Helpful Score: 2
Morgan Llywelyn brings the myth of the warrior-hero Cuchulain vividly to life. The story is rendered in a way that allows the magical and the very human to blend in a manner that feels natural and believable. The Cuchulain she describes displays tenderness, vulnerability, loyalty, and generosity along with his very masculine lust for warfare and his terrifying killing prowess. There is youthful angst, romance, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, greed, rage, and lust to spare as well.
This is an enjoyable read and very well done. I heartily recommend it.
This is an enjoyable read and very well done. I heartily recommend it.
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating novel about mythical Ireland.
Helpful Score: 1
RED BRANCH is a wonderful retelling of the story of the Hound of Culain, Cuchulain, and his epic, THE TAIN--written in a way that delves more into his personality, his life, and his amazing adventures. The book was absorbing and drew me in--that is Morgan Llywelyn's own personal magic, for she skillfully weaves the tapestry of the Red Branch warriors in a way that makes me feel as if I were in the Bronze age, right there, watching and participating in the events that unfold.
From his fateful encounter with the Morrigan, War Goddess, to his choice of a short hero's life when a druid forecasts this possibility, the scene is set for a short life, full of violent conflicts and battle--and a tender interlude with his one love, Emer.
For a great story, and for those interested in the Irish Gael, this book is ideal. For those curious as to Celtic mythology, this book is a great starting point. Morgan Llywelyn will not leave you wanting--and will make you hunger for more books like this, which she has written: BARD, THE DRUIDS, HORSE GODDESS, and others...
Happy reading! I truly love this book.
From his fateful encounter with the Morrigan, War Goddess, to his choice of a short hero's life when a druid forecasts this possibility, the scene is set for a short life, full of violent conflicts and battle--and a tender interlude with his one love, Emer.
For a great story, and for those interested in the Irish Gael, this book is ideal. For those curious as to Celtic mythology, this book is a great starting point. Morgan Llywelyn will not leave you wanting--and will make you hunger for more books like this, which she has written: BARD, THE DRUIDS, HORSE GODDESS, and others...
Happy reading! I truly love this book.
This is the book that made me fall in love with Cuchulain. Terrific book!
Historical celtic fiction.
Morgan Llywelyn is a wonderful writer. I loved Bard & several other of her books. I could only get about 1/2 way thru this one. She could have told a wonderful story with 1 tenth the violence she used in this book. Totally unnecessary & it turned me off to the story. I knew, going in, that this book would be more like a graphic novel than usual, but it was still just overdone.
Very exciting book, easy to read, can't put it down.
A very stirring rendition of the legend of "the hound of Ulster."
