I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman discovers her hidden ancestry and connection to powerful magic that could lead her to her destiny…or lead her to darkness in author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Wise One”, the first book in The Scottish Scrolls series!
The Synopsis
Mckenna’s never thought much of her nightmares, but on her seventeenth birthday, a vivid dream of burning at the stake awakens her dormant abilities, thrusting her into a world where faeries are real, spirits hold a grudge, and a High Priestess obsessed with a 16th-century prophecy is tracking her every move.
Now, her overprotective dads, Seán and Andre, are forced to tell her the truth—they know who her birth mother is, and her life is not the surrogate story she’s always been told. Abigail, Mckenna’s mom, is some sort of mystic, and Mckenna a Wise One.
Whatever the hell that means.
With the help of a persistent little wren and company of a newfound friend, Mckenna journeys to Ireland in search of her mother and real answers. Along the way, she learns to harness her innate magic and trust her intuition, as best she can anyway—Cillian, a kind and passionate delegate who crosses her path, is proving much harder to read.
Only her mother could truly help her halt her ill fate and prepare her for what’s to come . . . before she gives in to the darkness she knows is buried deep within.
Author K.T. Anglehart expertly weaves a story set in Ireland that is both timeless and unique, a perfect cross-market read for those searching for the next endearing urban fantasy classic.
The Review
This was a highly creative, inventive, and engaging new urban fantasy novel. The way the author is able to blend the Celtic mythos with modern-day New Age environmentalism was fascinating to see come to life on the page, as was the balance of teen angst with the emotional hardship that comes with a child learning their origins and the discovery of a parent they never knew existed. The imagery that the author’s writing style brought to life in this book allowed the Ireland setting to really thrive and flourish on the page, bringing the reader to this beautiful country.
The amazing character development with the thrilling magical storytelling really made this story thrive and develop naturally. The use of Celtic mythology that brought everything from fairies and spirits to magic wielders and ancient prophecies to life was an inspired choice and allowed the author to build a strong backstory to elevate the character development of the protagonist, as well as her fathers and the companions she brings along with way.
The Verdict
Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Wise One” is a must-read urban fantasy read and a great start to the “Scottish Scrolls” series! The twists and turns that this story takes, the unique setting (90s era Ireland), as well as the strong character development, allowed the magical and supernatural elements of the story to shine brightly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever-present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.
K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.