Ashling Donoghue never dreamed moving to Ireland would rock her perception of reality and plunge her into a mystery that brings legend to life.At seventeen, she’s never had a boyfriend, but she feels an immediate connection to Aengus Breasal, the son of the wealthy Irishman who’s invited her family to stay at his Killarney estate. For the first time in her life, a guy she likes seems attracted to … attracted to her.
But Aengus is secretive, with good reason. He and his family are the Tuatha Dé Danann, ageless, mythical guardians adept at shifting between this reality and the magical dimension known as the Otherworld. Evil forces from that world threaten the Breasals, the Donoghues, and all of Ireland. Ashling must open her heart, face her fears, and embrace a destiny greater than she could ever have imagined.
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This was a fun read. (I actually listened to it on audio and I loved the reader) But this was a creative use of Irish mythology and lore! The characters were realistic and dialogue was believable.
I loved this book. I don’t synopsize the book, the book blurb does that for you. Check it out.
What I liked about the book: Set in Ireland its characters are well rounded and believable. The story moves at a fast past. The descriptions make you feel like you were right there with the characters through their adventures. I love it when a book makes me feel a part of the story. You’ll find mystery, romance, fantasy and twists you don’t see coming inside the tale.
If you like paranormal romance/ fantasy with a little mystery and mythology mixed in, this book is for you.
The next book in the series The Stone Awakened is patiently waiting on my ipad to be read. I highly recommend A Cauldron Stirred.
As a lover of Ireland and Irish mythology, I was swept away to this country along with the Donoghue family. Though the story centers on Ashling Donoghue and Aengus Breasal, I enjoyed all the other characters. They added depth, especially when mysterious secrets are revealed. Even though this is a young adult novel, Ms. Sterling weaves a beautiful tale with her writing, and I was captured! I’m looking forward to the next book in this phenomenal series!
As a mother always on the lookout for appropriate books for my 14-year old daughter, this one is great. Although the main character, Ashling, is 17, there isn’t anything I would be concerned with in the book. The author does a good job of blending present day with Irish myth and the descriptions of otherworld, middleworld and netherworld were just plain cool. Also the setting descriptions were one of the strongest parts of the writing and made me want to travel to Ireland. If I had to say anything slightly critical, it was only that Ashling’s family was a little too perfect which may not be relatable for all teens. I only wish my kids got along so well and loved their parents so dearly at all times. I would definitely pick up book 2 when it is released.
I read this book on vacation last summer, and it was a great read! It has mystery, romance, and fantasy elements. The Irish setting allows for interesting and fun Irish myth and legend components. This is a YA book, but I’m an adult and enjoyed it thoroughly. The descriptive writing pulled me into the story, and the fantasy world Sterling created. I can’t wait for book 2 in the series! I am also going to look into her romance novels for adults, as I really enjoyed her writing style. It pulled me into the book, and it’s a good thing I was on vacation, because I read it in a day and a half!
Ashling Donoghue is about to discover many new things in her life. Her family is invited to Killarney estate in Ireland. Ashling, a 17-year-old who has never had a boyfriend, meets Aengus Breasal, the son of the wealthy Irishman who’s invited them there. She feels an immediate attraction, and believes he may feel the same for her!
Aengus has secrets, though. His family has a daunting responsibility as the Tuatha Dé Danann, which are ageless, mythical guardians able to move between this reality and the magical dimension known as the “Otherworld”. When they encounter evil forces from that world, all of them – and the entirety of Ireland itself – are in danger. And it is Ashling who must open her heart, face her fears, and embrace her own destiny.
This was a wonderful story that felt like it took me on my own private tour of the beautiful countryside. The characters were very likable and as the tension escalated, it expertly held the reader captive to the story line. YA or not, I intend to follow the next book as well to see where this adventure leads!
This was a magical and imaginary Irish tale. It involves an American family who is invited to Ireland on a paranormal research assignment. Little do they know how much of the past has to do with them. Mythical creatures and the Other World are enchanting. I received a complimentary audio and this review is voluntary.
The story was quite good! I had very interesting and fresh explanations for the super natural. The narrator did a good job with the voices and going back and forth on the accents.
This book slowly eases into the fantastical and magical elements. I love how Irish lore is woven throughout, and the stage has been set for something big to come.
I enjoyed this tale by Judith Sterling. Her writing style and unique plot kept me interested from the very beginning.
Jenny Beesley did a fine job with the narration. She definitely brought out the personalities of the different characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Everything in Ireland screamed “home”. Even the guy whose soul recognized Ashling’s the moment he laid eyes on her. When dark forces are at work, will Ashling be able to awaken her inner power in time? Will she be able to reach the heart of the person whose destiny is closely intertwined with hers?
I could not put this book down. I loved the characters, the setting, the lore. The author weaves magic as she writes details and descriptions into the book. From page one, I was captivated and drawn into the story, and I quickly found myself rooting for the hero and heroine to get together. There was amazing sexual tension between Aengus and Ashling, written so well in a slow-burn romance.
I definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the next in the series!
I received a copy of this book for free through a giveaway.
“The Cauldron Stirred” is one of those books that just feels good to read. Is it because of the writing? Partly. Is it the story? Somewhat. Is it down to the characters? Yes, they can take some of the credit!
Judith Sterling’s writing has a warmth to it that I really appreciated.
The story is fairly simple in that it’s easy to keep track of everything going on.
The characters are… well, for the most part they felt a bit like family by the end of the book!
I think this book would be perfect for reluctant readers of the age-range the book is aimed at – and anyone else who wants a quick, fun, enjoyable read.
So I wasn’t sure what I was expecting with this but I wasn’t expecting this. This is an amazing world building story with lots of little twists. Jenny Beesley is probably the best narrator I’ve come across to date! If there is a thud, instead of reading something dropped there is an audible thud. Same thing with screams or knocks. Absolutely amazing. Judith Sterling wrote a beautiful story full of irish lore and myth. She weaves everything together beautifully and really brings the landscape and dimensions to life for the reader.
Ashling Donoghue has moved to Ireland with her family. Shes never felt so at home in such a deep sense as she does here. Things start to happen and Aengus is there at almost every new turn. Legends and myths take real shape and the adventure never stops! She is learning to really open up herself but keep her activities secret from her family. Learning of lives past and what the future holds is a lot for a 17 year old girl, for anyone. Take a listen to this stunning world to see just how Ashling takes on her new role.
Audiobook: Narrator –
This narrator was perfect for the story. Not sure how old she is, but she fit perfectly for the 17 year old heroine. Her accents were wonderful. I’m no expert so I don’t know if they were correct, just that I enjoyed them! And there were even some sound effects that surprised and delighted me.
Wow! This was an amazing story!!! I knew going in it was Young Adult and I’m not really a fan, but holy heck…everything else about this story was incredible! It’s obvious this author has a wealth of knowledge of all things Ireland, ancient folklore and mythology. This is rich with layers as the story slowly unfolds to reveal so many twists and turns, I had to keep listening long past the point where I usually turn it off.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but if you enjoy books with some paranormal activity and lots of action, this is definitely for you!!!
*This does end on a bit of a cliffhanger with some things left unresolved.
Words cannot express how much I enjoyed reading this book, I’m upset with myself that I didn’t read it sooner!! Judith Sterling has a way of writing that just sucks you right into the story and makes you want to go and experience the places she mentions. While reading, I was also looking online for information about such places like the Oweynagat Cave, the Ross castle, Inisfallen, etc., all absolutely fascinating!
So much mystery surrounds Ashling and her family when they arrive in Ireland and little by little we learn that unbeknownst to them, they are part of a world that has been around for centuries. When
Aengus finally tells Ashling the truth and she experiences for herself what she’s capable of and learns that creatures of myth are actually real….well, darn it, I wanted to be there too!! lol
Wonderfully written, action packed and amazing characters!! I’m now going to start reading book 2 in the series:)
In The Cauldron Stirred (Guardians of Erin Book 1) Judith Sterling writes a beautiful and exciting story of Ireland, transporting the reader to times long ago while shifting easily back to present day. Before the December holidays I won this story in a raffle and put it at the end of my reading list. Big mistake. I regret not reading it sooner. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. I love the characters, the dialogue flow, and the explanations of the spiritual world connecting through planes to the here and now. Ashling, Aengus, and their two families are likeable and charming. Sterling perfectly sets up a plot for the second book and I can’t wait to read it. In a day where it’s hard to find a book suitable for a teen, I found one. I’d recommend it to any high school teenager. Well done, Judith!
Lovely read … Where mythology and legends come alive . Very captivating and I loved how this author added hy Brasil into this novel . I’m hoping a book 2 is coming soon i also mourned for the parents and wanna know where they went.. Must read if you love Irish myth n legends
A good beginning. I wish that I had book 2. I got this book through StoryOrigin and this is my voluntary and honest review.