Customer Reviews

Pride of Lions

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

I guess I am in the minority here since I didn't think this book was anywhere close to Lion of Ireland. While Pride of Lions proves to be very readable and somewhat interesting book, I thought it was pretty lightweight material and it really wasn't that exciting as Lion of Ireland. I supposed there were few good spots but overall, the book slogs through the story.

I think the weakness lies in the length. My paperback version got only 395 pages. This story needs more. But what this story really need was a character, interesting, heroic and true and to be honest, the lead character Donough really don't fit the mode.

While I enjoyed Lion of Ireland, this follow-up book falls short. This doesn't mean you shouldn't read it if you enjoyed the first book. Just be prepared that maybe it won't taste good as it smell.

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.

There's one thing I love about Llywelyn. She writes this book in short chapters. I mean short. Seriously, if I ever become a novelist, this is how I will write. Andrew M. Greeley does the same thing and look at him. You pick up the book - right before bed - and you say, "oh, just a chapter before bed." Ten chapters later, 15 minutes later, you think, "Well that wasn't so bad.... ANOTHER CHAPTER THEN!!" It goes like that until you're bleary-eyed and exhausted, but the book is finished and you're headed off to the used book store to trade it, because everyone loves to read Llywelyn and you know they'll take it.

I know, I should be commenting on the plot, the depth, the scope, the RESEARCH. Honestly, I could care less. It was pretty interesting as a read, it didn't say much you don't already know (if you like reading about the Irish, which I do), and it went quickly. Great for a read while on the beach really. You just don't have to think too much about it, and you certainly don't have to read any paragraphs twice to get-the-deeper-meaning. After a long day at the office, that suits me just fine.

In her follow-up to the wonderful "Lion of Ireland," Morgan Llywelyn picks up where she left off, spinning the tale of Donough, Brian Boru's eldest surviving son. Her vivid style and talent with words continues the legend she brought back to life with her previous novel. The battle in which Donough, his troops battle-ravaged and starving, face their enemies as hundreds of CuChullains will bring chills to your spine as you read. However, although the novel starts off with the potential to live up to her previous triumph, the book comes to an all to quick and unsatisfying ending.

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!

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.

Morgan Llywelyn's writing continues to be outstanding. She has transformed another piece of Irish history into a very entertaining read. The descriptions are well done without being too wordy. The action is paced nicely and is exciting. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because, while interesting, the history being related to us is simply not as fascinating as the rise to power and reign of Brian Boru (told of in Llywelyn's Lion of Ireland). Note: this book has nothing whatsoever to do with the Kennedys or bizarre witchcraft conspiracy theories.

I couldn't get enough of "Lion of Ireland", so "Pride of Lions" was a natural next-read. This book, like the first, was also virtually impossible to put down, although I have to admit may not be as good as the first. The ways that the different players scheme to align themselves to Brian Boru's crown is very enjoyable to follow, but the ending leaves something to be desired. I won't give it away, but the ending almost leaves the reader feeling as though the book was rushed and the ending had to be thrown together quickly. Other than that, the book is a very worthy to successor to the story of Brian Boru, and a very fascinating look at the dark and bloody past of the Irish.

Pride of Lions, by Morgan Llywelyn, is the sequel to Lion of Ireland, a fictional account of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland. Pride of Lions follows the children of Brian Boru as they struggle in the political and social chaos of Ireland after the Battle of Clontarf, which resulted in a victory of the Irish over Vikings but loss of Brian Boru and his heir. The story is from the point of view of Brian's youngest son Donnchad or Donough as he prefers to be called. Donnchad is the son of Brian and his 2nd wife Gormlaith.

Donough has struggles to learn politics as he tries to emulate his father in every way. He fights many fronts socially in his family as he is torn between supporting his one remaining half brother Teague, who is older and claims the Kingship of Munster. He is also driven by his Mother who is ever working her political schemes for gain and revenge. He finds love in a Druid woman yet struggles to make a marriage and political alliances through his sisters' husbands who includes the King of Dublin and King of Scots. His wife is tied with the Saxon and Dane families in England, and helps Brian lay a foundation for his ultimate goal of claiming his father's title of High King of Ireland.

He is frustrated and young and seems to struggle on every front. At times while reading this book I felt the same feelings. It is definitely a different story than Pride of Lions. I didn't like the path the book was taking and yet was saved in the final chapters. The ending wonderful and I truly loved Donough's final choices. He proves that one can be successful by not repeating history. Donough showed he can live up to his father's fame and learn from his mistakes. I love the path Morgan Llywelyn took and the message sent. Pride of Lions is a lesson in life, achievement and self-worth as well as a great book and wild ride.