Our Divine Mischief

A young woman named Áila sets sail to the island of the goddess Yslet to complete the Goddess Trial, but discovers that the goddess is absent and the only thing on the island is a dirty, mangy dog. She is then tasked with assisting an outcast named Orail through a series of Ordeals designed to compensate for her failed Trial. Together, they discover powers and an identity they never could have imagined, and embark on a journey that spans an island fishing village to the king's court. 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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Focus

Inspired by Scottish history and folklore, Our Divine Mischief takes readers on a captivating journey through three distinct voices: a determined heroine, an outcast young man, and a wish-granting canine. Spanning from an island fishing village to the royal court, this story delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the profound love between a human and her dog.

The Goddess Trial, a rite of passage designed to challenge young individuals and mark their transition into adulthood, awaits Áila LacInis. With unwavering determination, she embarks on a voyage from her humble fishing village to the island of the goddess Yslet, anticipating a divine encounter. However, what she finds is unexpected—the goddess is entirely absent, leaving only a filthy, mangy dog as the sole inhabitant. In an instant, Áila's world is turned upside down, casting doubt on everything she has ever known and believed. Her future lies shrouded in uncertainty.

Hew, an individual who has already completed the Goddess Trial and earned the designation of Unblessed, finds himself an outcast in the village. But when he is assigned the task of aiding Áila through a series of Ordeals crafted by the town elders to compensate for her failed Trial, he glimpses a glimmer of hope for a better future. For the first time, he believes he can make something of his life.

Orail, a mysterious figure with fragmented memories, finds herself drawn to Áila's side. She remembers little before Áila's arrival on the island, but as she begins to unravel the mysteries of her past, she discovers extraordinary powers and an unexpected identity. Alongside Hew, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing secrets that connect her to the island's rich history and mythology.

Our Divine Mischief unfolds from three perspectives, offering a rich and immersive narrative. The story intertwines political intrigue, a sweeping love story, and an exploration of the profound bond between dogs and humans. It is an epic fantasy inspired by Scottish history and mythology, reminiscent of beloved titles such as Rebecca Ross's A River Enchanted and Garth Nix's Abhorsen.

For fans of YA fantasy adventures with a touch of magic and historical significance, Our Divine Mischief is a must-read. Prepare to be transported to a world where gods and goddesses walk among mortals, where destiny intertwines with the choices made by ordinary individuals, and where the love between a human and her dog transcends time and circumstance.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 149 x 221 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780310156222