Isles of the Earthbound

Laura - The Bookish Hermit - 11 Dec, 2024

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.

Michele - 22 Nov, 2024

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

Genevieve - 08 Nov, 2024

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.

Tasha Wright - 28 Oct, 2024

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.

Will Andrew - 24 Oct, 2024

This is a compelling and beautifully observed novel about a young dual-heritage woman finding her place in a dangerous and unforgiving landscape. Caught between the political machinations of a Celtic-esque group of iron age colonists trying to expand their hold and the indigenous people who just want to be left alone, Fìrinn's search for identity and freedom is well realised, and her character is fantastically written. In fact, all of the characters are well written and believable and the story is fast-paced and gripping.

A real star in this novel is the landscape itself, which is so beautifully described. This is important because the environment, and the character's relationships with it, are central to the novel. I really loved this book, and am looking forward to seeing what this talented author writes next!