Isles of the Forsaken

by Carolyn Ives Gilman

The Forsaken Isles are on the brink of revolution. Three individuals are about to push it over the edge and trigger events that will lead to a final showdown between ancient forces and the new overlords of the land. Spaeth Dobrin is destined to life as a ritual healer—but as the dhotamar of the tiny, isolated island of Yora, she will be caught in a perpetual bond between herself and the people she has cured. Is it slavery, or is it love? Meanwhile, Harg, the troubled and rebellious veteran, returns to find his home transformed by conquest. And Nathaway, the well-intentioned imperialist, arrives to teach Spaeth’s people “civilization,” only to become an explorer in the strange realm of the Forsakens. These two men will propel Spaeth into a vortex of war, temptation, and—just possibly—freedom.

Reviews - What's Being Said About Carolyn Ives Gilman & Isles of the Forsaken

 . . .the book is so nuanced it catches you up. One moment you are struggling with exotic names and complex politics and the next you are swept away in what proves to be an utterly compelling creation. It was both maddening and a relief to discover that this is only the first of a series. Just as I was realizing that Gilman couldn’t possibly wrap up what she’d started by book’s end, I came across a note that warned that the book would be continued in Ison of the Isles... I hope it’s not too long: this is a cast and storyline I’ve not been able to leave behind, even with the last page read.
–January Magazine's Best Books of 2011

In fantasy novels, we hope for many things—vivid and unfamiliar landscapes, complicated and compelling characters, unexpected plot twists, high stakes and huge risks. Gilman delivers all of the above and more. This is a smart and engrossing political novel about imperialism and the clash of cultures in a fascinating new world. The best news? Apparently there will be more. Write like the wind, Gilman!
–Karen Joy Fowler, Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning author of What I Didn't See

This book is about a people under siege, as well as a commentary on colonialism and invasive wars. . . . It hooked me in from the very beginning.
–Here be Dragons

Vivid world-building, fascinating characters, and a rich, complex story—I love this book!
–Kij Johnson, Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning author of The Fox Woman

The interesting cast of characters did wonders for propelling me onward through the story . . . . An excellent start to a series I know I want to continue with!
–Bibliotropic

It’s beautifully written. It’s complex and ambitious in scope . . . . Even better, it’s actually about something.
–geekspeakmagazine.com

Isles of the Forsaken is an excellent book, beautifully written and rich with meaning. It’s a unique and unpredictable story full of surprises, interesting characters and mysterious forays into the world of the spirit that lingered long after I put the book down.
–Tahlia Newland

I like Gilman's writing style; she's good at sneaking in a lot of little details that make the world more believable and the reading experience much more pleasurable . . . All-in-all, I thought this was a great book and I'd recommend it to most fantasy readers out there.
–Sneaky Burrito

 . . .once all the players in this drama are gathered together it is impossible to turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next.
–Reading Reality

 . . .The good news for Gilman and ChiZine is that I very much want to find out what happens. Can I have the next book now, please?
–Cheryl's Musings