First published 2014
A magnificent grey stallion appears in the Irish town of Carraroe during a dark period of English rule. The occupying forces work systematically to crush Irish culture and traditions, leaving the townspeople struggling under harsh overlords. But this horse brings something unexpected to their lives. The stallion possesses an otherworldly quality that hints at magic and hope for better days ahead. The horse is actually Ruairi MacEibhir in transformed shape, a being who has traveled to this dangerous time with a deeply personal mission. He seeks to win the love of a woman, but his quest unfolds against the backdrop of cultural destruction and political oppression. As magical events begin to stir in Carraroe, the grey horse becomes a symbol of resistance and renewal. The story weaves together Irish folklore with the very real struggles of a people fighting to preserve their identity. Ruairi must navigate both his supernatural nature and the human world of conflict and desire.
Genres: irish-literature, historical-fiction, fantasy, magical-realism
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, lyrical
Tropes: magical-realism, supernatural-elements
Setting: Carraroe, Ireland
Period: 19th-century
212 pages · Kindle Edition · Open Road Media Sci-Fi Fantasy
Content warnings: colonialism