Pride of Lions

Another incredible hit from Llywelyn. Once again she has done her research before writing this historically accurate novel. Reading this book makes me proud to be Irish! It tells of the family of Brian Boru, the high King of Ireland. This is an absolutely brilliant look into the daily lives of the ancient Irish and kept me reading from start to finish!

This book was fun, and much shorter than it's predecessor (Lion of Ireland). It doesn't top the preceding book (Lion of Ireland) but I don't think it was intended to. This book is about Brian Boru's youngest son and how he struggles to live up to his father's impossible achievements. This book kind of struggles and pales in comparison to the the book that came before but for me that was its charm. I enjoy stories where the hero isn't necessarily destined to do great things, and has to work extremely hard to succeed; also the hero doesn't always do the right thing and isn't always loved by his people which made it feel very honest in it's approach. It's short enough that I didn't come away from it feeling like I'd wasted my time and I have to admit that after Lion of Ireland I was curious how the world got on without (Morgan Llywelyn's) Brian Boru.

Pride Of Lions does the seemingly impossible task of continuing the story begun in Lion of Ireland, and does it very well. Centering around Donough, the confused youth's efforts to achieve something similar to the peace and prosperity of his father, while at the same time hoping to gain a name as respected and feared throughout the land. The portrait of an Ireland once again torn by tribal warfare and rife with crime paints a very sad picture when compared with Donough.This happens largely in that he has such overwhelming odds to overcome. He is unable to grasp the same energy and support that Brian was able to nurture over many years into an easily gained kingship (hard-fought, but easily gained). He gets support, yes, but nothing seems to work the way he expects. The entire story is based around his attempts to be his father, and the rather startling choice he makes in lieu of what seems to be his finally achieving his greatest goal after going through so much hardship since the story began. Because of the humanity mrs. Llywelyn plays out so well upon Donough, and the choice he makes (very unconventional way to end a stroy like this), make this a superb read and well worth your money. And sequel skeptics: Never fear, this is the real deal. You won't be disappointed.

This is one of my favorite Authors, if you are Irish, or of that line, buy all of her books right now and save yourself from having to come back over and over like I did. If your not, go find yourself someone Irish to love, your kids will thank you for it. Loved them all so much I bought new copies just to have them. A little bit of history, with a novel built around them. Her style is hard to find anywhere. By the luck of the Irish we got her!

For those who have read Lion of Ireland, Pride of Lions is a must. The troubled history of the Irish people is beautifully captured, personified in the heartbreaking figure of Donough, son of Brian Boru. Despite tragedy, the irrepressible Irish spirit, always interwoven with druidic influence, shines through. A book you won't want to put down until you've read every word, but will miss as sorely as a good friend when the tale is told.