Lion of Ireland (Celtic World of Morgan Llywelyn, 5)

If you love adventure, history and Ireland this is the book for you. I've read it numerous times and also given it as a gift to my loved ones and have recommended it to anyone who has an interest in the history of Ireland. It's not just a romantic novel. There was a lot of research put into the telling of this tale and reading it takes you back to the life and times of Brian Boru. There is no other book that I have ever read that I thought was imperative enough to give as a gift to my adult relatives, especially a romantic novel, but this book is so spot on with the history of Ireland and it's utterly fascinating to read.

I read this book because Brian Boru is one of my ancestors. I continued to fact check the book and look up the locations as I went along, knowing the book is a historical novel. The author not only managed to take what little is known of Brian's life, she painted a vivid picture of the times, blending early Irish inhabitant pre-Christian lore with the Christian Irish of the times and the effects of Norse settlers and invaders. He dreamed large and as so often was the case, the people went back to familiar practice, throwing away the opportunity Brian offered.

A great historical fiction novel of the life of Brian Boru. The Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn is a keeper. She keeps the readers interest by an every changing dynamic in the story as we see Brian go from the youngest of 12 sons to the Ard Ri or High King of ALL Ireland. Brian grows up and learns how to take care of his own people. He also learns and teaches all the different Irish Kingdoms to think of themselves as Irish first and Munster men or Leinstermen second. He even works to include the Norse Irish and Dubliners into the Irish fold as all have shared the same land for generations. Through his growth as a King his women have helped shape who he is. First we have the lovely Druid, Fiona who is watching and protecting Brian in his struggles for Kingship. Then his wives Deirdre and Gormlaith who are very different women, challenge Brian and make marriage just another battle field for him. They give him his children too who he hopes to pass on his legacy and keep Ireland united. This was a fun and informative read. Very vivid in detail and shifts from historical, to adventurous and action packed battles to amazing fantasy and emotional romance. This book is a hearty and well seasoned stew of storytelling. I am hooked and have started its sequel, Pride of Lions also by Morgan Llywelyn.

I I loved the historical detail, the richness of the characters, and the religious, cultural, and personal tensions that drove the story. Unfortunately, I kept putting the book down because it moved so slowly, the conflicts were fuzzy, the characters shallow or artificial, and the focus scattered across literally dozens of those shadows of people. I suspect either Llewellyn took off a bit more than she could artistically chew, or rushed the story. I will try other books by her, however, as she has the spark.

I don’t recall reading or knowing the history of Brian Boru but when I mentioned to my 95 year old mom that I was reading a story about an Irish King, she immediately asked, “Brian Boru?” The broad outlines of history are enjoyable presented. Keeping track of some of the names and places was a bit challenging, but that was my problem. Overall, an enjoyable read.

The Lion of Ireland tells the story of a Young Brian of Boruma and his rise through the rankings following his dreams of ruling Ireland and beridding it of all Foreigners. All Brian's childhood he looked up at his eldest brother Mahon with awe and respect. Brian later found himself despising Mahon's beliefs and techniques. Brian breaks away from Mahon's army and starts his own band of warriors. Brian learns to show hiw strength not only on the battlefield but at the discussion tables. He pushes himself not only to be stronger but smarter than his foes. Brian becomes an image of Mahon after Mahon is killed. He thinks for his people rather than by the edge of a sword. Brian's biggest battles aren't against the northman or meathmen, but against his closest friends, family, and loved ones. Him and his eldest son Murrough have the biggest conflict. Murrough is just like Brian at a young age so Brian finds himself fighting with himself. The book takes the reader through all the perilous adventures and battles and all the scandalous and seductive women with so much decription its like your next Brian Boru himself willing him on. Morgan Llywelyn tells of the glorious past of Ireland and the great people who roamed the hills and left their mark there. An overall great book for the adventure hungry minds!!

Lots of history in a fictional book. I enjoyed it and picked up the next one, 1916 to continue my irish history lessons!

This book kept me reading past the point where I fought sleep. Even when forced to put it down, I dreamed of it. I recommend it. Ordinarily I skip over battles and love scenes. No so, here. No gratuitous sex, nor unnecessary detailed hacking of soldiers to the death. Ireland during the time of Brian, as told by the author, was breathtaking and glorious.

The book arrived on time and in good condition. It is a typical romantic historical novel backed by good research but sometimes exposing the lack of native knowledge of Ireland. It's not easy to find Irish history portrayed apolitically by native-born Irish authors.

This is not a review for this book, which I have read before and is excellent. However having lost my original copy I ordered a new copy which arrived with the cover of this book but the book itself is a biography of Johnny Cantrell by a different author. In other words different book in the Lion of Ireland cover. Presume this is a publisher s error. Unfortunately as didn't get round to reading book until after 30day return policy, am unable to return, so make sure if you purchase this book, which is excellent, you actually have the correct book beyond the cover.

A thoroughly enjoyable read - but left me with a lot of jobs to catch up on because i couldn't put the book down!

I felt the book concentrated too much on a character who didn't have too much effect on the overall outcome. The childrens book written by the author on the same author is actually a better read for those interested in Boru

A good read