Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
24th out of 66 books
—
23 voters
Lion of Ireland
King, warrior, and 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 invad...more
Paperback, 559 pages
Published
April 1st 1981
by Playboy Mass Market Paperbacks
(first published February 26th 1980)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
This is a tale of history and legends as it focuses upon the origins of Brian Boru, the Charlemagne of Ireland who unified most of the Emerald Isle against the Norsemen and more importantly the bickering of petty Irish lords. It's on the slow side at first as we focus on Boru's early years but stick with it and it will pick up. There's a great deal of focus on the political intrigues, the bigger than life presence of Brian Boru and Boru's inner thoughts. The writing is lyrical and the imagery is...more
Jun 13, 2012
Heather
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
own
Lion of Ireland tells the story of Brian Boru, the great High King of Ireland. I’m not at all familiar with Irish history and learned a lot while reading this. I found Brian’s history, and that of Ireland, to be so interesting. I especially loved the beginning of the book where we saw Brian in his youth and watched him become one heck of a warrior - a force to be reckoned with. The battle scenes were intense and described so well and in such detail that I felt like I was there on the battlefield...more
For all those I initially sent out recommendations to, disregard. Am on the last knockings and for Ireland would say that Rutherfurd's offerings are far, far superior. This was more a young adult thing.
---------------------------------------------
St Patrick's Day 2012
Dedication:
For CHARLES
For SEAN
For MICHAEL
Opening: The little boy sat on the crown of a rocky hill, his thin arms hugging his scabby knees. He tilted his head and gazed up into the immense vault of the sky, feeling wonderfully alone....more
---------------------------------------------
St Patrick's Day 2012
Dedication:
For CHARLES
For SEAN
For MICHAEL
Opening: The little boy sat on the crown of a rocky hill, his thin arms hugging his scabby knees. He tilted his head and gazed up into the immense vault of the sky, feeling wonderfully alone....more
Feb 04, 2008
Saoirseobx
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Saoirseobx by:
An Irish friend
Truly, the best book I have ever read. I keep going back to it over and over again and Brian Boru has become a hero of mine. In a time when Vikings were invading Ireland, tribes were warring and life was hard, it was highly improbable that a 12th born son would ever become King of Ireland. And yet Brian did the impossible - united the whole of Ireland for the only time in history. His vision, his determination and his passion for his country and his people were incredible.
And yet, Brian was alon...more
And yet, Brian was alon...more
Outstanding Historical Fiction!
Morgan Llywelyn has done a fantastic job in this novel. She does outstanding research and builds a framework that will have you walk away from this book having a very good understanding of the history of Ireland in terms of its small kingdoms constantly warring with each other to where outside invaders can waltz in and mop up. The greatest king who accomplished what no other could was Brian Boru, Ard Ri (High King) and unfortunately his descendents proved incapable...more
Morgan Llywelyn has done a fantastic job in this novel. She does outstanding research and builds a framework that will have you walk away from this book having a very good understanding of the history of Ireland in terms of its small kingdoms constantly warring with each other to where outside invaders can waltz in and mop up. The greatest king who accomplished what no other could was Brian Boru, Ard Ri (High King) and unfortunately his descendents proved incapable...more
The carry-me-away interest that Mary Stewart and Marion Zimmer Bradley accomplished in their Arthurian novels of Britain, Ms. Llywelyn failed to achieve for Ireland in the Dark Ages with this book. Frankly, the Wikipedia entry for Brian Boru was more interesting and a lot clearer, despite the difficult Celtic names.
A good historical novel engages my interest by giving me a broad sense of the culture, events, and environment in which the book is set. This book feels very generic to me: insert her...more
A good historical novel engages my interest by giving me a broad sense of the culture, events, and environment in which the book is set. This book feels very generic to me: insert her...more
My intro to Morgan Llywelyn was with this book, and I've learned a lot about Celtic history as I've continued to read her books. This is a lesser known historical look at Ireland, focused on the one-time unifying king, Brian Boru. Many of her other books also reference him, so it's helpful to have this one as background before moving onto some of her others. Also note she has an interesting series about the N. Ireland/Ireland issues starting in the early 1900's, that are really interesting.
This is straight-up indulgent Irish Historical porn and I loved every minute of it. I feel spend and exhausted; my emotions were tossed back and forth, every which way as I followed Brian from early childhood to the end of the book. I just want to sit and bask in the glory of it all - how it made me feel. I want to cry that it's over. And when I recover, I know I'm going to want more.
If you're like me, you've at some point lost your voice after a night of drinking and yelling about the evils of...more
If you're like me, you've at some point lost your voice after a night of drinking and yelling about the evils of...more
Being part Irish and having a son named Brian, I found a lot to like in this book. I learned quite a bit about Irish history, which is one of the things I love to find in my literary choices. The author is well known for her research and knowledge of Irish history, and it shows. I confess to skipping through some of the battle scenes and the formal court hooha, but for the most part, this book held my interest and kept me reading too late at night.
I loved the main character, Brian Bóruma mac Cen...more
I loved the main character, Brian Bóruma mac Cen...more
Most people don't realize that the legend of King Arthur has a real life counterpart in Brian Boru, "the Emperor of all Ireland" at the beginning of the 11th century. This is a fictional account of his life based on what's known of him. Well researched and a compelling read, full of action and romance.
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel that delves into 950-1050 AD Irish history and the uniting of the little fiefdom's into one country by Brian Boru. The book starts off kind of slow as the author tries to paint a picture of the life of the high nobility of that time period. When she begins to describe the Viking invasions, the book becomes hard to put down.
The historical record is quite sketchy on this time period, but Llywelyn does a great job of bringing this era to life. The char...more
The historical record is quite sketchy on this time period, but Llywelyn does a great job of bringing this era to life. The char...more
This book was difficult at times but worth the time invested. I am unfamilier with much of Irish history so I had no foundation to build on when I chose this book and that bogged me down a bit. The worst part for me was the prinunication of names, when I read I "hear" the words in my head, so I kept getting sidetracked trying to dicipher the names and such. The story itself started slow and I put it down more than once to read something easier. When I finally powered through I was not dissapoint...more
Although Morgan Llywelyn tends to write in a style I would classify as "pulp fiction," and her historical fictions are...fictitious...she is undeniably an excellent story teller. At times I find her style tedious, as I am trained to find such pulp endeavours, but she is the one who got me hooked on historical fiction and particularly on Irish historical fiction! I appreciate all of her books without question!
P.S.
I am reading The Lion of Ireland for the second time as well as Red Branch....but th...more
P.S.
I am reading The Lion of Ireland for the second time as well as Red Branch....but th...more
Sep 13, 2012
Fiona Hurley
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
irish-fiction,
historical-fantasy
Brian Boru was a real historical character who lived in 10th century Ireland. As the best historical novelists do, Llwellyn has taken the facts we know about him and breathed them to life. And how! From the boy dreaming on the hill, to the young man taking power, to the old man preparing for his final battle, this is a full-blooded epic with three-dimensional characters. There is conflict on the battlefield and off it, a powerful momentum that kept me turning the pages breathlessly, all written...more
If you are interested in one of the most fascinating figures in Irish history, or just want another good book about the Viking Age, I highly recommend Lion of Ireland.
The novel tells the story of Brian Boru, perhaps the greatest Irish king who ever lived. He ruled at the end of the Tenth Century, during a time when Norse and Danish Vikings controlled large portions of Ireland, including the Viking towns of Limerick and Dublin. Rich with natural resources and monasteries laden with silver, Irelan...more
The novel tells the story of Brian Boru, perhaps the greatest Irish king who ever lived. He ruled at the end of the Tenth Century, during a time when Norse and Danish Vikings controlled large portions of Ireland, including the Viking towns of Limerick and Dublin. Rich with natural resources and monasteries laden with silver, Irelan...more
I enjoyed this book somewhat more than I have some of Ms. Llywelyn's other works. She managed to "hue" slightly closer to the historical bone in this one than in some others and still deliver a good fantasy adventure.
Brian Boru is a favorite "character" of mine. Or historical figure? To be honest yes, but I hesitate to go that route as he's one of the people in history who's myth is so closely entwined with his history that we need to be very careful. It's much like the line from The Man Who Sho...more
Brian Boru is a favorite "character" of mine. Or historical figure? To be honest yes, but I hesitate to go that route as he's one of the people in history who's myth is so closely entwined with his history that we need to be very careful. It's much like the line from The Man Who Sho...more
1/12/2007 - 7/10
Lion of Ireland is readable and well-researched historical fiction about the life of Brian Boru, one of Ireland's historical heroes. It wasn't as exciting as I would have thought, especially given the subject matter. It was a decent read though.
For more info, check out:
Brian Boru on wikipedia
Author's Site
Lion of Ireland is readable and well-researched historical fiction about the life of Brian Boru, one of Ireland's historical heroes. It wasn't as exciting as I would have thought, especially given the subject matter. It was a decent read though.
For more info, check out:
Brian Boru on wikipedia
Author's Site
Brilliant, the characters leap from the pages and instill themselves in your soul with all the passion and power of the Irish people. This is history and myth, truth and fiction, brought together for entertainment and to tell a message. The story of Brian Boru is one of anyone desiring with a fervency of the spirit to build a place of joy and prosperity, knowing at times that to do so begins with pain and battle. This is a story of humanity and in it is found a great deal to love and hold.
Picked this book based on the cover picture and the back cover details. In my older copy of the book, the cover and back made it seem as though this was going to be a historical fiction chick-lit book. However, it was lacking in the chick-lit side which I was really looking forward to when reading it. It was also super long. And not my favorite part of history, but maybe others will like it more; it is about Irish pre-history and since I am not Irish, I was unfamiliar with the characters and tha...more
*sigh* Llywelyn could have been a great writer, bringing Irish myth and history to the masses. Instead she decided to squander her talent writing weird combinations of porn and historical romances. This one was especially bad as it follows the male protagonist through a series of sexual conquests and a rape. I stopped reading at the rape and chucked the book. This was the last Morgan Llywelyn book I ever read and I don't regret that choice.
Again, another re-read. Probably the fourth time I've read this book in the 8 years that I've owned it. What I like about Morgan Llywelyn is her ability to write interesting historical fiction. The names, dates, and battles are all real. She brings the story to life with her exquisite perception of human interaction. I love the story that she's woven into real history. Also, as a history buff, I must say she's really done her research well.
Dec 12, 2008
Cwn_annwn_13
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
on-my-shelf-home-library
Very entertaining historical fiction account of the life of Irish high king Brian Boru. Lots of inter tribal conflict between celtic clans, conflict between norse raiders and settlers and local Irish celts, religious conflict between christian and celtic and norse pagan beliefs, conflict in Boru's life. If you have any interest in anything about Celts, Vikings, or fantasy type stuff you will most likely be really into this book.
Amazing book. So glad that I found this book during my honeymoon. Irish King that unites Ireland in the ninth and tenth century. Does it not only with warfare, but also with diplomacy, which was unheard of during the time period. Brian Boru is a great character, and the few characters that the author made up to help develop him were amazing. I was really surprised to read that all but two of the characters were real. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
3.75 stars. I was slightly disappointed with this book. I guess I thought I was going to love it and although it was well written I found myself struggling to continue reading this one over the other books I was working on at the same time. I don't feel like I ever grew really attached to any of the characters. There was one spot at the very end that I thought had a nice emotional touch but it was short lived. There were also a lot of loose strings that were never resolved. That is never a good...more
This was a great book. I could hardly put it down. It's good historical fiction. The war scenes were occasionally a little more graphic than I needed. I had a bit of trouble with the Gaelic names and places (a pronunciation guide would have been helpful) and I would have liked a map, to keep track of where they were, But I was up till midnight 3 nights in a row, until I finished it.
Fascinating account of Brian Borou, historically speaking the first king of Ireland who united the country, and divided it into North and South.
It is quite dull at times because it is textbook historical but for the most part is well paced and well written to keeping your interest. It makes me want to research more on the characters we're introduced to because they're so believable.
It is quite dull at times because it is textbook historical but for the most part is well paced and well written to keeping your interest. It makes me want to research more on the characters we're introduced to because they're so believable.
The continuing saga of the great Irish King, Brian Boru. The story of what became of his children and their struggle to maintain the kingdom without him.
Please read my review of "Pride of Lions". That will pretty much sum of this book as well.
Morgan Llewellyn is a very gifted writer. I highly recommend any book written by her, even if I haven't read it yet.
Please read my review of "Pride of Lions". That will pretty much sum of this book as well.
Morgan Llewellyn is a very gifted writer. I highly recommend any book written by her, even if I haven't read it yet.
Highly entertaining tremendously readable and informative novel about Irish history and Norse invaders. Lots of action and romance. The main character Brian Boru is stand-alone legendary as first King of Ireland, and his exploits are masterfully told by a master storyteller. One of the best books I have ever read. Highly recommended.
Jan 29, 2013
Teri Heyer
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone who loves historical fiction.
Recommended to Teri by:
Amazon/Kindle
I spent the last several days reading Morgan Llywelyn's 'Lion of Ireland.' I couldn't put it down and so I did little else than read. This is the saga of Brian Boru and his struggle/fight to unite all of Ireland under one king. Would that I could give this book more than 5-Stars. If you love history told by a great storyteller, then this is a must read.
You'd probaby never give this a second look after reading the description of this historical fiction of Brian Boru, one of the early kings of Ireland. But the story is fascinating - full of romance, excitement, treachery, war, Druids, Irish history, you name it. If you have any interest in Irish history, this is your man.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love and Loyalty | 1 | 19 | Oct 31, 2009 10:56am |
Morgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.
More about Morgan Llywelyn...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“He took her into his arms again, using all his strength to be gentle, and let his lips touch hers so lightly he could hardly feel it.”
—
18 people liked it
More quotes…
Feb 04, 2013 06:41am