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Beara Trilogy #1
Beara: Dark Legends
Nobody knows much about reclusive historian Muiris (Mos) O’Súilleabháin except that he doesn’t share his secrets freely.
Mos, however, has a “sixth sense for history, a unique talent for finding lost things”.
Lured from seclusion, despite his own misgivings, Mos is hired to locate the final resting place of legendary Irish hero, Fionn mac Cumhaill. Confronted by a thousand year old mystery, the distractions of a beguiling circus performer and a lethal competitor, Mos must draw on his knowledge of Gaelic lore to defy his enemies and survive his own family history in Beara.
Beara: Dark Legends is the first in a trilogy of unforgettable Irish thrillers.
Propulsive, atmospheric and darkly humorous, Dark Legends introduces an Irish hero like you’ve never seen before. Nothing you thought you knew about Ireland will ever be the same again.
Mos, however, has a “sixth sense for history, a unique talent for finding lost things”.
Lured from seclusion, despite his own misgivings, Mos is hired to locate the final resting place of legendary Irish hero, Fionn mac Cumhaill. Confronted by a thousand year old mystery, the distractions of a beguiling circus performer and a lethal competitor, Mos must draw on his knowledge of Gaelic lore to defy his enemies and survive his own family history in Beara.
Beara: Dark Legends is the first in a trilogy of unforgettable Irish thrillers.
Propulsive, atmospheric and darkly humorous, Dark Legends introduces an Irish hero like you’ve never seen before. Nothing you thought you knew about Ireland will ever be the same again.
- GenresFiction
388 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2014
6 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Brian O'Sullivan
31 books110 followersBrian O'Sullivan was born in county Cork, Ireland. On completing a degree at University College Cork, he went on to travel extensively. He is now based in New Zealand with his family but returns to Ireland on a regular basis.
Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).
Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.
The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.
The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.
Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).
Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.
The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.
The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 24, 2020
I loved this book
I loved this book. I love that you can visualise the wild landscape the minute the author writes about it, there’s no effort required. There’s one part where he describes how the child picks up the crayon and sniffs it. That really made me smile as I thought of my daughters doing the very same thing. The story itself was really enjoyable; a mystery with a difference. I would love to be able to read the next two. When ever you’re ready there Mr. O’Sullivan!!
I loved this book. I love that you can visualise the wild landscape the minute the author writes about it, there’s no effort required. There’s one part where he describes how the child picks up the crayon and sniffs it. That really made me smile as I thought of my daughters doing the very same thing. The story itself was really enjoyable; a mystery with a difference. I would love to be able to read the next two. When ever you’re ready there Mr. O’Sullivan!!
May 9, 2020
I really did like this book. There were some elements I liked better than others...the character development, especially in the segments that took place in the 1960s, the references to Irish legends, etc. I'm not a big fan of action or violence or whatever you want to call it, but I guess without it, there wouldn't have been much of a story. I'm still trying to figure out Mos' story...maybe in the next book of the trilogy?
November 22, 2013
I just finished this book late last night and I have to admit it's probably the most original Irish thriller cum historical novel cum mystery novel I've read in years. As an Irish American with a love of Irish mythology, I must admit I'm somewhat biased in terms of the subject matter but this book is still a worthy read for those without my particular interests.
The story concerns a reclusive Irish historian called Mos O'Suilleabhain (or, O'Sullivan, although the character in question would probably argue with you on that count) who is contacted by a strange private organisation who deal in the collection of ancient historical and religious relics. Initially hired to examine an ancient 5th century manuscript (the Guttman manuscript), Mos is subsequently employed to locate the final resting place of that ancient and legendary Irish figure, Fionn mac Cumhal.
For me, a great part of the enjoyment was following Mos' investigation as to whether Fionn mac Cumhal was a real historical figure or not (the book really covers the Fenian Cycle and the 'science of history' in a fascinating but accessible manner). The plot becomes a whole lot more exciting (and even scary), however with the arrival of a ruthless (and anal) killer called Dr Casper who seems to have his own designs on the Guttman manuscript. When they finally meet, the interaction between the up-tight killer and the subversive historian is absolutely riveting.
For me, another appealing aspect of the book was the seperate (but overlapping) story of Diarmuid O'Suilleabhain and his young nephew, Demne. Adopted after the mysterious death of his father, Demne is a very strange child who speaks only in Gaelic and who clearly has terrible secrets of his own. The developing relationship between the gruff old Irish farmer and this fascinating child is quite funny and poignant at the same time. At first, it's difficult to work out how this interacts with Mos' investigation of Fionn mac Cumhal (although both are set in the same rugged landscape of Cork's Beara peninsula). The author does, however, bring the mysteries of both plot elements together in a very satisfying and exciting conclusion.
I could go on for days about this book. There is so much packed into it in terms of relationships, history, folklore, mystery. The fact that it all holds together so well as a story is, for me at least, what made this such a fantastic and enjoyable read.
The story concerns a reclusive Irish historian called Mos O'Suilleabhain (or, O'Sullivan, although the character in question would probably argue with you on that count) who is contacted by a strange private organisation who deal in the collection of ancient historical and religious relics. Initially hired to examine an ancient 5th century manuscript (the Guttman manuscript), Mos is subsequently employed to locate the final resting place of that ancient and legendary Irish figure, Fionn mac Cumhal.
For me, a great part of the enjoyment was following Mos' investigation as to whether Fionn mac Cumhal was a real historical figure or not (the book really covers the Fenian Cycle and the 'science of history' in a fascinating but accessible manner). The plot becomes a whole lot more exciting (and even scary), however with the arrival of a ruthless (and anal) killer called Dr Casper who seems to have his own designs on the Guttman manuscript. When they finally meet, the interaction between the up-tight killer and the subversive historian is absolutely riveting.
For me, another appealing aspect of the book was the seperate (but overlapping) story of Diarmuid O'Suilleabhain and his young nephew, Demne. Adopted after the mysterious death of his father, Demne is a very strange child who speaks only in Gaelic and who clearly has terrible secrets of his own. The developing relationship between the gruff old Irish farmer and this fascinating child is quite funny and poignant at the same time. At first, it's difficult to work out how this interacts with Mos' investigation of Fionn mac Cumhal (although both are set in the same rugged landscape of Cork's Beara peninsula). The author does, however, bring the mysteries of both plot elements together in a very satisfying and exciting conclusion.
I could go on for days about this book. There is so much packed into it in terms of relationships, history, folklore, mystery. The fact that it all holds together so well as a story is, for me at least, what made this such a fantastic and enjoyable read.
May 4, 2020
This is a really engaging, fast paced, well written story with elements of mystery, mythology and horror. I could not put it down- highly recommended. It looks like this was originally going to be a trilogy and I’m bummed that the author doesn’t seem to have pursued the sequels. I certainly would look up his other books.
August 10, 2020
This book absolutely enthralled me. The writing is "gorgeous". The author has a beautiful way of putting words together so that I felt as though I was actually experiencing what the character was. I am definitely awaiting the second book. Experience parts of Ireland, the people and the language
December 20, 2022
Loved this book and am eagerly awaiting the second release in the planned trilogy.
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November 22, 2014Beara: Dark Legends... by Brian O'Sullivan
Book One of a Trilogy
Every once in a long while, there comes a book that is totally absorbing, from start to finish, one of those books that you don't want to end. “Beara: Dark Legends” by Brian O'Sullivan, is just such a book. Ireland has always punched well above her weight for her relatively tiny population, particularly in literature, and this novel is no exception. The author, a native of Cork, Ireland, but presently residing in Wellington, New Zealand, was a recent Writer in Residence at Victoria College in Wellington. It is easy to see why he was granted that position. O'Sullivan writes with a distinctive Irish voice, reminiscent at times of the ready wit of Brendan Behan and Roddy Doyle, coupled with the suspenseful narrative styles of Robert Ludlum, Dan Brown, and Tom Clancy, along with a dash of the macabre bent of Stephen King. O'Sullivan is all of those, yet he is none of them. His style is very much his own. It is an engaging one and draws the reader in from the very first paragraph. The immediacy, the very intimacy of his writing carries us along to the novel's exciting conclusion, leaving us hungry for more. The first installment of a trilogy, “Beara:Dark Legends” takes us to the Ireland of the early 1960's and to the Ireland of 2008. The novel vacillates between these two time periods and brilliantly links the two eras to the main plot, which has been likened to a sort of “Irish” Da Vinci Code. In a way, it is that, yes, but it is much more.
The protagonist, Mos, is an historian, a bit of a recluse, a world authority on the Fenian Cycle, the saga of Irish Hero, Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhal), with whom we are to become well acquainted as the novel progresses. As such, Mos is drawn, reluctantly, into a perplexing and ultimately violent scheme to retrieve a valuable relic associated with the ancient warrior, Finn.
In “Beara: Dark Legends”, O'Sullivan introduces us to one of literature's most fiendish villains in a certain Dr. Caspar, the staggering banality of his evil equaling that of a Hannibal Lecter. We also become acquainted with the mythic “Puca”, a demonic shape-shifter frightening enough to keep even the bravest awake at night. There are plenty of finely drawn characters throughout, Mos's uncle and his neighbour, his exotic and mysterious girlfriend, a local Garda (policeman) whom no one seems to like, characters so real that the reader can easily imagine wandering into a local pub and sharing a pint of Guinness or a cup of tea with them. The delicate and often amusing turns of phrase so peculiar to the Irish are present throughout, making for an entirely delightful read. To accomplish this in a novel, which is also fraught with tension, mystery and suspense is no easy task but one which O'Sullivan has perfected. Irish Gaelic is sprinkled liberally throughout, but the uninitiated reader need not fear, as immediate translation follows. It is hard to imagine the novel without it, frankly, as it lends so much authenticity to the narrative. As well, O'Sullivan summons the achingly beautiful land and seascapes of Ireland: her green, stony fields, the peat bogs, the rocky beaches, her grey, crumbling manors, her misty, foggy mornings. In effect, you can virtually visit Ireland, “the auld sod”, without leaving your armchair.
If you are looking for an intelligent novel, a riveting mystery, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, an absorbing look into Irish culture and mythology, then “Beara: Dark Legends” is for you. I only hope that Mr. O'Sullivan does not keep us waiting too long for the next two installments of his trilogy.
Jonathan O'Mara, M.Ed.
Whitby,
Ontario
Canada
Book One of a Trilogy
Every once in a long while, there comes a book that is totally absorbing, from start to finish, one of those books that you don't want to end. “Beara: Dark Legends” by Brian O'Sullivan, is just such a book. Ireland has always punched well above her weight for her relatively tiny population, particularly in literature, and this novel is no exception. The author, a native of Cork, Ireland, but presently residing in Wellington, New Zealand, was a recent Writer in Residence at Victoria College in Wellington. It is easy to see why he was granted that position. O'Sullivan writes with a distinctive Irish voice, reminiscent at times of the ready wit of Brendan Behan and Roddy Doyle, coupled with the suspenseful narrative styles of Robert Ludlum, Dan Brown, and Tom Clancy, along with a dash of the macabre bent of Stephen King. O'Sullivan is all of those, yet he is none of them. His style is very much his own. It is an engaging one and draws the reader in from the very first paragraph. The immediacy, the very intimacy of his writing carries us along to the novel's exciting conclusion, leaving us hungry for more. The first installment of a trilogy, “Beara:Dark Legends” takes us to the Ireland of the early 1960's and to the Ireland of 2008. The novel vacillates between these two time periods and brilliantly links the two eras to the main plot, which has been likened to a sort of “Irish” Da Vinci Code. In a way, it is that, yes, but it is much more.
The protagonist, Mos, is an historian, a bit of a recluse, a world authority on the Fenian Cycle, the saga of Irish Hero, Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhal), with whom we are to become well acquainted as the novel progresses. As such, Mos is drawn, reluctantly, into a perplexing and ultimately violent scheme to retrieve a valuable relic associated with the ancient warrior, Finn.
In “Beara: Dark Legends”, O'Sullivan introduces us to one of literature's most fiendish villains in a certain Dr. Caspar, the staggering banality of his evil equaling that of a Hannibal Lecter. We also become acquainted with the mythic “Puca”, a demonic shape-shifter frightening enough to keep even the bravest awake at night. There are plenty of finely drawn characters throughout, Mos's uncle and his neighbour, his exotic and mysterious girlfriend, a local Garda (policeman) whom no one seems to like, characters so real that the reader can easily imagine wandering into a local pub and sharing a pint of Guinness or a cup of tea with them. The delicate and often amusing turns of phrase so peculiar to the Irish are present throughout, making for an entirely delightful read. To accomplish this in a novel, which is also fraught with tension, mystery and suspense is no easy task but one which O'Sullivan has perfected. Irish Gaelic is sprinkled liberally throughout, but the uninitiated reader need not fear, as immediate translation follows. It is hard to imagine the novel without it, frankly, as it lends so much authenticity to the narrative. As well, O'Sullivan summons the achingly beautiful land and seascapes of Ireland: her green, stony fields, the peat bogs, the rocky beaches, her grey, crumbling manors, her misty, foggy mornings. In effect, you can virtually visit Ireland, “the auld sod”, without leaving your armchair.
If you are looking for an intelligent novel, a riveting mystery, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, an absorbing look into Irish culture and mythology, then “Beara: Dark Legends” is for you. I only hope that Mr. O'Sullivan does not keep us waiting too long for the next two installments of his trilogy.
Jonathan O'Mara, M.Ed.
Whitby,
Ontario
Canada
January 30, 2014
An enjoyable read. The main character, Muiris O’Suilleabhain, is a mixture of scholar, recluse, mystic, and street-wise battler with a tendency to settle disputes with his fists. The line-up of other characters includes a shadowy love interest, a kindly bachelor uncle, a faded academic rival, a trusted friend with computer skills, and an unsavoury collection of antiquarian-seeking baddies.
There is an underlying sense of two layers of reality, accentuated by frequent use of Gaelic, a language of poetry and improbable spelling which contrasts with the blunt and colloquial English dialogue. There are parallel stories set in 1960 and 2008, and in general one story line helps to explain the other. The setting is the south-west of Ireland, well described, and possible archaeological finds have come to the attention of overseas organisations and criminals. There is frequent reference to the Fenian Cycle, tales of Fionn Mac Cumhal, set in Ireland not long before the arrival of Christianity. This background information is interesting and contributes to the plot.
The novel attempts to balance a sense of mysterious forces and experiences, centred on the main character, along with rational if a little far-fetched explanations for these matters. Muiris can detect the present of the “Puca”, a malevolent creature, and he can escape from it via a kind of trance. But is the Puca a supernatural being or a deranged human? By the end of the book there is a sense that much remains to be explained, including important aspects of Muiris’ background. Maybe that is why it is a trilogy.
There is an underlying sense of two layers of reality, accentuated by frequent use of Gaelic, a language of poetry and improbable spelling which contrasts with the blunt and colloquial English dialogue. There are parallel stories set in 1960 and 2008, and in general one story line helps to explain the other. The setting is the south-west of Ireland, well described, and possible archaeological finds have come to the attention of overseas organisations and criminals. There is frequent reference to the Fenian Cycle, tales of Fionn Mac Cumhal, set in Ireland not long before the arrival of Christianity. This background information is interesting and contributes to the plot.
The novel attempts to balance a sense of mysterious forces and experiences, centred on the main character, along with rational if a little far-fetched explanations for these matters. Muiris can detect the present of the “Puca”, a malevolent creature, and he can escape from it via a kind of trance. But is the Puca a supernatural being or a deranged human? By the end of the book there is a sense that much remains to be explained, including important aspects of Muiris’ background. Maybe that is why it is a trilogy.
December 4, 2013
I've never been to Ireland, but felt transported by this book, which clearly portrayed the feeling of another land. I read the book slowly, as it was so beautifully written I wanted to absorb each word, in spite of an intriguing plot which made me want to rush on and find out what happened!
The book is written in two alternating time periods, the simplicity and mysticism of 1960s rural Ireland is a counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of current day. The plot unfolds enticingly in front of the reader, full of fascinating characters.
Our hero, Mos O'Suilleabhain, is an expert in ancient Irish history, but a man with secrets who plays by his own rules. Mos is recruited by a private foundation to examine some newly uncovered historical documents which may lead to the burial place of the legendary Irish figure, Fionn mac Cumhal.
Meanwhile, in the 60's, Mos's relative, Diarmuid O'Suilleabhain, seeks to uncover the mystery of the sudden death of his brother, and becomes guardian of his nephew, Demne, a boy who can feel the presence of graves...
This is book with everything: warmth, drama, mystery, tension, humour, and a very interesting incidental lesson in history to boot. Roll on books two and three!
The book is written in two alternating time periods, the simplicity and mysticism of 1960s rural Ireland is a counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of current day. The plot unfolds enticingly in front of the reader, full of fascinating characters.
Our hero, Mos O'Suilleabhain, is an expert in ancient Irish history, but a man with secrets who plays by his own rules. Mos is recruited by a private foundation to examine some newly uncovered historical documents which may lead to the burial place of the legendary Irish figure, Fionn mac Cumhal.
Meanwhile, in the 60's, Mos's relative, Diarmuid O'Suilleabhain, seeks to uncover the mystery of the sudden death of his brother, and becomes guardian of his nephew, Demne, a boy who can feel the presence of graves...
This is book with everything: warmth, drama, mystery, tension, humour, and a very interesting incidental lesson in history to boot. Roll on books two and three!
August 3, 2014
Dark Legends tells two stories, both set in West Cork, Ireland, alternating between 1968 and 2008. It is a thriller, with Irish history, folklore, language and humour woven throughout. The author's passion for these topics is obvious and enriches the story beyond measure.
I enjoyed the 1968 storyline especially; the evolving relationship between Diarmuid and his unexpected ward is moving and beautifully written, the mystery they face engrossing and genuinely chilling. If Dark Legends consisted of this story alone I would still rate it very highly.
But fortunately, it doesn't! The 2008 storyline is more of a traditional thriller, and a most enjoyable one at that. Muiris is a great character, written with some of the roguishness of an Irish Indiana Jones but thankfully without the corresponding Hollywood interpretation of history/archaeology. Indeed, the uncertainty of (pre)history and the methodology for studying it is an important element of the story, one that I really appreciated.
As each storyline progresses, connections between them become apparent, and the suspense really starts to build. I found it genuinely hard to put this book down and I eagerly look forward to reading its sequel. Very highly recommended.
I enjoyed the 1968 storyline especially; the evolving relationship between Diarmuid and his unexpected ward is moving and beautifully written, the mystery they face engrossing and genuinely chilling. If Dark Legends consisted of this story alone I would still rate it very highly.
But fortunately, it doesn't! The 2008 storyline is more of a traditional thriller, and a most enjoyable one at that. Muiris is a great character, written with some of the roguishness of an Irish Indiana Jones but thankfully without the corresponding Hollywood interpretation of history/archaeology. Indeed, the uncertainty of (pre)history and the methodology for studying it is an important element of the story, one that I really appreciated.
As each storyline progresses, connections between them become apparent, and the suspense really starts to build. I found it genuinely hard to put this book down and I eagerly look forward to reading its sequel. Very highly recommended.
April 3, 2014
This was an excellent book, quite intense reading for me at times, as I'm not too good with suspense which there is plenty of. Interesting characters, some very likeable, some not, and Ailbhe who I still can't quite decide on, however I'm hoping the next book of the trilogy will help me there. I really liked the way the author incorporated history and discussed the relevance that myths and legends play in oral history. I also liked the inclusion of Gaelic words and phrases, interpreted where necessary and keeping me curious enough to try looking them up when I came across the odd one that wasn't translated.
It was for me a book that had it all, subtle humour, suspense, big characters and an interesting theme. I would definitely recommend reading it, and I'm certainly looking forward to reading the next in the series.
It was for me a book that had it all, subtle humour, suspense, big characters and an interesting theme. I would definitely recommend reading it, and I'm certainly looking forward to reading the next in the series.
December 12, 2014
I'm not an avid reader of thrillers but I received a copy of this book to review because of the Irish element to it. I'm very glad I did because it was a great read! Funny, poignant, exciting and so quintessentially Irish. Lots of fun but also brilliant because of the ancient history that formed such a key element to the central story. I certainly know more about Irish history (or should I say prehistory) then I ever did before.
The protagonist, Mos, is an exceptional creation: cynical, secretive, reclusive and yet a good heart at his core. I loved his interaction with the pomposity of the academic world and the relationship between Diarmuid and his nephew Demne. The mystery of the terrifying 'Puca' was probably the scariest thing I've read in years. And all set in West Cork!!
Brilliant!
The protagonist, Mos, is an exceptional creation: cynical, secretive, reclusive and yet a good heart at his core. I loved his interaction with the pomposity of the academic world and the relationship between Diarmuid and his nephew Demne. The mystery of the terrifying 'Puca' was probably the scariest thing I've read in years. And all set in West Cork!!
Brilliant!
January 28, 2014
In his website at Irishimbasbooks.com, author Brian O'Sullivan explains that he is passionate about Irish culture and language, and wants to educate people about Irish culture. With Beara: Dark Legends, he has certainly achieved that. The Irish language, landscape and history is elegantly woven into the story and gives it depth and purpose.
However, the main star is the story and the storytelling. Two stories are told in parallel - that of Mos O'Suilleabhain, the reclusive historian, and, 45 years earlier, of Diarmuid, an elderly farmer whose life is turned upside down. Mos's story is a page turning thriller. Diarmuid's is a more emotional journey. Both are well told, but I found Diarmuid's story to be particularly beautifully written. This book was hard to put down and I stole moments of my day to return to it. Thoroughly recommended!
However, the main star is the story and the storytelling. Two stories are told in parallel - that of Mos O'Suilleabhain, the reclusive historian, and, 45 years earlier, of Diarmuid, an elderly farmer whose life is turned upside down. Mos's story is a page turning thriller. Diarmuid's is a more emotional journey. Both are well told, but I found Diarmuid's story to be particularly beautifully written. This book was hard to put down and I stole moments of my day to return to it. Thoroughly recommended!
December 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book – a great mixture of a strong story and strong characters, dark (some very dark) themes and evocative descriptions of the wild Irish landscape, interspersed with ancient Irish lore running throughout the book. The pace of the book slows down and speeds up as the story toggles between two story lines/time lines, reaching a breathless climax towards the end (but this is no Dan Brown novel – it’s much better than that). The reader is drawn in until the links between the two story lines become apparent as the book draws to a close. I suspect there are many more links to be revealed in the next book of the trilogy. I look forward to Book 2…
July 15, 2014
True original! It kept me captivated from start to finish. I can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews