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Shadows of Eireland #1
Humanborn
In the war, the mythborn killed her friends, but now humanborn Kaja needs to work with them to uncover a conspiracy or Dublin's streets will run red with blood once more.
Less than a decade ago, the Magiclysm, a tear between Earth and another place, brought magic to Ireland—and worse, it brought back the mythborn. The war that followed left Dublin scarred, and cursed Kaja Modrzewska with chaotic magic that will eventually claim her life.
Struggling with wartime nightmares, Kaja seeks normalcy amongst the volatile peace working as an information broker when a series of explosions across Dublin threatens to reignite the war. Both sides are eager to blame the other, so Kaja reluctantly agrees to investigate.
But finding the terrorists responsible means working alongside the mythborn’s elite killers, and uncomfortable wartime secrets coming to light. Kaja, who had saved a mythborn’s life during the war, finds out she has a life debt of her own, and as she juggles her allegiances and obligations, she’ll have to decide where her loyalties lie, with her old human allies or the mythborn.
Less than a decade ago, the Magiclysm, a tear between Earth and another place, brought magic to Ireland—and worse, it brought back the mythborn. The war that followed left Dublin scarred, and cursed Kaja Modrzewska with chaotic magic that will eventually claim her life.
Struggling with wartime nightmares, Kaja seeks normalcy amongst the volatile peace working as an information broker when a series of explosions across Dublin threatens to reignite the war. Both sides are eager to blame the other, so Kaja reluctantly agrees to investigate.
But finding the terrorists responsible means working alongside the mythborn’s elite killers, and uncomfortable wartime secrets coming to light. Kaja, who had saved a mythborn’s life during the war, finds out she has a life debt of her own, and as she juggles her allegiances and obligations, she’ll have to decide where her loyalties lie, with her old human allies or the mythborn.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2023
12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Maciejewska
23 books73 followersJoanna might be a bit too cautious to do anything even remotely daring or dangerous herself, so she writes about daring adventures and dangerous magic instead. Yet, she found enough courage to abandon her life in Poland and move to Ireland, and then some years later, she abandoned her life in Ireland to move over to the US. She’s determined to settle there, once she finally chooses which state to reside in.
When she’s not writing or thinking about writing, she plays video games or makes amateur art. She lives the happy life of a recluse, surrounded by her husband, a stuffed red monkey, and a small collection of books she insisted on hauling across two continents.
Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || BookBub
Her books are available in all online stores:
Get By the Pact
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When she’s not writing or thinking about writing, she plays video games or makes amateur art. She lives the happy life of a recluse, surrounded by her husband, a stuffed red monkey, and a small collection of books she insisted on hauling across two continents.
Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || BookBub
Her books are available in all online stores:
Get By the Pact
Get Humanborn
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 4, 2024
My complete SPFBO9 review is published at Before We Go Blog.
“With the delicate balance between the mythborn and humanborn, we didn’t need some careless brat stirring things up just because she wanted to write a front-page story.”
Humanborn is Joanna Maciejewska’s urban fantasy set in an alternate version of Dublin in the aftermath of a magical apocalypse known as the Magiclysm, which involved a war between the humanborn and mythborn magical beings. Among the casualties of the Magiclysm are friends of the novel’s lead protagonist, the humanborn Kaja Modrzewska.
Ten years after the Magicylsm, a terrorist attack threatens to destroy the fragile peace between the humanborn and mythborn communities. There’s plenty of action and intrigue as Kaja navigates the opposing communities, who are all too eager to blame each other for any wrongdoing. A perpetual outsider, Kaja questions her loyalties as she tries to avert a reignited war in her adopted homeland of Ireland, now known as Eireland.
Humanborn is well-written, but it falls into many of the standard young adult tropes that I find tiring, such as the sassy not-like-other-girls protagonist who finds herself as an outsider in a war-torn world. I was hoping for something more unique to pull me into the story. While this is a cut from SPFBO9, I do think that young adult fantasy fans will enjoy Humanborn, especially if they are interested in an Irish urban setting. Humanborn is the first volume of Joanna Maciejewska’s Shadows of Eireland series.
“With the delicate balance between the mythborn and humanborn, we didn’t need some careless brat stirring things up just because she wanted to write a front-page story.”
Humanborn is Joanna Maciejewska’s urban fantasy set in an alternate version of Dublin in the aftermath of a magical apocalypse known as the Magiclysm, which involved a war between the humanborn and mythborn magical beings. Among the casualties of the Magiclysm are friends of the novel’s lead protagonist, the humanborn Kaja Modrzewska.
Ten years after the Magicylsm, a terrorist attack threatens to destroy the fragile peace between the humanborn and mythborn communities. There’s plenty of action and intrigue as Kaja navigates the opposing communities, who are all too eager to blame each other for any wrongdoing. A perpetual outsider, Kaja questions her loyalties as she tries to avert a reignited war in her adopted homeland of Ireland, now known as Eireland.
Humanborn is well-written, but it falls into many of the standard young adult tropes that I find tiring, such as the sassy not-like-other-girls protagonist who finds herself as an outsider in a war-torn world. I was hoping for something more unique to pull me into the story. While this is a cut from SPFBO9, I do think that young adult fantasy fans will enjoy Humanborn, especially if they are interested in an Irish urban setting. Humanborn is the first volume of Joanna Maciejewska’s Shadows of Eireland series.
March 17, 2024
Reread: March 2024
Just completed a reread of Humanborn and my original 5-star review stands. Check out the original review below.
Original review: May 2023
I was excited to receive HUMANBORN as an ARC and the book totally lived up to my expectations--I enjoyed it so much I immediately ordered the paperback copy to add to my bookshelves and I'm now very eagerly awaiting awaiting book two.
Magic has retired to Ireland, but it came with a price. Kaja Modrzewska is a cursed humanborn living in Dublin after the Magiclysm and war that took the lives of both humanborn and mythborn. A former wartime scout, Kaja now makes her way as an information broker while trying to keep the chaotic magic that surges through her body at bay. Some day her body will give way, and the magic will take over, making her an Afflicted. When that happens, it's game over.
Working with the mythborn Court brings its own set of challenges, especially when paired with the elitist group of warriors to help solve a rash of bombings targeting both humanborn and mythborn. Kaja must navigate through deceptions, choose allegiances, and face her own mortality.
I loved Kaja from the opening pages to the very end. She's smart, a bit sarcastic, resourceful, and she's not afraid to look at the big picture and do what's right. The evolution of her relationship with mythborn Riagan was fun to read and I'm very much looking forward to seeing how it develops in the next book. While the main story lines were successfully tied, I loved how author Joanna Maciejewska leaves just enough "wanting" to make us ready to get our hands on book two.
If a fantasy book with minimal romance, engaging political/court intrigue, an immersive magic system, and a smart, strong female protagonist is what you like to read -- go grab a copy of HUMANBORN right now.
Just completed a reread of Humanborn and my original 5-star review stands. Check out the original review below.
Original review: May 2023
I was excited to receive HUMANBORN as an ARC and the book totally lived up to my expectations--I enjoyed it so much I immediately ordered the paperback copy to add to my bookshelves and I'm now very eagerly awaiting awaiting book two.
Magic has retired to Ireland, but it came with a price. Kaja Modrzewska is a cursed humanborn living in Dublin after the Magiclysm and war that took the lives of both humanborn and mythborn. A former wartime scout, Kaja now makes her way as an information broker while trying to keep the chaotic magic that surges through her body at bay. Some day her body will give way, and the magic will take over, making her an Afflicted. When that happens, it's game over.
Working with the mythborn Court brings its own set of challenges, especially when paired with the elitist group of warriors to help solve a rash of bombings targeting both humanborn and mythborn. Kaja must navigate through deceptions, choose allegiances, and face her own mortality.
I loved Kaja from the opening pages to the very end. She's smart, a bit sarcastic, resourceful, and she's not afraid to look at the big picture and do what's right. The evolution of her relationship with mythborn Riagan was fun to read and I'm very much looking forward to seeing how it develops in the next book. While the main story lines were successfully tied, I loved how author Joanna Maciejewska leaves just enough "wanting" to make us ready to get our hands on book two.
If a fantasy book with minimal romance, engaging political/court intrigue, an immersive magic system, and a smart, strong female protagonist is what you like to read -- go grab a copy of HUMANBORN right now.
May 7, 2023
Full text review: https://jamreads.com/reviews/humanbor...
Interview with the author: https://jamreads.com/interviews/some-...
Humanborn is the first book in the Shadows of Eireland series, written by Joanna Maciejewska. An urban fantasy proposal, situated in an alternative history Dublin where ten years ago Magiclysm happened, marking the return of mythical creatures, and the start of a big war between the mythborn and the humans, which left Dublin scarred, cursing some humans with chaotic magic, as our main character, Kaja, which eventually will claim her sanity and life.
A series of explosions among Dublin threatens to reignite the conflict, and Kaja, in her role of information broker, gets involved in the middle, and starts investigating the origin of those mysterious artifacts, as both sides (human and mythborns) are eager to blame the other.
Getting into this task will force her to work with forces she's not really comfortable with, especially with the Court, led by Eithne. They are especially interested in avoiding a conflict, and after the real nature of the threat is revealed, the human force (led by the Trinity) and the Court.
At the same time, Kaja should try to contain the consequences of the chaotic magic that poisoned her during the war, making her an humanborn. And this clock ticking for Kaja is one of the characteristics that make her a compelling main character. Conscious of her own mortality and that her time is running out, she is struggling with the situation; but the circumstances require her to be involved in the new conflict.
War marked her for life, and even she saved the life of a mythborn during it, so she's in a middle ground between both of the groups, which will eventually lead her to her relationship with the court. Even if she's the heroine in this story, she's vulnerable and will doubt when things go wrong, making her a really well-portrayed character.
About the secondary characters, most of them are certainly interesting, especially Riagán and Eithne, each one with its own virtues and defects. Riagán eventually will have a closer relationship with Kaja, showing that the bridge between both sides is not broken.
Eithne is basically the brain in the shadows, the leader of the Court, really interested in getting the best of Kaja, and maybe, getting her to her cause. Avoiding a new conflict is a big motivation for why she recruits Kaja, despite being a humanborn.
The story is set in an alternative Dublin, but where you can see the attention to detail Maciejewska has put in this book. Using her own experience in the city, places and buildings can be traced to real ones, giving a sense of accuracy.
Probably the aspect that I didn't find as polished was some of the fantastical ones, as most of the creatures that appear in the book tend to take a secondary role, and magic is not really developed/explained, outside of being really powerful and having some consequences.
Said that, if you like urban fantasy, and you are looking for a single POV story, give it a try to Humanborn. A fast-paced story, which will hook you from the start to the end, not having dull moments.
Interview with the author: https://jamreads.com/interviews/some-...
Humanborn is the first book in the Shadows of Eireland series, written by Joanna Maciejewska. An urban fantasy proposal, situated in an alternative history Dublin where ten years ago Magiclysm happened, marking the return of mythical creatures, and the start of a big war between the mythborn and the humans, which left Dublin scarred, cursing some humans with chaotic magic, as our main character, Kaja, which eventually will claim her sanity and life.
A series of explosions among Dublin threatens to reignite the conflict, and Kaja, in her role of information broker, gets involved in the middle, and starts investigating the origin of those mysterious artifacts, as both sides (human and mythborns) are eager to blame the other.
Getting into this task will force her to work with forces she's not really comfortable with, especially with the Court, led by Eithne. They are especially interested in avoiding a conflict, and after the real nature of the threat is revealed, the human force (led by the Trinity) and the Court.
At the same time, Kaja should try to contain the consequences of the chaotic magic that poisoned her during the war, making her an humanborn. And this clock ticking for Kaja is one of the characteristics that make her a compelling main character. Conscious of her own mortality and that her time is running out, she is struggling with the situation; but the circumstances require her to be involved in the new conflict.
War marked her for life, and even she saved the life of a mythborn during it, so she's in a middle ground between both of the groups, which will eventually lead her to her relationship with the court. Even if she's the heroine in this story, she's vulnerable and will doubt when things go wrong, making her a really well-portrayed character.
About the secondary characters, most of them are certainly interesting, especially Riagán and Eithne, each one with its own virtues and defects. Riagán eventually will have a closer relationship with Kaja, showing that the bridge between both sides is not broken.
Eithne is basically the brain in the shadows, the leader of the Court, really interested in getting the best of Kaja, and maybe, getting her to her cause. Avoiding a new conflict is a big motivation for why she recruits Kaja, despite being a humanborn.
The story is set in an alternative Dublin, but where you can see the attention to detail Maciejewska has put in this book. Using her own experience in the city, places and buildings can be traced to real ones, giving a sense of accuracy.
Probably the aspect that I didn't find as polished was some of the fantastical ones, as most of the creatures that appear in the book tend to take a secondary role, and magic is not really developed/explained, outside of being really powerful and having some consequences.
Said that, if you like urban fantasy, and you are looking for a single POV story, give it a try to Humanborn. A fast-paced story, which will hook you from the start to the end, not having dull moments.
May 5, 2023
Long time Joanna fan, which started after reading her blog, but a first time reader of her prose. I must say I've enjoyed it. First of all, I liked this new take on an urban fantasy setting. Despite what says in the advertising, the mythborn in a way seem similar to fae, but I liked their presentation here a lot - varied and not one note. The whole setting, how it works, the lore behind it seem to be well-thought, however since this is just the first volume, we get only snippets of these. Next, the characters - the make or break of any book. I've generally enjoyed them. Kaja is great, coming in the footsteps of many sassy UF heroines but definitely not as insufferable as most of them. Eithne, the Scathanna, they were all awesome. The humans in comparison are rather bland, but there aren't that many of them. The two exceptions are Orla (seriously, I want a spin-off series or at least some good fanfic in the style of buddy cop comedy about Orla & Riagan) and, even though he was more of a one-scene wonder, Kaja's old partner, Victor. The conversation between them was by far the best scene in the book.
Now the plot...
The book had a really good Man vs Self plot in the form of Kaja questioning her loyalties and trying to navigate between neutrality and the two factions along with her feelings towards the mythborn which is reflected and to an extent resolved in the big finale where Kaja has to undergo a quite literal change. The one part where the book is not as great is the conflict with the certain antagonist - if such a word can be used in this case. Yes, there is certain appeal in having a faceless, mysterious organization as your opponent, but usually it's better to have some villain personify this threat. An engaging terrorist leader, even if pretty low in the hierarchy would be much more engaging than faceless, nameless mooks we encounter here. It would make the central conflict more visible as there is no much tension in the book and sure, there are attacks in the background but they take a backseat and it is sometimes easy to forget there is an investigation going on, especially as too often Kaja has to rely on coincidence to find new clues.
I wish we got at least some resolution of this conflict, instead of it being swept aside when Kaja's personal problems take the driver seat, however it IS just the first volume so I expect we will get more of that soon. The ending is really good, almost changing the rules of the game and setting up a really interesting stage for further developments. I hope that in book 2 we will get, apart from a further exploration of the setting and its themes, a more defined antagonist and, of course, more of Orla. Preferably with Riagan.
Now the plot...
The book had a really good Man vs Self plot in the form of Kaja questioning her loyalties and trying to navigate between neutrality and the two factions along with her feelings towards the mythborn which is reflected and to an extent resolved in the big finale where Kaja has to undergo a quite literal change. The one part where the book is not as great is the conflict with the certain antagonist - if such a word can be used in this case. Yes, there is certain appeal in having a faceless, mysterious organization as your opponent, but usually it's better to have some villain personify this threat. An engaging terrorist leader, even if pretty low in the hierarchy would be much more engaging than faceless, nameless mooks we encounter here. It would make the central conflict more visible as there is no much tension in the book and sure, there are attacks in the background but they take a backseat and it is sometimes easy to forget there is an investigation going on, especially as too often Kaja has to rely on coincidence to find new clues.
I wish we got at least some resolution of this conflict, instead of it being swept aside when Kaja's personal problems take the driver seat, however it IS just the first volume so I expect we will get more of that soon. The ending is really good, almost changing the rules of the game and setting up a really interesting stage for further developments. I hope that in book 2 we will get, apart from a further exploration of the setting and its themes, a more defined antagonist and, of course, more of Orla. Preferably with Riagan.
Read
May 6, 2023Today is the day! Humanborn, the first book in my new series, Shadows of Eireland, is now available as ebook and paperback. Grab your copy, add it to Goodreads, and most of all, enjoy!
This book is special as it draws from my own experiences of living in Ireland, and you get to experience Dublin the way I saw it. Though, of course, there's also dangerous magic, otherworld beings, and a sinister plot threatening to push the recovering city back into a war...
Available at all major online stores.
This book is special as it draws from my own experiences of living in Ireland, and you get to experience Dublin the way I saw it. Though, of course, there's also dangerous magic, otherworld beings, and a sinister plot threatening to push the recovering city back into a war...
Available at all major online stores.
Want to read
March 11, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
A magical cataclysm has changed the world and the people in it - but at least in this corner of Dublin, Ireland, the humans and the mythborn have learned to coexist … well, mostly.
I want to highlight this because, despite my sense that the story doesn't starting in ch.1, the setting is colorful and unique, and I find the narrative voice inviting. It has a wry character to it.
And that wry character comes straight from our MC 1st person narrator. I don’t know much about her yet except that she’s human. The chapter is peppered with a few character details - Trinity College, some kind of court?
But it’s the allusions to careless giants destroying buildings, grubby looking Irish molekind standing on a corner, looking for trouble, and a cavalcade of bizarrely … changed people going about their lives on this dreary winter night that drew me in.
The rough start is that we’re following our MC on a walk waiting for something to happen, but nothing does. Ch1 functions as an introduction to the setting and character voice. I would have liked to be introduced to these things alongside a developing story. (You may disagree!)
And yet what I get is still enough for me to want to read on to see where we do go in this imaginative setting with this evocative MC. There's a bit of an edge to her that I find charming, and I think the details here are really interesting. I’m in.
A magical cataclysm has changed the world and the people in it - but at least in this corner of Dublin, Ireland, the humans and the mythborn have learned to coexist … well, mostly.
I want to highlight this because, despite my sense that the story doesn't starting in ch.1, the setting is colorful and unique, and I find the narrative voice inviting. It has a wry character to it.
And that wry character comes straight from our MC 1st person narrator. I don’t know much about her yet except that she’s human. The chapter is peppered with a few character details - Trinity College, some kind of court?
But it’s the allusions to careless giants destroying buildings, grubby looking Irish molekind standing on a corner, looking for trouble, and a cavalcade of bizarrely … changed people going about their lives on this dreary winter night that drew me in.
The rough start is that we’re following our MC on a walk waiting for something to happen, but nothing does. Ch1 functions as an introduction to the setting and character voice. I would have liked to be introduced to these things alongside a developing story. (You may disagree!)
And yet what I get is still enough for me to want to read on to see where we do go in this imaginative setting with this evocative MC. There's a bit of an edge to her that I find charming, and I think the details here are really interesting. I’m in.
May 9, 2025
3.5 stars or 7/10
I was pleasantly surprised by this UF set in a dystopian war torn Eireland. a large group of "myth born" return to Eireland and of course there's war between humans and a group of people that seem to step out of legends.
Our heroine fought on human side but is slowly dying/changing due to the magic she's inhaled/absorbed during the war years. She independently works as a go-between for the mythborn court and humans. When a group of mythborn and humans start to fracture the tentative peace accords each group makes more and more demands of her.
I really liked the characters and the setting of this book and even the slow build romance in the background (where it belonged lol) didn't irk me as it kind of happened naturally.
Lots of explosions, fighting and magic - this was a fun escapist read.
I doubt I'll read the sequels but that's on me, certainly not the author.
I was pleasantly surprised by this UF set in a dystopian war torn Eireland. a large group of "myth born" return to Eireland and of course there's war between humans and a group of people that seem to step out of legends.
Our heroine fought on human side but is slowly dying/changing due to the magic she's inhaled/absorbed during the war years. She independently works as a go-between for the mythborn court and humans. When a group of mythborn and humans start to fracture the tentative peace accords each group makes more and more demands of her.
I really liked the characters and the setting of this book and even the slow build romance in the background (where it belonged lol) didn't irk me as it kind of happened naturally.
Lots of explosions, fighting and magic - this was a fun escapist read.
I doubt I'll read the sequels but that's on me, certainly not the author.
March 19, 2024
Sometimes when I take a chance on a new-to-me author, it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t. I am so very glad to say this definitely worked out with this author. I will admit at first, I wasn’t sure as the world was a little confusing to me at first, but once that worked itself out, I was absolutely hooked. I fell in love with all of the characters, and they were interesting and complex as well as the world. I didn’t want to put this down, and I almost read it in one setting. Another author has been added to my list of authors to watch and read. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
May 8, 2023
Once I started reading Humanborn I wanted to know immediately what had happened to the main character. What caused her pain? What happened to the city she lives in? How come she is having nightmares about her sister? All these thoughts went through my head while reading this book. Why is she scared of a change and being around people while doing it? Kaja's Character is strong and the plot is thick with intrigue. I can't wait for the next installment.
I loved all the elements in this book. The pacing is slow but it captures the reader's attention. I highly recommend reading this.
I loved all the elements in this book. The pacing is slow but it captures the reader's attention. I highly recommend reading this.
May 7, 2024
As a true-blue native Dubliner, I loved this book. I could picture the locations so vividly, which made a nice change. I really enjoyed the premise of the story – the idea that if the legends of old returned, bringing their magic with them, we would fight for our right to be here but eventually try to learn to live together. This is the Land of a Thousand Welcomes, after all. But now that uneasy peace is threatened, and Kaja finds herself trying to find the culprit before war breaks out again.
Kaja is an excellent protagonist. The supporting characters are well-drawn and intriguing. The story is nicely paced and well-plotted, though there were a couple of inconsistencies that I would have liked to see addressed. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kaja is an excellent protagonist. The supporting characters are well-drawn and intriguing. The story is nicely paced and well-plotted, though there were a couple of inconsistencies that I would have liked to see addressed. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2023
This book made me stop playing Tears of the Kingdom for a week! If that's not a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is. Loved it, such an interesting world and wonderful characters. Can't wait for the next one!
January 20, 2025
This was by far my favorite read of the year to date. I've never read an Urban Fantasy, since I like to separate fiction and the real world. I admit at first I wasn't sure I'd like it, and then, I couldn't stop. I had to keep going. I dreaded putting it down. I had to know what would happen next. Even if I predicted some parts, it, in no way, took away the enjoyment because the author wrote so elegantly. I can't wait to read book two.
May 8, 2023
I don’t know Ireland at all. But I do know that Joanna has lived in Dublin for a while – and I love how she has woven her knowledge of the city into this adventure, and then given it an almighty twist. It’s also a clever move – because one of the snags about using a real setting when you no longer live there is that your knowledge rapidly becomes outdated, which is always a distraction for readers who know the place. And the way Joanna has stepped around this problem is having mythborn magic distorting and twisting the city during the terrible war.
This could have been an utterly grim, post-apocalyptic trudge through a shattered city with the embittered, battle-scarred survivors eking out a living that is a shadow of the richness and luxury they formerly enjoyed. And there are elements of that – certainly enough to keep the story believable. But Kaja’s dry humour and determination to take each day as it comes means the tone isn’t too bleak – which is something of a relief, as right now I’m reading for escape. So I mention it for those of you who might be in a similar situation.
Kaja is a great protagonist. It’s a relief to have a main character who knows exactly who they are, including their strengths and weaknesses. I grew very fond of her complete lack of self pity, even though she’s had a really tough time of it. And her knack for finding workarounds and ways of dealing with the mythborn without bitterness, even though she has personally suffered a terrible loss. Her courage and even her bone-headed stubbornness are endearing – especially as they help her cope with a terrible fate awaiting her. For Kaja is already being catastrophically changed by the magic she’s been exposed to and knows that once that change is complete, she’ll become a monster.
The use of magic in the story is a refreshing change. It comes with perils and huge disadvantages that make sense. I also like the dynamic between the humanborn and mythborn – overall, the leaders are hoping for the uneasy peace to prevail, along with the majority of the population. Which doesn’t prevent a significant number of embittered, angry folk on both sides wanting more retribution. This tension pervades the book and makes each journey across Dublin an exercise in self-preservation. As the story progresses and Kaja’s involvement with the mythborn grows – she finds herself marooned in the middle, as other humanborn increasingly look on her with distrust.
This is all done very well. The pacing isn’t foot-to-the-floor and there is a fair amount of description to set up the world. However, I didn’t mind as I was seeing the situation through Kaja’s eyes and I enjoyed her voice sufficiently that it didn’t feel like a trudge. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one – the pages flew past as I wanted to know what would happen next. All in all, there is a sense of difference with this urban fantasy adventure that makes it stand out from the crowd, partly to do with the unusual setting and premise – but also, Kaja’s character is both tough and likeable, which is harder to achieve than it looks. If you enjoy the genre, but feel a tad jaded – give this one a go. I received a review copy from the author, which has not influenced my honest opinion of the book.
9/10
This could have been an utterly grim, post-apocalyptic trudge through a shattered city with the embittered, battle-scarred survivors eking out a living that is a shadow of the richness and luxury they formerly enjoyed. And there are elements of that – certainly enough to keep the story believable. But Kaja’s dry humour and determination to take each day as it comes means the tone isn’t too bleak – which is something of a relief, as right now I’m reading for escape. So I mention it for those of you who might be in a similar situation.
Kaja is a great protagonist. It’s a relief to have a main character who knows exactly who they are, including their strengths and weaknesses. I grew very fond of her complete lack of self pity, even though she’s had a really tough time of it. And her knack for finding workarounds and ways of dealing with the mythborn without bitterness, even though she has personally suffered a terrible loss. Her courage and even her bone-headed stubbornness are endearing – especially as they help her cope with a terrible fate awaiting her. For Kaja is already being catastrophically changed by the magic she’s been exposed to and knows that once that change is complete, she’ll become a monster.
The use of magic in the story is a refreshing change. It comes with perils and huge disadvantages that make sense. I also like the dynamic between the humanborn and mythborn – overall, the leaders are hoping for the uneasy peace to prevail, along with the majority of the population. Which doesn’t prevent a significant number of embittered, angry folk on both sides wanting more retribution. This tension pervades the book and makes each journey across Dublin an exercise in self-preservation. As the story progresses and Kaja’s involvement with the mythborn grows – she finds herself marooned in the middle, as other humanborn increasingly look on her with distrust.
This is all done very well. The pacing isn’t foot-to-the-floor and there is a fair amount of description to set up the world. However, I didn’t mind as I was seeing the situation through Kaja’s eyes and I enjoyed her voice sufficiently that it didn’t feel like a trudge. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one – the pages flew past as I wanted to know what would happen next. All in all, there is a sense of difference with this urban fantasy adventure that makes it stand out from the crowd, partly to do with the unusual setting and premise – but also, Kaja’s character is both tough and likeable, which is harder to achieve than it looks. If you enjoy the genre, but feel a tad jaded – give this one a go. I received a review copy from the author, which has not influenced my honest opinion of the book.
9/10
May 6, 2023
Not your typical urban fantasy and I am here for it!
It's probably only once a year that I come across a book that is truly worthy of 5 Stars and that I recommend with my whole heart. Humanborn is definitely the one this year.
A magiclysam hit Ireland 10 years ago, and with it the mythborn return to their homeland, resulting in a devastating war to claim the territory. The magic that returned disrupted many things, such as all technology and electricity. Worse, during the war it altered the humans who fought. Like all veterans of the war, Kaja was infected and now the chaotic magic in her veins will claim her life.
This was one of my favorite elements of the world as it brought a weight to the war and a realness to the veterans echoing what our veterans have suffered through. That those who fought and bled for our freedom are still feeling the effects for their sacrifice.
After a terrorist attack with the intent on destroying peace and reigniting the war, Kaja reluctantly agrees to aid both sides and investigate. Forced to work alongside the very people she fought against in the war, Kaja walks a fine line to keep tensions from flaring and controlling her own feelings for her former enemies. Which creates a great tension throughout the story along with a dash of romance that was perfect for me.
The only issue I had was that the first two chapters are front loaded with a lot of world building. I know some people like this but it bogged me down, slowing the pace. Though, I do understand all of this information is needed to understand the gravity of the situation. The positive is that once I finished chapter 2 things kick off and never stop. I ripped through this book in a day, which is very rare for me.
In general, the pacing was fantastic, everything keeps moving while never feeling too fast. I laughed and I cried... And cried some more. It was such a whirlwind of excitement and intriguing. Not only was it a book that I devoured but the world stuck with me and I found myself thinking about this book weeks after I finished. I can't wait for book 2.
Will it make you cry? Multiple times, there is real heart in this story.
Romance? Yes but its a subplot. Slow burn and enemies to friends, their relationship is more about helping to bring two former enemy groups together.
Hard/Soft? Hard magic. The way magic is used in this world is very interesting and is not a crutch they use to get through the plot, sometimes the magic does more harm than good.
POV? Single First Person
It's probably only once a year that I come across a book that is truly worthy of 5 Stars and that I recommend with my whole heart. Humanborn is definitely the one this year.
A magiclysam hit Ireland 10 years ago, and with it the mythborn return to their homeland, resulting in a devastating war to claim the territory. The magic that returned disrupted many things, such as all technology and electricity. Worse, during the war it altered the humans who fought. Like all veterans of the war, Kaja was infected and now the chaotic magic in her veins will claim her life.
This was one of my favorite elements of the world as it brought a weight to the war and a realness to the veterans echoing what our veterans have suffered through. That those who fought and bled for our freedom are still feeling the effects for their sacrifice.
After a terrorist attack with the intent on destroying peace and reigniting the war, Kaja reluctantly agrees to aid both sides and investigate. Forced to work alongside the very people she fought against in the war, Kaja walks a fine line to keep tensions from flaring and controlling her own feelings for her former enemies. Which creates a great tension throughout the story along with a dash of romance that was perfect for me.
The only issue I had was that the first two chapters are front loaded with a lot of world building. I know some people like this but it bogged me down, slowing the pace. Though, I do understand all of this information is needed to understand the gravity of the situation. The positive is that once I finished chapter 2 things kick off and never stop. I ripped through this book in a day, which is very rare for me.
In general, the pacing was fantastic, everything keeps moving while never feeling too fast. I laughed and I cried... And cried some more. It was such a whirlwind of excitement and intriguing. Not only was it a book that I devoured but the world stuck with me and I found myself thinking about this book weeks after I finished. I can't wait for book 2.
Will it make you cry? Multiple times, there is real heart in this story.
Romance? Yes but its a subplot. Slow burn and enemies to friends, their relationship is more about helping to bring two former enemy groups together.
Hard/Soft? Hard magic. The way magic is used in this world is very interesting and is not a crutch they use to get through the plot, sometimes the magic does more harm than good.
POV? Single First Person
February 21, 2025
This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed it a lot. The book happens in an alternate reality Ireland, where a magiclysm has happened, opening a rift between our world and another, bringing creatures of myth and magic into the world. The mythborn and humans engage in a destructive war for a few years before agreeing on a tentative peace.
Kaja Modrzewska is a humanborn. Though she’s human, she has been affected by magic and can do magic, but it’s also killing her. She was a scout during the war, and all she wants now is for the peace to last.
When she discovers a plot to destroy the fragile peace, she allies with the mythborn to find the perpetrators, but little does she know the consequences of that decision to herself and to the world.
I loved the lore, and the worldbuilding. Though it’s the real Ireland, it’s also changed by the arrival of magic and the mythborn. Kaja is a realistic character, and the other minor characters are equally real. They’re all flawed with their own motivations and prejudices, but ultimately, they’re all trying to do what they think is right, and to keep the peace.
Trauma is a real theme in the book, as is the question of what it means to be human. Kaja was born human, but magic has changed her so much she can only call herself humaborn now. But even so, her humanity shines through her actions.
The only minor gripe I had is the impression I got that Kaja thinks the mythborn as better than humans. I don’t know if it’s something the author intended, but it’s the impression I got, which I didn’t like.
But even with that, this is a five star read for me, and I’ll be checking out the remaining books in this series too.
If you like urban fantasy, intriguing plotlines, characters who are realistic and flawed, and high stakes, you will love this book.
Kaja Modrzewska is a humanborn. Though she’s human, she has been affected by magic and can do magic, but it’s also killing her. She was a scout during the war, and all she wants now is for the peace to last.
When she discovers a plot to destroy the fragile peace, she allies with the mythborn to find the perpetrators, but little does she know the consequences of that decision to herself and to the world.
I loved the lore, and the worldbuilding. Though it’s the real Ireland, it’s also changed by the arrival of magic and the mythborn. Kaja is a realistic character, and the other minor characters are equally real. They’re all flawed with their own motivations and prejudices, but ultimately, they’re all trying to do what they think is right, and to keep the peace.
Trauma is a real theme in the book, as is the question of what it means to be human. Kaja was born human, but magic has changed her so much she can only call herself humaborn now. But even so, her humanity shines through her actions.
The only minor gripe I had is the impression I got that Kaja thinks the mythborn as better than humans. I don’t know if it’s something the author intended, but it’s the impression I got, which I didn’t like.
But even with that, this is a five star read for me, and I’ll be checking out the remaining books in this series too.
If you like urban fantasy, intriguing plotlines, characters who are realistic and flawed, and high stakes, you will love this book.
June 24, 2023
Oh dear. Where to start?
In terms of genre it is an entirely standard, comfortable, nothing-new-to-see-here urban fantasy. I like those. They are fun. Formula has its place.
However, the problem starts when you engage with the themes and politics of it all. Politics in my fantasy? More likely than you think.
Without going into tremendous detail, I will say the most glaring issue is the attitude towards immigration. See, the protagonist is fairly critical of people that aren’t properly assimilated into the new status quo while praising the ones that throw themselves into the new place and culture. Become one of the good ones.
At times it feels as if the author is directly speaking, as in the opinion is not one of the character but one the author wants to be known. It is written in a rather callous manner.
I’ll stop here. The short version is that I’m severely disappointed given my enjoyment of the By The Pact series.
In terms of genre it is an entirely standard, comfortable, nothing-new-to-see-here urban fantasy. I like those. They are fun. Formula has its place.
However, the problem starts when you engage with the themes and politics of it all. Politics in my fantasy? More likely than you think.
Without going into tremendous detail, I will say the most glaring issue is the attitude towards immigration. See, the protagonist is fairly critical of people that aren’t properly assimilated into the new status quo while praising the ones that throw themselves into the new place and culture. Become one of the good ones.
At times it feels as if the author is directly speaking, as in the opinion is not one of the character but one the author wants to be known. It is written in a rather callous manner.
I’ll stop here. The short version is that I’m severely disappointed given my enjoyment of the By The Pact series.
July 3, 2024
The good
- it reads well
- the use of language does remind me of a visit to Ireland
- the content touches on Irish myths
The bad
- the setting is weak, the 1st person, Kaja lives or rather operates in Dublin, as if the rest of the country or island does not exist. What about Galway, Limerick or Cork? Did the cataclysm even happen in Northern Ireland? She's a city girl, and it shows through and through.
- the worldbuilding is weak: how does magic work? where's smuggling? the letters can apparently be sent, but communication doesn't seem to reach Dublin?
- when all else fails, Kaja goes for a stroll with a friend, and conveniently crosses paths with a gang of super-secret cabal members who happen to openly discuss their plans and names of their co-conspirators.
- despite the author's ancestry, this is not The Witcher.
- it reads well
- the use of language does remind me of a visit to Ireland
- the content touches on Irish myths
The bad
- the setting is weak, the 1st person, Kaja lives or rather operates in Dublin, as if the rest of the country or island does not exist. What about Galway, Limerick or Cork? Did the cataclysm even happen in Northern Ireland? She's a city girl, and it shows through and through.
- the worldbuilding is weak: how does magic work? where's smuggling? the letters can apparently be sent, but communication doesn't seem to reach Dublin?
- when all else fails, Kaja goes for a stroll with a friend, and conveniently crosses paths with a gang of super-secret cabal members who happen to openly discuss their plans and names of their co-conspirators.
- despite the author's ancestry, this is not The Witcher.
May 8, 2023
This was an enjoyable twist on the UF genre. Magic has returned, and with them the mythborn in a cataclysmic event in Ireland. Taking place 10 years after the event, and the war that followed, terrorist attacks threaten to reignite it.
Kaja, a veteran scarred from the war, has to try an unravel what, or who, is behind it all. I really liked the character development and interactions along with some intriguing world building.
Fast-paced and enjoyable, this was a fun read and I can't wait to read more in this series.
Kaja, a veteran scarred from the war, has to try an unravel what, or who, is behind it all. I really liked the character development and interactions along with some intriguing world building.
Fast-paced and enjoyable, this was a fun read and I can't wait to read more in this series.
June 16, 2025
I really liked this book
This book was really fun to read. The main character was interesting and detailed, and got into all sorts of magic and action filled adventures with the promise of more to come. Their world seems like a sometimes harsh place to live, but if I got to work and interact with these characters, it would be worth it. I enjoyed this book and hope there are a lot of follow up books in the series to explore more in this universe. I recommend this book.
This book was really fun to read. The main character was interesting and detailed, and got into all sorts of magic and action filled adventures with the promise of more to come. Their world seems like a sometimes harsh place to live, but if I got to work and interact with these characters, it would be worth it. I enjoyed this book and hope there are a lot of follow up books in the series to explore more in this universe. I recommend this book.
September 3, 2025
A very different kind of book to enjoy.
This takes place in future in Ireland where they had many wars , they have a different culture many clans. Maker is a vet and is able to help solve some problems , she asked to help and thing went strange along with issues . This wear the author takes on this crazy journey , the book is well done .
This takes place in future in Ireland where they had many wars , they have a different culture many clans. Maker is a vet and is able to help solve some problems , she asked to help and thing went strange along with issues . This wear the author takes on this crazy journey , the book is well done .
October 17, 2025
Pleasantly surprised
I really enjoyed this book! The author created an interesting world with likeable, competent yet damaged characters. You feel the FMC's pain and indecision while trying to do the right thing for the whole and not just for herself and the human-borne. She doesn't try to know it all or be the hero yet she does heroic things.
I really enjoyed this book! The author created an interesting world with likeable, competent yet damaged characters. You feel the FMC's pain and indecision while trying to do the right thing for the whole and not just for herself and the human-borne. She doesn't try to know it all or be the hero yet she does heroic things.
December 1, 2025
Better than average
I liked the setting most of all but hope it figures more prominently in future books as well as the outside world of science. The Mythborn were too bland in their psychology and culture to hold my interest or curiosity. Overall, there wasn't enough to inspire an investment in the series.
I liked the setting most of all but hope it figures more prominently in future books as well as the outside world of science. The Mythborn were too bland in their psychology and culture to hold my interest or curiosity. Overall, there wasn't enough to inspire an investment in the series.
May 3, 2023
What a great book, the story and the characters are fascinating, im a huge fan of the genre and this book didn’t disappoint one bit! Humanborn is definitely a must read.
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