Over four hundred years before the birth of Christ, the island of Ériu is a patchwork of feuding kingdoms, wide plains, and impassable bogs. Battle, intrigue, betrayals, and courage are part of life for the Celts who call Ériu home, while from their underground halls the mysterious Aes Sidhe seduce brave warriors, turning men in to kings and binding them with fearsome geis.
Conall Mac Gabhann is content with his apprenticeship to the local blacksmith. Content, that is, until his family is slaughtered in their home.
Two men share responsibility for the massacre: a mad Irish king and a dissolute Roman. Conall will have his vengeance on both, or die in the attempt.
Accompanied by his childhood friend Brion ó Cathasaigh and the veteran warrior Fearghal ó Maoilriain, Conall's hunt takes him northward through unfriendly kingdoms and treacherous bogs to a confrontation beyond the ancient earthworks of the Black Pig's Dyke.
Along the way, Conall will gather an army, and come to the attention of the Aes Sidhe. An apprentice blacksmith could become a king with their help--if he so desires--or can live with the consequences.
Industry Reviews
"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."
(Goodreads/Amazon)
"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. 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."
(Goodreads/Amazon)
"Millar's novel is extremely well-written and entertaining. As my first real forte into historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by just how enjoyable a book Conall: Rinn-Iru turned out to be. 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 a interesting plot line... Conall: Rinn-Iru is quite a distinguished novel. I look forward to reading more by Millar."
(Goodreads/Amazon)
"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."
(Goodreads/Amazon)
"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 a while. I can't wait for the next book."
(Goodreads/Amazon)
