"5-star

I do not give out 5-star ratings lightly, or often. In my opinion, Conall: Rinn-Iru by David H. Millar has earned 5 stars.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, but have not had much exposure to Irish history, especially at the point in history of this book, over 400 years BC. Conall Mac Gabhann is a teenage son of a blacksmith, in a small community in southeastern Ireland, or Eriu. His life gets turned upside-down one day while he is away from home on a hunting trip. The hunting party returns to find that their village has been attacked, with all the residents slaughtered, including Conall’s parents. Conall vows to avenge their deaths, no matter the cost.

The rest of the novel follows Conall as he travels through Eriu on his mission of vengeance. In the process, he amasses an army, becomes a king, and creates powerful enemies, as well.

With detailed, graphic descriptions of battles, Mr. Millar paints a vivid picture of the life-and-death struggles faced by warriors of ancient times. Can Conall, with the help of his friends, find those that he has sworn to take vengeance upon? I anxiously await the next volume in this series of books.

One note: This book is “R” rated, for violence and adult situations, for those that are concerned with these things.

Overall, a fantastic book – highly recommended for fans of historical fiction!

5-star

A very well researched novel that brings you back to 415 BC in ancient Ireland and follows an orphaned young man on an epic page turning quest for revenge. Just think of an ancient Batman that Batman would run from ;) The descriptions of armor, weaponry and battle tactics were so thorough that I could almost hear the battle cries and I loved the bit of folklore blended in. Thanks for the fantastic read.

5-star

This is not my usual genre to read, but I was given the book as a gift, and was intrigued with the cover, so I read Conall. From the first chapter in the book I was gripped. It tells the story of a simple blacksmith's son whose parents and sisters were brutally murdered. Conall starts off on a journey of vengeance with a band of young followers, most not much older than children. The story leads the reader through his growth as a man, a warrior and the leader of his army. The narrative used is authentic, the battle scenes satisfyingly vivid, and the antics of the sidhe will both terrify and delight you. If you like Games of Thrones - you will love Conall.

5-star

After getting past the difficult Gaelic names and delving into the story it was a non-stop page turner. David Millar weaves a story of legend, real history and unique characters that make it one of the best I've read in awhile. I can't wait for the next book."

"""A great read, especially for the eclectic reader … Each character has its own creative way of wriggling right into your conscious and staying …""

""From the first chapter in the book I was gripped. The narrative used is authentic, the battle scenes satisfyingly vivid, and the antics of the Sidhe will both terrify and delight you."" 

""With detailed, graphic descriptions of battles, Millar paints a vivid picture of the life-and-death struggles faced by warriors of ancient times.""

""The descriptions of armor, weaponry and battle tactics were so thorough that I could almost hear the battle cries and I loved the bit of folklore blended in.""

""Not only is the story line an intriguing glimpse into another time period, but it is also jam packed full of fascinating three-dimensional characters who are engaged in an interesting plot line."""