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Irish Woman Warrior #2
Liath Luachra: The Swallowed
Ireland: Second century.
Osraighe: Ireland’s shadowy centre, a desolate region of forest, marshes and mountainous terrain where unwary travellers are ‘swallowed’ and never seen again.
Caught up in an intra-tribal conflict when her latest mission turns sour, the woman warrior Liath Luachra finds herself coerced into a new undertaking.
Dispatched to Osraighe to find a colony of missing settlers, she must lead a mismatched group of warriors, spies, and druids through a land of spectral forest, mysterious stone structures, and strange forces that contradict everything she knows of the Great Wild.
Haunted by a dead woman, struggling to hold her war-band together, Liath Luachra must confront her own internal demons while predators prowl the shadow between the trees ...
Awaiting their moment to feed.
Osraighe: Ireland’s shadowy centre, a desolate region of forest, marshes and mountainous terrain where unwary travellers are ‘swallowed’ and never seen again.
Caught up in an intra-tribal conflict when her latest mission turns sour, the woman warrior Liath Luachra finds herself coerced into a new undertaking.
Dispatched to Osraighe to find a colony of missing settlers, she must lead a mismatched group of warriors, spies, and druids through a land of spectral forest, mysterious stone structures, and strange forces that contradict everything she knows of the Great Wild.
Haunted by a dead woman, struggling to hold her war-band together, Liath Luachra must confront her own internal demons while predators prowl the shadow between the trees ...
Awaiting their moment to feed.
301 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2018
41 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Brian O'Sullivan
31 books110 followersBrian O'Sullivan was born in county Cork, Ireland. On completing a degree at University College Cork, he went on to travel extensively. He is now based in New Zealand with his family but returns to Ireland on a regular basis.
Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).
Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.
The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.
The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.
Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).
Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.
The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.
The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 3, 2018
For more reviews, check out my blog, The Fantasy Inn
Liath Luachra is the second book in the Irish Woman Warrior series but stands alone from the events of book one. Having not read the first book, I can happily say that The Swallowed doesn’t require prior knowledge of Brian O’Sullivan’s other books to understand what’s going on. As you can probably guess by the series name, Irish Woman Warrior is heavily inspired by Irish culture and is set in second century Ireland.
The book starts off with a nice link to a pronunciation guide for all the heavily Gaelic inspired names throughout the book. While a useful guide, I still found the names a bit confusing at times, particularly because I’m not a fan of pausing my reading to look up how to pronounce a name, and there are a few similar ones. It does a lot to add to the authenticity of the Irish setting though.
O’Sullivan does a fantastic job of creating the world and building up an image in your mind. Sights, smells, and sounds of the landscape are described in such detail that you can quite easily imagine the setting. The book is set in a desolate region in central Ireland filled with forests, marshes, and mountains and is all about the tribal conflicts of the time.
Liath Luachra, the main character, and her war band are unceremoniously thrown into the internal politics of a tribe they’d received a job from. Without much choice in the matter, they are sent on a mission to find a group of missing settlers. Naturally, things didn’t go according to plan. Overall, the plot was quite interesting. It started off a bit slow at first as O’Sullivan manipulated the characters into their bad situation, but the second half was quite interesting.
The biggest thing that bugged me in this book was the characters. Without having read the previous books I didn’t really know much about them and didn’t see much growth or backstory over the course of the story. As someone who really loves character based books, this was a bit of a downer for me, and I’d have loved to see more character development over the course of the book. There was also a lot less dialogue than I expected. Liath Luachra has a dark past and tends to avoid talking where possible, so the book ended up with very little dialogue, but a whole lot of action and worldbuilding was there instead.
Overall, Liath Luachra was a nice book, but it really wasn’t what I’m a fan of. There’s a lot of interesting mythological bases in there, good world building, and great action scenes, but, in my opinion, it fell short on the characters.
I’d recommend this book to people who enjoy:
* Mythology
* Worldbuilding
* Historical Fantasy
* Grimdark Fantasy
* Action Scenes
* Plot-driven books
* Female MCs
* Ireland & Irish History/Mythology
Liath Luachra is the second book in the Irish Woman Warrior series but stands alone from the events of book one. Having not read the first book, I can happily say that The Swallowed doesn’t require prior knowledge of Brian O’Sullivan’s other books to understand what’s going on. As you can probably guess by the series name, Irish Woman Warrior is heavily inspired by Irish culture and is set in second century Ireland.
The book starts off with a nice link to a pronunciation guide for all the heavily Gaelic inspired names throughout the book. While a useful guide, I still found the names a bit confusing at times, particularly because I’m not a fan of pausing my reading to look up how to pronounce a name, and there are a few similar ones. It does a lot to add to the authenticity of the Irish setting though.
O’Sullivan does a fantastic job of creating the world and building up an image in your mind. Sights, smells, and sounds of the landscape are described in such detail that you can quite easily imagine the setting. The book is set in a desolate region in central Ireland filled with forests, marshes, and mountains and is all about the tribal conflicts of the time.
Liath Luachra, the main character, and her war band are unceremoniously thrown into the internal politics of a tribe they’d received a job from. Without much choice in the matter, they are sent on a mission to find a group of missing settlers. Naturally, things didn’t go according to plan. Overall, the plot was quite interesting. It started off a bit slow at first as O’Sullivan manipulated the characters into their bad situation, but the second half was quite interesting.
The biggest thing that bugged me in this book was the characters. Without having read the previous books I didn’t really know much about them and didn’t see much growth or backstory over the course of the story. As someone who really loves character based books, this was a bit of a downer for me, and I’d have loved to see more character development over the course of the book. There was also a lot less dialogue than I expected. Liath Luachra has a dark past and tends to avoid talking where possible, so the book ended up with very little dialogue, but a whole lot of action and worldbuilding was there instead.
Overall, Liath Luachra was a nice book, but it really wasn’t what I’m a fan of. There’s a lot of interesting mythological bases in there, good world building, and great action scenes, but, in my opinion, it fell short on the characters.
I’d recommend this book to people who enjoy:
* Mythology
* Worldbuilding
* Historical Fantasy
* Grimdark Fantasy
* Action Scenes
* Plot-driven books
* Female MCs
* Ireland & Irish History/Mythology
June 18, 2018
Full review is here, on my blog!~
These are the sort of books that feel real, as do most of the other books by Brian O’Sullivan that I have read, which there have been admittedly fewer than I want. The fact that these are, at least in part, characters that actually occur in Irish Mythology (specifically in the Fenian Cycle, but this story does not take place during that time) and the fact that the actual Irish language is used, at least in part, to tell the story, gives it a level of depth and tangibility that I enjoy quite a bit. Irish mythology is fascinating to me, because it’s not all gods and magic. Sometimes it’s just normal(ish) people, too. :D
You know, I’m even totally remembering my language lessons here. Through reading O’Sullivan’s books alone, I know what a fian, a fénnid, a draoi (and bandraoi!), and an éclann are. Just… like I know those words now. If I see those words I know what they mean. I remembered them from the last 2 books from this author that I read. I have legitimately learned vocabulary in another language from books in this series. Just saying. I mean, granted, none of these are going to help me out in a modern conversation… but, I can probably say ‘cock’ so, I’ve got that going for me, which is nice. ^_^
This book does start out with a little glossary of commonly used terms and what they mean though. It’s well bookmarked in the ebook too, so even electronic book readers like myself can flip back to it if they need to. But, I mean, I clearly don’t need your glossary anymore though (yes I do please don’t take it away I need it please >.>). Any time a new Irish word is presented in the story, it is defined, but not in a way that seems at all to be intrusive to the narrative. It’s used, defined, and then used here and there throughout the book in places that it is fit to use it with the assumption that you know what it means now that you’ve had it clearly defined for you.
So, Liath Luachra is, if you’re unfamiliar, a warrior woman who featured, perhaps not super prominently, but was present all the same in the Fenian cycle (the story of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna) of Irish mythology. This is an original story of her exploits, and it takes place before the beginning of the Fionn series – which is the very beginning of Fionn mac Cumhaill’s story, and is a story that this specific version of Liath Luachra features quite prominently.
She’s a gritty character, who has a troubled past, and that past is catching up to her bit by bit. As she and her fian (which is more or less her band of warriors/mercenaries) are working to rescue a woman from a rival clan, things go… really quite south, and Liath Luachra, the Grey One of Luachair (which is not her name, it is a title), finds herself suddenly leading her war band through An Díthreabh Uaigneach, the Lonely Land, a place where people are ‘swallowed’ and never seen or heard from again.
SPOOKY IRISH WOLF THING SHENANIGANS!
This was a quick read, and the plot moved quickly through all kinds of spooky places in the Lonely Land. It was well written, edited well, and had characters that were interesting to read about. The Irish language is used really cleverly to describe people, which gave it a depth and realism that made the spooky parts even spookier. This is historical fantasy. These places exist. Which makes the idea of being haunted and followed by ghosts and shadows and giant wolves a bit spookier if it took place in just some place that was made up.
GHOSTS! WoOOOOoooooOOOOOoooOOOOOoookay I’ll stop this now. >.>
The ending was awesome, made sense, and legitimately surprised me at times. I really liked some of the other characters too, most notably Íte, the bandraoi (she’s a druid), and An Giobach, who is a fénnid in Liath Luachra’s fian. Feirgil is another really interesting character, as he is known to be taken by the ríastraid, which means, more or less, that he’s a berserker. At the same time, he seems very innocent, or.. honestly I sort of thought of him as mildly autistic, outside of being in battle. She’s got herself a pretty interesting band. The characters were unique and interesting, is what I’m getting at here. >.>;
All told, I really enjoyed it. I do hope to continue the story of Fionn mac Cumhaill soon, but getting this up close and personal look inside my favorite character from O’Sullivan’s Fionn series is really quite awesome. This one is a great addition to the series, and I got 4/5 stars of enjoyment from it. I would really like to see how Liath Luachra ends up at Ráth Bládhma though.
This book is standalone, so you can totally read it and enjoy it without having read any of the Fionn series or any of the previous books about Liath Luachra.
This review is based on a review copy. :)
These are the sort of books that feel real, as do most of the other books by Brian O’Sullivan that I have read, which there have been admittedly fewer than I want. The fact that these are, at least in part, characters that actually occur in Irish Mythology (specifically in the Fenian Cycle, but this story does not take place during that time) and the fact that the actual Irish language is used, at least in part, to tell the story, gives it a level of depth and tangibility that I enjoy quite a bit. Irish mythology is fascinating to me, because it’s not all gods and magic. Sometimes it’s just normal(ish) people, too. :D
You know, I’m even totally remembering my language lessons here. Through reading O’Sullivan’s books alone, I know what a fian, a fénnid, a draoi (and bandraoi!), and an éclann are. Just… like I know those words now. If I see those words I know what they mean. I remembered them from the last 2 books from this author that I read. I have legitimately learned vocabulary in another language from books in this series. Just saying. I mean, granted, none of these are going to help me out in a modern conversation… but, I can probably say ‘cock’ so, I’ve got that going for me, which is nice. ^_^
This book does start out with a little glossary of commonly used terms and what they mean though. It’s well bookmarked in the ebook too, so even electronic book readers like myself can flip back to it if they need to. But, I mean, I clearly don’t need your glossary anymore though (yes I do please don’t take it away I need it please >.>). Any time a new Irish word is presented in the story, it is defined, but not in a way that seems at all to be intrusive to the narrative. It’s used, defined, and then used here and there throughout the book in places that it is fit to use it with the assumption that you know what it means now that you’ve had it clearly defined for you.
So, Liath Luachra is, if you’re unfamiliar, a warrior woman who featured, perhaps not super prominently, but was present all the same in the Fenian cycle (the story of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna) of Irish mythology. This is an original story of her exploits, and it takes place before the beginning of the Fionn series – which is the very beginning of Fionn mac Cumhaill’s story, and is a story that this specific version of Liath Luachra features quite prominently.
She’s a gritty character, who has a troubled past, and that past is catching up to her bit by bit. As she and her fian (which is more or less her band of warriors/mercenaries) are working to rescue a woman from a rival clan, things go… really quite south, and Liath Luachra, the Grey One of Luachair (which is not her name, it is a title), finds herself suddenly leading her war band through An Díthreabh Uaigneach, the Lonely Land, a place where people are ‘swallowed’ and never seen or heard from again.
SPOOKY IRISH WOLF THING SHENANIGANS!
This was a quick read, and the plot moved quickly through all kinds of spooky places in the Lonely Land. It was well written, edited well, and had characters that were interesting to read about. The Irish language is used really cleverly to describe people, which gave it a depth and realism that made the spooky parts even spookier. This is historical fantasy. These places exist. Which makes the idea of being haunted and followed by ghosts and shadows and giant wolves a bit spookier if it took place in just some place that was made up.
GHOSTS! WoOOOOoooooOOOOOoooOOOOOoookay I’ll stop this now. >.>
The ending was awesome, made sense, and legitimately surprised me at times. I really liked some of the other characters too, most notably Íte, the bandraoi (she’s a druid), and An Giobach, who is a fénnid in Liath Luachra’s fian. Feirgil is another really interesting character, as he is known to be taken by the ríastraid, which means, more or less, that he’s a berserker. At the same time, he seems very innocent, or.. honestly I sort of thought of him as mildly autistic, outside of being in battle. She’s got herself a pretty interesting band. The characters were unique and interesting, is what I’m getting at here. >.>;
All told, I really enjoyed it. I do hope to continue the story of Fionn mac Cumhaill soon, but getting this up close and personal look inside my favorite character from O’Sullivan’s Fionn series is really quite awesome. This one is a great addition to the series, and I got 4/5 stars of enjoyment from it. I would really like to see how Liath Luachra ends up at Ráth Bládhma though.
This book is standalone, so you can totally read it and enjoy it without having read any of the Fionn series or any of the previous books about Liath Luachra.
This review is based on a review copy. :)
August 2, 2018
If you loved reading Liath Luachra: The Grey One then you will love this second book. Brian O'Sullivan continues to weave beguiling Irish mythology into his writing, fleshing out what is already a captivating read. The huge amount of research with not only the mythological but also the stain that abuse can leave on the psycbe is utterly apparent frequently provoking empathy for the lead character. The ultimate sign of a great read is not only wanting to dump your family in the evenings in order to crawl into bed and keep reading (lol) but also once you've finished you just want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next! I look forward to the next book (The Seeking) - and hope we don't have to wait too long!
June 26, 2018
This book brings colour and intrigue to Laith Luchara's character and the world she inhabits. Throughout these books we get to know the contours of the characters' minds, and the terrain of their trials, this one is no exception. Laith Luchara appears a somewhat mysterious figure in her own time, an enigma to those around her. Nonetheless, for the reader of her adventures in these novels, different sides, depths and dimensions are revealed as well as further insights showing off her adept survival skills and the unique challenges she faces within the landscape and social order. Her legend is truly rediscovered here in the pages of this book. Made possible, only by the careful application of the author's own skill, honed crafting, and depth of understanding of this story's ancient origins. Looking forward to the next edition.
June 15, 2018
Liath Luachra is a complex character and this, the second book of her story is a real page turner. It starts off at a slower pace then picks up as she sets off on an undertaking (albeit one she has really no choice in accepting) and into the Lonely land. The description of this setting clearly brings a picture to your mind of how bleak, majestic and dangerous it is. The story takes a turn into something I could never have imagined. I truly wondered how Liath would be able to make it out alive.
Readers are taken into a fantasy world and it’s difficult to put the book down.
At the end the author says a third instalment is planned and asks if there would be a demand for this. The answer is yes!
I would love to see how it links to the Fionn series. Liath is strong and tormented and I want to know more, please!
Readers are taken into a fantasy world and it’s difficult to put the book down.
At the end the author says a third instalment is planned and asks if there would be a demand for this. The answer is yes!
I would love to see how it links to the Fionn series. Liath is strong and tormented and I want to know more, please!
January 4, 2020
It's been years since I've found myself lost in a story of another's creating, so falling into this world of 1st century Ireland is both exciting and educational. The descriptions of woodlands and bogs takes you to those places, the time the author has taken to inform the reader of the simplest of things, like the squelching sound of bog underfoot, the Irish references to places and calling them by their original names, all adds to the painting of a world through words, that reflect the Irish psyche in nature. Many of us share a deep connection to the land around us and to find an author who understands this is unique. Many try to write what O'Sullivan captures, but to my knowledge he's the first who's actually done it.
Knowledgeable, intelligent, articulate, accurate and sometimes outrageously funny it is a pure pleasure for this Irish woman to read a story of another Irish woman warrior who is mentioned in the manuscripts of old ... and ironically, there's just enough magic to 'keep it real'.
O'Sullivan manages to assume a female perspective without the usual wistfulness of men writing in ignorance of women and because of this, his characterisation of Liath Luachra becomes identifiable. She is a woman warrior in a male dominated world and has to do what many smart women do. She has to find a way to 'shut up and do' and leave the political pontifications to those who want it! I love the strong, independent and wild'ish character he's created. In fact I would go so far as to say that this character reflects some deep rooted personality traits of some of the women I know. It's that combined sense of 'divelment' and courage - push it to see how far it can go.
I've really, really enjoyed all his books and find myself in that place of loss when I come to an end of one of his stories.
I can highly recommend this author and would encourage others to leave reviews too.
We've enough of the romantic notions of thatched cottages, forlorn and desolate female characters waiting to be rescued!
With Luachra, we find the warrior within.
Buy it.
Read it.
Recommend it.
My thanks to the author for finding his courage to 'push it and see how far it can go'.
Fiona.
Knowledgeable, intelligent, articulate, accurate and sometimes outrageously funny it is a pure pleasure for this Irish woman to read a story of another Irish woman warrior who is mentioned in the manuscripts of old ... and ironically, there's just enough magic to 'keep it real'.
O'Sullivan manages to assume a female perspective without the usual wistfulness of men writing in ignorance of women and because of this, his characterisation of Liath Luachra becomes identifiable. She is a woman warrior in a male dominated world and has to do what many smart women do. She has to find a way to 'shut up and do' and leave the political pontifications to those who want it! I love the strong, independent and wild'ish character he's created. In fact I would go so far as to say that this character reflects some deep rooted personality traits of some of the women I know. It's that combined sense of 'divelment' and courage - push it to see how far it can go.
I've really, really enjoyed all his books and find myself in that place of loss when I come to an end of one of his stories.
I can highly recommend this author and would encourage others to leave reviews too.
We've enough of the romantic notions of thatched cottages, forlorn and desolate female characters waiting to be rescued!
With Luachra, we find the warrior within.
Buy it.
Read it.
Recommend it.
My thanks to the author for finding his courage to 'push it and see how far it can go'.
Fiona.
December 27, 2018
When Irish/New Zealander author, Brian O’Sullivan, set out to write his series on legendary Irish king, Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool), I’m sure he did not expect the character of warrior woman, Liath Luachra, to emerge quite as strongly as she did...so strong a character that O’Sullivan has now embarked upon a series of novels with her as protagonist. It is worth mentioning here that the author was recently Writer-In-Residence at a prestigious New Zealand university and that he is also an expert in Irish mythology and Irish Gaelic. In short, the author is no slouch. His second offering in this new series, the one following “The Grey One”, is “The Swallowed”, referring to settlers and warriors who seem to disappear without a trace, seemingly swallowed whole in a foreboding part of the Great Wild. Liath Luachra is tasked, along with her warrior party, to penetrate this mysterious land and to find the missing settlers. Set in pre-Christian Ireland, around the third century AD, this is quite a dark novel, probing the warrior woman’s childhood and the traumas she endured, traumas which shaped her character and explain her grim outlook on life. There is also a ghost and some Irish mysticism which add so much to the narrative and help establish such a compelling atmosphere. This novel moves along relentlessly...a real page-turner, one might say...where the tension rarely lets up and skirmishes are bloody, vicious and merciless. O’Sullivan is masterful in his riveting descriptions of the hillforts, the woods, the misty, fetid swamps and the characters themselves, just as he impresses with his very accurate description of the warrior woman’s woodcraft and tracking ability that she utilizes to survive in the Great Wild. All of this authenticity contributes to another success in a growing list of finely crafted novels. Each of O’Sullivan’s novels can stand alone but reading them in order is eminently satisfying. I have no hesitation in offering a full endorsement of this book - but don’t stop here. Do yourself a favour and read them all. You will be glad you did.
August 29, 2024
A super follow up in a different style
As always, Brian provides brilliantly written, well developed storyline, that is captivating and fascinating. I find myself highlighting chunks of text that appeal to me, and love how this writer is always adding depth and dimension to the character of Liath Luachra, with an amazing sense of place and time that makes this Iron Age setting come into reality for me.
This Liath Luachra tale is a little different - and as Brian himself admits, is a 'grimdark' - not a genre I have ever read before. It is certainly grimmer/ darker than the first of the series, and while not typically to my taste, I found myself immersed in the fantasy and mystery of it, and was particularly satisfied by his explanation of where the plotline came from at the end. His critique of Gerald of Wales's Middle-Ages jaundiced 'propaganda' almost makes me want to study old Irish texts - but when I have Brian as an ethical raconteur, I don't need to and can instead relax into absorbing his transparent interpretations of such cultural artefacts! The final notes let me know what is original mythology/ legend,, what was bias of the time, where distortion s have come from and what were his own additions/ motivations in his writing. This enables me as reader to relax into the story, savour amazing fantasy inspired by ancient texts, without discounting his artistic license as historically incorrect. I think this is one of the things I enjoy most - just as I finished this book, with that lingering joy of conclusion and hope for a future episode, I get this delectable treat of where the story originated (historically and authorally) along with critique of culture. And surprisingly, instead of feeling let down - like I've just been told Santa isn't real - I end up believing even harder! That to me is the genius of Brian's work.
As always, Brian provides brilliantly written, well developed storyline, that is captivating and fascinating. I find myself highlighting chunks of text that appeal to me, and love how this writer is always adding depth and dimension to the character of Liath Luachra, with an amazing sense of place and time that makes this Iron Age setting come into reality for me.
This Liath Luachra tale is a little different - and as Brian himself admits, is a 'grimdark' - not a genre I have ever read before. It is certainly grimmer/ darker than the first of the series, and while not typically to my taste, I found myself immersed in the fantasy and mystery of it, and was particularly satisfied by his explanation of where the plotline came from at the end. His critique of Gerald of Wales's Middle-Ages jaundiced 'propaganda' almost makes me want to study old Irish texts - but when I have Brian as an ethical raconteur, I don't need to and can instead relax into absorbing his transparent interpretations of such cultural artefacts! The final notes let me know what is original mythology/ legend,, what was bias of the time, where distortion s have come from and what were his own additions/ motivations in his writing. This enables me as reader to relax into the story, savour amazing fantasy inspired by ancient texts, without discounting his artistic license as historically incorrect. I think this is one of the things I enjoy most - just as I finished this book, with that lingering joy of conclusion and hope for a future episode, I get this delectable treat of where the story originated (historically and authorally) along with critique of culture. And surprisingly, instead of feeling let down - like I've just been told Santa isn't real - I end up believing even harder! That to me is the genius of Brian's work.
December 10, 2018
A spell-binding follow up to the Grey One, this novel read something like an Irish version of that great adventure movie “The Thirteenth Warrior” although O’Sullivan’s penchant for plot-twists means you never know where or how it’s going to end until it rears up and smacks you in the face.
This is very much a novel (and a series) for grown-ups. The politics and the violence is realistic, the reality of sexual harassment is not shied away from but confronted head on. The ongoing after-effects of trauma are also dealt with in a realistic but tactful manner. The tension and mystery surrounding a group of missing settlers intensifies as the story progresses (particularly in the second half) and the action scenes are genuinely riveting. In my opinion, the world of ancient Ireland has never been so effectively or authentically portrayed and it puts most of the other “Celtic fantasy” out there to shame.
As for the protagonist, Liath Luachra … She’s still just as tough, just as ruthless and uncompromising and yet this story reveals a rare and surprising tenderness to her very much at odds with her violent background. I think I’ve fallen head over heels in love.
This is very much a novel (and a series) for grown-ups. The politics and the violence is realistic, the reality of sexual harassment is not shied away from but confronted head on. The ongoing after-effects of trauma are also dealt with in a realistic but tactful manner. The tension and mystery surrounding a group of missing settlers intensifies as the story progresses (particularly in the second half) and the action scenes are genuinely riveting. In my opinion, the world of ancient Ireland has never been so effectively or authentically portrayed and it puts most of the other “Celtic fantasy” out there to shame.
As for the protagonist, Liath Luachra … She’s still just as tough, just as ruthless and uncompromising and yet this story reveals a rare and surprising tenderness to her very much at odds with her violent background. I think I’ve fallen head over heels in love.
August 23, 2018
I bought this after reading Liath Luacra: The Grey One and thoroughly enjoying it. Not disappointed! Brian O'Sullivan's primary skill (IMHO) is to bring the reader into the world (Iron Age Ireland) so much so that you can almost feel the marsh round your legs, or smell the myriad forest scents, or share the encroaching sense of unease for the Grey One. Highly descriptive and very atmospheric! It reminds me of LOTR when the Hobbits end up in the barrow. The unforgiving wilderness, the gloom and creeping dread, then horror at what is before the character(s).
I believe the Grey One features in another of the author's works but I don't think she is the main focus. I do hope Brian O'Sullivan will write more novels which have Liath Luachra as the lead, as she is a very compelling and intriguing character.
I live far from my home in England, so I really enjoy tales that evoke the forests, grey skies and henges of Ireland and Britain.
Will keep my eye out for the Grey One!
I believe the Grey One features in another of the author's works but I don't think she is the main focus. I do hope Brian O'Sullivan will write more novels which have Liath Luachra as the lead, as she is a very compelling and intriguing character.
I live far from my home in England, so I really enjoy tales that evoke the forests, grey skies and henges of Ireland and Britain.
Will keep my eye out for the Grey One!
January 28, 2020
Another great novel about Liath Luachra, providing more insights to this complex woman warrior. This second novel in the series is another riveting read that was difficult to put down. Liath Luachra’s fian and a draoi with very interesting powers traverse through the Lonely Lands to complete a mission that others have failed. Their encounters, battles and the setting really placed fabulous but somewhat scary visuals in my head. The female draoi added a softness to the story and perhaps to the image of Liath Luachra herself. However, in contrast the bad guys, the thorathair were heinous - reading the historical and creative notes at the end of the book explains how these characters have come about in the novel – intriguing!
Brian O’Sullivan has again written a fabulous story that certainly has made me just want to read more of his work, there surely must be one more in the series.
Brian O’Sullivan has again written a fabulous story that certainly has made me just want to read more of his work, there surely must be one more in the series.
July 10, 2018
Liath Luachra: The Swallowed is a historical fantasy set in second century Ireland. It is book two of the Irish Woman Warrior series.
Liath is the leader of a band of warriors. They are engaged by local tribe leaders to take on dangerous tasks. This book opens with them pursuing raiders to retrieve a kidnapped woman. However, the job isn’t quite what it seems and Liath now has a blood-price on her head from an aggrieved brother.
She’s encouraged to take on a new task, and thus avoid the wrath of Dubba Carne, by going in search of missing settlers in a wild region known as the Lonely Land, a place where few willingly go as stories abound of mythical beasts and strange disappearances. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-byi
Liath is the leader of a band of warriors. They are engaged by local tribe leaders to take on dangerous tasks. This book opens with them pursuing raiders to retrieve a kidnapped woman. However, the job isn’t quite what it seems and Liath now has a blood-price on her head from an aggrieved brother.
She’s encouraged to take on a new task, and thus avoid the wrath of Dubba Carne, by going in search of missing settlers in a wild region known as the Lonely Land, a place where few willingly go as stories abound of mythical beasts and strange disappearances. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-byi
January 21, 2019
This time the Grey One appears to have got herself into a potentially unwinnable situation... finding out what happened to some lost settlers without suffering the same fate, whilst also being hunted down herself by family members of one of her previous victims... it will take everything she has to live to tell this tale...
Although I personally got stuck about 20% of the way into the book, it was definitely worth pushing though...once beyond the tribal gathering, the story was so gripping I couldn't put the book down and rate the story thereafter as the best of Liath Luachra to date.
Although I personally got stuck about 20% of the way into the book, it was definitely worth pushing though...once beyond the tribal gathering, the story was so gripping I couldn't put the book down and rate the story thereafter as the best of Liath Luachra to date.
February 4, 2020
Liath Luachra lives up to her bad-ass reputation from the first book of this trilogy. You wouldn't want to piss off this young warrior, or bump into her in the wilds of ancient Ireland, lest she eviscerate you first and ask questions later. But her dark shadow self (beautifully evoked by the author in italics) is slowly developed to reveal a gentle, sensual soul desperate to free herself from her violent past. Loved the story line. Highly recommended.
May 31, 2018
Another dark tale in this wonderful series. The landscape is like an additional character, as Liath Luachra and her band of warriors travel across the midlands of Ireland to solve the mystery of missing settlers.
Magic, shape-shifters, violence, treachery... what's not to love?
Magic, shape-shifters, violence, treachery... what's not to love?
January 7, 2024
different!
Always refreshing to find a different story. Well written, grabbed my attention immediately, and kept it through the whole book. Really looking forward to reading the next one!
Always refreshing to find a different story. Well written, grabbed my attention immediately, and kept it through the whole book. Really looking forward to reading the next one!
June 6, 2025
a great read
What a wonderful dark tale of a heroic woman warrior in ancient Ireland. I couldn’t put it down. The Grey One is a tragic yet amazing character who Brian O’Sullivan brings to life. Great grim dark heroic fantasy !
What a wonderful dark tale of a heroic woman warrior in ancient Ireland. I couldn’t put it down. The Grey One is a tragic yet amazing character who Brian O’Sullivan brings to life. Great grim dark heroic fantasy !
February 3, 2019
I love these books. She is a strong character with an amazing survival instinct in the brutal world she lives in. I hope there is more to come.
June 16, 2019
Liked this book better than the first.Brian O`Sullivan hasn`t reinvented sword & sorcery but he has created a truly memorable character in the Grey One.Here`s to more about her.
January 28, 2020
Loved this more than the first book. Learning more about such a complex character through an exciting tale.
May 1, 2025
Better than first one, but still has a silly kiss. Typical male author.
October 20, 2019
Did not disappoint
As expected this book was amazing. Action packed and leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. If you’re looking for a action packed, gritty and intriguing story with a female lead this series is for you. Liath Luachra aka ( I wish I knew the name she lost) is in the top 3 of my favorite warrior characters.
As expected this book was amazing. Action packed and leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. If you’re looking for a action packed, gritty and intriguing story with a female lead this series is for you. Liath Luachra aka ( I wish I knew the name she lost) is in the top 3 of my favorite warrior characters.
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