Among the most interesting aspects of “Isolde” is reading about this woman-led society, which was under Mother-rule – political and societal power having been bestowed upon women by the goddess mother at the beginning of time. Bucking the traditions of nearly all societies then and now, women ruled the country, made all of the decisions, and had control over every aspect of life. Miles writes about an Ireland where men were prized for their skills as warriors but had little use otherwise, except as bed warmers and child-getters.

The story is good, but Miles often tries to make her tale fit the tastes of all readers. It’s a bodice-ripping romance novel, complete with schmaltzy references to “making powerful earth magic”; it’s an against-all-odds adventure tale with sword fights and bloody combat; and it’s all wrapped up in the mysticism of Arthurian times. Indeed, the mystical, other-worldliness is what comes through most clearly, laid on with a heavy-handedness guaranteed to delight readers with an interest in it and potentially put off nearly everyone else. It’s something of a science fiction novel set in medieval times.

It’s difficult to mention “Isolde” without adding “Tristan” to the thought, and the book does focus on them as a couple a good portion of the time. But Miles’ title is accurate; more than anything else, this first book revolves around getting to know Isolde – initially as a devoted daughter and princess of Ireland, then as a woman falling in love with her enemy, and finally as a queen who comes to recognise who she is as an individual and a lover.

If you’re at all familiar with the Wagner opera – or opera in general – you know the story of Tristan and Isolde doesn’t end well, but because this is only the first book in a series, that’s not necessarily the case with “Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle”. 

Even if readers aren’t aware that a sequel is imminent, it’s pretty apparent that the last page in the novel is by no means the end of the story.