About the Book:
Returning to the Northern Isles of Skara Skaill, a bereaved son takes up with two young brothers living outcast on the village streets and moors of Skara Heath, and after running afoul of the corrupted local authority, they band together in a struggle both ancient and new, a struggle of land, loss, and fabled fortune—long lost to the fog of history.
A storm is coming to the island of Skara Skaill. Squatting in their derelict home, two wayward brothers, Rory and Tito, are driven off and forced to shelter alone on the island’s empty barrens. Fending for themselves, they fall in with two strangers—one, Innes Mackie, returning from exile on the mainland upon the death of his father, and the other, a stranded seasonal worker eager to start a new life. After stumbling upon answers to the island’s buried past, the four are drawn into an ancient history of secrets and lies, long hidden by the lawless powers that run Skara Skaill. At its heart, this lightning-quick adventure story, told in a lean, touching, cinematic style, is about loss, loyalty, and the truest meaning of kinship. Echoing the island’s distant fable, The Ballad of Innes of Skara Skaill reveals both the secrets buried within us, and those hidden beneath our feet.
*Review Contributed by Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*
What worked:
The author isn’t just a fine writer, but he’s also an outstanding storyteller. The plot takes its time developing, as the backstories for the main characters emerge. The gloomy setting of a small, coastal town and the surrounding moors is the perfect backdrop for an eerie tale. The dismal sky is often overcast with grey when it’s not pouring rain from the violent, seasonal storm. Rory and Tito eke out an existence in an abandoned home, but they’re forced to find shelter in rocky caves along outcroppings in the shoreline. Citizens believe in the folklore of Little People, so that possibility will be in readers’ minds. The action shifts between various characters as the story builds to its climax. This allows the author to create tension and excitement, as readers are left breathless.
Rory and Tito are orphans, and they scavenge and con to stay alive. They are joined by two adults, Innis and Ham, and they add intrigue and mystery to the story. Innis once lived in the village, and his history is unclear. Ham is a gentle giant who looks after the children. Badger is an unsavory character who runs the docks and works for a greedy old man. Badger’s menace is always on readers’ minds, even when he’s not part of the scene. Readers may be surprised to find there’s no clear main character, as the story shifts between the boys, Innes, and Ham. Readers are also kept apprised of Badger’s movements and his search for something buried under the remains of a church.
The author includes two animals, and it’s interesting to see how they affect the story. A stubborn mule named Eustice is “borrowed” by the characters, but he spends much of the book wandering the moors. It’s surprising how he makes periodic appearances and unexpectedly assists characters. A stray dog wanders into scenes, and Tito is quite attached to it. He calls it Sir Winston and offers it any food he can spare. While Eustice often helps the characters, Sir Winston is apt to complicate matters. Either way, they will interest animal lovers.
What didn’t work as well:
Usually, readers have a good idea where the plot is headed by the time it reaches the halfway point. Readers will suspect a lost treasure is involved, but that’s about it. However, the conflict becomes a mystery, and the events lead to an exciting climax.
The final verdict:
The book’s setting has a large impact on the story, as the wild moors and a severe seasonal storm complicate the events. The characters combat greed, violence, and corruption as they race to uncover a mysterious treasure. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.
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