The Hound of Culain

by Kenneth C. Flint

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Historical, Fiction, Ireland

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 17, 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

[Jennifer (JC-S)]

‘It is a simple journey I am going on.’

I’ve had this novel (and others in the series) sitting on my bookshelf for a very long time. And finally, I have read it. First point to note is that ‘The Hound of Culain’ is also known as ‘A Storm Upon Ulster’.

Celtic mythology contains a number of legendary heroes (and exceptionally awful villains), and I can become lost within these magical worlds for at least an hour or two at a time. This novel includes Queen Maeve (spelt Meave in the novel) the flaming-haired warrior queen whose dreams of conquest became corrupted by Calatin, the Queen’s High Druid adviser, Fergus MacRogh a mighty chieftain, and the mythical, mysterious Cuculain, Ireland’s greatest hero.

This novel is packed with action and adventure, with bloodshed, treachery and honour. And it all started over a stud bull!

‘The Sidhe control no man, not even you.’

I need to be in the right mood to enjoy fantasy, which may explain why it has taken me so long to get around to reading this novel. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of The Sidhe Legends.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Meano101]

A fairly uninspired retelling of what should be a riveting mythology.