King, warrior, and lover Brian Boru was stronger, braver, and wiser than all other men--the greatest king Ireland has ever known. Out of the mists of the country's most violent age, he merged to lead his people to the peak of their golden era.

His women were as remarkable as his adventures: Fiona, the druidess with mystical powers; Deirdre, beautiful victim of a Norse invader's brutal lust; Gormlaith, six-foot, read-haired goddess of sensuality.

Set against the barbaric splendors of the tenth century, this is a story rich in truth and legend-in which friends become deadly enemies, bedrooms turn into battlefields, and dreams of glory are finally fulfilled. Morgan Llywelyn has written one of the greatest novels of Irish history.

Praise

"A royal read . . . without a misstep and with touching beauty."--The Washington Post

"Llywelyn has woven the historical tales of her country and its greatest High King into a single magnificent book . . . . This is an extraordinary biography of a very human man . . . with convincing characters and vivid, detailed descriptions."--The Dallas Morning News

"A rousing story . . . . Something to enjoy on a cold night by the fireplace with your goblet of mead or strong ale."--Sunday Boston Globe

About the Author(s)

Morgan Llywelyn

Since 1980 Morgan Llywelyn has created an entire body of work chronicling the Celts and Ireland, from the earliest times to the present day. her critically acclaimed novels, both of history and of mythology, have been translated into many languages. She is an Irish citizen and lives in Dublin.

photo: Michael Scott

Morgan Llywelyn's Website

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE
 
 
The little boy sat on the crown of a rocky hill, his thin arms hugging his scabby knees. He tilted his head back and gazed up into the immense vault of the sky, feeling wonderfully alone.
To the youngest child of a large and brawling family, privacy is a rare thing. Brian always seemed to be walking in someone else’s shadow. He had sought this hill because, at the moment, no one else claimed it, and he held his occupancy uncontested.

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