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Bending the Boyne

by J.S. Dunn (Goodreads Author)

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 · rating details · 59 ratings · 30 reviews

2200 BCE: Marauders invade ancient Eire seeking copper and gold. The astronomer Boann and the enigmatic Cian must use all their wits and courage to save their people, the peaceful starwatchers, from the invaders' long bronze knives and scavenging ways. Tensions between new and old cultures and between Boann, Elcmar, and her son Aengus, ultimately explode. What emerges from...more

Paperback, 331 pages

Published March 17th 2011 by Seriously Good Books LLC

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Sep 11, 2012 Mark Patton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

J.S. Dunn’s Bending the Boyne weaves together historical fiction (based, essentially, on archaeological evidence) with Irish myth to create an engaging human story set in 2000 BC. At its heart is a conflict between two groups of people: the native Irish “Starwatchers,” a peace-loving Stone Age culture led by astronomer-priests, both male and female; and an invading group of copper/bronze using people with a strongly developed warrior culture, an insatiable demand for copper & gold, and a wel...more J.S. Dunn’s Bending the Boyne weaves together historical fiction (based, essentially, on archaeological evidence) with Irish myth to create an engaging human story set in 2000 BC. At its heart is a conflict between two groups of people: the native Irish “Starwatchers,” a peace-loving Stone Age culture led by astronomer-priests, both male and female; and an invading group of copper/bronze using people with a strongly developed warrior culture, an insatiable demand for copper & gold, and a well-established network of trade routes extending the full length of Europe’s Atlantic coast. It is told, very much, from the point of view of the “Starwatchers,” with two characters in particular taking centre stage: Boann, a young woman in training to be an astronomer priestess, and Cian, the young man who loves her, and is loved by her. They are torn apart when Cian takes the decision to live, for a time, with the invaders, and falls under suspicion: is he a traitor to his own people, or is he really spying for them? He undertakes a long voyage of discovery, taking him to Brittany, the Loire Valley and the Basque country. It is certainly a page-turner and is, in many respects, meticulously researched (the description of Copper/Bronze Age mining activities, in particular, is based very closely on archaeological evidence from sites such as Mount Gabriel, in Co.Cork).

Dunn’s inclusion, in the book, of flesh-and-blood characters who later go on to be regarded, in Irish myth, as superhuman heroes, even as gods, challenges us to question just how far back in time the oral traditions that gave rise to later myth might go. He writes in a specifically Irish tradition of storytelling reminiscent of Lady Gregory, W.B. Yeats and, in our own time, Frank Delaney.

If I have a criticism, from a historical point of view, it is the same criticism I have of Bernard Cornwell’s Stonehenge. The novel is ostensibly set in 2000 BC, but the society described (large numbers of “invaders” with a warrior culture, industrial-scale mining, sea-crossings directly from Ireland to Brittany) seems more like that of 1800 or 1700 BC. That, however, need not mar anyone’s enjoyment of the book as a work of fiction.
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Apr 20, 2012 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, europe, fiction, historical-fiction

I thoroughly enjoyed Bending the Boyne. It takes place in Ireland in 2200 BCE and follows the story of two "tribes." This is the first time that I've ever read anything about this time period in Ireland. I love when a book can take me someplace that I've never been before. I've been trying to read more about ancient history because I just don't feel like I read enough about times prior to about the 1300s or 1400s, which is pretty recent in the whole scheme of things.

I loved how much research the...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Juli Rahel rated it 4 of 5 stars

The story centers around Boann and how her life changes when Invaders land on Eire's shores and threaten her village. I found the beginning of this book fascinating. Dunn went into a lot of detail when describing the Starwatcher's culture and tradition, really showcasing his research. After reading the book you really feel you have developed an understanding of the importance of starwatching to these cultures. The threat posed by the Invaders is very well descrived, especially the conflict betwe...more

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Nov 22, 2011 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) added it · review of another edition

I am very impressed with the work that went into this book. It is about ancient inhabitants of Ireland. This group of people were starwatchers and studied the heavens. They carved the cycles of the solar system and season into rock and temples. They were a peaceful people,

They must deal with Invaders from the sea who come to plunder the metal resources and leave destruction in their quest for precious metals. The Invaders take natural resources from the starwatchers without a care to trade or wh...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Rayven rated it 5 of 5 stars

My love for Ireland and her myths is what drew my attention to "Bending the Boyne" by J.S Dunn. "Bending the Boyne" is classed as Historical Fiction, but it does have a bit of a fantasy feel to it. For the story starts and finishes in present day. But for me it was much more than that. It was a tale of people who loved their way of life, who have walked gently on the earth and who are observers of the heavens. Their way of life is threatened as change descends upon them and their only way of sur...more My love for Ireland and her myths is what drew my attention to "Bending the Boyne" by J.S Dunn. "Bending the Boyne" is classed as Historical Fiction, but it does have a bit of a fantasy feel to it. For the story starts and finishes in present day. But for me it was much more than that. It was a tale of people who loved their way of life, who have walked gently on the earth and who are observers of the heavens. Their way of life is threatened as change descends upon them and their only way of survival is to adapt.

This story is told from the view of the Starwatchers, who watch and learn from the heavens above. In this observation their stories and knowledge of the heavens are passed down from generation to generation in the stone carvings and mounds that sprinkle the Boyne Valley. Among the Starwatchers are Boann, daughter of Oghma a sacred stone carver. Boann is also a Starwatcher and healer to her people. Dagda who is the leader and for lack of a better word Shaman to the heavens and the people of the Boyne. The tale begins when tragedy strikes at the hands of the invaders, who search for the "Sun Metal. We see the beginnings stages of the Iron Age and have a front row seat to what it might have been like as the lust for gold,copper and tin swept the Isle of Eire. Boann and her people struggle to keep peace as the two clans unite under Boann's marriage to the "Ard Ri" Elcmar. Even with attempt at peace the struggles continue and the only way for the Starwatchers to survive lies in the fate of Cian. Cian's love for his people sends him deep into the world of the invaders where he must learn their ways and gather knowledge that will help his people deal with the changes to come.

J.S Dunn is a master storyteller, as we see this story and archaeological fact merge together in such a beautiful way. The depth to which this book was researched truly shows the author's love and passion for Ancient Ireland and her people. The storyline drew me in as much as the detail that was given to the surrounding landscapes of the Boyne. I have visited the sacred sites and there were many times in I was caught up in the feeling of Deja vu, as I found myself along side Boann deep in the central chamber of Newgrange waiting for the Solstice sun to rise, or walking along side of her as she visited the surrounding area of Loughcrew. Through J.S Dunn's writing I was seeing these sites through ancient eyes.

All the characters in this novel were so well developed that I was emotionally invested with each one. There were so many times where I was so caught up in the emotion of the story that my heart stopped, for there were twist and turns that I did not see coming. Within the story the ancient myths of Ireland were woven into the plot in such a cleaver way. This book is so well written and the story line moved at just the right pace and kept me interested to the point that I was getting up in the middle of the night to read. I could not put my kindle down!

This book is not an easy read, however if you are looking for a book that engages all of your senses and your intellect then this book is for you. Reading this book was such an enjoyable experience and with that said I give it 5 Stars.

5 Stars!
Reviewed for DarkissReads. www.darkissreads.com (less)

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Mar 18, 2013 DonnaR rated it 4 of 5 stars

The setting is 2200 BCE along the Boyne River valley in Ireland. Tensions mount when a group of war-like, metal-seeking intruders settle next to the Starwatchers, a peaceful community of astronomers and farmers. The beautiful and brave Starwatcher, Boann, is forced into marriage with Elcmar, the leader of the intruders. She manages to maintain a certain level of independence and is able to see that her young son, Aengus, is schooled in the knowledge of the Starwatchers. Her lover, Cian, joins th...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Allison Macias rated it 5 of 5 stars

In Eire, Boann lives happily spending her days following in the steps of her astronomer father and healer mother. Her people, the Starwatchers, aren't the only ones inhabiting Eire. They face hostility from the Invaders with their long swords and horses. The Invaders seem to only want metals, which puts them at odds with the Starwatchers' peaceful and earth friendly culture. To cement a peace agreement, Starwatchers agree to Boann's marriage to the new ard ri, Elcmar. Boann bares Aengus, a fine...more In Eire, Boann lives happily spending her days following in the steps of her astronomer father and healer mother. Her people, the Starwatchers, aren't the only ones inhabiting Eire. They face hostility from the Invaders with their long swords and horses. The Invaders seem to only want metals, which puts them at odds with the Starwatchers' peaceful and earth friendly culture. To cement a peace agreement, Starwatchers agree to Boann's marriage to the new ard ri, Elcmar. Boann bares Aengus, a fine son. But the new heir doesn't produce the peace that was hoped for. Cian, Boann's Starwatcher childhood love, lives the Invader Camp to learn their ways to bring them down, but he is sickened by the marriage and the Invaders in general. Boann tries to maintain a semblance of peace, but with Elcmar's stubbornness, she feels she is failing.Cian leaves Eire and travels to the continent to learn about metals and smelting and to free his heart. While his life is a commercial success, he longs for Boann and the Eire. Who holds the future of Eire in their hands; Elcmar, Boann, Aengus or Cian? Whose culture will prevail?
I had never heard of JS Dunn, but was excited to read a book about Ancient Ireland. I began to read and was immediately drawn to the emerald Eire. I loved gathering herbs with Boann, and living the peaceful earth loving ways of the Starwatchers. Like Cian, I hated the Invaders. A filthy people who took life and resources without a second thought.
However, the Invaders taught new concepts. Debt, Credit and trading and innovation of metals. These are hard concepts to grasp, and it is difficult to see how they are important., especially when they aren't used by your culture.
For all the Invader innovations, there are a multitude of Starwatcher values that are awesome. Architecture and astronomy go hand in hand with the building of mounds and the celebrations of the changing sky. Healing and herbal medicine are strongly valued in the Starwatcher culture, as is being a sustainable community. These details are vivid. I am sure that in this book you would have all the details to build your own mound, if the thought possessed you.(less)

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Feb 15, 2012 Michelle added it

In 2000 BCE, the world was rapidly changing. On a remote island near the North Sea, an entire culture of astronomers, or Starwatchers as they call themselves, will have their entire lifestyle threatened by a group of invaders from across the big seas. These invaders, in their searches for copper, tin, and gold, bring with them foreign ideas such as land ownership, power struggles, and violence. As the two cultures fight for control of Ireland, two people attempt to do everything in their power t...more In 2000 BCE, the world was rapidly changing. On a remote island near the North Sea, an entire culture of astronomers, or Starwatchers as they call themselves, will have their entire lifestyle threatened by a group of invaders from across the big seas. These invaders, in their searches for copper, tin, and gold, bring with them foreign ideas such as land ownership, power struggles, and violence. As the two cultures fight for control of Ireland, two people attempt to do everything in their power to bring peace and cooperation between the two societies. Bending the Boyne is their story.

Bending the Boyne is a great reminder of what societies can learn from each other when they are not too busy trying to enslave or destroy each other. It brings to mind what conquered societies must have felt about the confusing strangers who refuse to understand their ways and who insist that their foreign ways are better than anything previously established in the area. The use of fear tactics, foreign instruments, and in this case long knives made of metal, horses, and the like were powerful weapons against a peaceful society. Dunn has an amazing ability to create sympathy for the Starwatchers as they struggle to maintain their beliefs and rituals against a constantly changing world.

The details are where Bending the Boyne shines brightest. The descriptions of smelting, copper mining, ocean travel, and other aspects of this ancient era are extremely realistic. A reader experiences Cian’s wonder at the advancement he sees on his travels, while simultaneously empathizing with Boann’s confusion at the harshness and ignorance of her adopted people. As for the Invaders, one can all too easily understand their ruthlessness as they are driven to find more copper or gold in an effort to gain more riches. This era comes to life under Dunn’s careful research and comprehensive descriptions.

While one has no doubt that Dunn was extremely thorough in his research and in his descriptive passages, the very nature of some of the rituals and celestial movements create certain verbose and difficult-to-understand scenes. A reader would be advised to have a star chart handy when reading to ensure that s/he understands exactly which stars and their movements are being discussed at any point in time. Thankfully, these descriptions do not detract from the overall story too much, but understanding them is vital to understanding the crux of the clash between the Starwatchers and the Invaders.

Bending the Boyne is an absolute fascinating look at Bronze Age Ireland. The cultural clashes that occur between the natives and the Invaders set the tone for later invasions both on Ireland and throughout the world over the years. Dunn’s research is meticulous and in such detail that the reader does not need to visit the sacred sites in order to feel completely awed by the knowledge garnered by the Starwatchers and all of humanity at such a primitive time. In fact, one can go on Dunn’s website and see images of the actual artifacts used by Boann, Cian, and the rest of the cast of characters. This realism built into the descriptions makes this one story that is less fiction and more historical. In spite of some of clunky passages, Bending the Boyne is a captivating picture of a bygone era about a culture that has long been considered mysterious and which has provided some of the more memorable artifacts on the Emerald Isle. Dunn has successfully created a book that allows readers to step back in time to experience the Bronze Age for themselves.

Acknowledgements: Thank you to Christina Montero from Seriously Good Books for my review copy!(less)

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Dec 16, 2011 Declan rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Despite having difficulty getting into the story,initially, I was soon rewarded with an engaging tale which gave plausible origins to some of the more enduring Irish and Celtic myths and legends. This however was a double edged sword. As I had regularly heard these tales at school, I had the distraction of constantly comparing legends to the author's imagining. If I'm honest, I have always loved the myths and still prefer them, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying...more

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Sep 17, 2011 Iris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, ireland

Bending the Boyne is the story of Boann and Cian who both try to find their own way of dealing with the invaders who threaten the way of life their people have known for ages.[return][return]Bending the Boyne does a good job of combining archaeological fact, Irish Myths and imagination into a compelling story and opens a window into Bronze Age Ireland and the way people might have lived during those times.[return][return]Reading Bending the Boyne I just had one major problem. While I understood...more

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May 25, 2011 Evy Bernier rated it 4 of 5 stars

I greatly enjoyed this book. I do however feel that with a bit more polish and editing it would be a significantly better book. I am a medieval historian and a linguist with a strong interest in this time period so I came to this book with high expectations. Initially I almost stopped reading the book as the beginning was a bit slow and confusing. I really did enjoy the way that the author tied in myth, literature and history to try and recreate life in this period. The ending seemed a bit rushe...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Susan Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found this to be a fascinating read about 2200 BC in Ireland. It talks about how a people who studied astrology and how they discovered scientific truths we still use today, how they became aware of equinoxes and the movement of the skies-sun, moon and stars and, even more interestingly, how they recorded their findings. it makes an interesting story. I have been to Newgrange in Ireland and I wished I had read the book before I went. It would have made the visit come even more alive for me.
I...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Nan Hawthorne rated it 2 of 5 stars

When a novel set in prehistoric ireland has in it the line "She and the Dagda worked to save their people from cultural annihilation" you know you have less of a story than a lecture. Sadly what could have been a fascinating look at pre-Celtic Ireland fell too much into this category. We learn that the recentnly arrived Celts of Eire were nasty, raping, environment destrouctive, greedy people bent on divesting the Starwatchers, who were peaceful, Earth centered,. and matriarchal, of their admira...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Wendy Hines rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is not a quick read. You won't read this in an hour at the beach. Every word must be savored in order to paint Boyne and it's inhabitants correctly. Throughout the entire book you get a feeling of being a part of something epic, something amazing. Though I'll admit it took me a few chapters to really get into the story and characters, once I was, there was no pulling back out.

Those who love mythology and historical fiction will adore this book. It's well-written, well-edited and beautifull...more

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Apr 21, 2011 Leigh Ann marked it as to-read

Shelves: first-read, historical-fiction

Can't wait for this book to come! I am so excited to read it!

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Nov 29, 2011 Evangeline Han rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first skimmed through Bending the Boyne, I wasn't impressed by what I read. There seemed to be many facts about astronomy and I assumed that reading the novel would be a slow and daunting task. I was wrong about that. The story is entertaining to say the least. True, there were many facts about the study of astronomy and Irish mythology during the Bronze Age, but the characters based on mythology and their lives make an intriguing study.

I learned so many interesting facts about Bronze Age...more When I first skimmed through Bending the Boyne, I wasn't impressed by what I read. There seemed to be many facts about astronomy and I assumed that reading the novel would be a slow and daunting task. I was wrong about that. The story is entertaining to say the least. True, there were many facts about the study of astronomy and Irish mythology during the Bronze Age, but the characters based on mythology and their lives make an intriguing study.

I learned so many interesting facts about Bronze Age astronomy and life in Ireland during 2200 BCE. The book cover of Bending the Boyne depicts the entrance stone of Newgrange with its megalithic art. The story expounds on the idea and belief that the art is symbols used by astronomers of ancient Ireland to mark the course of the heavens. Throughout the book, we read about star-watching sessions held during equinoxes and other special times of the year. If these sessions and stargazing did indeed occur then, Bronze Age people must be wiser than we think they are.

As I mentioned earlier, the characters and their life stories are captivating. There is a doomed love story, a tyrannic and greedy character, civilizations, exploration, uncouthness, and brutality. All this woven together along with the historical facts produce a novel fans of Bronze Age life and Irish mythology cannot ignore. While some might find the historical information boring, I was enthralled by it. There were some parts where I wondered if it was a fruit of the author's imagination or a fact, but for most of the book, the line between fact and fiction is quite clear.

I only have two complains about Bending the Boyne. Firstly, the phrase "your man" was used way too frequently. Most times, I had no idea who "your man" was referring to. Was it referring to the character thinking those words or was it referring to some other character? Secondly, the last part of the last chapter in the novel was terribly ambiguous. How can Boann be "badly wounded" when she wasn't involved in the battle? What had transpired to cause her to be "badly wounded"? I dislike it when such questions are left in the air at the end of the novel, especially when it involves a main character and protagonist.(less)

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Nov 01, 2012 Penelope Bartotto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bending the Boyne is a mind-bending tale that is as spectacular as the night sky which plays a very prominent role in the story. I will admit going into this story I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into, was I reading something that was going to trip into the paranormal fantastic or follow or more realistic route. Reality is the direction I feel this delightful story follows, and it leads the reader on a journey that spans many lands, times, peoples, and traditions.
The story told her...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Kathleen Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

I was a little apprehensive when I was first approached by Seriously Good Books to review Bending the Boyne as I am not a fan of reading history books. It depends on the subject matter of course and since I am of Irish descent, anything I can learn about Ireland I will jump at. The novel tells us of civilization in early Ireland, the trading routes and the mining of copper and the quest for gold. It also tells us about the Starwatchers who are peaceful people who study and record the stars and t...more

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Nov 23, 2011 Jenny Q rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, blog-tour

3.5 Stars. J.S. Dunn has spent a decade studying the Bronze Age culture in Ireland and has crafted a mystical story drawn from early Irish folklore and from the objects, carvings, and symbols discovered in the ancient mounds on Ireland and nearby islands. The Starwatchers living at the Boyne in 2200 BC study the night sky in an effort to understand the secrets of the universe. Theirs is a culture based on seasons, cycles, and ceremonies. But their peace-loving society is at a turning point.

The a...more 3.5 Stars. J.S. Dunn has spent a decade studying the Bronze Age culture in Ireland and has crafted a mystical story drawn from early Irish folklore and from the objects, carvings, and symbols discovered in the ancient mounds on Ireland and nearby islands. The Starwatchers living at the Boyne in 2200 BC study the night sky in an effort to understand the secrets of the universe. Theirs is a culture based on seasons, cycles, and ceremonies. But their peace-loving society is at a turning point.

The arrival of marauders violently intent on making the land their own as they search for copper and gold threatens their peaceful way of life. And the elders and the younger generation are at odds over how to assess this threat. Boann, the young sweetheart of the Boyne village, has chosen to forgo her training as a healer to study the stars. Her lover Cian, a talented symbol carver, disappoints the village by choosing to live with the newcomers, studying their way of life. What the Starwatcher elders can't understand is that Cian is not embracing the marauding lifestyle, but trying to figure out how his people can coexist with these barbarous and greedy newcomers. His quest to discover the secrets of precious metals and to determine how his people can profit from them takes him far from home, and exposes him to the Seafarers' way of life. Meanwhile Boann valiantly attempts to create a bridge between the two divergent societies, but ultimately has to watch as more and more marauders arrive, chipping away at the Starwatchers' authority and reshaping the future of the island.

It's very interesting subject matter, and my eyes were opened to the plight of the indigenous population, and I was amazed at the advanced understanding the Starwatchers were able to achieve with such primitive methods and instruments. But there was a lot of repetitive description, and long and frequent passages discussing astronomical observances and ore mining procedures at length, and I think the story suffered for it. It slowed the forward motion down, and didn't leave enough room for relationships to be fully developed, for characters to be fleshed out, and for me it didn't have enough emotional impact. It's a fairly primitive society and the style of writing reinforces that; the sentences are shorter and choppy, the language is a little backwards, and at times I thought it made the characters seem simple. Then again, at other times it lent a poetic quality to the prose. Overall, I liked it, and I think it's a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the dawning of the Bronze Age in the British Isles. I admire the author's dedication, meticulous research, and desire to bring this little-known chapter of history to life.(less)

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Jul 29, 2012 Lise Quinn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is fantastic. This book is set in the bronze age of Ireland about 2200 BCE and is built around actual artifacts of those times. It's a blend of invasions from the mainland and ancient Irish myth. It has romance, sacrifice, violence, death, birth, travel, all in the style of what it might be to live back then. The characters are rich and the detail is enough to give you a good picture, but not long-winded. A very enjoyable and informative. A very gook book.

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Aug 01, 2011 T.k. Thorne rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is rich with information about the Bronze Age in Ireland and the western European coast. The author's research is evident, giving a new perspective of the culture of the Starwatchers set in a time of change. If you are interested in this time period and the fascinating world of early astronomers, I recommend!

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Mar 20, 2011 Cheryl/Aradanryl marked it as interesting-possibilities

Added this because of the description:

BENDING THE BOYNE draws on 21st century archaeology to show the lasting impact when early metal mining and trade take hold along north Atlantic coasts. Carved megaliths and stunning gold artifacts, from the Pyrenees up to the Boyne, come to life in this researched historical fiction.

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Jan 03, 2012 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Very interesting, in that it showed immense and detailed subject matter -- ancient Irish history and the early use of metals and studies of astronomy. The story line was not very satisfying, unfulfilled romance, suffering etc. The characters seemed to lack depth in their development except for Boann.

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May 10, 2011 Heather Domin rated it 3 of 5 stars

This novel takes figures from Irish myth and places them in a realistic historical setting; familar names from Celtic mythology are given real lives and historical contexts for their legendary actions. Every page is packed with information, and plenty of back matter is provided for explanation and further reading. I personally would have wished for a little more emotional connection to the characters, but the author's passion for the topics and narrative is evident throughout the novel. I'll be...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Carol rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: gave-up

This book was somewhat entertaining. Just OK. Mostly I felt it was way too predictable. I kept wishing I could hurry and finish and get on to something good. So I decided to just stop and go on to better books.

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Nov 30, 2012 edifanob rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-books, 2012-reads

I need two ratings for this book.
I gave four stars for the story itself which delivers a lot of information packed in story full of emotions and partial action.
But when it comes to my reading pleasuremy rting drops to 2.5 stars.

That means I think this is a good book by it did not hit my reading taste.

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Jul 29, 2012 Annm rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I am on a train writing this, and the umber of stars did not save. I give this book a three. I really liked the characters, but I suspect I would have enjoyed the story more if I was more familiar with the mythology upon which it is based.

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Jul 15, 2012 Alice Green rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very good read. I love all things Irish and I love history. It even throws in some mythology!

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Aug 28, 2012 Darlene Williams rated it 4 of 5 stars

My complete review available at http://darleneelizabethwilliamsauthor...

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Mar 22, 2012 Tom Connolly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wishlist, kindle

Outstanding! The best historical novel of pre-historical Irish civilization I have ever come across. Lovers of Ireland, history, & just good stories; this is a must read.

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About J.S. Dunn

J. S. Dunn resided in Ireland during the past decade, and from there pursued a keen interest in early Bronze Age culture along the Atlantic coasts of Spain, France, Wales, and Ireland. Numerous archaeologists and experts vetted the details of BENDING THE BOYNE.

BENDING THE BOYNE is a debut novel and won the Next Generation Indie Award for historical fiction, 2011. It was also a finalist for a ForeW...more

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