Book Review - Amid the Oncoming Storm (The Irish Fortune Series Book 3) by Juliane Weber

 

Amid the Oncoming Storm 

(The Irish Fortune Series Book 3)

By Juliane Weber

Publication Date: 25th October 2024
Publisher: 
Page Length: 431 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

As the nation starves and resentment grows, can the people on their land be trusted?

It’s the spring of 1847 and there’s much for Quin and Alannah to look forward to. And yet, the previous years’ hardships have left their mark. The famine that’s had Ireland in its grasp for the past two seasons continues to rage unabated, with hunger and disease sweeping across the land. As thousands lie dying, dissension spreads among the Irish people, the British government’s carelessness and their landlords’ ruthlessness breeding hatred in the poor and the oppressed.

With suffering all around them Quin and Alannah hold onto what happiness they’re able to. But can they trust the people living on their estate?

Set amongst the anguish of Ireland’s most devastating time in history, Amid the Oncoming Storm is a story of hope and resilience in a land struggling to rise from the depths of despair.

The devastating potato crop failure in 1845 continues to have severe consequences for Ireland, with hunger and desperation gripping the nation. With death tolls rising and despair prevailing, discord takes hold among the Irish population, as negligence from the British government and the cruelty of landlords fuel animosity among the impoverished and marginalized.

For Quin and Alannah Williams the welfare of their tenants is their top priority, but with mounting unrest growing, how much longer can they trust their tenants will not turn on them?

Amid the Oncoming Storm (The Irish Fortune Series Book 3) by Juliane Weber is so successful that the pages practically turn themselves. It is a heartbreakingly emotional read, but it is also one where the underlying message is of justice and hope.

Told in the third and first person, the story follows Quin and Alannah Williams. The use of different narrative devices allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the character’s thoughts and feelings. 

Quin, an English gentleman, is an extremely sincere and ethical man who approaches his role as a wealthy landowner with great dedication. He is a kind man, a good husband, and a loyal friend. Alannah, an Irish woman, possesses a strong sense of self while exuding a natural charm that endears her to others. Both characters are highly likeable, and a joy to read about. However, there are also multiple antagonists who pose a threat to the harmonious lifestyle Quin and Alannah have established. With elements of darkness and light, this novel is an enthralling and highly entertaining read. Although there are some very emotional scenes which means having tissues close to hand is a must.

The narrative is haunted by the constant mention of hunger, disease, death and evictions. The author reminds the reader that the suffering of so many was not only because of the failure of the potato crop due to blight, but it was also a direct consequence of the British government's laissez-faire approach and the wealthy English landlord's total lack of empathy – profit before people has never been so apt as in Ireland during this era. Food and the lack of it assumes a symbolic indicator of the changes that are about to occur in the very fabric of Ireland and her people. Food not only sustains life but it also comes with a sense of pride. If a man can feed his family then he is a successful member of society, when he can’t he is seen as useless or lazy – this theme is touched upon on several occasions by the wealthy English characters in this novel. The rising tension caused by a starving nation foreshadows a violent future event and begs the question, how long before civil unrest is unleashed upon the once peaceful streets? The tone of this novel is therefore at times very dark. 

The response of characters such as Quin and Alannah when there are beggars at the door is very telling of their characters. They see the suffering, they fear for the nation, and they will do what they can to help. Although they must prioritise their tenants, they will not slam their door to a beggar's plea for food. Their understanding of the situation is a sharp contrast when compared to the Cartwrights. Colleen Cartwright’s belief that the impoverished should cease their complaints is a classic demonstration of how the wealthy belittled the true extent of suffering endured by the majority of Irish citizens. Weber clearly illustrates the utter contempt that the English landowners viewed their Irish tenants. The immoral actions of many of the English landlords do however mean that all English landlords are tarred with the same brush. Although Quin and Alannah do everything they can to make sure their tenants are housed and fed this does not make Quin any less an English devil in the eyes of some of his tenants – he is an easy target to blame for all the wrongs in their lives, even when Quin swims against the tide and offers help to those who need it.

Through characters such as Emmeit, Weber explores Ireland's folklore traditions. The portrayal of the Gaelic May Day celebration, Bealtaine, was truly magnificent. In the midst of the ongoing famine, the children’s excitement becomes infectious and the festival’s rituals take on a renewed significance. By harnessing the power of flames, smoke, and ashes, both people and livestock would be safeguarded, guaranteeing a prosperous harvest. The May Bush would ward off the little people and stop them from meddling with the harvest. Grandfather O’Reilly’s study of the sky in the hope of seeing good fortune for the harvest reminds the reader of the importance of the harvest, it really was a matter of life and death.

The author’s dedication to historical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail shines through in the captivating narrative and polished prose of this novel, establishing its worthiness of praise. Through her enthralling storytelling, Weber has presented her readers with an immensely readable novel, with its non-stop action, intrigue, tested loyalties and love.

Even though this is the third book in The Irish Fortune Series, it holds its ground as a standalone story. There is the right amount of backstory for those new to the series, without it needlessly repeating things to the readers who have been with this story from the very beginning.

The key to this novel’s success lies in the seamless integration of thrilling action, a thoroughly researched historical setting, vivid character portrayal, and an enthralling plot. The Oncoming Storm by Juliane Weber is a novel that stands tall on a crowded bookcase. Without a doubt, this novel is a resounding success and comes highly recommended.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

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Juliane Weber

Juliane is actually a scientist. She holds degrees in physiology and zoology, including a PhD in physiology. During her studies she realised, however, that her passion lay not in conducting scientific research herself, but in writing about it. Thus began her career as a medical writer, where she took on all manner of writing and editing tasks, in the process honing her writing skills, until she finally plucked up the courage to write her first historical novel, Under the Emerald Sky. The book is the first in The Irish Fortune Series, which is set in 19th century Ireland around the time of the Great Famine.

Juliane lives with her husband and two sons in Hamelin, Germany, the town made famous by the story of the Pied Piper.

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