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Lion of Ireland

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Lion of Ireland

By: Morgan Llywelyn
Narrated by: Mil Nicholson
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King. Warrior. Lover. 

Brian Boru was stronger, braver, and wiser than all other men-the greatest king Ireland has ever known. Out of the mists of the country's most violent age, he merged to lead his people to the peak of their golden era. 

His women were as remarkable as his adventures: Fiona, the druidess with mystical powers; Deirdre, beautiful victim of a Norse invader's brutal lust; Gormlaith, six-foot, red-haired goddess of sensuality. 

Set against the barbaric splendors of the 10th century, Lion of Ireland is a story rich in truth and legend-in which friends become deadly enemies, bedrooms turn into battlefields, and dreams of glory are finally fulfilled.

©1981 Morgan Llywelyn (P)2020 Tantor Fantasy Fiction Historical Fiction Medieval Magic Middle Ages
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Great story, told in a exciting way, it is a long book but the pages flew by Hard to put down

Very interesting and entertaining ,

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It's so refreshing to listen to Irish history instead of the dominated English history...
Excellent book, would love loads more like it.

The only problem with it is the narrator's constant mispronunciation of Irish names, town lands, etc. otherwise loved it.

Brian Boru ... King of Ireland....Loved it.

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very well researched book about an under-explored period of irish history. The choice to have it narrated by a woman with an English accent kind of soured the experience. Countless names mispronounced, and subtle quirks of speech going unnoticed.
This book made early medieval irish history feel much less distant and much more real, and is a reminder that irish history isn't all about life under the jackboot

strange choice of narrator

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This is an epic tale of one of Ireland's great historical figures. I first read it and was enthralled 40 years ago, I listened to it again recently. At this stage I have got used to Mil Nicholson's strange pronunciations to the point that it no longer interferes with the narrative.

Bear in mind it is historical fiction woven together from often contradictory sources. E.g Gormlaith is a spoil of war from the Battle of Glenmama, but other accounts have her already divorced from Brian before that battle took place.

It is her portrayal as a malevolent influence that bothers me most. I am not sure there is much basis in fact for this. Here is a research based presentation on her https://www.dublincity.ie/library/blog/queen-gormlaith-brian-boru-and-northmen-dublin-transcript. And here is review of the work of one Margaret Cusack - scroll down for her assessment of the Queen https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41143048.html

A brilliant story with just a few misgivings

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I really enjoyed this tale and I loved the description of characters and events. The characters really came to life and I loved how the author navigated through the story telling it from each characters viewpoint. The story gave a fascinating insight into what Brian Ború may have been like. I have a greater understanding into why the name Brian Boru is associated with that of one Ireland's Heroes. I didn't know much about home before listening to this book and thoroughly enjoyed finding out more about him. I will definitely be reading one of Morgan Llwelyn's books in the future. Although I won't be listening to it on audio. The narrator misprounced several Irish words and names throughout the story. As a speaker of the language it really grated on my ears. It's such a shame given the wealth of knowledge and research put into this book by the author.

Beautifully crafted story exploring Brian Ború

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