if this is due to the limitations of Morragh’s perspective—she has an inward, often ethereal voice, which is not quite abstract, but still somewhat removed from the world around her. Despite feeling deeply connected to mystical forces, she remains emotionally distant from the people in her life.
Morragh is observant and perceptive, and we’re given brief glimpses of the world she inhabits, but I often found myself wanting more. I was especially interested in her relationship with her sister, as sibling dynamics are something I care about deeply, but those interactions felt fleeting. Their exchanges are short, and we don’t get a strong sense of who Onnagh is or why she’s so devoted to Morragh. Although Morragh occasionally acknowledges her sister’s sacrifices, she also seems to take them for granted. Strangely, we learn more about Calgach, a secondary character, than we do about Onnagh or the tribe that took Morragh in and raised her.
There’s a sense that Morragh wants to be passionate and driven, but she often comes across as emotionally detached. She clearly feels things—grief, longing, connection—but she seems unwilling or unable to explore those emotions, perhaps as a way of coping with the challenges she faces. As a result, she can appear uninterested or disconnected from the human drama unfolding around her. Toward the end of the novel, significant events occur, but her reactions feel muted—she simply moves forward, guided by what she believes is the right course of action according to the will of the Goddess, without much visible internal conflict.
Initially, I felt that the setting wasn’t immersive enough, especially for a historical novel. I usually enjoy more vivid portrayals of the time period in question, and I would have appreciated a better depiction of the tension of impending conquest. But eventually I realised that the “setting” is really Morragh’s mind—her perception of the world is the lens through which everything is filtered. In that sense, the novel is immersive—it’s just not an immersion I found particularly enjoyable. The mystical elements sit in an ambiguous space: it’s never clear whether there is actual magic, or whether Morragh’s interpretation of events reflects cultural beliefs or a personal spiritual lens.
The narrative unfolds in a slow, almost dreamlike rhythm. While that tone suits Morragh’s introspective nature, it also affects the pacing—moments of action or tension often feel subdued, which, to me, felt frustrating. Similarly, the prose is often lyrical and fluid, reflecting Morragh’s connection to nature and intuition. However, the style occasionally prioritises atmosphere over clarity.
This historical novel is more focused on internal experience than external context. The historical backdrop is more impressionistic than grounded in specific cultural or political detail.
I really wanted to enjoy this, but it ended up being a frustrating read. I loved the idea of a historical novel with mystical elements, and I was especially drawn to the sister relationship. In my mind, the concept had promise—Iron Age Scotland, tribal resistance, a mystical narrator—but the execution didn’t work for me. Morragh’s voice felt too detached, the relationships lacked depth, and the pacing dragged. She’s very perceptive and observes everything around her, but connects to almost nothing—including me as a reader. Two stars for ambition and style, even if it was a style I didn’t enjoy.
Morragh is observant and perceptive, and we’re given brief glimpses of the world she inhabits, but I often found myself wanting more. I was especially interested in her relationship with her sister, as sibling dynamics are something I care about deeply, but those interactions felt fleeting. Their exchanges are short, and we don’t get a strong sense of who Onnagh is or why she’s so devoted to Morragh. Although Morragh occasionally acknowledges her sister’s sacrifices, she also seems to take them for granted. Strangely, we learn more about Calgach, a secondary character, than we do about Onnagh or the tribe that took Morragh in and raised her.
There’s a sense that Morragh wants to be passionate and driven, but she often comes across as emotionally detached. She clearly feels things—grief, longing, connection—but she seems unwilling or unable to explore those emotions, perhaps as a way of coping with the challenges she faces. As a result, she can appear uninterested or disconnected from the human drama unfolding around her. Toward the end of the novel, significant events occur, but her reactions feel muted—she simply moves forward, guided by what she believes is the right course of action according to the will of the Goddess, without much visible internal conflict.
Initially, I felt that the setting wasn’t immersive enough, especially for a historical novel. I usually enjoy more vivid portrayals of the time period in question, and I would have appreciated a better depiction of the tension of impending conquest. But eventually I realised that the “setting” is really Morragh’s mind—her perception of the world is the lens through which everything is filtered. In that sense, the novel is immersive—it’s just not an immersion I found particularly enjoyable. The mystical elements sit in an ambiguous space: it’s never clear whether there is actual magic, or whether Morragh’s interpretation of events reflects cultural beliefs or a personal spiritual lens.
The narrative unfolds in a slow, almost dreamlike rhythm. While that tone suits Morragh’s introspective nature, it also affects the pacing—moments of action or tension often feel subdued, which, to me, felt frustrating. Similarly, the prose is often lyrical and fluid, reflecting Morragh’s connection to nature and intuition. However, the style occasionally prioritises atmosphere over clarity.
This historical novel is more focused on internal experience than external context. The historical backdrop is more impressionistic than grounded in specific cultural or political detail.
I really wanted to enjoy this, but it ended up being a frustrating read. I loved the idea of a historical novel with mystical elements, and I was especially drawn to the sister relationship. In my mind, the concept had promise—Iron Age Scotland, tribal resistance, a mystical narrator—but the execution didn’t work for me. Morragh’s voice felt too detached, the relationships lacked depth, and the pacing dragged. She’s very perceptive and observes everything around her, but connects to almost nothing—including me as a reader. Two stars for ambition and style, even if it was a style I didn’t enjoy.
June 27, 2023
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book, it was such a great read and I'll be recommending it and would read again, the reason for 4 stars as that there was something missing, I'm just not sure what, but it was a great book apart from that.
I did struggle to get into this book at first, but once I got into it I tried so hard not to rush it, but I couldn't wait till the next chapter so of course I had to keep reading.
I loved the Historical notes section, that was a very nice addition to the book.
This book takes place as Scottish tribes square up to the invading Roman army. With the main character, Morragh, taking the center stage, it's great to see her feelings develop.
I love this book, it was such a great read and I'll be recommending it and would read again, the reason for 4 stars as that there was something missing, I'm just not sure what, but it was a great book apart from that.
I did struggle to get into this book at first, but once I got into it I tried so hard not to rush it, but I couldn't wait till the next chapter so of course I had to keep reading.
I loved the Historical notes section, that was a very nice addition to the book.
This book takes place as Scottish tribes square up to the invading Roman army. With the main character, Morragh, taking the center stage, it's great to see her feelings develop.
December 7, 2025
Sinclair’s prose is beautiful as always, crafting unique atmospheres and telling untold tales.
Unfortunately, the story itself of this one wasn’t really for me. I wish we could’ve seen more of the sister relationship, and there were other aspects of the plot and characters that I could never get on board with.
Still very eager to read more from this author!
Unfortunately, the story itself of this one wasn’t really for me. I wish we could’ve seen more of the sister relationship, and there were other aspects of the plot and characters that I could never get on board with.
Still very eager to read more from this author!
August 11, 2024
I enjoyed the setting and the characters. Unusual and interesting
September 20, 2023
* 4 1/2 out of 5 stars *
I absolutely love Ailish Sinclair's three novels with 'The Mermaid and The Bear' being one of my all-time favorite books.
There are very few authors talented enough to write historical fiction with such imagination and giftedness. Sinclair is one such writer.
'Sisters At The Edge Of The World' is set in first century Scotland when the Romans invaded. Readers are taken on a journey into the distant past, feeling a connection to a time we can little conceive but can, in Sinclair's hands, readily contemplate.
For those who haven't read her works of fiction, I highly recommend Sinclair's novels. To understand her talent, I strongly recommend starting with her greatest novel, the beautiful, 'The Mermaid and The Bear'.
I absolutely love Ailish Sinclair's three novels with 'The Mermaid and The Bear' being one of my all-time favorite books.
There are very few authors talented enough to write historical fiction with such imagination and giftedness. Sinclair is one such writer.
'Sisters At The Edge Of The World' is set in first century Scotland when the Romans invaded. Readers are taken on a journey into the distant past, feeling a connection to a time we can little conceive but can, in Sinclair's hands, readily contemplate.
For those who haven't read her works of fiction, I highly recommend Sinclair's novels. To understand her talent, I strongly recommend starting with her greatest novel, the beautiful, 'The Mermaid and The Bear'.
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