The Danaan Trilogy
by Laura Howard
Series Review
The Forgotten Ones #1
Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
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Stone of Destiny #2
Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn't entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress's plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison's parents apart forever.
Despite Allison's efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she's ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix.
Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan' s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan?
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A Place Beyond #3
The time has come. Allison's quest to save her mother from Aoife's wicked enchantment will test everything she believes in. Who is trustworthy in the land of the Fair Folk, the Tuatha de Danaan? It's up to Allison, along with her ragtag host of allies, to unravel the truth.
Journey along and discover the power of love and duty as Allison faces the most difficult trial of her life.
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Author Spotlight:
Laura Howard lives in
New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began
at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley
High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books
took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the
release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered
her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves
known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.
I received a copy of each of the three books in exchange for an honest review.
What I say: I read all three instalments of The Danaan Trilogy back-to-back so I am going to discuss each book in one review. Therefore there may be minor spoilers for the individual books.
The Forgotten Ones - I decided to read this book because I found the concept really intriguing. Whilst most girls/young women are focused on dating and school/Uni etc, Allison has a mother with a mental illness to look after.
Now before you start thinking this is another book where the main character spends her time moaning about her life, don't worry it really isn't. Allie's mother's illness is handled with sensitivity, but the main focus is on Allie herself and how she copes with the many pressures she faces, as well as a special supernatural/fantasy twist - yes I mean fairies - well, sort of...
Allie is quiet and a bit of an outsider. She's often judged by her mother's condition and keeps herself to herself. She avoids the uber flirtatious Ethan, even though she does really want him. For her letting anybody in is a scary prospect.
I liked Allie and wanted her to go out and experience life a bit more. The events of the book completely change her quiet life and she finds herself in situations she never imagined. I REALLY wanted Allie to give Ethan a chance. He goes out of his way to help her, getting very little back.
We are introduced to MANY characters throughout the book and so I did find the character and place names a little disconcerting at times. BUT Laura Howard does provide a helpful pronunciation guide to help. The world of the Danaan itself is very interesting and I did enjoy the fairy aspect, but it was perhaps a bit confusing but a fun start to the series.
3 - 3.5 Stars in my Sky!
The Stone of Destiny - Book two picks up right where the previous book left off. Aoife is still causing trouble and is hellbent on controlling Liam and all the Danaans. I have to admit that even with the pronunciation guide I did still get a little confused with who was whom at times, and who was good or bad.
I like Allie and Ethan's friendship and would like to see more about their connection and past - BUT I did appreciate the almost fated element to their attraction. Ethan always has her back, even with the many strange things going on in her life.
It was interesting to see Allie interacting with Liam a bit more and the introduction of a certain new character. Just when one twist has been resolved something else would happen and throw Allie off course again. I preferred the pacing in the first book but I did like the more romantic elements this time.
3.5 Stars in my Sky!
A Place Beyond - As the final book in the Danaan series A Place Beyond has the responsibility of having to hold and wrap up the entire series. Overall I felt as though Howard does a good job concluding the series and answering some lingering questions.
I finally felt as though I had managed to get to grips with the character names and who does what. The pacing is quick and a lot happens in fairly short period of time.
Aoife is still being, well Aoife. She's desperate and destructive which makes for a very dangerous situation. I really liked Niamh in this book and felt like I understood her motivations a lot more.
Allison and Ethan have reached the point of admitting everything or going their separate ways. I kept thinking to myself why doesn't she just take the chance? They have a big task ahead of them if they're going to save everybody and find a HEA. There are a couple of really sad moments that I wasn't expecting, but I liked how the story ended. Certain parts are bittersweet, yet charming.
3.5 Stars in my Sky!
Overall series rating: 3.5 Stars in my Sky!
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