What’s The Chronicles of Iona: Exile About?
This tale starts in 563 in parts of the world we now call Ireland and Scotland. A monk with royal blood is exiled from Ireland and sent to Scotland. A warrior is tasked by his king to keep the monk and his followers safe and present them to him.
Things start off rocky, but the monk—Columba—settles in for a bit. Then the king hatches a way to use the two of them for his advantage, sending the two off to engage with the Picts and return a hostage.
This partnership is destined to lead to the founding of the Abbey that stood as one of the last strongholds of Western Civilization and learning on Iona.
Columba
Following his exile—and likely the act of violence that precipitated it—Columba lost his faith. Or at least it was damaged greatly.
He still tried to look after his fellow monks that joined him in his exile—he wanted to do right by them—he wanted to do the right thing in general and when he could. He tried to preserve life and peace, to find a way to make a new life for himself and his followers. But he did so without any reassurance or conviction that the God he’d pledged himself to would bless the endeavor.
His struggle with doubt, with fear, and with a loss of faith was (personally) the most interesting storyline in the novel.
Aedan mac Gabran
Aedan has more emotional baggage than your typical warrior character—even one beset by perceived failure and grief. But he’s still the character that you’ve seen before (at least the type), it’s easy for the reader to enjoy Aedan, root for him, and understand what he’s going through.
There’s a prophecy that plagues him, too—family problems, a broken heart, grief, and a prophecy. Aedan doesn’t have a lot going for him other than a near-supernatural ability to fight.
Pair him up with a man of peace and you’ve got yourself plenty of fodder for a plot and conflict.
So, what did I think about The Chronicles of Iona: Exile?
I really wish I knew the history of this time better so I’d know how to evaluate parts of this—I can’t tell if Columba spouts (at best) heterodox sentiments because that’s what de Fougerolles wants to put in his mouth, or if she’s being consistent with him (for example) or some of the cultural mores of various groups in the book. I have an easier time buying the latter than the former. If however, this was just a realistic fantasy, I wouldn’t have cared either way–it’s just the historical aspect of this that gets me curious and reticent to evaluate.
What I do feel comfortable talking about is the writing—I would like to read some straight history from de Fougerolles, something tells me she’d be good at it. I’m not so sure she should write romantic/erotic dialogue (unless she’s reflecting contemporary phrases), however.
The pacing of this book left a little to be desired, de Fougerolles spent so much time setting up the world, introducing the characters, and moving things into place to get to the main action of the novel that it took an act of will to be patient enough to get through it. It was interesting enough to stay with it—but barely.
But when all the dominos were set up and the novel transitioned into telling the story promised in the blurb? It moved quickly, confidently, and engagingly. It felt like I’d put down one book and started reading another—a much more enjoyable one. Think of it as a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop that you can’t bite your way into the center of* but you have to lick and lick and lick through the hard candy coating to get to the Tootsie Roll center. But once you get to the center? Chewy sweetness.
* I never said it was a perfect analogy.
If the entire book read like the second half? This would be a rave—instead, it’s a cautious recommendation. It’s a good read, and a rewarding one—you just have to put in the time and effort for it. It’s a great mix of legend, history, and compelling storytelling.
My guess is, by the way, that the pacing issue wouldn’t be a factor if I’d read the entire trilogy in one swoop—assuming it keeps going on the way it was by the end. So, is it a weakness? Sure, but not a fatal one.
Columba and Aedan (and Aedan’s dog) are characters you enjoy spending time with and want to get to know better—there are one or two that show up later in the book that fit that bill, too. Having two more books to explore the characters and their world is just what the doctor ordered. For people interested in Celtic history, an interesting take on early Christianity meeting paganism, or just a good story about people from two different worlds coming together to forge an alliance—The Chronicles of Iona is worth your time.
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My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.
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