Title: Legacy of Hunger: Druid’s Brooch Series #1
Author: Christy Nicholas
Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0155KSX9Y
Summary
Ireland is no promised land in 1846. It is wracked by a crippling potato blight, and people are dying. But Valentia McDowell doesn’t know that.
From her father’s prosperous farm in Ohio, young Valentia is haunted by tales of an abandoned family and a lost heirloom. She travels to her grandmother’s homeland with her brother, Conor, and two servants, to find both. Her delight in the exciting journey on one of the first steam ships to cross the Atlantic is shattered by a horrible tragedy.
What she encounters upon her arrival in Ireland is both more and less than she had hoped. Valentia finds both enemies and allies, amid horrors and delights, and a small bit of magic. She finds a richer heritage than she had ever imagined, but it comes with a price.
When she finally reaches her goal, a terrible price is demanded. She must pay or forfeit, and both decisions have strong consequences for her and her friends.
My review
5/5 Stars
Valentia McDowell isn’t sure of a number of things. Living in 1846, she dreams of her grandmother’s brooch, not knowing just how important it will become to her. The story is very well-researched, focusing on 19th century Ireland and the crippling problems faced by the country during that time. Valentia, coming from money, knows nothing of the blight in Ireland at the start of her journey. Throughout her many trials and tribulations, Valentia becomes stronger until she finds herself at the end of the book.
I really did love this story though I’ll admit it was a little difficult for me to get into at the beginning. It’s obvious though that the author really did her research and this book is the beginning of what I’m sure is a wonderful series. Definitely recommended!
Author Kayla Krantz 