Publisher Summary
A sweeping YA fantasy inspired by Scottish history and folklore, Our Divine Mischief takes readers on a journey told in three voices: a determined heroine, an outcast young man, and a wish-granting canine. Their adventure spans an island fishing village to the king’s court in a story about identity, belonging, and the love between a human and her dog.
The Goddess Trial is designed to push young people to their edge and mark their coming of age, but Áila LacInis is ready for whatever it brings. She sets sail from her small fishing village to the island of the goddess Yslet, fully expecting a divine encounter, but what she finds is … nothing at all. The goddess is completely absent, and the only thing on the island is a dirty, mangy dog. Suddenly, everything Áila has ever known and believed is upended and her future becomes shrouded in uncertainty.
Hew already completed the Goddess Trial and received the designation of Unblessed. He is an outcast in the village, until he is tasked with assisting Áila through a series of Ordeals the town elders designed to compensate for her failed Trial. For the first time, he has hope he can make something of his life.
Orail isn’t quite sure who or what she is. She remembers little before Áila’s arrival on the island, and now all she knows is that she’ll never leave Áila’s side. But as she begins to realize and remember, she discovers powers—and an identity—she never could have imagined.
Told from three perspectives, Our Divine Mischief is an epic fantasy inspired by Scottish history and mythology that includes political intrigue, a sweeping love story, and an exploration of the powerful bond between dogs and humans.
Bookseller Review
WARNING: this will be the quirky book you never knew you needed but will be in your top favorites before you can say Yslet.
“Golden light and thistle, O!
Golden light and thistle, O!
The pipe and drum begin to hum
of golden light and thistle, O!”
Howard’s prose (and verse) is captivating from beginning to end: the thickness of the atmosphere, the endearing and delightful details, the heart, the fun, the Trials and Ordeals (as well as the trials and ordeals), the characters, the fabulous twists. All of it is the stuff that makes up a Top 10 read of the year at the least and one that you will carry with you forever at the most. Howard especially excels with glorious complexities in her characters in ways that cause the reader to reflect on belonging, worth, integrity, home, and love within imperfection.
Worthy of note: the audio is fire. Stumbling over the names? Hear the lilt and the charm of the Scottish accent. And actually hear the song’s tune! It will be stuck in your head. You're welcome. Listen to it here.
BONUS: No content caveats. A clean read for precocious readers from 13 to 103.