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Exit Unicorns #1
Exit Unicorns
It is the spring of 1968 in Belfast, Northern Ireland and James Kirkpatrick has just lost his father under suspicious circumstances, Casey Riordan is released from prison after five years and Pamela O’Flaherty has crossed an ocean and a lifetime of memories to find the man she fell in love with as a little girl. All three lives are on a collision course with each other against the backdrop of the burgeoning civil rights movement and a nation on the brink of revolution.
They come from disparate backgrounds- Jamie a wealthy industrialist whose life is like an imperfect but many faceted jewel- brilliant, flawed and with a glitter that is designed to distract the observer. Casey- a card carrying member of the Irish Republican Army, who must face the fact that five years away has left him a stranger, a misfit in his own neighbourhood where not everyone is sympathetic to a convicted rebel. Pamela- who has come to Ireland in search of a memory and a man who may not have existed in the first place.
Through it all runs the ribbon of a love story; love of country, the beginning love of two people unable to resist the pull of each another regardless of the cost to themselves and those around them and the selfless love of one man who no longer believes himself capable of such emotion.
Ultimately this is the story of Ireland herself, of how nation is bound to one’s identity, woven into the weft of all we become. And whether, finally, freedom and peace can walk down the same road, hand in hand.
They come from disparate backgrounds- Jamie a wealthy industrialist whose life is like an imperfect but many faceted jewel- brilliant, flawed and with a glitter that is designed to distract the observer. Casey- a card carrying member of the Irish Republican Army, who must face the fact that five years away has left him a stranger, a misfit in his own neighbourhood where not everyone is sympathetic to a convicted rebel. Pamela- who has come to Ireland in search of a memory and a man who may not have existed in the first place.
Through it all runs the ribbon of a love story; love of country, the beginning love of two people unable to resist the pull of each another regardless of the cost to themselves and those around them and the selfless love of one man who no longer believes himself capable of such emotion.
Ultimately this is the story of Ireland herself, of how nation is bound to one’s identity, woven into the weft of all we become. And whether, finally, freedom and peace can walk down the same road, hand in hand.
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First published December 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
March 20, 2013
I'm really torn about this book. In many ways, it is on the cusp of being a masterpiece. The prose is absolutely beautiful. The characters are unique and interesting. I also learned a lot - I knew almost nothing about the Irish civil war before this. But this badly needs editing. It is simply way too long. Pages and pages are spent with no advancement of the plot. I very nearly gave up several times out of boredom. So I am very hesitant to recommend this book. It's a good book if you have the patience for it.
March 3, 2014
I will begin with what is great about these three books. The history of the Irish fight for independence and against British oppression is well researched and written. I felt the pain of the Irish, and the need to fight generation after generation for justice. The nonfiction part of this book doesn't fair as well. The author had a difficult time keeping track of characters. They lost focus as the story progressed, and I didn't know who they were by the time the story ended. Also, characters were introduced, such as Jamie's American friend Jessica, as if they would be part of the story, then just disappeared without a trace. There were unimportant side trips as well - so why was the Arabic transcript given to the old Jewish clock maker? And why did we need to have a interlude of an elderly woman who had loved one man, and made love with his son? And why was Jamie introduced as if he had magic around him, then never have that tied to anything magical again? None of these side stories added to the story at the center of the revolution. I kept thinking that Ms Brandner wanted to write six different books about six different characters, but chose to cram all the stories into this one series.
With a good editor, this series could be great. Cut out the side trips, focus on the revolution and the characters at its core and this would be a series well worth reading.
With a good editor, this series could be great. Cut out the side trips, focus on the revolution and the characters at its core and this would be a series well worth reading.
July 18, 2016
I am hooked. I adore historical fiction, love a good romance. This has it all. Ireland in all it's glory, with it's romantic and bloody history is the focus of this book. It has languished on my kindle forever.Why?!
History is front and center throughout. The book starts in the year 1968. The era of the IRA. I lived through that time watching the stormy images from the safety of my living room stateside. I watched,tried to understand but never really got it. I do now.
Mysterious, beautiful,murderous,funny characters abound. Pamela,Casey,Jamie and Pat have taken over my heart. I am invested. Time lines are fluid,the reader must pay attention. Trust me, it's not hard.
It has been a long while since I read something that so thoroughly charmed and intrigued me. I was a quarter way through the book and already recommending it to friends as a must read. The prose is lyrical, magical.
This is number one in a four book series.In a while, I'll dive into number two. Excellant!
History is front and center throughout. The book starts in the year 1968. The era of the IRA. I lived through that time watching the stormy images from the safety of my living room stateside. I watched,tried to understand but never really got it. I do now.
Mysterious, beautiful,murderous,funny characters abound. Pamela,Casey,Jamie and Pat have taken over my heart. I am invested. Time lines are fluid,the reader must pay attention. Trust me, it's not hard.
It has been a long while since I read something that so thoroughly charmed and intrigued me. I was a quarter way through the book and already recommending it to friends as a must read. The prose is lyrical, magical.
This is number one in a four book series.In a while, I'll dive into number two. Excellant!
January 24, 2014
The author weaves a beautiful tale of love, loss, and life in 1960s Ireland.
The devil is perhaps in the details. Brandner is a wordsmith. She writes in such depth and detail that you can almost believe you are there with the characters. However...It's the same detailing that almost made me give up reading. At times I felt that the plot would surely never pick up but I kept plodding through fascinated by the intrigue. I'm glad I did! About half way through the plot did pick up and it was unputdownable from then on.
To reviewers comparing her to other authors: Cindy Brandner is a great writer in her own right! There is no need to keep comparing her to other authors. Enjoy her work for what it is---her work.
Bottom line: It takes a while for the plot to advance but stick with it and you won't be disappointed.
The devil is perhaps in the details. Brandner is a wordsmith. She writes in such depth and detail that you can almost believe you are there with the characters. However...It's the same detailing that almost made me give up reading. At times I felt that the plot would surely never pick up but I kept plodding through fascinated by the intrigue. I'm glad I did! About half way through the plot did pick up and it was unputdownable from then on.
To reviewers comparing her to other authors: Cindy Brandner is a great writer in her own right! There is no need to keep comparing her to other authors. Enjoy her work for what it is---her work.
Bottom line: It takes a while for the plot to advance but stick with it and you won't be disappointed.
March 24, 2009
Amazing history, characters and emotions. It's a long one which are my favorite types of books! It is the second time I read it and it was better the second time. Definitely PG-13 for violence etc since it is about life during the IRA in Ireland but it is fascinating! It also starts off a little weird but stick with it and you will learn a lot about Ireland and the emotions behind the resistance.
March 4, 2015
Normally, I rate books without writing a review but Exit Unicorns needs my comments. This was one of the most maddeningly inconsistent books that I have read all the way through. This is the beginning of a trilogy dealing with Ireland in the late 60's. I remember many of these events well although I do not claim to really know Irish history. I have many friends who lived them however.
I felt that the book began slowly and when it finally picked up for me. the author veered off to many pages of exposition on the history of Christianity only finally connecting it to the history of Ireland. I read somewhere that this was self-published and if so, it explains the woeful lack of editing. At least 100 pages could have been cut or revised to make the story flow much better. Sadly, the author's style is quite lyrical and poetic unlike the rather dry factual info she includes. I see that many reviewers loved this and the next two books. Perhaps, the unedited material did not bother them. Will I read the next book? Maybe, I did enjoy the characters but maybe not because there are so many wonderfully written (and edited) books on my TBR shelves.
I felt that the book began slowly and when it finally picked up for me. the author veered off to many pages of exposition on the history of Christianity only finally connecting it to the history of Ireland. I read somewhere that this was self-published and if so, it explains the woeful lack of editing. At least 100 pages could have been cut or revised to make the story flow much better. Sadly, the author's style is quite lyrical and poetic unlike the rather dry factual info she includes. I see that many reviewers loved this and the next two books. Perhaps, the unedited material did not bother them. Will I read the next book? Maybe, I did enjoy the characters but maybe not because there are so many wonderfully written (and edited) books on my TBR shelves.
January 18, 2022
Confession: My heart hasn’t fully recovered from the Outlander series, so I haven’t really been reading Historical romance/historical fiction lately.
But this series was highly recommended via Twitter when I was talking about my love for Carlos Ruiz Zafón. So of course I had to add this series to my TBR. And after reading/listening, I understand why Brandner is being mentioned in the same breath.
I wasn’t expecting such a heavy hitting in-depth history lesson (and, TBH, they sort of dragged the plot down), but the characters and the plot more than made up for it.
Narrator: I went back and forth btwn kindle and Audible. Gary Furlong is a solid pick. The Irish accent is easy on the ears. :)
My wish for future books:
- In the beginning of book, there was a magical element mentioned when Jamie was born. Re: Animals / And I hope future books dive into this.
- Less dry history lessons, or interweaving them tighter with plot.
3.75/5 rounded up
But this series was highly recommended via Twitter when I was talking about my love for Carlos Ruiz Zafón. So of course I had to add this series to my TBR. And after reading/listening, I understand why Brandner is being mentioned in the same breath.
I wasn’t expecting such a heavy hitting in-depth history lesson (and, TBH, they sort of dragged the plot down), but the characters and the plot more than made up for it.
Narrator: I went back and forth btwn kindle and Audible. Gary Furlong is a solid pick. The Irish accent is easy on the ears. :)
My wish for future books:
- In the beginning of book, there was a magical element mentioned when Jamie was born. Re: Animals / And I hope future books dive into this.
- Less dry history lessons, or interweaving them tighter with plot.
3.75/5 rounded up
March 16, 2016
I found this book alternately beautiful, compelling, and frustrating. Cindy Brandner is without a doubt a gifted writer. I loved the telling detail of her characters and the breadth of the history she incorporated. However, at times she went off on confusing tangents, dropped characters, inserted magical reality that went nowhere, and overloaded me with description. Parts of the book I feel priviledged to have read, and others I would cut if I were her editor. So, I recommend this book if you are willing to put up with some meandering in return for some truly gorgeous storytelling.
July 21, 2019
This book was a slow start for me but once you get passed the first few chapters, it is a wonderful read. It was a bit confusing at first. It is written in a beautiful prose with many poetic quotes. It is the story of Northern Ireland and how they had to fight for independence. They are many horrific incidents along the way. It is a captivating story.
It has a little bit of "Outlander"feel to it with even a character named Jamie. How can you lose. Well worth the read.
It has a little bit of "Outlander"feel to it with even a character named Jamie. How can you lose. Well worth the read.
January 15, 2020
You have got to either really be interested, or have someone that was invested first hand in the period known as “The Troubles” to really appreciate this book. My grandparents were gone from Ireland by 1968 when the horror flared up again, but the family my gram left behind was still there in the thick of it. While the writing is excellent I believe the author tries too hard to make it into a love story using the political/religious situation as a backdrop…but it just doesn’t work if you spent everyday watching someone you love try to deal with what was happening with the people and land that she loved. I believe I would have liked the book more if I hadn’t had this situation. I gave it 3 stars…it’s well written and I certainly would encourage you to read it…if you don’t carry this excess baggage.
July 13, 2020
The story begins in the spring of 1968 in Belfast, Ireland, at the start of a long conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants known as The Troubles.
Though The Troubles is but a small glimpse into a multi century-old conflict between the British and the Irish, it started before I was born, so I was not aware of this part of Ireland's bloody past. The stars of this phenomenal series are James Kirkpatrick, Pamela O’Flaherty, Casey Riordan, Patrick Riordan, and a host of very memorable characters that you will not soon forget.
Through their stories, I've learned about history, passion, strength, but most of all true and ardent love for one’s country. Get ready to experience everything from laughter to tears, anger to sorrow… this book brings all the feels.
I first read Exit Unicorns in 2014 and then again when the audiobook came out in 2017. Cindy Brandner is a master storyteller. Her vivid writing transports her readers through beautifully written prose, giving the reader a deeper, more personal experience. I hear the wind and smell the moss each time I open her books.
I was certain I couldn't love a story any more than I already do, but it is so very possible. The narrator, Gary Furlong, does an excellent job of bringing anew each character to life. Though Pamela is still not all that I hope for, she's grown on me. Gary makes up for her with all the other characters. Some characters are so spot on that it's scary. His interpretation through narration leaves me mind-blown. You know a narrator does his job well when you're laughing out loud so much that your kid looks at you oddly!
If you have a passion for all things Irish, then this is a series you cannot afford to miss. It is bloody brilliant!
This is a book trailer that I made for Cindy with her permission.
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/a4Nq-q-hxRI
Though The Troubles is but a small glimpse into a multi century-old conflict between the British and the Irish, it started before I was born, so I was not aware of this part of Ireland's bloody past. The stars of this phenomenal series are James Kirkpatrick, Pamela O’Flaherty, Casey Riordan, Patrick Riordan, and a host of very memorable characters that you will not soon forget.
Through their stories, I've learned about history, passion, strength, but most of all true and ardent love for one’s country. Get ready to experience everything from laughter to tears, anger to sorrow… this book brings all the feels.
I first read Exit Unicorns in 2014 and then again when the audiobook came out in 2017. Cindy Brandner is a master storyteller. Her vivid writing transports her readers through beautifully written prose, giving the reader a deeper, more personal experience. I hear the wind and smell the moss each time I open her books.
I was certain I couldn't love a story any more than I already do, but it is so very possible. The narrator, Gary Furlong, does an excellent job of bringing anew each character to life. Though Pamela is still not all that I hope for, she's grown on me. Gary makes up for her with all the other characters. Some characters are so spot on that it's scary. His interpretation through narration leaves me mind-blown. You know a narrator does his job well when you're laughing out loud so much that your kid looks at you oddly!
If you have a passion for all things Irish, then this is a series you cannot afford to miss. It is bloody brilliant!
This is a book trailer that I made for Cindy with her permission.
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/a4Nq-q-hxRI
March 26, 2014
This book teeters on the edge of magnificent, in my view. It started a bit slowly, but I plowed ahead, as there were so many wonderful reviews; I'm glad I did. The characters are memorable and engaging, with Casey being the most well-drawn, in my opinion. I was a bit confused by an early section which seemed to imbue Jamie with magical powers (what's up with that?) and there is a sense of the magical that hovers around Pamela, as well.
It is no mean feat for an author to make a sympathetic character out of a leader of one of the most controversial and violent organizations of recent memory (IRA) but Cindy Brandner manages it, getting to the motivation behind Casey's choices. I want to know sensitive, damaged Pat better, and was glad that something good finally seemed to be happening to him.
As others have mentioned, this book would have benefited from some serious editing. Cindy Brandner is a writer of formidable talent, but there was, in parts, just too much of a good thing. I am preparing to read the second book in the series now and cannot wait to see what happens next to these characters.
It is no mean feat for an author to make a sympathetic character out of a leader of one of the most controversial and violent organizations of recent memory (IRA) but Cindy Brandner manages it, getting to the motivation behind Casey's choices. I want to know sensitive, damaged Pat better, and was glad that something good finally seemed to be happening to him.
As others have mentioned, this book would have benefited from some serious editing. Cindy Brandner is a writer of formidable talent, but there was, in parts, just too much of a good thing. I am preparing to read the second book in the series now and cannot wait to see what happens next to these characters.
January 15, 2015
This is one of the best books I've read. The author, an Irish ex-patriot, winds a love story around the tumultous history of Ireland. During my own trip to Ireland in 2006, our tour guide mentioned Irish current demands for good education because during England's rule, they'd been denied not only the ability to learn to read, but the freedom to speak their own language. I realized then that Ireland wasn't just my idealized country of cute wee folk and beautiful singing, but a country not yet healed from centuries of struggle. Ms. Brandner satisfies my desire for a better understanding of that stuggle, knitted together with beautiful writing.
There were long interludes of pure history, which the author unites with the history of the story's main characters. I wish I had the language to describe the author's ability to use words as a vehicle for helping me know the feeling, intents, and family relationships of these people. If you are in the least bit interested in Irish history, you will like this book.
There were long interludes of pure history, which the author unites with the history of the story's main characters. I wish I had the language to describe the author's ability to use words as a vehicle for helping me know the feeling, intents, and family relationships of these people. If you are in the least bit interested in Irish history, you will like this book.
April 18, 2020
If you love the Outlander series like *I* love it, I have a great suggestion for you! I stumbled upon the first book in this series (Exit Unicorns) completely by accident and fell in love! When I realized it was part of a SERIES I was a very happy reader. I just finished Mermaid In A Bowl Of Tears (#2) and even though I still have two books to go, I couldn’t wait to leave a review! At the beginning I wasn’t sure how I felt about reading such a long book largely based on Irish history, but I quickly fell in love with the Emerald Isle and the wonderful people who live there. Describing this series as an Irish version of Outlander doesn’t do justice to either series, but I couldn’t help drawing comparisons (which you’ll understand as you read) and if the suggestion gets you to read it then I’ll consider that a win!
Cindy Brandner has definitely earned a spot on my favorite authors list!
Cindy Brandner has definitely earned a spot on my favorite authors list!
February 6, 2014
This is a story with great potential. The author uses some great poetic quotes, unfortunately she tries to emulate them. It ends up making the descriptions wonderful, but too long and drawn out. By about half way through I found myself starting to skip over the overly long descriptions and trying to get back to the story. Although beautifully written, they ended up dragging the storyline down into a wordy mess.
November 29, 2014
Another DNF, which i really hate. I gave this one much more than i usually do for several reasons. 1. The prose is sometimes incredibly beautiful. 2. I liked the characters, 3. I was trying to write my own for Nanowrimo and didn't mind *not* being completely sucked in. But now i have the time and I'm still not loving it. Life is too short for books that don't do it for you.
Read
April 22, 2017The author generously gifted me this book to read but I just could not immerse myself into the story. Rather than giving it a bad rating, which would only be fair if I completed the book, I contacted the author so I could forward the book to someone else who wanted to read it for a review.
December 16, 2017
Really enjoyed listening to this book but wish I’d had some sort of chart to understand the history and players’ parts better. Maybe the written book has that information.
February 25, 2016
An original copy of this review can be found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
I first encountered this book series when it was described by someone as a “fix” for those of us waiting for the 9th installment of the Outlander books. I was extremely excited to read them and was even more excited to find out that they are part of “Kindle Unlimited Program” that I received as a Christmas gift.
The story opens as Jamie Kirkpatrick was being roused from his drunken stupor to get ready for his father’s funeral. He manages to get through the day without a drink but as evening sets in the “Tinkers” (Irish Gypsies) arrive at the house to pay their respects to his late father. He allows himself to be swept up in the evening: dancing, food, drink and friends. He is given a gift by them, a young, beautiful women. He takes her inside and is unable to do anything but fall into a deep alcohol-induced sleep. The next day he finds the woman in the dining room wrapped in his robe, eating breakfast. She tells him her name is Pamela and she would like to work for him: helping in the kitchen, running errands, helping him translate Gaelic into English, etc. He agrees but doesn’t realize he already knows this beautiful young woman. He rescued her when he was living in Canada for a brief time. She had taken her father’s horse out for a ride and got bucked off. He visited her every day in the hospital and read a variety of books to her. She became infatuated with him. When she was old enough she started searching for him in hopes of winning his heart and hand. Things, however, do not go as she planned.
Her path crossed with Casey Riordan, a young man who had just been released from a British prison after spending 5 years in it for being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” She falls deeply in love with him and her whole life changes. She finds herself marching with Pat, Casey’s younger brother, in a protest march from Belfast to Derry. She gets injured when the police, who were supposed to protect them, drive them into angry mobs armed with sticks, stones, clubs and other homemade weapons. Pam’s life takes a dark turn when she and Pat were returning from a soccer game in Belfast. They get attacked on the train by a group of men. Every time Pam didn’t do something the attackers told her to they kicked or punched Pat. They gravely injure Pat and rape Pam. They both recover but decide to hide this incident from Casey. Eventually, Casey is told by a friend that he saw Pam going into an abortion clinic in London with Jamie whose life is still intertwined with Pam’s. She had become pregnant from the rape and wanted to end the pregnancy. Casey jumps to conclusions and assumes it is Jamie’s child. Pam finally tells him about the incident on the train.
I will stop there before I give too much away and let you read the book for yourself.
I was fairly disappointed with this book. Until the last 20% or so it just was not grabbing my attention like I feel it should have. It felt like I slogged through it instead of an enjoyable read. While the author does a good job of writing, there is just too much detail and chapters get drawn out. One of them, according to my Kindle, was over an hour long. I will really have to think about if I actually want to read the next book in the series. Though the author ended the last chapter with such a jaw-dropping revelation that I feel compelled to read the next book just to find out what happens.
I first encountered this book series when it was described by someone as a “fix” for those of us waiting for the 9th installment of the Outlander books. I was extremely excited to read them and was even more excited to find out that they are part of “Kindle Unlimited Program” that I received as a Christmas gift.
The story opens as Jamie Kirkpatrick was being roused from his drunken stupor to get ready for his father’s funeral. He manages to get through the day without a drink but as evening sets in the “Tinkers” (Irish Gypsies) arrive at the house to pay their respects to his late father. He allows himself to be swept up in the evening: dancing, food, drink and friends. He is given a gift by them, a young, beautiful women. He takes her inside and is unable to do anything but fall into a deep alcohol-induced sleep. The next day he finds the woman in the dining room wrapped in his robe, eating breakfast. She tells him her name is Pamela and she would like to work for him: helping in the kitchen, running errands, helping him translate Gaelic into English, etc. He agrees but doesn’t realize he already knows this beautiful young woman. He rescued her when he was living in Canada for a brief time. She had taken her father’s horse out for a ride and got bucked off. He visited her every day in the hospital and read a variety of books to her. She became infatuated with him. When she was old enough she started searching for him in hopes of winning his heart and hand. Things, however, do not go as she planned.
Her path crossed with Casey Riordan, a young man who had just been released from a British prison after spending 5 years in it for being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” She falls deeply in love with him and her whole life changes. She finds herself marching with Pat, Casey’s younger brother, in a protest march from Belfast to Derry. She gets injured when the police, who were supposed to protect them, drive them into angry mobs armed with sticks, stones, clubs and other homemade weapons. Pam’s life takes a dark turn when she and Pat were returning from a soccer game in Belfast. They get attacked on the train by a group of men. Every time Pam didn’t do something the attackers told her to they kicked or punched Pat. They gravely injure Pat and rape Pam. They both recover but decide to hide this incident from Casey. Eventually, Casey is told by a friend that he saw Pam going into an abortion clinic in London with Jamie whose life is still intertwined with Pam’s. She had become pregnant from the rape and wanted to end the pregnancy. Casey jumps to conclusions and assumes it is Jamie’s child. Pam finally tells him about the incident on the train.
I will stop there before I give too much away and let you read the book for yourself.
I was fairly disappointed with this book. Until the last 20% or so it just was not grabbing my attention like I feel it should have. It felt like I slogged through it instead of an enjoyable read. While the author does a good job of writing, there is just too much detail and chapters get drawn out. One of them, according to my Kindle, was over an hour long. I will really have to think about if I actually want to read the next book in the series. Though the author ended the last chapter with such a jaw-dropping revelation that I feel compelled to read the next book just to find out what happens.
March 19, 2021
strange book - early on, i was really annoyed by the strangely placed history lectures in the middle of the fictional action - it got better - but was still a bit all over the place - kind of hopped around in ways that i didn't like - two chapters i think were supposed to be really funny, but missed the mark for me - one was just so odd - felt really forced and had to do rather too much work in the suspension of disbelief category. i wish i could give it 3.5 stars. much of the time the characters never felt like real people to me, though at other times they did - also, really not crazy about the last chapter. kinda out there for me...bleugh! there were some lovely passages throughout the book, or it would definitely be getting a 3 star from me.
March 21, 2016
It's hard for me not to like a decently-written historical novel for the history alone. Give me a pretty good story, good characters and I'm hooked long enough to finish it. Don't let the title mislead, it's not a fairy-tale; it's a drama set in Ireland during uprising time called "The Troubles" in 1969. I am in awe of the writing style and prose of this author (who answers online questions rather fabulously) however, I wouldn't have taken the story in the same direction as she did-just a difference of taste. It dives into Irish history rather well and thoroughly hooking several generations of one family into the rebellious efforts. I love the way the author brings the protagonists together and the way their relationship grows. A definite read if you love historical fiction at all.
July 30, 2015
This book made me so sad. Another book that makes one wonder how people can just be so awful to others and justify it somehow in the name of religion. So senseless!!
I enjoyed the writing, the history behind the story, and the characters that are involved. At times, it reminds me of Diana Gabaldon's characters in the Outlander series.
One probably couldn't throw a shillelagh without hitting someone with Irish roots, but because I am one of those, I love all things Irish.
I would recommend it, it's a good read. I've just started the 2nd book "Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears", so I will continue on with the Riordan clan for a while!
I enjoyed the writing, the history behind the story, and the characters that are involved. At times, it reminds me of Diana Gabaldon's characters in the Outlander series.
One probably couldn't throw a shillelagh without hitting someone with Irish roots, but because I am one of those, I love all things Irish.
I would recommend it, it's a good read. I've just started the 2nd book "Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears", so I will continue on with the Riordan clan for a while!
September 2, 2013
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Very character driven, which I love. If you're looking for murder mysteries or vampires this is not your book, although it has its share of plot twists. Good old fashioned, well written characters are at the crux of this story, set in the backdrop of the political and religious upheaval of 1960's Northern Ireland.
Will definitely continue with the series.
I really enjoyed this book. Very character driven, which I love. If you're looking for murder mysteries or vampires this is not your book, although it has its share of plot twists. Good old fashioned, well written characters are at the crux of this story, set in the backdrop of the political and religious upheaval of 1960's Northern Ireland.
Will definitely continue with the series.
June 18, 2012
I'm always fascinated when I can read a book that brings history to life for me, and this made the conflicts between the Protestants and the Catholics in Ireland very vivid for me. There was much more of a love story here than I had expected. It is also the first book in a trilogy and while there was much foreshadowing I am not certain how the other two volumes will play out.
July 10, 2012
Great tale of Ireland's troubles and what Her people will do to set Her free. I did not know much of the history of these troubles, and the author does a great job of explaining just what caused the civil war. Full of history and great characters, this is a must read - especially if you love Ireland and her people.
January 21, 2015
DNF got 3/4's of the way through and just couldn't continue any longer.
Want to read
July 15, 2015Quit reading. Maybe some day. For now I just can't.
May 30, 2019
I decided to read Exit Unicorns two (three?) years ago when an ad appeared in my Facebook newsfeed saying that if I loved the Outlander series, I should try this book. While it is based in Ireland, not Scotland, involves no mysterious time travel, this beautiful story spans several generations and a love story equally breathtaking and heartbreaking as Jamie and Claire! The author, Cindy Brandner, is an amazing storyteller. She weaves the tale in and around the vivid Irish landscape during the time of the Troubles, bringing to life Casey and Patrick Riordan, a pair of brothers born into a family of IRA history; James Kirkpatrick, the heir of the vast Kirkpatrick fortune; and Pamela O’Flaherty, daughter of an Irish family with vague ties to the Kennedy family. The writing is almost lyrical at times and contains a huge amount of actual history that does not take away from the story. I was hooked from the first chapter and found myself devouring it! I’ve read the next three books as well! Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears, Flight of Angels, and In a Country of Shadows! Great news...A 5th book is currently being written. Cindy Brandner can be found on Facebook, Wordpress and Amazon! The first 3 books are also available on Audible! Gary Furlong is a gifted narrator and has become the voice of these favorite characters! Please don’t miss out on this fabulous series!
September 7, 2020
Immersive, brutal, beautiful
Exit Unicorns is beautifully written, revelatory, and brutal. The characters come alive to the extent that the reader feels the savagery intimately, as if they are more than words on a page. Readers should be advised that there is a multi-page description of vicious gang-rape and beating of a major character. If this is a trigger for you, I suggest skimming past this section. While this incident figures legitimately into the plot of the story I did quail at the brutality and length of the scene.
To the author’s credit she does a good job of relating Irish history so that the reader has a clearer picture of the reasons for the 800-year antipathy between England and Ireland. I just wish it had been a bit better woven into the narrative rather than being presented as pages of italicized asides. That said, much about The Troubles is more clearly understood as a result.
Clearly, based on the 5-star review, I like this book but as I said, this book was in many ways very hard to read. At times, I had to put it down and walk away to catch my breath and calm down. It is an immersive experience that will stick with you for a good while.
Exit Unicorns is beautifully written, revelatory, and brutal. The characters come alive to the extent that the reader feels the savagery intimately, as if they are more than words on a page. Readers should be advised that there is a multi-page description of vicious gang-rape and beating of a major character. If this is a trigger for you, I suggest skimming past this section. While this incident figures legitimately into the plot of the story I did quail at the brutality and length of the scene.
To the author’s credit she does a good job of relating Irish history so that the reader has a clearer picture of the reasons for the 800-year antipathy between England and Ireland. I just wish it had been a bit better woven into the narrative rather than being presented as pages of italicized asides. That said, much about The Troubles is more clearly understood as a result.
Clearly, based on the 5-star review, I like this book but as I said, this book was in many ways very hard to read. At times, I had to put it down and walk away to catch my breath and calm down. It is an immersive experience that will stick with you for a good while.
October 29, 2019
I am at a loss here. I've just finished reading this and I'm a little conflicted. In Australia, there was a great author, Bryce Courtney (now deceased). He wrote many books, but possibly the books that he was most famous for was the Potato Factory trilogy. They were fantastic, but here's the rub. As good as they were, the first book in the Trilogy was almost deathly boring for the first 2/3rds. But the investment was worth it, as the rest of that book and the next two were almost 'unputdownable'. I kept thinking that Exit Unicorns would be like that. But sadly, it wasn't. Unlike most on this forum, I really didn't find the editing that bad, but the story, well, it just didn't do it for me. It crept right up to the edge of Irish Republicanism and it's associated conflicts but then it fell away, and at times went down the path of a cheap romance novel. I wanted so much to like this book...
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