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

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.

An enchanting page turner my a masterful author. The story of Brian Boru is a fantastic read.

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.

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.

Simply put, this book was written SO WELLl. I definitely love history, so it wasn't hard for me to delve into a novel about the political goings on of Ireland in the tenth century, but the story was so beautifully told, I had an easy time recommending it to all of my reading buddies. The story of this incredible man will absorb you and pull you along to the very last page. I can't wait to try another one by Morgan Llywelyn!

i was looking for something different - historical, romantic, educational, meaty. Something that wasn't fluffy and that i'd eat through in a day or two. This fit the bill. The characters were strongly developed, the history nicely worked in (so it didn't feel like a lecture), and the picture of early Ireland painted with clarity. I'm not big on violent war scenes, but they were done with finesse, and were necessary to give you a realistic picture of how grim life was during this time period. Enough romance to satisfy my female heart without making me roll my eyes and flip pages ahead. If you haven't read Llwelyn's books, give this a try. It's extremely well written.

Interesting story with a great deal of action and personalities. Brought an almost mythical character to life and what he tried to do for Ireland. Some historical facts were altered but the book was easy to read and interesting.

I love books that are closely based on history but add a persona that you don't get in pure history - even recognizing that no one can know the full facts of the person. This one was accurate with facts and seemed close to personality - good to get to know the man.

Buy it, so good, i cant recommand enought

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

A good read

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.

A historicaly based novel about the reunification of the Irish kingdoms and their struglles agains the Nors and Danish invader. The author introduced a clolorful and exiting narative to the historic details that make the book a good page turner.