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Book Reviews of Red Branch

Red Branch
Red Branch
Author: Morgan Llywelyn
ISBN-13: 9780804105910
ISBN-10: 080410591X
Publication Date: 12/30/1989
Pages: 512
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 40

4.2 stars, based on 40 ratings
Publisher: Ivy Books
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

8 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Codswallop avatar reviewed Red Branch on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Morgan Llywelyn brings the myth of the warrior-hero Cuchulain vividly to life. The story is rendered in a way that allows the magical and the very human to blend in a manner that feels natural and believable. The Cuchulain she describes displays tenderness, vulnerability, loyalty, and generosity along with his very masculine lust for warfare and his terrifying killing prowess. There is youthful angst, romance, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, greed, rage, and lust to spare as well.

This is an enjoyable read and very well done. I heartily recommend it.
Clarinda avatar reviewed Red Branch on
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating novel about mythical Ireland.
fyrefairy54 avatar reviewed Red Branch on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
RED BRANCH is a wonderful retelling of the story of the Hound of Culain, Cuchulain, and his epic, THE TAIN--written in a way that delves more into his personality, his life, and his amazing adventures. The book was absorbing and drew me in--that is Morgan Llywelyn's own personal magic, for she skillfully weaves the tapestry of the Red Branch warriors in a way that makes me feel as if I were in the Bronze age, right there, watching and participating in the events that unfold.
From his fateful encounter with the Morrigan, War Goddess, to his choice of a short hero's life when a druid forecasts this possibility, the scene is set for a short life, full of violent conflicts and battle--and a tender interlude with his one love, Emer.
For a great story, and for those interested in the Irish Gael, this book is ideal. For those curious as to Celtic mythology, this book is a great starting point. Morgan Llywelyn will not leave you wanting--and will make you hunger for more books like this, which she has written: BARD, THE DRUIDS, HORSE GODDESS, and others...
Happy reading! I truly love this book.
Raine avatar reviewed Red Branch on + 23 more book reviews
This is the book that made me fall in love with Cuchulain. Terrific book!
reviewed Red Branch on + 32 more book reviews
Historical celtic fiction.
reviewed Red Branch on + 593 more book reviews
Very exciting book, easy to read, can't put it down.
reviewed Red Branch on + 56 more book reviews
Morgan Llywelyn is a wonderful writer. I loved Bard & several other of her books. I could only get about 1/2 way thru this one. She could have told a wonderful story with 1 tenth the violence she used in this book. Totally unnecessary & it turned me off to the story. I knew, going in, that this book would be more like a graphic novel than usual, but it was still just overdone.
reviewed Red Branch on + 49 more book reviews
A very stirring rendition of the legend of "the hound of Ulster."