☘️ BOOK REVIEW ☘️

Title: Realm of Lore and Lies
Author: Claire Wright
Genre: Fantasy

Rating: /5
1.5
This book is based on Irish lore and follows a group of Fianna as they go on the Cath to join the Kings guard.

Okay, so this book was not for me. I did not really enjoy the writing style and there are a few issues I will highlight about this book that I feel should have been addressed in earlier drafts. The actual idea of the book is actually really interesting to me. My family is Irish but I do not know much about Irish lore and it was interesting to look up as I was reading and learning little pieces of it.

The first issue I had with this book was the pacing. It started off super slowly, they don't even begin to go on the main 'quest' of the book until around 50% of the way in, before that it felt like a lot of fluff added in that did not need to be there. The ending then also felt rushed as so much didn't happen in the beginning so the pacing just did not feel right. For example, they found what they were looking for immediately when it would have been more fun for them to have had longer to look and for them to take longer to work it out.

The next issue I had with the book is that some bits were really hard to follow, or just did not make sense. It felt like some bits had been missed during editing and it took me out of the story. For example a sentence might name two female characters and then go on to say 'she' without it being obvious which one of the two is being spoken about. This meant I was getting annoyed as I was reading as I was not exactly sure what was happening.

Another issue was a random 'spice' scene thrown in at a random time, with random characters who seemed to have no real chemistry. It did not feel like it fitted into the timeline very well and I found myself laughing at the scene when it was not there for comic effect. This could also be because the character building fell a bit flat at times, so I did not particularly care for any of them so I did not see the point in the scene.

A final issue was that we did not learn too much about the actual 'fantasy' of the world, and the bits we did know did not come up often. For example, they were in a realm with apparently dangerous creatures, and it would have been nice to have a few encounters along their quest so that we could find out more about the realm they were in.

I also felt like the lesbian couple was thrown in for diversity and their whole personalities were that they were a female couple, as someone in the LGBTQIA+ community I found it a bit disrespectful as it felt they were thrown in for the diversity factor.

The actual plot of the book was interesting, and I feel that with some adjustments to the plot pacing and a bit more world building it would be a really great fantasy book. The author is also clearly good at researching her writing and creating an interesting world.

I do think that this would be a good read for younger audiences, or people new to fantasy but if you enjoy a complex and exciting fantasy book it might not be for you.

"Blood spilt on Samhain is an invitation for all manner of evil to befall you."

We are huge fans of contemporary fantasy and feisty fairies, so it was a real treat to get an early peek at this new magical series set in the Emerald Isle 💚🍀✨

Realm of Lore and Lies is a little coming-of-age, a little murder mystery and a very cool take on some familiar Irish lore. Deadly fae, a closed matriarchal society of traveling performers, and badass warrior women with unusual abilities - oh yeah!

There are some interesting spins on a few of the myths and customs that shape the story's main quest, and the druid character was a delightfully dark take on the trope.

All in all it was a most excellent weekend read for lovers of fantasy adventure with an Irish vibe. ✨Scheduled for release on October 3rd 2022✨

📻Soundtrack - Flogging Molly
🥮Munchies - Barmbrack

Finally a fantasy novel steeped in Irish mythology!

Where to begin other than I loved this book? This follows four points of view- Ash, Maebh, Set and Tiernan as they all try to come to terms with the lost members of the main clans. I loved how they each had the same amount of weight within the book, providing a varied account of the issues they face as well as the quest they are forced to partake in. Wright’s world-building is effortless and we experience not only a modern day world in which the Fianna clans try to survive, but also the mythological lands of the Tara Court- all in stark clarity. The plot feels refreshing- it’s more about solving mysteries rather than blood, guts and war- and allows the four main characters to develop in way which makes it a pleasure to experience. The connections between them feels realistic and never once left me wondering how they could develop such close kinships in so short amount of time.

If I were to put this review in a nutshell, it would go as follows: I simply loved this book and found it so exciting, I was practically bouncing in my seat. I cannot wait for the second one!

I would highly recommend any fantasy lover to crack open this book and explore a world of intoxicating Irish folklore.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of Realm of Lore and Lies.

High Fantasy is my all-time favourite literary genre, and I have read so many series that fit into this category. I requested RoLaL based on the beautiful cover and the synopsis piquing my interest, and was pleasantly surprised when it quickly became one of the best fantasy books I’ve read in a long time, along with one of my top five reads of this year.

Based on Irish Mythology, Realm of Lore and Lies follows protagonist Aisling Breen, struggling between the normal life she is attempting to lead, and the complicated one she has left behind. Told through multi-person-pov, all four main character’s perspectives kept me engaged and gripped, and I loved weaving together the information each character was gaining and how it would come to help the others. The characters felt so real to me: they were so well-developed with their motivations, flaws, insecurities and personalities all clear and believable. You truly root for Aisling, Meabh, Setanta and Tiernan.

This book ticks so many boxes for me: likeable and developed characters, interesting magic systems, incredible romantic tension and moments, genuinely funny humour, female friendship, heart-breakingly sad moments, mystery, and PLOT TWISTS. Towards the end I had to hold my kindle one-handed as I needed the other hand to cover my open mouth. When a character title-dropped, I had to put it down and go for a walk.

Realm of Lore and Lies was so well-written. I highlighted so many excerpts of this book that just had the most beautiful descriptions: it was so vivid I really felt like I was seeing it myself. I could not believe when I read in the acknowledgements that this is Claire Wright’s debut novel - I have already followed her on Goodreads so I don’t miss any updates as I need to read anything she writes. I will 100% be buying a physical copy of RoLaL when it comes out in October and will be forcing everyone I know to read it, as well as recommend it over on my BookTok account. I eagerly - read: impatiently - book 2 of this series.

Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of Realm of Lore and Lies in exchange for an honest review.

This book really draws you in, making it near impossible to put down. The Irish folklore was fascinating to read about, and the world building was really great. The writing is really excellent, and I can’t wait to read the next book!

Some key elements of this book:

-Found family trope
-Irish folklore
-Clan politics
-Mystery
-Multiple POV’s

I was super excited to read this book based off the description and the comparison to SJM books, and even though it wasn't exactly what I expected, I absolutely adored it. The characters are incredibly well written and their friendships and relationships are well developed - they feel like a true team, not just a random selection of characters mashed together. Even though their shared histories and pasts are directly explained in the prose, I felt like I could really see and understand who they were to one another just based off of their actions and the way they interact.

On top of that, the plot was super compelling and captivating. I felt like I never quite new what was coming next, and even now I'm not entirely sure what to expect for the next book!

I'm rating it 4 stars instead of 5 for two main reasons: the first is that based off of the comparison to SJM and Holly Black I expected it to be more of a romance novel, and even though there was some romance (and one spicy scene) it was very much a sub-plot as opposed to the main storyline. I would compare it the most to the first Throne of Glass book, but even less romance than that. Not that that's a problem - just not what I was expecting! The second reason is simply that it was a little slow-paced for my taste. I think the pacing worked really well for the novel but personally I find my mind can wander a bit with slow paced books.

Overall, the book was incredible, and I cannot wait for the sequel!

I loved this book it was great. The writing style was fast-paced and engaging, the characters had great arcs and the world-building was brilliant.

Aisling Breen (Ash) ran away from her nomadic Fianna clan seven years ago. She now lives with the Mary and Dom, a couple who have done more than just provide for her, offering their genuine and unconditional love. Her only connection to her past is the letters that her younger brother Connor sends her. She has plans in the human realm, but her plans fall to the wayside one night as she makes a discovery that propels her to claim her birthright, even if not for the right reasons. Her journey will send her to the Land of Eternal Youth or Tir na nÓg on a nearly impossible quest in the company of Tiernan, and of Maebh and Setanta, the McQuillan twins. As they face one danger after the other, they must all come to terms with their personal demons and their losses. Their loyalties and friendship will be tested, and they will struggle with self-acceptance. Clan politics will require them to prove themselves every step of the way, and amid everything, they must unveil the true motives of their highest leader and his trusted ally.
This is an action-packed, intriguing, magical story. The author does an excellent job of drawing the reader into a magical world that feels real. The elements of Irish lore are fascinating and interesting, and the setting is beautifully described. The plot contains multiple points of view that establish each character’s hopes and internal battles in a relatable and authentic way, as well as their virtues and flaws. The characters are complex and well rounded, and their stories carry elements of mystery, culture, romance, and a tiny bit of spice. The action is fast paced, with unexpected twists and turns and a surprising ending that ties up the story but leaves the reader wanting to follow the characters in their impending journey.
One thing is for sure: I want more of these characters’ amazing stories and am looking forward to the second installment in this series. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy adult contemporary fantasy themes within a Celtic lore atmosphere.

Thanks to NetGalley, Claire Wright and BookGoSocial for providing me with a free digital copy to review this book prior to its release.
#NetGalley #netgalleyreviews #netgalleyreads #bookstagram #booktrovert #RealmofLoreandLies #netgalleyreview

Highly enjoyable. Loved all the different characters, Irish lore, and mystery. An amazing debut novel!

Realm of Lore and Lies- Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have recently fell in love with romance books that have murder mystery, and now I found a fantasy book with murder mystery? Safe to say I was hooked!

Realm of Lore and Lies was an amazing debut murder mystery, mythology, and found family-ish.

This story takes place in a small town in Ireland where the faerie and human lands run parallel, but humans don’t know they exist. Insert the finnian warriors/clans who help to make sure that is how it stays. Throughout the story we get to follow two clans as they compete against one another for a spot in the kings immortal army. All while also trying to solve the FMC mothers murder, who she hasn’t spoken to in 7 years.

Claire had AMAZING world building, I felt like I could truly picture the setting. Also first book in awhile that the fae weren’t “good”, which I haven’t read in awhile. The cast of characters were amazing and each so unique, I loved that we got to hear from all their POVs.

This book was a little slow towards the beginning/middle BUT it picked up so much at the end that it had me screaming that I needed more, and that epilogue!!!!!

I cannot wait for the second book! Thank you to Claire and Netgallery for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Realm of Lore and Lies is a captivating debut filled with Irish mythology, a murder mystery, and amazing friendships.

Fantasy books with murder mystery is one of my favorite types of books so that was an aspect of this book that I was really looking forward to and I enjoyed it immensely!

The story takes place in a modern world with a parallel faerie realm, and I liked the modern touches but we still got the elements of a fantasy world. Realm of Lore and Lies follows a band of misfits as they compete in a competition against other clans to become immortal warriors for the king. They are also trying to discover who murdered Aisling’s mom.

The world building was so realistic and well written, I feel like I could travel to the faerie realm if I were in Ireland. And the Irish mythology was magical! I loved the clan politics, it’s so different than anything I’ve read before.

Claire Wright wrote a delightful cast of characters, each with their own different vibrant personalities that I loved. We get the 4 POVs of the main characters and I liked all of POVs. I didn’t find myself wanting one characters over the others which sometimes happens when I read books with more than two POVs. Aisling discovers so many secrets and this book really kept me on my toes while reading!

While I thought the beginning was a little slow getting to know all the characters, the writing is excellent and it was really enjoyable and easy to read. The murder mystery plot was excellent and we get politics, adventure, and plot twists along the way. Realm of Lore and Lies is phenomenal and I’d definitely recommend it!

Some things you can expect from this book:
✨Murder mystery
✨Irish mythology
✨Found family
✨Clan politics
✨Multiple pov

For sure a five star read for me. I loved this book so much!!

First let me start off by saying that I finished this book in two days. I wish I had taken longer to read it because I was so engrossed in the story I didn't want it to end.

Every element of this book just draws you in from the amazing setting in Ireland to the fae lore and Fianna clans. Then bam you add murder and a seven year long mystery and you have a compelling story that I can not wait to read more of.

My favorite thing about this book was its characters. All four of the main characters were so real and so well developed that I forgot that this book was the authors debut novel!

This book should be on everyones must read if they love fae lore and badass characters. I can't wait to add a physical copy to my bookshelf when the book is released.

I just wish that we didn't have to wait so long for book 2!

If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy novels featuring new adult characters trying to find their way in the world than Realm of Lore and Lies by Claire Wright may be the book you have been waiting for.

Alternating between the limited omniscient perspectives of Aisling (Ash), Tiernan, Setana, and Maebh, the novel tells the story of the Fianna, a group of traveling clans living in 21st century Ireland who have inherited Faerie Sight which allows them to see through the glamour of the Fair Ones. The novel opens with Ash, a young woman who was destined to be the matriarch of her clan before leaving her people to pursue a degree in archaeology. When Ash finds the dead body of her mother in an ancient tomb, she is forced back to the world of the Fianna to complete her mother’s quest and solve her murder.

The tone and style of the novel is designed to appeal to new adults, and it does fulfill this objective. The focus rotates quickly between the misfit characters, the language is casual, and plot is emphasized over characterization. The novel is the first in a series, so the conclusion prepares readers for more rather than bringing full closure to the narrative.

My favorite part about the book is the use of Irish history, spirituality, and lore. Readers will learn about Puca, Changelings, Will O’ The Wisps, Banshees, the Tuatha De Danann, and Tir na nOg. The lore was more interesting to me than the plot, but overall, the book is a fun read that will leave you contemplating the way you define your family, your clan, and your home.

This cover is gorgeous and totally caught my eye. The synopsis sounded interesting and I was excited to dive into this new world.
The background of folklore was interesting and new to me. I haven’t read many stories based in Ireland. Claire Wright had a good writing style and told an interesting story.
I didn’t know it would be a steamy read which isn’t quite my cup of tea, but props to Claire for writing a unique story.

Content warning: Swearing, sex

Was a good book. Was a it confusing at first when all the characters were introduced but I got really intrigued with the concept of the book and the parallel worlds. It was like acotar but less action but also had its own flare with the use of the mystery. Was a great read and I really enjoyed it would recommend if you are a fan of mystery and acotar vibes.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Realm of Lore and Lies is based in modern Ireland and the main characters are Fiannan, who are a travelling community who have a connection with the fae. It focusses around Ash and her peers.

In general, I enjoyed the book. The characterisation was decent and the plot moved briskly but the chapter focus changed from character to character, which I never really like. I did get a little confused on occasion as there were a couple of times key scenes happened and it wasn’t obvious what had happened but it was all explained by the end. Though an easy enough read I did feel like there was something missing. I wasn’t invested and maybe that’s because of the changing viewpoints or something else, I don’t know.

It was definitely left open for another book though as there were some questions and things waiting to happen, though there was no major cliffhanger.

I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

The world building was incredible, easy to follow and FULL of Irish folklore! I felt myself being so drawn in and wanted to learn even more about Irish folklore and mythology after finishing the book. ROLAL is definitely a standout fantasy novel for me.

The four main characters (Ash, Tier, Set and Mae) were all unique, strong and well rounded which made the story all the more engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed following the story from all four of their POVs.

Claire created so much mystery and suspense and I honestly had no idea what was coming next so I was SHOOOOOOOOK by the ending. I need the second book already!!!

I always love Irish myth inspired book, which pulled me into requesting this title via Netgalley. I enjoyed it, especially the fast pacing and the whole Fair Folk and Irish myth settings with the high king and all the rituals. I adore all of that. This book reminds me of Lament by Maggie Stiefvater (I love that book!).

My favorite character is Maebh. I think she is a little more elaborately written than the other characters here. I can vibe with her and get into her POV, which was a little hard to do for other characters even Aisling (the MC). They are fairly good characters, but I hope to see a little more character building. Maybe some backstory and how they react to certain events? I understand it might be hard to focus on a lot of POVs.

Not sure if we will have book 2 coming? But if yes, looking forward to read it! This one was a nice ride. Recommended for other Irish myth fans who also love fast paced story!

The fantasy novel I didn’t know I needed! This mesmerizing debut novel is steeped in Irish folklore and mythology. I fell in love with Ash, Set, Maebh, and Tiernan! Each added a unique voice to this beautiful story about found family, slow-burn romance, coming home/into your own, plot twisters, and fighting inner monsters. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for book two!

Thank you to NetGalley, Claire Wright, and BooksGoSocial for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Okay so maybe I am a bit Biased, as an Ashe, with a book character named Ash. But this Debut Novel by Claire Wright, blew me away in a way, I honestly don't always expect with a debut novel. Thanks sooo much to @netgalley for this ARC. I love reading a fantasy set in Ireland with Fae, quests, banter and warrior clans. Sexy males, badass females, murder mystery, surprise endings…oof. I think I may have ran the gambit of emotions. Laughing out loud, crying a little bit, ready to throw my fucking kindle. it was kind of a roller coaster lol But I saw Irish lore and knew I needed it yesterday!

In a land that harbours two realms, magical creatures and dangerous games are a way of life and death for the travelling Fianna clans. It is an honour to visit Tír na nÓg, even if the price is pretending Fair Ones don’t hunt humans for sport.
Ireland native Aisling never imagined she’d be alone, living a double life. But when your family shares the ability to see through Fae glamour, keeping secrets isn’t something you do for fun. You do it to stay alive..

This is Ash’s story, a girl who ran from her clan and years after that she is in her last year of her archaeology degree. The only connection she has with her family is through her brother’s letters she receives monthly. One day she is working on an archaeological site, and she sees a Banshee, a creature that according to Irish folklore is a signal if someone will die soon. Oh surprise, not much time after that, Ash found a body in a tomb, but obviously this is not a skeleton from an ancient group, nope, it’s a person that had been murdered and now, Ash is a suspect.

DUN DUN DUN!!!!

One of the best parts of this book is the strength of the characters. This story follows many points of views. The four of them were both really good, but of course Ash's was my favourite , But they each had their own space to grow, and their own adventure throughout the story, so that the reader is able to feel their fears, and having space to make their own choices.

I immediately fell in love with this book because for one of the first times a book, based in Ireland, with Irish mythos and Irish culture was written by an IRISH PERSON! And it's not cringe-worthy because Claire obviously knows what she's writing about.
I loved all the culture and lore and really found the world building to be so rich and beautifully written. The twists and turns and secrets were perfect and I honestly can’t wait for the next book in the series.

This book tied up so nicely, and I was not disappointed by the way it wrapped up at the end. I love it, the way everything tided up together to make the big revelation of the real evil one was epic. Now I'm patiently waiting for book two on this series because I need to read what will happen to these guys in the trials they’ll have to face in the future.