Isles of the Earthbound

If you're looking for a beautiful exploration of the natural world, community, and resilience beyond persecution then look no further... (Circa 500 AD) This story follows Fìrinn, a young woman about to be married to a stranger from a distant land. However, upon the day of the wedding, all is not as it seems, and Fìrinn is soon forced to flee the place she once called home. This book is honestly breathtaking, it's a true celebration of nature, reminiscent of Tolkien. I was captivated by the prose from beginning to end and felt like the slow pace really leant itself to the landscape. There was a huge juxtaposition between the darker themes of human cruelty and an optimism for a community more connected to the natural world. Through this we got to know the Earthbound, a group of people who live close to the land and believe in the Mother, who both gives and takes. Many times throughout the story, I felt like I was cosied up next to a campfire listening to these folk tales. The world building is very steady throughout and I am honestly reeling from having to come back to the real world 😭

Isles of the Earthbound by E.A. Underwood transports us to a richly imagined 6th-century Atlantic, where the lines between the known and the mysterious blur. This is not just a tale of daring seafarers or uncharted lands; it’s an exploration of humanity’s encounters with the "other" and with themselves. At the heart of the story is Fìrinn, a young woman poised between two worlds: the settlers, with their ambitions and fears, and the enigmatic earthbound, whose unsettling nature is both a mirror and a challenge to the intruders. Through Fìrinn’s eyes, we navigate themes of identity, belonging, and courage, as she wrestles with her destiny and uncovers dark truths about those closest to her. Underwood's prose is lush and evocative, bringing the natural world to vivid life, from Tìr-ùr’s bountiful landscapes to the foreboding walls of Tèarmann. The novel balances moments of awe with a simmering tension, drawing us into a world where beauty and danger walk hand in hand. For fans of historical fiction with a speculative edge, Isles of the Earthbound offers a gripping, atmospheric journey. It’s a story of resilience and self-discovery that lingers long after the final page.

A beautifully written, addictive & enthralling story - so descriptive that one imagined that one was on Firinn’s journey with her!

I really enjoyed this. It was like holding a little piece of magic in my hands. The stunning cover and intriguing plot had me hooked from the start. Can't wait to read the next book by this author.

An immersive read with a dark edge. The author has mined a wealth of British and Irish mythology to create a story that takes the reader on a journey through stunning, well realised locations. We follow Fìrinn, a young woman reeling from grief, as she find resilience and strength among her mother’s people in an untamed land. The book also explores the wonder and complexity of our relationship with our natural world. It is an engaging and emotive example of historical fantasy with a message to us all about caring for our own very magical, very real world under threat.