I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Published by HarperTeen on April 10th 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult
Format: ARC
Source: Edelweiss
Buy the Book •
The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, Princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores.
The people of Mide have thankfully always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately, a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn, but the entire world.
Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle the two might have a chance to save their world.
With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

Beyond a Darkened Shore is a novel that had so much more to love than I expected!
The world is very reminiscent of ancient Ireland and immersed with Celtic and Norse mythology. Ciara is a warrior princess with unique powers she uses in battle to help protect her people yet powers that isolate her from those very people as they believe her cursed. Nothing is more important to her than her family – her sisters – and when a threat arises Ciara is determined to do whatever it takes, including working with the enemy, to protect them.
The action starts right from the very beginning so I was immediately pulled in so when it did inevitably slow down in pace I was completely invested already. And even then, there seemed to be action and intrigue around every corner. Leif is a Northman who lives for raiding and pillaging villages. When Ciara captures him after an attempt on her own clan, a crow appears and insists he is to be kept alive. This is where mythology begins to play in as these two find themselves on a quest from the gods to save the world from giants meant to destroy it. Dangers lurk around every corner, many believed to be only tales they heard as children such as kelpie and the wild hunt. Working together is the key and Ciara realizes there is more to her ability than she ever could have imagined before. Feelings begin to grow as they realize needing each other goes beyond just the quest.
I loved not only the pacing of the story as it unfolded but the friendship and romance that emerged between Ciara and Leif, despite starting out as enemies. Ciara started off a little closed off to her feelings since so many people she cared about had let her down in the past when her powers arose, leaving her very lonely and isolated. But not Leif. He admired her strength and they bonded over their love and protective nature for those they care about. A romance slowly burns and an intense need to protect each other no matter the consequences. These two were fierce warriors in all sense of the word and absolutely perfect for each other and it showed page after page.
This novel just had so much to love! The story was easy to follow along with, the details were quite vividly written, and the author did not shy from any gory details. There’s mythological influences, war, magic, and romance. This is one fantasy worth checking out!

Bee @ Novel Ink
I haven’t even heard of this one before but it does sound good so I might check it out sometime. 🙂
Bee @ Novel Ink recently posted…The Pro’s & Con’s of Being a Mood Reader
Sara @ Forever 17 Books
It was really good! I don’t think I expected to be as swept away by the story as I was but so good and a standalone!
Jasprit
This is typically the books I normally go for, but I can totally see the appeal and why you enjoyed it so much Sara! Also the cover is pretty epic! Fab review 🙂
Jasprit recently posted…Review: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter
Sara @ Forever 17 Books
I really don’t read too much rooted in mythology but I do find them fascinating!
Lily
I have to see if I have this because this sounds fantastic, love mythology in books
Lily recently posted…Review: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Sara @ Forever 17 Books
It was definitely worth a read! I hope you have it or can get it!
Nancy Bryant
I love the synopsis! Sounds interesting and mysterious. A sure add to my must-have’s list.
Sara @ Forever 17 Books
It’s very good! So much mythology and excitement. 🙂