Challenge of the Clans

Finn MacCumhal #1

by Kenneth C. Flint

Heir to Destiny

Cumhal MacTredhorn, the proud chieftain of the Fianna warriors, had defied Conn the Hundred Fighter, Ireland?s cruel High-King. Urged by the whispers of his evil Druid Tagd, Conn ordered the murder of Cumhal- and all his kin.

Warned by a vision, Cumhal?s bride escaped with her newborn son. Raised in secret in the depths of the forest, this golden-haired youth learned the stealth of the fox, the speed of the stag, and the strength of the bear, and grew into a mighty hunter called Finn the Fair.

Pursued by the High-King?s armies, and the dark powers of the Sidhe, Finn began a heroic odyssey to reclaim his heritage, aided by the mystic harper Cnu, the giant warrior Caolite MacRonan, and the hotblooded Fionulla, who taught him the ways of love. Then, at last, came the hour of his destiny, and he was determined that no sorcery or might of arms would stop his thirst for justice.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology, Historical Fiction, Ireland, Historical, Science Fiction Fantasy

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1986

About the author

Kenneth C. Flint, who has also written under the pseudonym Casey Flynn, is an American fantasy novelist. A resident of Omaha, Nebraska, Flint has now published 18 books, in both print and eBook format. A majority of his works are either based on Irish myths and legends, or else are original stories involving concepts, and sometimes characters, from Irish mythology. His best known works center around three of the most important characters of Irish legend: Lugh, Cúchulainn, and Finn MacCumhal. He has also published short fiction, including a pair of Star Wars stories, a historical fiction novel, On Earth's Remotest Bounds: Year One: Blood and Water, the first of a planned series, and a historical book about Fort Atkinson, Nebraska. Flints books, including both his previous novels and new works, are now being published as eBooks available for all eReader formats like Kindle and Nook.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read anything about Irish mythology until I read Challenge of the Clans. Kenneth Flint brought the characters to life. The life of Finn MacCumhal, like most Irish heroes, was filled with incredible victories and gigantic sorrows. This book made me go out and find all the books written by Kenneth Flint. I haven't read one of his books that I didn't like.

[Jason Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raised in a deep dark forrest by two women, one a hard task master and one a mother figure, Demna MacCumhal (pronounced MacCool) has a destiny that will shake the political foundations of Ireland. Set in mythical, pre-Christian Ireland this novelization of the rise of the fabled hero Finn MacCumhal is hard to put down. Flint has a flare for spinning a compelling yarn from his mythical source material that is much more fun than reading the original versions (that while cool are often in dry academic prose or difficult to digest poetry). Take a dive into the magical Land of Eire where the Others are waiting beneath the hills, where druids plot, and kings and warriors vie for power. You'll be glad you did!

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good fantasy book based on the Irish myths. Very recommended

[Eric Maier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Positive:
great descriptions and a good story.

Negative:
I couldn't get into the book because I was comparing it to another book of an Irish legend. I read almost 3/4's of this book.

Summary:
Even though I couldn't finish this book, I believe that it is worth trying out because of the great descriptions. Just because it wasn't for me, doesn't mean that it isn't for you.

[Anne O'Connor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave this a low rating as I've recently read three books on Finn MacCumhal and this one just wasn't up to par with those. All the same, it's probably fine for someone who's looking for a light read, who isn't Irish and has no real knowledge of Irish culture.

[Craig Lane]

mmmmm. beefy muscles

(seriously... I'm not gay)

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, is a retelling of the Irish Legend of Finn MacCumhal. I did not know this legend, but it reminds me of some of the Arthur Legends that I enjoy. I recommend it for fun light reading.

[Asa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where ancient Ireland’s fate hangs on honor, magic, and who can flex the hardest while shouting their clan name.