Eyes of the Seer

This novel was an enjoyable read. I recommend reading the first book in the series, Curse of the Healer, since the stories do overlap each other. I have read a few of Ms. York's novels and I continue to enjoy them. She brings romance and history together, as well as prejudices of people for things they do not understand. Things are not always what they seem and the past has a way of impacting the present.
Astrid has always sought the approval of her mother, but is continuously disappointed. When her mother concocts a plan to have Astrid marry into Clan Meic Murchadha, Astrid goes along with her mother's plan. Though, her mother has a hidden agenda. I was frustrated with Astrid doing things to please her mother, but she did grow as a character and let her passions be released. She becomes a character that will do anything to protect the people she loves, even if it means sacrificing herself.
Marcán of Clonascra has been in love with Astrid for years but she is oblivious. Marcán watches out for Astrid, knowing the man she intends to be her betrothed has a dark side. He has two different color eyes and people believe it is a mark of a Seer, but Marcán is a warrior and highly observant.
When Astrid has an event that changes her perspective on her future goals, she realizes how much Marcán cares for her, for she feels foolish that she did not realize her own feelings toward him. However, her mother keeps interfering and with her brother's own troubles, it forces them to keep there relationship a secret.
As things begin to settle, another card is played which impacts their relationship and the fate of the clans. Will Astrid and Marcán be able to finally reveal their love to each for all to see or will her mother have the final word?

Astrid wants to get married and she feels Padraig would do nicely, even though he is from a different clan. Marcan is second in command of their clan and loves Astride, he is a great warrior and for the time, well educated but he has different colored eyes.
There is a lot going on in this book and it is hard to pick and choose and not give any spoilers. The characters are very life like, fun and intelligent. They are kind and loving and boy, do some of them get their licks in, physical and verbal. The plot has many elements, that need to be swirled into a concise, smooth and even paced tale, which the author does nicely. She has written and amazing and rich book of the 1100's, Gael.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Astrid is sick of her mother’s belittling goes along with her mother's plan marry to have her marry into Clan Meic Murchadha. The man she has chosen to marry turns out to be less honorable they she believed, but she keeps this to herself to insure there is no trouble in the clan. Marcan of Clonascra prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect. Astrid has known Marcan a long time he’s her brother Diarmuid’s best friend and they are both very protective of her. Marcan has been in love with her for a while, but it takes Astrid to come to realize the man right in front of her is the one she wants, but her mother has other plans her heart set on her daughter getting into Padraig's clan. True happiness awaits them, but only if they can put a stop to her mother’s plans. Another great story by Ashley York!!!
I voluntarily read an ARC copy and this is my honest opinions and review for Net Galley.

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC from NetGalley.

For fans of Irish history, this novel is a fantastic transportation back to the days of the sons of the great ard ri like Brian Boru. The second of the derbfine series, Eyes of the Seer can be read as a standalone novel, but I think it is best enjoyed after Curse of the Healer. The characters are compelling and the plot is dramatic and lively. The vibrant world of Ireland during Europe's Dark Ages vividly comes to life in this novel. Although some of the names are cumbersome and the titles and clan structure a bit difficult for Anglophiles to master, the glossary at the back is helpful and a good place to start for readers unfamiliar with medieval Ireland. This novel is a great place to leave the modern world behind and lose yourself for a few hours, and I can't wait for the next book in this series.