Title: Dark Isle
Author: Shannon Mayer
First published July 8, 2012
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.02
Overview
When darkness engulfs the world, one woman must make a choice: save her loved ones or the fate of humanity. Quinn possesses the power to sense the looming danger, but with the collision of the Fae and human realms, the stakes have never been higher.
The future seems impossible, but she knows she must act. Will Quinn’s bravery be enough to face the evil that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear?
About the Author
I come from a family of Star Wars enthusiasts and grew up watching the movies with my many siblings. You may notice nods to these films in my writing, as they hold a special place in my heart.
I started writing because I wanted to keep magic and fantastical creatures alive in my imagination, despite the skepticism of others. While I’ve never seen a fairy, unicorn, or dragon, I once had a neighbor who claimed to feed leprechauns in their garden.
Alas, I never caught a glimpse of these elusive creatures.
I have since found my husband, who grounds me in reality, and we have a young son who brings us endless joy. We live on a farm, which keeps us busy with tasks such as wrestling with cows, helping birth calves, and chasing after escaped livestock.
In my free time, I enjoy practicing archery and baking sweet treats (although they don’t last long with two boys around). As for what’s next for me, I have many stories brewing in my mind that I hope to share with you all.
I live by the motto of leaping before looking and letting my dreams guide me, and I’m excited to see where they take me next.
Editoral Review
Dark Isle by Shannon Mayer is a thrilling fantasy novel that was first published on July 8, 2012. Mayer is an accomplished author with numerous acclaimed fantasy books under her belt.
Dark Isle is a work that is geared towards younger adults and is an essential inclusion for any fan of the genre. The book takes place on the fictional Dark Isle, a mysterious land shrouded in magic and danger.
The story revolves around the protagonist, Claire Connolly, who teams up with her estranged mother, sorceress Alisa, to save the Isle from a tyrannical and oppressive ruler. The stakes are incredibly high since the fate of the Isle rests in the balance.
Mayer’s writing is top-notch, with seamless transitions between scenes and characters. The descriptions of the Isle creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind of the mysterious and magical world.
She masterfully balances the fantastical elements with the real-life experiences of the characters, creating a relatable and engaging story. Mayer’s characters are well developed and complex.
Claire Connolly is a strong and well-realized protagonist who grows and evolves throughout the book. Alisa is also an excellent character with her bitter past and her strained relationship with her daughter.
There are also other exciting characters in the book, including the love interest of Claire, who keeps the reader engaged through his adventures. The pacing of the book is perfect, building up to an action-packed climax.
Mayer skillfully weaves in all the necessary elements of a fantasy story, including spells and magic. The battle scenes are excellent, and there is never a dull moment in the story.
While Mayer has created a well-constructed and engaging story, there is the concern of the book’s length. The pacing is impressive, but the book might be too short for some readers.
The ending could have provided more closure, and some readers might require more information to thoroughly understand this world that Mayer has created. Overall, Dark Isle is a well executed and magical read that is sure to captivate lovers of the fantasy genre.
It is a book that will have the reader engrossed in its story, and wanting more. Mayer’s writing style is top-notch, her characters are well-realized and complex, and her pacing is perfect.
Dark Isle is, without a doubt, one of the best books of its genre, and a must-read for every fan.
We recommend this book for young adults interested in the fantasy genre or anyone looking for an engaging and well crafted story.
This book holds a rating of 4.5/5, and it is the perfect book to settle down with and disappear into a magical new world.
