Fire on the Hill

The Liberty Trilogy #2

by Gretta Curran Browne

GRETTA CURRAN BROWNE's books have been internationally published throughout Europe and in Japan and China.

A COMPLETE STAND-ALONE NOVEL
(and Book 2 of The Liberty Trilogy)

FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR of "TREAD SOFTLY ON MY DREAMS"


In her historical `faction’ novels, Gretta Curran Browne tells the story of actual people and actual events and, apart from using a few minor fictional characters, she does not change history or distort the true stories of the worthy people she has “reclaimed” from history to bring to a present-day audience

***

.When first published in hardback, Tread Softly On My Dreams and Fire On The Hill were bought by the University of Notre Dame in the USA, The National Library of Ireland, The Princess Grace Irish Library in the Palace of Monaco, and received an award from The Royal Literary Society in London.

* * *

Although presented here as a novel, FIRE ON THE HILL is a true story based on recorded facts. Michael Dwyer was born, cradled and then grew from boy to man under the shade of the Wicklow Hills. He knows every inch of them, knows all their secrets: the river streams to quench a man’s thirst, the wild game to keep away hunger, the wood in excess to burn, and the sheltering caves. And then, in the historic year of 1798 he comes to know love.

When Michael Dwyer first dances with Mary Doyle on the night of the spring fair, many of the locals see their love story unfold before their eyes, a story so unique they will later tell it to their grandchildren.Destined to be a farmer like his father before him, Michael loves the land, and is content to work in the fields and live off the yield, but in that same year of 1798 the militia, hated pawns of the rulers in Dublin Castle, force him to leave the land and take to his beloved mountains, where he becomes what every Wicklow youth dreams of being: a man who owns no master, a man who refuses to bend a servile knee.And always, standing somewhere amidst the green glens and beautiful landscape of Wicklow, is Mary, waiting and watching, caring nothing for patriotism and heroism, only for her love for the rebel captain, but love on the run cannot last forever.

Genres: Ireland, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Irish Literature, Mystery, Romance, Historical

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 1991

Reviews

[Mike Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to Ireland in the Fall and wanted to know something of the history. This was a delightful way to experience something of the spirit of the 1798 uprising and the role of Michael Dwyer as a champion of the peasant class. I was appalled at the insensitivity of the British and their failure to see that what the people wanted was the freedom to determine their own destiny. The brutality of the Landlords and the Overlords was as inexcusable then as it would be today. This book contains a beautiful love story between a lady and a gentleman who demonstrate fidelity and commitment in spite of great hardship.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very readable story about the early years of the Irish struggle against the oppression of England in the 1700s.
Michael Dwyer the "rebel" leader is a handsome young man dedicated to freeing his beloved Ireland, but in love with the young and lovely Mary.
Mary is the girl who loves him and would go to the ends of the earth for him.
The story tells of their secret marriage, of the struggle of the poor Irish against the cruel and arrogant English, and of the determination of some young, brave men who only wanted freedom to live in peace with their families.
I really enjoyed this book, and did't realize when I started that it was the second in a triolgy! I was nevertheless easy to follow, and now has me wanting to read the other 2!!

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing history

I am struck by the fact I almost passed on reading the first book of this series 'Tread Softly on my Dreams,' only to find out I cannot get enough of this incredible story based on historical fact.

The author does a masterful job of bringing to life the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This second book of the series focuses on Michael Dwyer, a young man living on his family's farm in Wicklow.

The harsh, murderous treatment of the Irish people perpetrated upon them by a callous, snobbish English government is tantamount to slavery. It very much reminds me of the more recent government policies in South Africa while the world watched in horror at the genocide upon black Africans. It sickens me no end!

I was stunned by the actions of the militia and their vicious treatment of the people. Children were targeted; women raped; people's homes broken apart and burned indiscriminately. And those are just a few examples of the bullying and murder done by them.

Curran Browne catalogues events of Dwyer's metamorphic rise to local hero and beyond after he is forced to retreat into the mountains with some of his army during and after the 1798 rebellion. His skill at shooting, his natural leadership qualities and the love of the people is described, as is the mutual attraction of a local girl, Mary. And let me add the talent of this author to write romance is unsurpassed. I felt every moment.

Needless to say, this book boiled my blood, made laugh......find out what Rosie Noonan did at the Quila, ... made me feel the romance of one who loves their country by reading the sweeping, artful prose of a truly gifted writer. The love of these men, their women and their home is truly a story worth reading as I continue into book three of this wonderful series.

Definite recommendation to all readers of historical fiction of all ages.

[GREGORY · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading, reviewing & rating Tread Softly On My Dreams 5 Stars it was not easy to drop to 3 for Fire on the Hill. I have already purchased & downloaded A World Apart with great expectations it will be back to 5 stars. Three stars for Fire on the Hill was a result of what I felt included an excess of minutiae & a lack of the intense adventurous drama as in Tread Softly. This trilogy went from as Teno noted, sad & sickening brutality that could have been hard to read by some (but acceptable historical fact) to mainly a relationship story with similar but far less of the brutality in Fire. Although just 3 stars this is an author that writes beautifully & holds your attention & need to keep turning those pages. There was just too many insignificant minor details in many pages containing meaningless descriptions of their surroundings & the people involved. It slowed the story & made it boring reading for many pages. Now, I must go and start A World Apart because one thing she did was hold my attention for needing to know the fate of Michael and Mary. I know this will be a great conclusion to this exciting story of the Irish's fight for freedom from the unbelievable sick treatment they suffered under English rule. Read all three books in order. If you love historical fiction (or not), you will love these books.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed book 2 in the trilogy but I have a really hard time with cruelty to animals, even in fiction, which happened more than once in this volume and which caused me to step away and consider whether to continue reading. I did finish the book and am now reading #3. I do like her writing and that her tales are based in history. I did some independent research on the two men by the name of John Moore who were deeply involved in the 1798 insurrection that is the focal point of the trilogy. One was a British general who appears in the book and then is shipped off to another war, and whose character remains consistent with everything I read about him. The other was the first named president of Ireland - for only a few months - and has not appeared yet. Maybe book three? Or maybe that is too much coincidence to deal with (the name). She will have to backtrack to do so, since the insurrection, while violent, was short-lived as was the presidency.

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of love courage and betrayal.

I loved this book and the story and all the characters in it. The fact that it is based on history and still reads like a love story is amazing. The fight for freedom is so strong in us all Such a beautiful description of the whole area and the wonderful mountains. I just had to buy the 3rd book in the series. Excellent Author.

[Nadine Treece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome historical read!!

This book is such a wonderful story about the history of one of Ireland's famous rebels. Made me look up so many other things to truly understand what some of the words meant and what the places looked like. This wonderful book makes you want to probe deeper into the world of Michael Dwyer and the Irish!! Thank you Ms Browne!!

[Shirley Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerising

Words cannot praise this telling of Michael Dwyer’s story adequately. Being propelled into the world of Ireland in turmoil - the land and its people - through the eyes of one of its great heroes is incredibly beautiful and powerful! Couldn’t stop reading it from beginning to end!!

[Paul Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by a great Author, Greta Curran Browne. It is so difficult to put these books down ones you start reading it.
The story about those struggling people in Ireland is just so heart wrenching. They suffered so many years at the hands of people that had no right being there.

[Sharon Haylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy going, but a very good read.

[Donald short jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book.

It is a very well book . I think a person who a book that does follow history would like this book

[Deanna Osterud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This novel is hard to put down and keeps the reader engaged. Looking forward to book 3 in the series.

[Gail D'Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story and set in Ireland. I really enjoyed the book and the love story within it.
I's recommend this book.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicklow, 1798. Rebellion and romance abound in this account of the exploits of Michael Dwyer.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Dwyer, is one of the Irish legends in the fight for Ireland's liberty. This Novel was was originally one really long novel, the Kindle read is separated into 2 books. And was a great read! The next book is titled A World Apart. Will update this review after I am done reading it!
Finished the series. This last "book" is about Michael and his wife Mary. What a life they led while Michael was the rebel. The author took me to and kept me in Ireland. I can see why Michael Dwyer is a hero in the eyes of his countrymen.

[Eithne O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of Michael Dwyer beautiful love story set during the dark days of Ireland past.A beautiful read. i loved it

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire On The Hill

Couldn’t put it down! For 2 nights I read long into the night. Now onto A World Apart and I assume long nights of reading.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book and the one following is about the life of Michael Dwyer. It seems to be largely a romance, but what it seems to be and what it is are probably two different things. The romance is the lovely story of Michael and Mary and their fierce attraction to one another. Had it been only a romance, I would have been satisfied that it was a good story, although I generally do not read romance novels. What the story really tells is probably the way that attraction got in the way of the struggle of this determined rebel holdout for the rights of a United Ireland. Or perhaps it tells of how the struggle got in the way of the Michael's love for Mary and his children. Loving Mary and his children and loving his country seemed to create equal, incompatible struggles in Michael's life.

The book following this continues with the life of Michael and Mary. I was torn by the things that happened, wondering "what if" this or "what if" that, but there's no changing history. It happened the way it happened.

It seems that even though Michael's quest for his countrymen and women is not to be achieved in his lifetime, the legend of his courage and determination probably inspired and buoyed those who came after.

The writing seems light to me because of the emphasis on the love story, but perhaps that's the way it was. Maybe the love story was paramount in Michael's mind. Perhaps that was the pull that was irresistible to him, where the struggle for Ireland was something he felt bound to by his strong character and belief that what was happening under the rule of the British was just plain wrong.

Four stars because I learned a lot about British and Irish history from this trilogy.

[Maureen Melle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for lovers of historic novels

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I found myself thinking about it and worrying about Michael Dwyer and his band of rebels even when I was not reading the book. I grew up in an Irish household and have always been intrigued to know more about Irish history and the rebels who fought so bravely against all odds for freedom and justice for their homeland and for the Irish people. Here, in a fictionalized form, these rebels are able to live on - long after their time on Earth



has passed. I recommend this book for anyone interested in Irish history.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved learning some of the history of Ireland, and the stories of local people in the area of Wicklow, and those involved in the war between Ireland and Britain. Michael Dwyer was a very likable character. I felt that the story of Michael and Mary's love life ended rather abruptly. I didn't read Book #1 so possibly some of the background of the story might have helped to make this one a better read for me as I felt this one was rather slow, and sometimes I felt the tendency to give up the reading. The write-up on the book said that "love on the run couldn't last" but based on what I read in the book, I do feel that Michael and Mary's love was meant to last.

[Dava Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like historical fiction, especially when it is based on facts, as this one is. That said, I did not enjoy this as much as I did Tread Softly on My Dreams, the first in the series. Perhaps I waited too long between reading them. It is still a very good story, and worth your time if historical fiction/romance is your thing.

In any case, this story should appeal to those who like both romance and history, and especially to people who like the two genres wrapped up together. I haven't decided yet if I will buy the third in the series, but probably will.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart Has It's Reasons

A wonderful hero, Michael Dwyer known as "the Captain", and the rebels he lead to free Ireland were not successful but he will be forever remembered by the people of Wicklow. The man who saved his life McAllister is also remembered on the statue in a town square at the bottom of the statue of their hometown hero. The love of his life Mary kept him alive. A historical novel of the past which so eloquently written. Can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Irish stories for freedom. The United Irish in the Wicklow Mtns. were lead by Michael Dwyer. He was hunted by the English, the Scots and the German Hessians. Michael only wanted Ireland to be free and governed by the Irish not the English. He had to hide in the mountains and never allowed to stay in one place for long. This became complicated when he fell in love with Mary on one of his quick trips from the mountains.

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I liked this better than the first book! This one details the life of Michael Dwyer and his impact on the early Irish independence movement as well as his love for Mary Doyle. This is not a sequel to the first book (Tread Softly on My Dreams) but more of a parallel about a different character. Like the first this is a great history lesson wrapped in an adventure/romance. Great characters and ripping plot.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written and hard to put down. Not very well versed in Irish history ( a condition I'm trying to improve!) this book is written as fiction, although based solidly on historical fact. The characters are alive and well-rounded, the difficulty of the lives of the Irish peasants under British rule well depicted. I'm going to look for the sequel, " A World Apart".

[Gretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

IRISH POST
To the Editor

"Dear Sir,

I see you have the new edition of TREAD SOFTLY ON MY DREAMS advertised in your paper. I read the hardback of this book last year and have now just finished the author's second book, FIRE ON THE HILL, and have found it also to be quite magnificent."

B. Roche
London NW3

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I love reading the history of Ireland. It is in my blood also.
I enjoyed the relations of the community and the camaraderie of Michael and his United
Irish men. It is so sad how much war takes away. You not only need to watch your back
but also you don't know who to trust. The Irish have a strong ethic about staying true
to yours.

[Chris Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fiction with great historical accuracy

I enjoy novels about the past and this one reveals the intriguing history of the struggle for freedom of the Irish. The characters are likewise well developed, as well as the scene and time period. This novel is worth the time to read.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

As this book is based on the life of a real person then it is my opinion that it should be as near accurate as possible. If the author had stuck to the truth from beginning to end this would have received more stars. It is well written although the 'heroics' and 'swagger' become a bit tedious.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. I learned a lot about Irish history.