Ruth Frances Long

Ruth Frances Long is an Irish author who writes young adult fantasy novels and urban fantasy. She also writes romance and historical fiction under the pen name R.F. Long. Her best-known work is The Dubh Linn trilogy, consisting of "A Crack in Everything," "A Hollow in the Hills," and "A Darkness at the End." The series combines Irish mythology with contemporary urban fantasy, set in a version of Dublin where the mortal world intersects with the realm of the Sidhe. Long's work frequently incorporates elements of Celtic folklore and mythology, particularly focusing on faerie lore and supernatural creatures from Irish tradition. Her novels typically feature young protagonists navigating between mundane and magical worlds. The author is a member of various writing organizations including Children's Books Ireland and the Society of Authors. Her work has earned recognition in Ireland's literary community, with "A Crack in Everything" being shortlisted for the CBI Book of the Year Awards.

Readers praise Long's incorporation of Irish mythology and her atmospheric portrayal of Dublin. Multiple reviews highlight her authentic use of Celtic folklore and the way she weaves supernatural elements into modern settings. What readers liked: - Detailed world-building that blends contemporary Dublin with faerie realms - Strong sense of Irish culture and mythology - Complex relationships between characters - Fast-paced action sequences What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing inconsistent - Character development felt rushed in later books - Romance subplots described as predictable - Occasional confusion about mythological references Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - A Crack in Everything: 3.8/5 (400+ ratings) - A Hollow in the Hills: 3.9/5 (200+ ratings) - A Darkness at the End: 4.0/5 (150+ ratings) Amazon averages 4.2/5 across her titles, with readers specifically noting the strong Irish setting and mythology. One reviewer wrote: "Long creates a Dublin that feels both familiar and otherworldly, making the magic believable."

The Treachery of Beautiful Things A modern retelling where a teenage girl enters a dangerous faerie realm to rescue her brother who was taken by the trees seven years earlier.

A Crack in Everything (Book 1 of Dubh Linn trilogy) An urban fantasy set in Dublin following a teen who discovers a hidden world of angels, demons, and fae existing alongside our own.

A Hollow in the Hills (Book 2 of Dubh Linn trilogy) Continues the story as the supernatural war in Dublin escalates and ancient powers awaken beneath the hills.

A Darkness at the End (Book 3 of Dubh Linn trilogy) Concludes the trilogy as the final battle between light and dark forces unfolds in both Dublin and the otherworld.

Holly Black writes urban fantasy featuring faeries and the mortal world, with focus on teenage protagonists navigating dangerous fae courts. Her Cruel Prince series shares themes of political intrigue and forbidden romance found in Long's work.

Cassandra Clare creates urban fantasy series about demon hunters and supernatural beings in contemporary settings. Her Mortal Instruments series incorporates Irish folklore elements and features complex relationships between magical and human characters.

Melissa Marr produces stories about faeries interacting with the modern world, particularly focusing on the darker aspects of fae mythology. Her Wicked Lovely series explores the power dynamics between fae courts and human characters caught in their conflicts.

Julie Kagawa writes about fae realms existing parallel to the human world, with characters moving between both domains. Her Iron Fey series features Irish mythology elements and deals with themes of identity and belonging across different worlds.

Maggie Stiefvater creates contemporary fantasy involving Celtic mythology and supernatural elements in modern settings. Her Books of Faerie series explores the intersection of music, magic, and Irish folklore.