The battle of Gáirech is over; the armies of Connachta, Lagin, and Mumu are destroyed! Survivors are ravaging The Five Kingdoms of Ireland!
While working to resolve the Kingdoms’ issues and bring peace, Cathbadh is murdered, dying in his son Genonn’s arms. Genonn vows to avenge the death of his father.
For his revenge to work, he needs Conall Cernach and the Red Branch warriors of Ulster. But Conall is gone, searching for the head of Cú Chulainn. Genonn sets out to find him, aided by the beautiful Fedelm, the capricious Lee Fliath and the stalwart Bradán.
My Review
There is a massive cast of characters in this novel, and it was only after I had read this book that I realised it was Book 3 in The Milesians series. As I read through the first couple of chapters I have to admit that I was incredibly confused as to who everyone was and what was happening. If it had not been for the extensive cast list in the front of this novel I don't think I would have been able to carry on reading as it was just so confusing. However, saying that, once I began to understand who everyone was and what role they had to play in this story, I found myself less confused and more intrigued.
The story is quite fast-paced, and the action is non-stop. The political intrigue, the uncertainty of who was friend and who was foe gave this novel a sharp edge and it certainly helped to drive the story forward.
As the story is based on mythology, I wasn't surprised that this novel had a kind of Middle Earth feel to it. There are powerful druids, mighty warriors - all of which are depicted with a great level of skill. And although at times, the writing came across as very modern, I did get a sense of what it must have felt like to live during this period of history.
The extensive notes at the back of the book also made for some interesting reading. I have never really thought all that much about how a historical fiction author approaches an era where next to nothing had been written down. Cladáin has done a good job of trying to fill in the historical setting with what is known.
if you are interested in Irish mythology then I think this series would certainly appeal, although I would advise with starting at the beginning with book 1, just so you will avoid the confusion that I initially had.
Buy this Book
This novel is available on #KindleUnlimited
Micheál Cladáin
Micheál Cladáin studied the classics and developed a love of ancient civilizations during those studies. Learning about ancient Roman and Greek cultures was augmented by a combined sixteen years living in those societies, albeit the modern versions, in Cyprus and Italy. As such, Micheál decided to write historical fiction, trying to follow in the footsteps of such greats as Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. Because of his Irish roots, he chose pre-Christian Ireland as his setting, rather than ancient Italy or Greece.
Micheál is a full-time writer, who lives in the wilds of Wexford with his wife and their border terriers, Ruby and Maisy.
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