Customer Reviews

Red Branch

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have not read a book yet that Morgan Llywelyn has not done an outstanding job on, but when it comes to a real bardic piece of literature combined with the legends of the past, Red Branch excels. I have read the stories in other places, such as The Story of the Irish Race by Seumas MacManus, and passed over them as just another piece of literature. When I read the Red Branch it was transformed into a vibrant, living, pulsating story that wrenched emotion after emotion from the core of your being. It took Setanta, as a boy, and gave his passage into manhood a glorious path, that only when young would you feel so invulnerable, all for the sake of a short but long rembered life. Written for her son, I think she far exceeded anything she has done to date, in his honor.

This book weaves together the many stories that comprise the life of Cuchulain and the other warriors of the Red Branch. Llywelyn, as usual, shows great skill in telling this story, as well as injecting the book with a feel of what Ireland was like during this long ago time.

I absolutely loved this book. Before picking it up I knew absolutely nothing about the story of Cuchulain, the legendary Hound of Ulster. I found myself enthralled by the story, the characters, the myth, and the setting of this novel from page one. This was the second of Ms. Llywelyn's novels that I'd read -- Lion of Ireland being the first -- and I think it's ranks as one of her best. By the end of the novel, even though you know that it cannot end well, you've become invested in the characters and it's sad when it finally ends. The novel has a lot to say about love and war, what motivates men (and women), and a curious historical tie-in to the modern troubles of Ireland. A great read for anyone interested in ancient Ireland's legendary past.

You walk across a lonely glen in Ulster. In the middle stands a solitary stone jutting magnificantly into the air. What stories this stone must have if only it could tell them!

Morgan Llywelyn has told the stories of this stone and what it has seen. She takes you back over 2000 years to Ireland of ancient times. A time when when people were able to harness the spirits and powers of nature.

Llwelyn tells the story of a young boy in Ireland destined to become the Champion of Ulster, Cuchulain the Hound of Ulster. Cuchulain is blessed/cursed with extraordinary warrior skills and defends Ulster with all his heart.

The story brings you back to a time when being a warrior was to be noble, and power was vested in those that could win battles and bring home the spoils. We see the interaction between Connor Mac Nessa and his Connaught rival, Maeve. Years of rivalry between these two provinces result in fierce battles where the Hound proves his worth.

Take a step back into time with this incredible book. You won't be able to set it down once you begin!

The Red Branch made me laugh and cry, it really has an emotional bearing in the readers. The style of writing that Morgan Llywelyn uses in this novel is so exquisit and explicit! Morgan Llywelyn is obviously a gifted writer. I can't wait to read the next novel I have of hers "Lion of Ireland." I'm so excited! I know she will not let me down! Thank you Morgan!

Red Branch is absorbing. After a visit to Ireland years ago I discovered this work and Morgan Llywelyn's others, but this one is my favorite. Thomas Kinsella's Tain Bo Cuallaige was a great translation, but this book blows it away with detail and fluidity. I wish they'd convert this one into a movie. Two thumbs way way up.

Red Branch is amazing. Never has a book sucked me in like this one did. Unlike many authors who skip the details which make a story truly real, Llywelyn tells a tale that presents Cuchulain as both a larger-than-life hero and a real person at the same time. I felt the glory of living during that time as well as the pain. Truly a great book.

Morgan Llewelyn is decidedly the modern Bard of the Celts. Compelling and alive with vibrant, accurate descriptions of the lay of the land and the ambience of the era, Red Branch is still Llewelyn's best book to date. While there is plenty of action to keep even casual readers engrossed, my favorite sections of the book center on the young Setanta, his feelings of bewildered isolation and his curiosity about his mother's dreamy half-life. Also wonderful are the rawness of emotion the author paints around the deaths of those closest to Cuchulainn - even when his heroic heart is breaking, his courage and ambition shine through, making the Hound of Ulster at last a very real and human being.

My goodness, I am at a loss for words. I read the reviews before mine, and they all felt the same as me; great book! It has everything, and it was written perfectly. Congratulations Morgan Llywelyn!

Red Branch is an excellent tale of Irish folklore. Red Branch relates the fable of the famous army of the kingdom of Ulster during the historical period of 2000 years ago. The main character, Setanta, is observed from the time he is about 10 years old until his death.

Early in the book we are privileged to study the training and development of young prospective members of Red Branch, the army of the kingdom. The exercises are fascinating and colorful. Most are testosterone driven competitive feats of strength and prowess. Each exercise is great fodder for the making of warriors.

Rapidly, the main character in the book, Setanta, is anxiously drawn into combat against the Connaught, the primary enemy of Setanta's home kingdom of Ulster. Setanta proves his worth by defeating three of the enemies' best soldiers. This victory frees Setanta to concentrate much more on striving for personal excellence. Setanta is given the title, Cuchulain,"the Hound of Ulster", in recognition of his skill and valor.

Although there are relationships and chronicles of social interaction, the primary focus of Red Branch is upon political intrigue, battles, and war. The rulers and politicians are manipulative and greedy. The battles, however, are abundant and detailed. Duty and honor prevail among the soldiers of the Red Branch.

From a military perspective this book is outstanding. It is filled with battles between warriors of honor. I like the book.