Before reading this book, I was woefully unaware of the intricacies of Irish mythology and folktales. Built upon the tale of "The Snow, the Crow, and the Blood", the author weaves a story of a mother who struggles to to reconcile her actions with her humanity.

I enjoyed the weaving of past events with present going-ons and the tale of "The Snow, the Crow, and the Blood" intersecting between them in brief passages. We are brought back to past event chapters in order to understand what is currently happening in the present, such as motivations for the main character Riona to explanations of why certain things are the way they are.

As the reader, I was compelled to turn to the next chapter to continue drinking in Riona's quest, seeing where her thoughts and feelings take her. How far will she go? How much of her humanity and morality is she willing to compromise to ensure the safety of her child? It leaves me asking what I would do in her situation.

And amid all of the fantastical lands and creatures is the romance of Riona and Conor, the father of her child. Their relationship is real with the ups-and-downs of realistic struggles accompanying their circumstances.

The culmination of everything at the end and the revelations revealed wrap the story up nicely.

What I Enjoyed:
- the Irish mythology and folktales
- provided pronunciations of names and places at the back of the book (thank you!)
- seeing the unraveling of the depth of Riona's and Conor's characters
- steady plot pace

A lovingly-written ode to Irish Celtic mythology, Unseen is the story of one woman's journey through the realms of death to save her loved ones.

I will note that this is the second book in the series, something I was unaware of when I started. It does well as a standalone, but I get the sense that there are some characters' backstories that would've been explained in the previous book,

Riona is a refreshingly flawed protagonist, at times cruel yet full of heart. She makes a particularly gnarly introduction at the start of the book, but the story takes the time to flesh out her humanity and guide us along on her journey. The book is interwoven with Celtic mythology that fills the pages with magic, so I'm definitely intrigued to try Healy's other books to read more about some of the mythical figures she describes.

The romance plays a key part in this book, and while I enjoyed the sweetness it was missing the spark I was looking for. That's probably a matter of personal taste vs objective fact, and I did like the complicated emotions that came along as the story progressed.

A fun, magical read if you're looking for a hit of Celtic mythology and a hardened heroine!

👑❄️ Book Review 🖤🪦
A hauntingly beautiful dark fairy-tale retelling that cuts straight to the soul—The Snow, The Crow, and the Blood delivers an unforgettable tale of sacrifice, shadows, and unholy bargains. 🌌🕊️🩸

Riona Ó Conchúir has lived under the weight of death’s shadow her entire life ☠️🌑. When her beloved daughter falls gravely ill, she finally gives in to the tormentor who’s long stalked her soul—the dread lord of death—and journeys into the mystical realm of the sídhe 🍃⚔️.

Faced with an impossible task—to find three lost relics of the gone gods in exchange for her daughter’s life—Riona is torn between love and destiny. 💔👩‍👧✨ The stakes are devastatingly high: save her child, or save all of Éire.

This book is:
🖤 Gothic and lyrical
🔥 Brimming with dark magic and ancient lore
👁️‍🗨️ Perfect for fans of morally complex heroines
💀 And full of longing, sacrifice, and the aching cost of love

Every page thrums with myth, emotion, and impossible choices. Riona’s journey is one of fire, frost, and ferocity. 🕯️🗡️🍂

🌟 Thank you to the author for crafting this stunning, myth-soaked tale—equal parts grim and gorgeous. For those who love fairy tales with teeth, this one sinks in deep. 🖤📖🕸️

In Éire, 1082, myth and fate collide.
The Snow, The Crow, & The Blood is a haunting retelling of a Donegal folktale, and Healy breathes powerful new life into it. At its heart is an epic and tragic love story between Riona and Conor, one tested from the very beginning by grief, sacrifice, and the grip of destiny.
Riona, having lost her entire family, is forced into a perilous deal when she confronts Donn, the shadowy lord of death who governs Magh—the land where mortal souls linger before passing on. He threatens her daughter’s life and demands her servitude. But Riona is no ordinary woman. She carries the blood of gods, and as her powers awaken, she must make devastating choices that blur the lines between love, survival, and vengeance.
This novel is a beautifully crafted tale steeped in Irish mythology. The characters—especially the terrifying yet mesmerizing Morrigan, goddess of war and death, feel vividly real, pulling readers deep into their world. The atmosphere is rich and eerie, the stakes deeply emotional, and the storytelling utterly captivating.
A must-read for fans of dark fantasy, mythology, and star-crossed lovers.
This story will stay with you long after the final page.

This was such a wonderfully dark retelling. Prior to this book I had not heard the Irish fable “The Snow, The Crow, and the Blood.
This book instantly drew me in. Avoiding any spoilers here so I will keep things somewhat vague.. The descriptors and the fact that it doesn’t drag out make for the perfect recipe to keep you interested. The characters are well written and I really felt like I could picture them. Typically I feel like retellings can just fall flat at times. However, the author knocked this one out of the park.

I was provided an e-ARC of this book by NetGalley. Please know that these thoughts are my own, honest opinions.

rich with Irish myth and emotional depth. It delivers a powerful story with a lovable main character

If a book makes me cry, then I give it five stars so really I should give this book thirty stars because I was sobbing like a baby by the end. My favorite thing about reading fantasy books is the journey and this book delivered. It was atmospheric and emotional and mysterious descriptive and you could really feel what the charcters felt the entire way through. It never felt predictable at all which I really liked and the bittersweet ending was such a perfect one for both Riona and Conor. Loved loved loved this book.

The description and cover of this book was what interested me but I was hooked by the writing only a few pages in. I loved Riona who i thought was a welcome change from a lot of the popular romantasy heroines these days. She's smart and strong but also flawed enough to really grow as a character over the book. Conor was a perfect love interest for her and their bond and love for their daughter was so sweet. The twist towards the end actually made me gasp out loud and I really liked the fact that we had a villain who was truly a villain too. The ending definitely made me cry. I loved reading this book and will definitely add this author to my auto buy list.

I dnf it at 35%

I was really intrigued by the summary of Unseen, which is why I requested an ARC — the premise had a lot of promise, especially with the idea of a land between life and death and a mysterious lord ruling it. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite land for me.

Let’s start with the characters. I never really connected with any of them. Riona, the protagonist, felt very flat — her personality came across as grumpy and selfish, and not in a compelling or layered way. I struggled to find anything redeemable about her or even a reason to root for her. Donn, the so-called lord of death, should have been intimidating or at least intriguing, but he lacked depth. His presence never felt weighty or meaningful, which is a real letdown given his role.

The only chapters that managed to hold my attention were the glimpses into Riona’s childhood, particularly the haunting sequence of loss as everyone around her died one by one. That part was raw and atmospheric and gave me hope that the book might build on that emotion — but it never really did.

Another big frustration for me was the use of Irish words without providing any kind of context or meaning. While I appreciate the attempt to incorporate cultural elements, it pulled me out of the story every time. If you're going to use another language in a fantasy setting, there has to be a way for the reader to stay grounded, and that was missing here.

Overall, Unseen had a great concept but didn’t deliver in terms of writing, character development, or emotional impact. It just felt like a missed opportunity. I appreciate the chance to read the ARC, but this one didn’t work for me.

૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ You can see my review on Goodreads in English/Polish/Greek

In Éire 1082, this story is based on The Snow, The Crow, & The Blood, a folktale from Donegal, Ireland. It’s a dire tale that Healy weaves into a captivating retelling. An epic love story is the core of this story between Riona and Conor Riona and Conor’s love story is beautiful, tragic, and filled with insurmountable challenges from the beginning. Riona has lost her entire family and goes to meet the shadowy figure who has been stalking her, Donn. Donn is the lord of death who governs Magh, the land where moral souls pause before crossing over. He compels her to be his servant threatening her daughter’s life. In Riona’s veins flows the blood of gods and powers she learns to harness. Unfortunately, her choices come at a great cost and she must find a way to defeat the lord of death.

I recommend this lovely written novel for science fiction and fantasy readers. This novel is beautifully written with the Irish mythology depicted in characters who feel so real, you are immediately invested in their stories. Morrigan, the goddess of war and death, will leave you terrified and mesmerized.

Thank you Pen & Paper, LLC and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Unseen is a mesmerizing continuation of the Queens of Éire series. Christy Healy masterfully retells the Irish fable "The Snow, the Crow, and the Blood," weaving a dark fairy tale that is both haunting and beautiful. The protagonist's desperate alliance with the dread lord of death to protect her loved one is both heart-wrenching and compelling.

Healy's prose is lyrical, and the world-building is rich with Celtic mythology. The emotional depth and moral complexities faced by the characters make this a standout in the fantasy genre.

Highlights:

Mythical Retelling: A fresh take on an Irish classic.

Emotional Depth: Characters are richly developed with profound arcs.

Atmospheric Setting: Immersive world-building rooted in Celtic lore.

Conclusion:

A must-read for fans of dark fairy tales and mythological retellings. Unseen is a testament to Healy's storytelling prowess.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Really enjoyed this one. I liked that it's a retelling of an Irish myth and the writing is well done. About 100 pages too long for me, but still good.

I am someone who thoroughly "enjoys" a book that will make me fall in love with its characters, the world, and the plot... I am also someone who "enjoys" a book that will take those things and use them to break my heart.

This book made me sob, and I relished every second of it. It was atmospheric; it was descriptive, and it made you FEEL the loss Riona Ó Conchúir has experienced. I felt like I truly understood her. This book managed to take you along for the ride, not just tell you what the ride is and was.

This was a beautiful story. While it is technically a retelling and is based on mythology, this book is in its own league and deserves to be recognized as such.

Wow. I am unwell. I have never cried more reading a book than I have with this one. This story tore my heart out in the best way possible.

In unseen, Riona, the FMC, is followed by death her whole life. Death finally gets her attention when an incurable illness falls on her daughter. In order to save her daughter from taking the same path of everyone else she has cared about, Riona travels to the realm of the Sidhe to offer her servitude in exchange for her daughter’s life.

This story is a fantasy with a side of romance. All spicy scenes are either closed door or off the page. The narrative is told through duel timelines which I absolutely LOVED. I enjoyed that this was an Irish fairy-tale retelling of a story that I have never heard before. And if you are worried about the Irish names, DON’T WORRY. There is a pronunciation guide included!

Unseen has the same vibes as One Dark Window and For the Throne. If you liked either of these, I’d highly recommend that you give this book a chance!

You will enjoy Unseen if you like:
🐦‍⬛ Fairy-tale retellings
☘️ Irish mythology
💀 Mysterious death lords
⏳ Dual timelines
💕 Childhood friends to enemies

This was stunning....
The writing style is what I loved most about this book! i was so immersed into this book I read it all in one sitting.
The mother fighting for her child was really inspiring and honestly you don't see that very often in fantasy books so this was a new one for me! The romance was sweet and adorable between Riona and Conor and I really like their dynamic together. They are just so supportive to each other in the best ways and they just know how to be their for each other. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

A very descriptive and very unique story. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to more of healy. Thank you

I was a fan of Healy's first book Unbound and had high expectations for this one, and it did not disappoint. Loved seeing a mother at the center of the story and fighting for her child at all costs. The romance between Riona and Conor was sweet and genuine, and how they balanced their love for each other with their devotion to their daughter, even when they disagreed. No spoilers, but the villain was fantastic and the mystery and suspense was really well done. Just like with Unbound the Irish mythology and folklore were beautiful and so engaging. I've never read the fairy tale of The Snow The Crow and the Blood but I definitely will now.Overall it was a really lovely and emotional read and a solid sophomore novel. Can't wait to read what's next. Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an atmospheric, emotionally grounded fantasy retelling with deep roots in Irish mythology, and I was instantly hooked. Unseen is steeped in sorrow, sacrifice, and the fierce, enduring strength of love, particularly the kind that can move between worlds.

Riona Ó Conchúir has known nothing but death at her heels; her life marked by loss, her loved ones claimed one by one by the shadowy lord of death who has long pursued her. But when her daughter falls ill with a blood-sickness no one can cure, Riona finally makes the unthinkable decision: to serve the god of death in exchange for her child’s life. From there, we are swept into the hidden realm of the sídhe, lost relics of godly power, and the ever-thickening tangle of fate, myth, and duty.

What makes this story so powerful is the way the narrative jumps between moments in Riona’s life. You’re not just told what she’s lost, you feel it. The time-jumping structure fleshes out her backstory with emotional weight, letting us see how her past shaped her into the woman desperate enough to face gods and monsters for her daughter. There’s also a romantic thread woven between Riona and Conor, who’s been searching for a cure while raising their daughter alone. When she returns after nearly a decade, magic-drenched and worn by everything she’s endured, their shared history brings both pain and hope to the surface.

The writing is lyrical and immersive without being dense. I was turning pages quickly, always eager to see what new twist or mythological reveal would come next. It’s a quiet kind of epic, the fate of an entire realm balanced on deeply personal stakes.

Fans of folkloric fantasy and tragic-hopeful love stories will find something to love here.

A haunting tale about love, death, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for both. Thank you to the Author and Net Galley for the ARC, I am leaving this review with my honest opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Firstly, I'd like to thank Christy Healy, the publisher and netgalley for letting me read and review an advanced digital copy of this book.

Unseen is a well written fantasy Retelling of the snow, the crow and the blood which refers to Irish mythology, the chapters skips between time in the FMC's life to build up the background information of Riona (FMC) and why she has to make certain choices in the book, she's had a hard life with lots of loss and she doesn't want to lose the one she loves the most.

The story, writing and plot was engaging and the mystery behind what was going to happen had me easily flipping through the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed reading this book and would happily read more of this author's work, thankyou for a wondeful read!!