About the Author

Brian O'Sullivan was born in county Cork, Ireland. On completing a degree at University College Cork, he went on to travel extensively. Now based in New Zealand, he runs a small publishing company (Irish Imbas Books) with his family but returns to Ireland on a regular basis. Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy), a contemporary version of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series) and the much-praised Irish Woman Warrior Series (the Liath Luachra Series) which has been adapted for the screen. Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style, attention to historical accuracy and humour has meant that his books have become firm favourites of readers all around the world. His monthly newsletter 'Vog' (with monthly articles on his writing and creative projects, aspects of Irish culture and other strange stuff) can be found via his website at: http: //irishimbasbooks.com.

Reviews

"The Irish David Gemmel!"




Actually, my title summary probably isn't fair to either writer. Both have very individual styles but in terms of action and characters this series is leagues ahead of most of other fantasy/adventure books out there. Certainly I'd rate it up there with David Gemmel (my favourite fantasy writer) in terms of quality and originality.




This story follows on nicely from first book, although six years have passed since the assault on the people of Rath Bladhma. Most of the tale takes place during an eventful journey across the wilderness known as the Great Wild when the druid Bodhmhall is forced to return to her childhood home of Dun Baoiscne. Accompanying her are the ever fascinating woman warrior Liath Luachra, her nephew Demne and a band of allied warriors from another tribe.




There are so many things I like about this series, it's hard to know where to start. Certainly, the growing sense of menace is very cool. The combat scenes, skirmish or full-on battles. are also very realistic and the authentic sense of another culture throughout is striking. I'm no expert on Irish culture but this just 'feel's right. If pressed, though, I'd have to say that it's the characters I find most emotionally satisfying. I really want to know more about them and their backstories which are regularly alluded but revealed slowly through the course of the adventure/series. As a drip feed, it's very effective, damn it!




Please hurry with number three!"

(D. Tamati)







"A Must Read"




It's been a while since I read Book 1 in the series, but I slipped back into the story of Fionn mac Cumhal as though I had never been away. Again such a strong sense of place, culture, and magic, woven together with wonderful characters, both good and evil, and an un-put-downable plot. I can't think of anything else I've read that so successfully makes the fantastic so believable. Be warned - it does end on something of cliffhanger, which I found quite hard. I'll be looking out for the next in the series...

(Julia)