Jennifer Fallon is one of my favourite authors but I really struggled with the trilogy. It took me several tries over several years to wade through them, and I really don't know why I kept trying. I didn't like the characters or the plot. I hated the ending. I hated that a secret cabal of midwives were the bad guys - haven't midwives suffered enough from this lie in the real world? Won't be on my "regularly re-read" list. ( )

Very readable fantasy about psychically linked twin brothers separated soon after birth. A bit of political intrigue and interactions with faery who are of the more terrifying variety. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Jennifer Fallon is a wonderful writer. The characters felt 'real' and richly developed without the cliched 'good' vs. 'bad' binary opposites. They all have their agendas and Fallon weaves their cross-purposes quite brilliantly. I look forward to the next installment, with perhaps even more of a visceral feel and alternate world building. I think it's heading that way! Recommended for any who enjoy the genre crosses--science fantasy! ( )

How do you fairly review a book you did not like when the reason is not based on the quality of writing, characterization, worldbuilding or plot? No, the reason why I did not like the book is simple. I do not like mixing our world with alternate worlds. I read to escape this world, I do not like visiting it in my fantasy reads.

So was there anything I did like? Well, actually, yes. I loved everything that had to do with the alternate reality. The worldbuilding was exceptional. I loved the politics, I loved the magic system and I loved the various characters I met there. I feel very comfortable saying that if this entire story had taken place in the alternate, technology free world, I would have been ecstatic. Fae of all kinds, leprechauns, druids, werewolves, shapeshifters, magic and mayhem, backstabbing politics and even a Djinni! This was a rich, vibrant, world with great characters to love and hate. The alternate world gave my fantasy loving heart all I could wish for and in spades.

So what didn't I like? The portions of the book that took place in our world. But, I want to clarify that. My dislike had nothing to do with how the "real" world scenes were written. If you like that sort of thing I'd say they were written extremely well. A bit too well for my tastes. Everything I dislike about how our world functions is portrayed in loving detail. There are prime examples of lack of accountability, over dependence on technology, not to mention the inclusion of rabid hordes of media hounds that make even werewolves look tame. And the worse part? In most fantasy stories you can kill the werewolves without going to jail. You can't even slap the media.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely! But only to readers who enjoy books which cross the boundaries between our world and alternate magical worlds. I know there are alot of you out there and I am confident that you will love everything about this tale. For folks like me who do not like crossovers, I highly recommend Jennifer Fallon's previous series as they rank high on my favorites list. So much so that I have worn out copies and had to buy new ones. As for me, I am hoping that someday she returns to this interesting celtic based world, only without the crossover into ours.

Read Full Review @ Old Bat's Belfry ( )

Jennifer Fallon's newest series follows psychically connected twins Darragh and Rónán who were separated as children and live in different realities: Darragh in an alternate reality where the Boadicea signed a magical treaty with the Sidhe and defeated the Romans, and Rónán (Ren) in our world where the Romans won. Fallon is able to examine a host of interesting issues by placing her two protagonists in such different worlds and weaves many complex story lines into a seamless whole.

In Darragh's world the Druids are able to wield the magic of the Sidhe through generations of psychic twins, but dissenting forces separated the twins at the age of three, in hopes of breaking or endangering the treaty. Brought up amongst the Druids and thrust into a leadership role at an early age, Darragh generally exhibits more maturity and presence of mind than his twin, who is a typical angst ridden teenager in our world. Neither has led a particularly easy life, and although they share mannerisms and view-points, the twins have vastly different personalities and I like them both for different reasons.

The characters in the book are nuanced and enjoyable to read – there are no absolute binarities in the story and every character is motivated by what they think is the right cause. Even Marcroy, who initially separated the twins, believes he saved the world by doing so. I liked Trása, who was sent by Marcroy to prevent Rónán from finding his way back to the world be was born in, even though she is more than a little naive and exasperated me a lot, because she has noble intentions and wants to help those around her. In contrast, Hayley, Rónán’s best friend, is really annoying, seeing all females as threats and acting irrationally jealous anytime there’s a girl around him.

The alternate reality offered by Fallon is mystical and well-imagined, portrayed through lush descriptions and attention to detail. It did remind me a little of Traci Harding’s world in The Ancient Future, but only because both books explore the branching off of English history around the time of Roman invasion. I love the inclusion of the Sidhe, and the treachery, magic and intrigue that accompanies them, especially the adorable but slightly creepy Leipreachán, Plunkett. The magic is neither overt nor distracting in the book and arises naturally as a vital component of the world. Fallon has integrated this magic seamlessly into her story, as is her trademark, and I will always admire the skill with which she achieves this.

Jennifer Fallon has given us another spell-binding story, and as usual I am left in awe of her writing. I highly recommend The Undivided to all fans of Fantasy, especially Australian Fantasy, and also to those looking for a story with a difference. As for me, I am greatly looking forward to reading the sequel, The Dark Divide, which was released earlier this year.

You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic. ( )