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Galloglass
Epic high adventure, Galloglass details the tales of Ronan MacAlasdair, grandson of Angus Mor MacDonald, Lord of the Isles. Given to the Templars to save him from outlawry, the book takes the young Isleman from Islay to the Levant where he comes to manhood, finds fame and survives intrigue, battle and siege. A rousing story with adult themes, this is the first in a series.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2013
50 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Seamus O'Griffin
6 books40 followersSeamus O'Griffin - Born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, a 3 time graduate of The University of Alabama. He currently resides in Northport Alabama with his wife of thirty-four years and their three dogs. A long time educator, coach and competitive weightlifter, he is currently teaching and coaching both football and wrestling. Along with writing and a deep interest in all things Irish and medieval, he enjoys hunting and flyfishing. For those of you that have Irish: Cead mile failte, siud go leir a bhfuil leamh mo beathaisneis. Ta suil agam go leanann tu a leamh agus taitneamh a bhaint as mo leabhair. Adh mor a thabhairt duit!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 26, 2017
How could I not love this book? I come from a Galloglass family myself. Indeed it was one of my kinsmen who had a part in sending Ronan MacAlasdair, bastard grandson of Angus Mor MacDonald, Lord of the Isles on his adventures to the Holy Land as a Templar turcopole. Yes, it was either battle against the Malmuks at Tripoli or face the wrath of the Sweeneys in the Scottish Highlands.
You'll find Ronan is not really the stereotypical gallant knight as he enjoys women, drinking and other vices. He gets caught up in the politics of outremer and gets sent on many missions crucial to the templar order and the crusaders. I really enjoyed the fast paced story and the many exotic characters he meets along the way.
You'll find Ronan is not really the stereotypical gallant knight as he enjoys women, drinking and other vices. He gets caught up in the politics of outremer and gets sent on many missions crucial to the templar order and the crusaders. I really enjoyed the fast paced story and the many exotic characters he meets along the way.
November 12, 2014
Loved this book, there's so many books about the Crusades its tough finding another solid one...but Seamus writes a great story in this one. Ronan MacAlasdair is a great character to read about too - he's a great swordsman, he enjoys having a good time and knows what and who he is, not the most honorable man but not evil.
Another thing about this, I had never heard the term Galloglass before and I love history. After I read PEter Darman's Sword Brothers I began to do some research into the Northern Crusades (which I didn't even know about) and learned quite a bit about the Livonian Crusades during the 12th century.
After reading Galloglass I felt the same feeling and began to do some research into the Galloglass warriors and man, so much info...
Love it.
Another thing about this, I had never heard the term Galloglass before and I love history. After I read PEter Darman's Sword Brothers I began to do some research into the Northern Crusades (which I didn't even know about) and learned quite a bit about the Livonian Crusades during the 12th century.
After reading Galloglass I felt the same feeling and began to do some research into the Galloglass warriors and man, so much info...
Love it.
January 14, 2015
Excellent
In depth description s of medieval combat and warfare. Good read for history buffs with a hero that is a little like Jason Bourne
In depth description s of medieval combat and warfare. Good read for history buffs with a hero that is a little like Jason Bourne
June 7, 2015
From Islay to Acre and Tripoli at the end of the 3rd Crusade.
Refreshingly free of pseudo period language, this is the tale of an Irish nobleman's bastard, who becomes a mighty warrior, as he fights with the Templars, but without taking the vows.
Politics, treachery, religion, barbaric cruelty and heroism, with meticulous history, combine for a ripping yarn. The first in a series. I'll be reading them all.
Refreshingly free of pseudo period language, this is the tale of an Irish nobleman's bastard, who becomes a mighty warrior, as he fights with the Templars, but without taking the vows.
Politics, treachery, religion, barbaric cruelty and heroism, with meticulous history, combine for a ripping yarn. The first in a series. I'll be reading them all.
July 10, 2015
Unbelievably engaging -Start to finish!
It's so awesome to think as your enjoying this tale, that much of what you're reading happened. I mean not word for word but I imagine in a similar fashion. It's amazing how much sway the church had over everything back then. One of the best books I've ever read.
It's so awesome to think as your enjoying this tale, that much of what you're reading happened. I mean not word for word but I imagine in a similar fashion. It's amazing how much sway the church had over everything back then. One of the best books I've ever read.
August 19, 2015
Already bought the rest of the series
Not all historical fiction needs to be heavy. This tale of the crusades is a fast, action-packed, and bloody tale. Enough history to ground the story with plenty of sword play and intrigue. If you're looking for a macho beach read, this is a good start.
Not all historical fiction needs to be heavy. This tale of the crusades is a fast, action-packed, and bloody tale. Enough history to ground the story with plenty of sword play and intrigue. If you're looking for a macho beach read, this is a good start.
January 31, 2014
Good historical of an Irish lords bastard son, who is banished to the Templars for 10 years.
May 26, 2016
A pretty good book however, 4 stars is probably the best I can give it. The settings are interesting, the main character likable but besides him, other characters don't really come to life.
November 28, 2017
Visceral combat.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The descriptions of combat had me thinking the author had hailed from a time machine. I certainly felt as though I'd entered one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The descriptions of combat had me thinking the author had hailed from a time machine. I certainly felt as though I'd entered one.
August 14, 2023
Intriguing and engrossing story. Great historically accurate fiction. A skull-crushing, gut-slashing, arm-losing good read. Looking forward to the continuing adventures of Brother Ronan.
April 28, 2024
great start to this series, and looking forward to tracking Ronan's journey ! really enjoyed this book
July 11, 2018
If you're a fan of Bernard Cornwall, and his King Alfred series this is a first rate attempt to equal him.
October 30, 2014
Excellent read
I've always enjoyed historically accurate fiction and this book fit that desire to a T. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in the medieval period or the latter parts of the crusades with the associated political infighting.
I've always enjoyed historically accurate fiction and this book fit that desire to a T. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in the medieval period or the latter parts of the crusades with the associated political infighting.
February 16, 2015
Great premise and historical detail, the novelist did his homework. I had really high hopes when I read the first couple of chapters. Had the text been properly edited, this would have been a five star read.
April 3, 2016
Blood and guts porn.
This book is readable if you really love sword fantasy. The hero is brave and bold. I wish the author would have put more why into his actions, and head explained more. The character lacked depth.
This book is readable if you really love sword fantasy. The hero is brave and bold. I wish the author would have put more why into his actions, and head explained more. The character lacked depth.
March 26, 2015
Top story.
My first Seamus O'Griffin book and what a top story, I am ready to start book 2 and see where Brother Ronan travels next.
My first Seamus O'Griffin book and what a top story, I am ready to start book 2 and see where Brother Ronan travels next.
Read
June 19, 2017I was so ready to love Ronan Mac Alasdair. Things started okay but then, at 20%, I realized that I was losing interest and was bored.
Another DNF *sigh*
Another DNF *sigh*
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews