Today’s the day: the worldwide release of The Spear Alight! I’m excited yet a little sad too, just as I was with the last of The Novels of Ravenwood. As for this series, I planned the entire thing in great detail before starting Book One, so even though my characters sometimes surprised me, the ending (Book Four) was exactly as I envisioned. I hope it gives you joy.

The story in a nutshell:

Ashling Donoghue has almost lost hope of finding her missing parents. As her faith wanes, her love for two men waxes, rending her heart and causing friction in the Breasal household. The time has come to make a choice, to create a future untarnished by doubt. But how can she embrace the light when lured by the soft seduction of shadow? 

At last, her brother Conall channels the Spear of Illumination. He’s a natural shapeshifter, and he sees through illusions in both the material world and the Otherworld…not a moment too soon. An ancient evil has surfaced, and it threatens all worlds.

Only the Donoghues can save Ireland. They must face their greatest fears and act as one to fulfill their destinies as guardians of Erin.

A peek inside:

            Freeing my hand, Kian grinned. “Welcome to the fourteenth century.”

            I lifted my gaze to the top half of the stone keep. A shuttered window caught my attention. Aengus is there.

            Hugh had given us a good idea of where to go, but how I determined his son’s precise location, I can’t say. Maybe I knew because I needed to know. Or maybe our souls were bonded in a way that defied all logic.

            I pointed to the window. “Up there, right in the middle. Let’s jump up and go through the wall.”

            We leapt into the air and paused at the third-floor level. Like ghosts, we floated through stone and entered the medieval bedroom. Then we lowered ourselves until our feet touched the plank floor. Tapestries, oak furniture, and a crackling fire on the hearth made the chamber feel homey and inviting.

            “Awesome,” Kian breathed.

            Aengus’s sleeping form drew my gaze. He lay on his back, with his bare and beautifully sculpted arms and chest visible above the fur coverlet. His golden hair was longer, touching his shoulders. I couldn’t look away.

            Fortunately, my brother could. “I think the manuscript is over there.” He went to investigate.

            I crept toward the bed. Aengus. I’m so sorry. I love you. Compelled beyond rhyme or reason, I leaned over and pressed my lips to his.

            I’d intended a quick kiss, but my mouth lingered, savoring an experience it might never have again. His lips were softened by sleep; his breath was warm with a trace of spices. Mulled wine? Maybe.

            “Ash, I got it. We have to go.” Kian waited close by.

            Regretfully, I ended the kiss and straightened. I’ll always love you.

            Aengus stirred beneath the covers. “Caer,” he murmured. His eyes opened.

            Crap! Any second, he might shift into the Otherworld and see me. I seized my brother’s hand as Aengus sat up in bed. “Hurry, Kian!”

            The next instant, the room was quiet. The Otherworld twilight remained, as did the medieval furnishings, but the fire and the man were absent.

            A sense of loss swept through me. “Funny how empty a room can seem.”

            “I’m sorry, Ash.” Kian squeezed my hand, then released it. “It’ll be okay.”

            I turned to him. “Will it?”

Buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Remember, the first three Guardians of Erin books are on sale at all Amazon stores, so there’s never been a better time to dive into the series. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! 🙂