wolfshine's review
5.0
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!
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!
foxy_roxy's review against another edition
4.0
Legacy of Hunger by Christy Nicholas has been my first ever experience by this author. And I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by what was offered in this storyline, as well as the characters.
We get to meet Valentina McDowell – and one hell of a journey that she has to experience while traveling to Ireland in the 1840's while in search of something of meaning and value.
I love that not only do we get a historical book – story, but we also get some fantasy/magic intertwined into the storyline. I think that's what drew me in and kept me hooked. The author did a great job of maintaining a good plot, and because of this, I consider this to be a 4 Star Book. I'm actually looking forward to reading more in the Druid's Brooch Series.
We get to meet Valentina McDowell – and one hell of a journey that she has to experience while traveling to Ireland in the 1840's while in search of something of meaning and value.
I love that not only do we get a historical book – story, but we also get some fantasy/magic intertwined into the storyline. I think that's what drew me in and kept me hooked. The author did a great job of maintaining a good plot, and because of this, I consider this to be a 4 Star Book. I'm actually looking forward to reading more in the Druid's Brooch Series.
greendragonauthor's review
Since I am the author, I shall write about my inspirations.
I began with wanted to showcase the stark realities of the Great Hunger of 1846 in Ireland. So many people left Ireland during that time, I decided to tell the story of someone going BACK to Ireland, to search for her family, and finding herself smack dab in the middle of a horrible time. She takes that horror and transforms it into something she needs to do, something she can take as her own to help in her little way.
Some of the character names and details I took from my own family's genealogy. The main character, Valentia, grew up near Canton, Ohio, on a large dairy farm. My own ancestors did the same, and the name McDowell is one of my own ancestors'. Some of her brothers' first names - Hiram, Emory - are my great-grandfathers' names.
Enjoy!
I began with wanted to showcase the stark realities of the Great Hunger of 1846 in Ireland. So many people left Ireland during that time, I decided to tell the story of someone going BACK to Ireland, to search for her family, and finding herself smack dab in the middle of a horrible time. She takes that horror and transforms it into something she needs to do, something she can take as her own to help in her little way.
Some of the character names and details I took from my own family's genealogy. The main character, Valentia, grew up near Canton, Ohio, on a large dairy farm. My own ancestors did the same, and the name McDowell is one of my own ancestors'. Some of her brothers' first names - Hiram, Emory - are my great-grandfathers' names.
Enjoy!
andrea_is_reading's review
3.0
Excellent historical research, and worth reading for the grim descriptions of Ireland in the 1840s.
cozma15's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
lou_t's review against another edition
3.0
The ending was a bit fast paced, but otherwise a good read
katie_83's review against another edition
4.0
Legacy of Hunger
By Christy Nicholas
4 stars
I really love historical stories, they are amongst some of my favourite to read but I haven’t read a historical story with a fantasy/magical twist and I absolutely loved it! This is also my first read of anything by this author and I was really took with her imaginative writing and also it was clear that she knew about the place and time period that she was writing about – it really was such great book to read!!
I liked the characters and whilst I couldn’t particularly connect with them they were well thought out and developed well over the story. I liked Valencia, I thought she was a strong minded female lead and I admired her especially considering the time period the story is set in. I really enjoyed seeing her grow over the story.
I really think that Christy Nicholas did a great job with this story, she did well with the descriptions of Ireland and making sure things were historically accurate for that time. I would definitely like to read more from her in the future.
By Christy Nicholas
4 stars
I really love historical stories, they are amongst some of my favourite to read but I haven’t read a historical story with a fantasy/magical twist and I absolutely loved it! This is also my first read of anything by this author and I was really took with her imaginative writing and also it was clear that she knew about the place and time period that she was writing about – it really was such great book to read!!
I liked the characters and whilst I couldn’t particularly connect with them they were well thought out and developed well over the story. I liked Valencia, I thought she was a strong minded female lead and I admired her especially considering the time period the story is set in. I really enjoyed seeing her grow over the story.
I really think that Christy Nicholas did a great job with this story, she did well with the descriptions of Ireland and making sure things were historically accurate for that time. I would definitely like to read more from her in the future.
fish3718's review against another edition
4.0
Christy Nicholas is a new author for me and Legacy of Hunger: Druid’s Brooch Series book 1 does not disappoint. Nicholas’s writing style is excellent. She has well developed characters and the setting paint a beautiful to envision. She writes that the words are just jumping off the page which makes you want to be a part of the story. The main setting of the book is in Ireland. Valentia is the main character and she is off to find out information about her family. She is looking for a family heirloom. She also was finding about stories that were disturbing for her family. Will Valentia learn what she was set off what she was looking? Are there going to be consequences to her heritage hunt be worth the price she will have to pay?
bwagner's review against another edition
4.0
Legacy of Hunger: Druid's Brooch Series: #1 by Christy Nichols is the first book in her Druid's Brooch series. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. I can't wait to read other books by this author. I enjoyed this author's writing style as it was creative and easy flowing. She pulled me into a journey of finding a heritage that was never expected. Valentia sets out on a journey to Ireland in search of an heirloom and stories that are haunted by her family. What she finds when she gets there is not what she expected. What price will she have to pay to find the answers she is looking for? Are the consequences she may have to pay worth finding what she is looking for? I enjoyed the characters in this book but Valentia is my favorite. I enjoyed seeing her exciting for her new journey but yet confused on why this is so important to do. I enjoyed watching her over come everything that life has to throw at her. She just grew so much from beginning to end of the book. There are a lot of other characters in this book that are supportive and great also. I highly recommend this book. Find out how the price of finding heritage and an heirloom could mean to Valentia.
angelahayes's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
Legacy of Hunger is the first book in the Druid’s Brooch Series by Christy Nicholas. This is a historical fiction story that has adventure, drama, fantasy, romance, magic, friendship, and intrigue. I loved how the author wove the story around the actual potato famine that plagued Ireland in the 1800’s. The story a is really well written and polished piece of work that also appears to have been thoroughly researched, with meticulous attention to detail.
I loved watching Valentina develop and grow as the story unfolded, who we meet at the beginning of the book is entirely different from the person we’re following at the end. All the characters are really well developed and interesting- I enjoyed meeting all the secondary characters who really added to the whole story .
I felt that the story was a little slow to get going, and it took me a while to ‘get into it’- but once the pace picked up I found that I was pulled into the story more and started to really enjoy the journey.
An interesting Tale!
Thank you, Ms. Nicholas!
Legacy of Hunger is the first book in the Druid’s Brooch Series by Christy Nicholas. This is a historical fiction story that has adventure, drama, fantasy, romance, magic, friendship, and intrigue. I loved how the author wove the story around the actual potato famine that plagued Ireland in the 1800’s. The story a is really well written and polished piece of work that also appears to have been thoroughly researched, with meticulous attention to detail.
I loved watching Valentina develop and grow as the story unfolded, who we meet at the beginning of the book is entirely different from the person we’re following at the end. All the characters are really well developed and interesting- I enjoyed meeting all the secondary characters who really added to the whole story .
I felt that the story was a little slow to get going, and it took me a while to ‘get into it’- but once the pace picked up I found that I was pulled into the story more and started to really enjoy the journey.
An interesting Tale!
Thank you, Ms. Nicholas!