The Gray Isles is the second book in the Chronicles of Ealiron, a heroic fantasy series that revolves around an assassin called Lorth of Ostarin.
In a remote northern archipelago called the Gray Isles, old magic is rooted deep, hidden from the sweeping gaze of the Eye, powerful wizards who maintain balance in the world of Ealiron. When the Masters of the Eye discover an island witch working spells of a twisted and malevolent kind, they send an assassin named Eadred, deadly, a bit fey, with a deep reverence for the Old One, a primordial goddess of creation. But the roots of old magic are entwined in the hands of the goddess herself. And when Eadred’s mark curses him, his mind breaks, his reverence turns to dread and he becomes obsessed with the sea.
For Eadred has learned a secret involving an orphaned fisherman’s son named Hemlock. When their paths collide, a prophecy is set into motion that the heavens watch with dread; for the legends tell, it heralds the birth of an immortal and the death of the realm.
Lorth of Ostarin is a formidable wizard with a turbulent past. An elite assassin and servant of the Old One, he is sent by his masters to question Eadred after he is banished for breaking the codes of his order. Lorth arrives in a fog of eerie impressions to find both Eadred and Hemlock missing, a mystery that swiftly deteriorates into a manhunt that plunges Lorth into a tricky world of visions, legends, loss, and the hearsay of island politics.
In his quest to lift the curse responsible for his fall and subsequent exile, Eadred has gathered great knowledge of Hemlock’s origins. Through him, Lorth reaches the sobering conclusion that Hemlock is not what he seems, but something powerful enough to destroy the realm with a thought. Unfortunately, Lorth is not the only one who has discovered Hemlock’s secret. Racing time, he must bare his sword against an army, violate discretion and risk his own stature in order to free Hemlock from an otherworldly fate before the forces of earth and sea are unleashed upon the mortal world.
Novel, 292 pages
Third Edition
Edited by E.G. Stone
Can be read as a standalone story.
Includes a map and a glossary.
Glossary
Map of Ealiron: Sourcesee and East
Map of Ealiron: The Gray Isles
“Wow. Gorgeous. Highly recommended.”
“F.T. McKinstry has a lyrical voice that suits the ancient magic she describes. The majesty of the gods and mystical forces of the novel entranced me…”
“The Gray Isles is a very tight and compelling tale of suspense on rocky shores and the high seas.”
“The strength of this novel lies in its descriptions of Hemlock’s psychological states as he undergoes his psychic changes. It also abounds in excellent descriptions of emotions and sensations.”
“The Gray Isles is an incredible mystery set in an incredible mythical land. Its story captivated and enthralled me from beginning to end.”
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© F.T. McKinstry 2018. All Rights Reserved.
F.T. McKinstry 
Can I ask whether you were influenced by one of the Anglo-Saxon texts “The Seafarer” or “The Wanderer” at all? In this novel or any of the others? And what elements of “Beowulf” influenced you most?
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Hello!
Thank you for reaching out. I have not delved into “The Seafarer” or “The Wanderer,” but your question intrigued me so I went out and got a copy. I do love those old works, like “The Mabinogion,” “The Edda,” and “The Tain.” I’m also a big Tolkien fan, and an avid reader of myths, legends, folktales, fairytales and fantasy in general, all of which have influenced my work over the years in one way or another.
As for “Beowulf,” I like the feel and air of that tale. It’s full of beautiful archetypes…and I’m a sucker for a good monster story.
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