The Raven's Lady

Rating:
Summary: Timeless Tales 4 Star Review
Review: by Sam

Eibhlin Fitzgerald is a chemist doing research on Irish plants with healing abilities. During her research in Kincora she falls through a time portal - faerie magic as it later turns out - and travels over a thousand years back in time. She ends up in the midst of a seething family feud. Sixteen year old Caoimhe was hoping to marry the ruggedly handsome Brandubh, son of the clan leader and kin to the Irish high king Brian Boru. Brandubh refuses to marry her and in desperation Caoimhe commits suicide. Eibhlin finds herself in gravest peril, for it was after seeing a vision of her Brandubh refused to marry Caoimhe. Eibhlin is drawn towards Brandubh but is determined to return back to her own time and age. And then danger strikes. Eibhlin finds herself in the midst of deadly plots and gruesome revenge. The foe is relentless but Brandubh is equally determined to keep Eibhlin alive and by his side forever.

This book starts off very good. The descriptions of Ireland anno 1013 are detailed and show that the author has done an immense amount of research. The information about the culture and traditions of old Ireland is woven seamlessly in the story - a laudable feat in itself. Many authors inadvertently go in to lecture-mode when writing historicals, but Ms. Manning avoids this trap with aplomb. My quarrel with the book comes at the second half, where I found that the book dragged. Eibhlin is threatened by the villain and rescued by Barndubh one time too many for it to be believable. And then suddenly sensible Eibhlin who I had been applauding for having her head at the right place, decides to become missish and rejects Barndubh because he killed in order to defend her. The entire book fell flat on its face right then, which is a pity, because it showed great potential at the beginning. A bit more work on the second half of the book, and it would have become a keeper.

Rating:
Summary: Good read.
Review: Eibhlin Fitzgerald is visiting Ireland to collect specimens of the local fauna. Falling asleep on a hillside she awakens in the Ireland of Brandubh mac Dougal. Tall, dark and handsome, Brandubh is the substance of dreams. After sharing a bit of conversation with him, she once again finds herself back in present day Ireland.

Back in the Ireland of the past, Brandubh consults his mother on some way to bring Eibhlin back. In the short time they had contact, he realizes she is the woman for him, so much so that he gives up any idea of offering for Caoimhe, as he had planned. He is disappointed to learn he must wait until Samhain, four months away, to have a chance of seeing Eibhlin again. Mean while, upon returning from battling Viking mercenaries, the news of Caoimhe's death greets him.

Samhain--Eibhlin returns to Craglea where she once again meets Brandubh. Only this time it seems she is here to stay as her car disappears and she discovers the year is now 1013 AD Determined to find her way back home, Eibhlin consents to go with Branddubh to Kincora so she can consult with his mother. There, Evie is put under the protection of Brandubh's parents by the king. Returning with them to their home, she is upset by a confrontation with Caoimhe sister, Moria, who bears a striking resemblance to Evie's mother, even sharing the same name. Time passes and tension builds as Caoimhe's relations seek revenge against Brandubh for her death. Eibhlin awaits the next solstice, when she can attempt to return to the future, spending her time as healer to Brandubh's parent's people. Will Brandubh be able to convince her before then to not return home, but stay with him?

*** "The Raven's Lady" is a wonderful time-travel romance. There is plenty of action and even a little mystery, but the main focus is on the romance. The growth of the relationship between Brandubh and Eibhlin and the choices Evie has to make, create a marvelous story. Even though I find stories of Ireland's past sad, I am glad to have read this one. My one complaint--I really prefer books that have all of the story in English, including the names. ***