Irish Imbas: Celtic Mythology Collection 2017

by Brian O'Sullivan (Editor), Will O'Siorain, Diana Powell

This fresh collection of short stories follows on from the popular 2016 collection with a new group of contemporary authors hauling ancient Celtic stories and concepts out of the shadows and placing them firmly back into the limelight where they belong.

Love, mystery and drama, these fascinating tales mark a new movement of more authentic Celtic-based writing and a better understanding of Celtic cultures. Accompanied by explanatory notes on the background cultural context, this latest collection examines the stories of Macha and the naming of Eamain Macha, the deity ‘An Dagda’, ‘Changlings’, why you should be wary of crows and many others.

Na Ceiltigh, abú!

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy

64 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2020

About the author

Brian 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). Brian also edits and writes non-fiction through the 'Celtic Mythology Collection' series published by Irish Imbas Books,

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 fourth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: Stranger at Mullán Bán) was released in December 2022. Release of the fifth book is planned for December 2023.

A prequel for the Irish Woman Warrior Series (Liath Luachra: The Great Wild) is due for release on 4 June 2023)

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad to see this is becoming an annual event - as with last year's version, this is a short collection of stories centred around different elements from Celtic folklore and mythology. The stories based on Macha and An Dagda stood out as especially enjoyable, but the whole collection does a great job of blending both the traditional myths and more modern Irish culture.

[Wordaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a real page turner. Enjoyed every tale. There is writing competition mentioned in the end too.

[Christine Ursache · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Seasick" by Molly Aitken

[Louise Mulligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s great reading these short stories particularly when you pressed for reading time. I enjoyed the mythology written in a modern context. The history behind each story provides real substance to the stories, it’s all so interesting and obviously well researched. I certainly recommend this collection.

[Shannon Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

More great Celtic tales

I love this collection because it brings ancient Celtic lore into modern times. The writing is detailed and entertaining. I read it in just one sitting.