Reviews & MEDIA
Reviews for Poet, Prophet, Fox
"... A lyrical new myth... McDonnell’s deep understanding of ancient Irish culture shines. Mythology buffs and fans of LGBTQ fantasy won’t want to miss this arresting series debut."
- Publisher's Weekly
"Poet, Prophet, Fox is an engaging and entertaining story that demonstrates the strength of a person's true nature when they refuse to be bound to an assigned identity."
- Seven Days Newspaper
"In this stirring tale of myth and magic, McDonnell takes a deep dive into ancient Irish lore to provide context for what is at once a complex and contemporary story. Extensive research and investigation, together with narrative skill, combine to create a spellbinding reading experience.
Tá an-taighde déanta ag an údar agus is scéal an-speagúil scríobhta aige. Thaitin sé go mór liom."
- Angela Patten, In Praise of Usefulness, High Tea At A Low Table, and other books
"I absolutely loved reading this book and devoured it within a few days. There were so many vivid details that brought the story to life, and so many twists and turns that left me wanting to discover what was next. The world around me seems more magical even after putting the book down. Queer mythohistory of ancient Ireland may very well be in a genre of its own; this book is one of a kind and I hope that it will be enjoyed by all kinds of folks with all kinds of interests."
- SMP, Connecticut
"Rarely does a book capture me as quickly as this one did. Such a fun read, as well as meaningful and interesting. I've been recommending it to everyone! This book addresses the relevant, important, and under-acknowledged topic that is the experience of transgender people, and it does so with admirable ease and eloquence. Besides that, it is just a great narrative that artistically incorporates all kinds of plant knowledge, spirituality, herbalism, and exciting adventures!"
- Emily Tompkins, Vermont
This fantastically told story captured me from the first paragraph. This book is for any lover of nature, adventure, or mythology. I fell in love with so many of the characters and can't wait for the next book!
- Martha Waterman, Vermont
How the Fox Gained His Sight was the very best kind of fantasy fiction, taking me out of my ordinary thoughts and into a beautiful otherworld every time I picked it up. But it isn’t any kind of escapism — through their characters, McDonnell is working through some of the most pressing issues of our time. When I put the book down and come back to earth, I not only felt refreshed, but also more clear-eyed about what we need to do to build a better world.
- Jason Hirsch, Ontario
This is a well crafted, well researched book that takes place in ancient Ireland. It is a gripping story about a young trans person finding their place in this world. A world of Druids and Faerie. I loved the description of the school of Druid training. I wish it existed today.
- Tom Lasher, Vermont
I just finished reading Poet, Prophet, Fox for the second time and I highly recommend to everyone. It is very readable, lovely poetic writing, an intriguing unique story and wonderful character developments throughout the book. A book for young and old alike! Couldn't put it down!
- Story, Vermont
More reviews at Goodreads.com.
- Publisher's Weekly
"Poet, Prophet, Fox is an engaging and entertaining story that demonstrates the strength of a person's true nature when they refuse to be bound to an assigned identity."
- Seven Days Newspaper
"In this stirring tale of myth and magic, McDonnell takes a deep dive into ancient Irish lore to provide context for what is at once a complex and contemporary story. Extensive research and investigation, together with narrative skill, combine to create a spellbinding reading experience.
Tá an-taighde déanta ag an údar agus is scéal an-speagúil scríobhta aige. Thaitin sé go mór liom."
- Angela Patten, In Praise of Usefulness, High Tea At A Low Table, and other books
"I absolutely loved reading this book and devoured it within a few days. There were so many vivid details that brought the story to life, and so many twists and turns that left me wanting to discover what was next. The world around me seems more magical even after putting the book down. Queer mythohistory of ancient Ireland may very well be in a genre of its own; this book is one of a kind and I hope that it will be enjoyed by all kinds of folks with all kinds of interests."
- SMP, Connecticut
"Rarely does a book capture me as quickly as this one did. Such a fun read, as well as meaningful and interesting. I've been recommending it to everyone! This book addresses the relevant, important, and under-acknowledged topic that is the experience of transgender people, and it does so with admirable ease and eloquence. Besides that, it is just a great narrative that artistically incorporates all kinds of plant knowledge, spirituality, herbalism, and exciting adventures!"
- Emily Tompkins, Vermont
This fantastically told story captured me from the first paragraph. This book is for any lover of nature, adventure, or mythology. I fell in love with so many of the characters and can't wait for the next book!
- Martha Waterman, Vermont
How the Fox Gained His Sight was the very best kind of fantasy fiction, taking me out of my ordinary thoughts and into a beautiful otherworld every time I picked it up. But it isn’t any kind of escapism — through their characters, McDonnell is working through some of the most pressing issues of our time. When I put the book down and come back to earth, I not only felt refreshed, but also more clear-eyed about what we need to do to build a better world.
- Jason Hirsch, Ontario
This is a well crafted, well researched book that takes place in ancient Ireland. It is a gripping story about a young trans person finding their place in this world. A world of Druids and Faerie. I loved the description of the school of Druid training. I wish it existed today.
- Tom Lasher, Vermont
I just finished reading Poet, Prophet, Fox for the second time and I highly recommend to everyone. It is very readable, lovely poetic writing, an intriguing unique story and wonderful character developments throughout the book. A book for young and old alike! Couldn't put it down!
- Story, Vermont
More reviews at Goodreads.com.
Reviews for Miach & Airmed
Radio interview with Deb Reger on WRUV's Moccasin Tracks here.
"MZ O’Coill has brought us an enthralling tale of healing, sacrifice, betrayal and magic. The book transports us to a Vermont future where the patterns of daily life are rooted in Indigenous Abenaki wisdom, together with ancient Irish and Afro-Cuban traditions. The tale that unfolds, adapted in part from old Irish legends, is thoroughly engaging, filled with inspiration and some unexpected turns that captivate the reader’s attention. I read the entire last third of the book in a single sitting—just couldn’t put it down."
- Brian Tokar, University of Vermont lecturer, social ecologist, author of Toward Climate Justice and other books
"This is one of the best books I have ever read. It offers a very refreshing (and much needed, in my opinion) alternative to the dystopian future books out there currently. Mixing folklore, myth, and ancient healing traditions, the author weaves a deeply imaginative, creative and thoughtful story that will no doubt inspire the reader to forge a powerful future that reconnects us to the Land and our ancestors. Thank you so much for this book as it has deep relevance to the times we are in and courageously confronts some of the biggest challenges in our society today."
- Cricket, Colorado
"This is a book I will read over and over again. It is inspiring, fun, challenging, and sad all at once. Read if you are a lover of plants, lore, music, poetry, or if you are curious to be awakened to one of the many possibilities dreamed up for the future of humanity. I look forward to revisiting this book and sharing it with my loved ones."
- Martha, Colorado
"This tale is an antidote to apathy. It's an invitation for all to participate in life and the future, and to think about what is Medicine, what is Healing."
- SNP, Connecticut
This is a deep & creative rewrite of an Irish myth with inspiring, rematriating, ecotopian vision so needed in today's world. While grounded in Abenaki territory with healing world values guiding the story, this book offers an engaging read that stimulates the imagination, reminds us of possibilities, facilitates many levels of analysis, and encourages active awareness.
- Jess Rubin, Vermont
"Miach & Airmed is a light for the present and a seed for the future. If you are one of those who is desperate for alternatives to counter the apocalyptic vision of our Judaeo-Christian culture, read this book."
- Tom, Vermont
Reviewed here in Seven Days, Vermont's alternative weekly newspaper.
More reviews at Goodreads.com.
"MZ O’Coill has brought us an enthralling tale of healing, sacrifice, betrayal and magic. The book transports us to a Vermont future where the patterns of daily life are rooted in Indigenous Abenaki wisdom, together with ancient Irish and Afro-Cuban traditions. The tale that unfolds, adapted in part from old Irish legends, is thoroughly engaging, filled with inspiration and some unexpected turns that captivate the reader’s attention. I read the entire last third of the book in a single sitting—just couldn’t put it down."
- Brian Tokar, University of Vermont lecturer, social ecologist, author of Toward Climate Justice and other books
"This is one of the best books I have ever read. It offers a very refreshing (and much needed, in my opinion) alternative to the dystopian future books out there currently. Mixing folklore, myth, and ancient healing traditions, the author weaves a deeply imaginative, creative and thoughtful story that will no doubt inspire the reader to forge a powerful future that reconnects us to the Land and our ancestors. Thank you so much for this book as it has deep relevance to the times we are in and courageously confronts some of the biggest challenges in our society today."
- Cricket, Colorado
"This is a book I will read over and over again. It is inspiring, fun, challenging, and sad all at once. Read if you are a lover of plants, lore, music, poetry, or if you are curious to be awakened to one of the many possibilities dreamed up for the future of humanity. I look forward to revisiting this book and sharing it with my loved ones."
- Martha, Colorado
"This tale is an antidote to apathy. It's an invitation for all to participate in life and the future, and to think about what is Medicine, what is Healing."
- SNP, Connecticut
This is a deep & creative rewrite of an Irish myth with inspiring, rematriating, ecotopian vision so needed in today's world. While grounded in Abenaki territory with healing world values guiding the story, this book offers an engaging read that stimulates the imagination, reminds us of possibilities, facilitates many levels of analysis, and encourages active awareness.
- Jess Rubin, Vermont
"Miach & Airmed is a light for the present and a seed for the future. If you are one of those who is desperate for alternatives to counter the apocalyptic vision of our Judaeo-Christian culture, read this book."
- Tom, Vermont
Reviewed here in Seven Days, Vermont's alternative weekly newspaper.
More reviews at Goodreads.com.
