Inish Carraig by Jo Zebedee

Four stars.

I have an interesting mix of emotions when I read Jo Zebedee’s work. It’s darker than I like, with far more emphasis on emotions I prefer not to dwell on. But it’s written so well that I end up getting sucked in anyway. And I’m not sorry I did.

Her characterization in particular is extremely well done. Her main character begins by doing something he knows to be wrong—all part of a struggle to survive—and you end up rooting for him anyway. His journey is grim, with a bewildering array of shifting alliances, but I wanted him to come through in the end.

The setting was easy to picture, even though I’ve never been to Ireland, let alone Belfast.

For those who enjoy Earth-based sci-fi and alien invasions, you’ll absolutely love it. If, like me, that sort of thing is rarely your cup of tea, this might prove an exception to the rule.

About cathleentownsend

Avid writer and reader of Faerie tales and noblebright fantasy.