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Lord of the Sea Castle
The second volume in the THRILLING Invader series.
'Great characters, strident battles and a story to be savoured' David Gilman
It is 1170 – a tumultuous time for the people of Wales, England and Ireland. Raymond de Carew is in love, but the woman he desires is an earl's daughter and so far above his station that he has no hope of ever winning her.
However, Raymond’s lord has a mission for him: one that if it succeeds will put an Irish king back on his throne and prove Raymond worthy – for in Norman society, a man can rise as high as his skill with a sword can take him.
With only a hundred men at his side, Raymond must cross the ocean to Ireland ahead of his mercenary lord's invasion. There he will face the full might of the Viking city of Waterford... and either his deeds will become legend or he will be trampled into dust.
'Great characters, strident battles and a story to be savoured' David Gilman
It is 1170 – a tumultuous time for the people of Wales, England and Ireland. Raymond de Carew is in love, but the woman he desires is an earl's daughter and so far above his station that he has no hope of ever winning her.
However, Raymond’s lord has a mission for him: one that if it succeeds will put an Irish king back on his throne and prove Raymond worthy – for in Norman society, a man can rise as high as his skill with a sword can take him.
With only a hundred men at his side, Raymond must cross the ocean to Ireland ahead of his mercenary lord's invasion. There he will face the full might of the Viking city of Waterford... and either his deeds will become legend or he will be trampled into dust.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
400 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2017
5 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Edward Ruadh Butler
5 books28 followersBorn in Derry and brought up in Tyrone, Edward Ruadh Butler studied Biomedical Sciences before working in newsrooms, bars, and laboratories, as a security guard, musician, and a lifeguard. A keen reader of historical fiction from his youth, he decided to try and emulate his heroes - Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell, Robert Louis Stevenson, and George MacDonald Fraser - and write an adventure. He began by working on the story during his lunch hour and a year later he had completed the first draft of his debut novel, Swordland. It charts the remarkable career of Robert FitzStephen, a Norman-Welsh warrior who became the first invader of Ireland in 1169.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 10, 2019
This fantastic historical novel is the 2nd part of the "Invader series" from the author Ruadh Butler.
At the beginning of the book you'll be presented with an informative Glossary, Notes, and two well-drawn maps of the South of Ireland, all playing a major part in this great story.
While at the back of the book you'll find the Historic Note, in which the historical details are very well documented and explained, and these are superbly implemented within this fascinating historical adventure.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, the characters who are featuring in this adventure, whether they are real great historical or wonderful fictional figures, come all vividly to life within this gripping historical tale, and the surroundings and landscapes whether in Wales, England, but mainly in Ireland are beautifully pictured as well.
The book is set in the year AD 1170, some parts in Wales and England, but most are in Ireland, simply because its teling us the Norman/Irish history, and this story in particular is especially dedicated to Raymond de Carew.
This book is divided into two parts, and in part one we will see Raymond de Carew's endeavours in Wales and England, mostly all in an effort to protect his Lord, Richard de Clare, the Earl of Pembroke or Strongbow, from humiliation from King Henry (II) FitzEmpress, before being sent to Ireland in an effort to establish a foothold there, and in doing so to become the bridgehead for Strongbow, so that he can fulfill his own promise in gaining land for himself and to make his Lord Strongbow a King in Ireland.
In the second part, Raymond de Carew, will cunningly negotiate a truce and friendship with Konungr Trygve of Cluainmin, while the most remarkable achievements will be the great battles that Raymond and his followers will have to fight against a vast horde of Ostmen/Gaels, led by Konungr Ragnall, his son Jarl Sygtrygg, and two Gaelic tribes, all this in a tremendous effort to defend their fort at Dun Domhnall, and so in the end to fulfill his promise in establishing a bridgehead for his Lord, Strongbow.
Highly recommended, for this is a great Norman/Irish series to read and to follow with interest, and what this book in particular is concerned, I like to call it: "A Terrific Norman/Irish Sequel"!
At the beginning of the book you'll be presented with an informative Glossary, Notes, and two well-drawn maps of the South of Ireland, all playing a major part in this great story.
While at the back of the book you'll find the Historic Note, in which the historical details are very well documented and explained, and these are superbly implemented within this fascinating historical adventure.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, the characters who are featuring in this adventure, whether they are real great historical or wonderful fictional figures, come all vividly to life within this gripping historical tale, and the surroundings and landscapes whether in Wales, England, but mainly in Ireland are beautifully pictured as well.
The book is set in the year AD 1170, some parts in Wales and England, but most are in Ireland, simply because its teling us the Norman/Irish history, and this story in particular is especially dedicated to Raymond de Carew.
This book is divided into two parts, and in part one we will see Raymond de Carew's endeavours in Wales and England, mostly all in an effort to protect his Lord, Richard de Clare, the Earl of Pembroke or Strongbow, from humiliation from King Henry (II) FitzEmpress, before being sent to Ireland in an effort to establish a foothold there, and in doing so to become the bridgehead for Strongbow, so that he can fulfill his own promise in gaining land for himself and to make his Lord Strongbow a King in Ireland.
In the second part, Raymond de Carew, will cunningly negotiate a truce and friendship with Konungr Trygve of Cluainmin, while the most remarkable achievements will be the great battles that Raymond and his followers will have to fight against a vast horde of Ostmen/Gaels, led by Konungr Ragnall, his son Jarl Sygtrygg, and two Gaelic tribes, all this in a tremendous effort to defend their fort at Dun Domhnall, and so in the end to fulfill his promise in establishing a bridgehead for his Lord, Strongbow.
Highly recommended, for this is a great Norman/Irish series to read and to follow with interest, and what this book in particular is concerned, I like to call it: "A Terrific Norman/Irish Sequel"!
June 4, 2017
There are a couple of reasons why I picked this up...1) I wanted a good historical book, 2) I wanted war!! Yes, I got the blood-lust ;D, and 3) It is set in Waterford and I live in a Waterford (not the Waterford that this is set in, but ya know lol).
There was a lot of battles and blood and war and I liked it!! It was really good and written well. It was not gross, like some novels can be, and it was not boring and didn't drag on. A nice flow. There was a decent balance with the war/action-y parts versus the "calmer" parts. The balance could've been better, but it wasn't bad.
I wish there had been a hair more time with character development and world-building. I didn't feel connected with the main character until about halfway through the book. And I had a hard time seeing the world. Maybe it was just me?
It was really interesting seeing this side of the conflict. Mainly books in this time period is written on the English side, so I was happy to read the other side.
The love story was okay and it added a human element to the story. Without it, I feel it would've felt more like a history book. I wasn't a fan of the girl tho (heck - I can't even recall her name). I feel he could've done better in my opinion. Her family was a pain.
I am curious to see what is going to happen next. There was a little epilogue at the end, but there is so much story left!
In the end, this was okay. I loved a lot of it, but there was a lot I didn't like or thought was just okay. If you love or need some bloody historical fiction with a touch of romance, this is the book for you. In the end, I'll give this a 3.
There was a lot of battles and blood and war and I liked it!! It was really good and written well. It was not gross, like some novels can be, and it was not boring and didn't drag on. A nice flow. There was a decent balance with the war/action-y parts versus the "calmer" parts. The balance could've been better, but it wasn't bad.
I wish there had been a hair more time with character development and world-building. I didn't feel connected with the main character until about halfway through the book. And I had a hard time seeing the world. Maybe it was just me?
It was really interesting seeing this side of the conflict. Mainly books in this time period is written on the English side, so I was happy to read the other side.
The love story was okay and it added a human element to the story. Without it, I feel it would've felt more like a history book. I wasn't a fan of the girl tho (heck - I can't even recall her name). I feel he could've done better in my opinion. Her family was a pain.
I am curious to see what is going to happen next. There was a little epilogue at the end, but there is so much story left!
In the end, this was okay. I loved a lot of it, but there was a lot I didn't like or thought was just okay. If you love or need some bloody historical fiction with a touch of romance, this is the book for you. In the end, I'll give this a 3.
January 20, 2019
BLURB
It is 1170 – a tumultuous time for the people of Wales, England and Ireland. Raymond de Carew is in love, but the woman he desires is an earl's daughter and so far above his station that he has no hope of ever winning her. However, Raymond’s lord has a mission for him: one that if it succeeds will put an Irish king back on his throne and prove Raymond worthy – for in Norman society, a man can rise as high as his skill with a sword can take him. With only a hundred men at his side, Raymond must cross the ocean to Ireland ahead of his mercenary lord's invasion. There he will face the full might of the Viking city of Waterford... and either his deeds will become legend or he will be trampled into dust. The second volume in the thrilling Invader series.
REVIEW
Raymond de Carew has a lot thrown at him in this rousing tale of love, loyalty, loss, and lots of nasty Gaels. It is a well crafted, complex story line, complete with a host of nationalities all competing for wealth and power - English, Welsh, Irish-Gael, Norse-Gael, and Norman. The author has succeeded in presenting these varied peoples in the wonderfully drawn characters that populate this tale. Raymond is a perfect example of this - a true leader of men, yet the complexities of his duty to Strongbow and the results of the many events he is involved in, cannot help but forge doubts and frustration.
An action filled tale from start to finish, with the final quarter of the book being absolute page turning anticipation as Raymond's foothold on Irish soil is faced with certain destruction by some of those nasty Gaels. Yes, my fellow readers, twists and turns abound in this highly entertaining novel, and it will continue in the next volume of this series. There is much yet to be decided. :-) 4 Stars
It is 1170 – a tumultuous time for the people of Wales, England and Ireland. Raymond de Carew is in love, but the woman he desires is an earl's daughter and so far above his station that he has no hope of ever winning her. However, Raymond’s lord has a mission for him: one that if it succeeds will put an Irish king back on his throne and prove Raymond worthy – for in Norman society, a man can rise as high as his skill with a sword can take him. With only a hundred men at his side, Raymond must cross the ocean to Ireland ahead of his mercenary lord's invasion. There he will face the full might of the Viking city of Waterford... and either his deeds will become legend or he will be trampled into dust. The second volume in the thrilling Invader series.
REVIEW
Raymond de Carew has a lot thrown at him in this rousing tale of love, loyalty, loss, and lots of nasty Gaels. It is a well crafted, complex story line, complete with a host of nationalities all competing for wealth and power - English, Welsh, Irish-Gael, Norse-Gael, and Norman. The author has succeeded in presenting these varied peoples in the wonderfully drawn characters that populate this tale. Raymond is a perfect example of this - a true leader of men, yet the complexities of his duty to Strongbow and the results of the many events he is involved in, cannot help but forge doubts and frustration.
An action filled tale from start to finish, with the final quarter of the book being absolute page turning anticipation as Raymond's foothold on Irish soil is faced with certain destruction by some of those nasty Gaels. Yes, my fellow readers, twists and turns abound in this highly entertaining novel, and it will continue in the next volume of this series. There is much yet to be decided. :-) 4 Stars
April 20, 2018
Well... Mr Butler has done it again! He has written another epic and probably relatively unknown (outside of Ireland) invasion and battle of incredible odds.
Firstly he gives us a taste of the chaos of the English Court between Old King Henry and the Young King Harry (think I have got that right)... and the political struggle and financial downfall as well as procarious status Strongbow is in and really enlightens the reader as to why he at least seeks not just fame and fortune but a chance to earn back honour and renown and maybe establish a better future for himself.
Into this enters Raymond the Fat, a Miles and Conroi Captain who is quite an amazing strategist at using anything and everything at his disposal to win as well as survive. The reader witnesses his quick thinking at the start and at the end of the book.
Raymond is also surprisingly a hopeless romantic. He not only admires the great songs and even sings one in front of a lady he secretly loves. But he is also happy enough to charge to the rescue of a damsel (and her brother) in distress, siblings from Abervavenny, who are disputed inheritors and are thus pursued by the current claimant.
In this complicated situation Raymond tries to kill two birds with one stone - saving the siblings and giving his Lord Strongbow a chance to regain status by agreeing to lead the Bridgehead of Strongbows invasion of Ireland.
Yet Raymonds troubles just keep on multiplying...
Another hugely enjoyable read with plenty of battles big and small, plot twists and turns and an ending that is breath-takingly gripping in drama and tension.
Firstly he gives us a taste of the chaos of the English Court between Old King Henry and the Young King Harry (think I have got that right)... and the political struggle and financial downfall as well as procarious status Strongbow is in and really enlightens the reader as to why he at least seeks not just fame and fortune but a chance to earn back honour and renown and maybe establish a better future for himself.
Into this enters Raymond the Fat, a Miles and Conroi Captain who is quite an amazing strategist at using anything and everything at his disposal to win as well as survive. The reader witnesses his quick thinking at the start and at the end of the book.
Raymond is also surprisingly a hopeless romantic. He not only admires the great songs and even sings one in front of a lady he secretly loves. But he is also happy enough to charge to the rescue of a damsel (and her brother) in distress, siblings from Abervavenny, who are disputed inheritors and are thus pursued by the current claimant.
In this complicated situation Raymond tries to kill two birds with one stone - saving the siblings and giving his Lord Strongbow a chance to regain status by agreeing to lead the Bridgehead of Strongbows invasion of Ireland.
Yet Raymonds troubles just keep on multiplying...
Another hugely enjoyable read with plenty of battles big and small, plot twists and turns and an ending that is breath-takingly gripping in drama and tension.
June 17, 2019
Good
As a fan of the Peter Tremayne 'Sister Fidelma' series l enjoyed the very different side of the early days of the battles for power in Ireland.
As a fan of the Peter Tremayne 'Sister Fidelma' series l enjoyed the very different side of the early days of the battles for power in Ireland.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews