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Following Ireland’s devastating potato famine in the mid-1800s, a group called the Fenians was notorious for actively opposing English rule—especially tax decrees during the reign of Queen Victoria. Their name is derived from Finn MacCool, a legendary hero. This novel begins when Jimmy Stephens, worn out from leading a band of Irish Brotherhood in their fight, decides he must leave Ireland. He assigns Egan O’Shea as temporary leader of the local group. Three of the Brotherhood are about to be hung by the British. With trusted friends, Eagan must devise and lead a plan to free them. Unfortunately, a traitor will do everything to stop the success of their attempts.
Egan loves Maire Martin. Her father wants her to have nothing to do with a Fenian and promotes an engagement to the son of a Dublin shop owner. The two lovers are then forced to decide what they value most. At a time when modern teens are just learning about life, they must live it.
In this first book in a series, the author poignantly shares with readers the story of her great-grandparents whose convictions and courage led them to leave Ireland behind. Through her evocative writing, one can sense the author’s deep emotional ties to a country she learned about as a child in tales handed down through her family. This suspenseful young adult novel ripples with a gruesome murder and features multiple viewpoints such as youth motivated by revenge and parents afraid for family members. A glossary of Irish terms preceding the story along with clever sayings for the subtitles not only demonstrate Shusta’s skill as a writer but also help her share her rich heritage. One can easily expect return readers to the series, both young and mature, who will be drawn by the memorable characters of this talented storyteller.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review