Kristy Cambron's stories, so eloquently written, have the power to transport me to an era and setting that literally enthralls as it envelops me in its arms. Ireland â the setting, its history and people â come alive in this newest book, Castle on the Rise. The setting alternates between current day and two previous times in Ireland's turbulent history, 1797 and 1916. That may seem like a lot to keep up with, but it's all strategically interwoven in a way that's easy to follow.
The story itself is fast paced, but as eager as I was to reach each era's conclusion, Cambron's atmospheric prose begs to be savored slowly. I don't know a lot about Ireland's history, other than long-time conflicts over Protestant/Catholic religions and the desire to be free from England's rule, so I enjoyed the detail in this story. Family ties are broken as allegiance is given to English heritage or home country. The leading characters in each era â Maeve and Eoin, Issy and Sean, Laine and Cormac â are well developed and so very easy to connect with. I don't know if it's the wonderful romantic chemistry between them, or if there's just something special about an Irishman (maybe a little of both?), but these characters and their stories are memorable.
At its heart, Castle on the Rise is about freedom â political and personal â and the sacrifice and commitment it takes to get there. Faith is a constant theme gently woven throughout. While each of Cambron's novels has touched me, there's something special about this story. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The story itself is fast paced, but as eager as I was to reach each era's conclusion, Cambron's atmospheric prose begs to be savored slowly. I don't know a lot about Ireland's history, other than long-time conflicts over Protestant/Catholic religions and the desire to be free from England's rule, so I enjoyed the detail in this story. Family ties are broken as allegiance is given to English heritage or home country. The leading characters in each era â Maeve and Eoin, Issy and Sean, Laine and Cormac â are well developed and so very easy to connect with. I don't know if it's the wonderful romantic chemistry between them, or if there's just something special about an Irishman (maybe a little of both?), but these characters and their stories are memorable.
At its heart, Castle on the Rise is about freedom â political and personal â and the sacrifice and commitment it takes to get there. Faith is a constant theme gently woven throughout. While each of Cambron's novels has touched me, there's something special about this story. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A fantastic read, full of life and love, grounded in Irish history. Strong, well developed characters all fighting their own battles--from personal, familial to political--with deep convictions. A triple timeline that intricately connects and makes the story feel three dimensional, layering present day on top of 1798, and 1916, with family and historical threads tying it together. Ellie and Quinn's story also continues from book one, but this easily reads as a stand alone.
"...bravery could be as simple as a yes when she was at her most afraid."
The women in all three timelines were brave and loyal, courageously reaching out to help others, hoping to make a difference. The history was fascinating too, and well researched, brought to life by the vivid descriptions and some real scenes. I was holding my breath at times when the action got intense, particularly in Issy's story during the Easter Uprising. Three love stories emerge from rocky circumstances. Maeve and Eoin's was my personal favorite. Prejudice, forgiveness, faith and freedom are important themes and work in well given the history of unrest in Ireland.
"God is not absent in our pain. Nor is He indifferent to our questions. He's only ever as far as we turn our back an' walk away from Him.â
Highly recommend for anyone looking for an engrossing story steeped in history, with strong characters. Solid 5 star read!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
"...bravery could be as simple as a yes when she was at her most afraid."
The women in all three timelines were brave and loyal, courageously reaching out to help others, hoping to make a difference. The history was fascinating too, and well researched, brought to life by the vivid descriptions and some real scenes. I was holding my breath at times when the action got intense, particularly in Issy's story during the Easter Uprising. Three love stories emerge from rocky circumstances. Maeve and Eoin's was my personal favorite. Prejudice, forgiveness, faith and freedom are important themes and work in well given the history of unrest in Ireland.
"God is not absent in our pain. Nor is He indifferent to our questions. He's only ever as far as we turn our back an' walk away from Him.â
Highly recommend for anyone looking for an engrossing story steeped in history, with strong characters. Solid 5 star read!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
