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Bare Knuckle
WHEN A MAN WAS REDUCED to asking advice of a tomcat, it didn’t bode well for the state of his affairs. And yet, here Brian Riordan was doing exactly that.
So begins this prequel to the Exit Unicorns series, as we join the Riordan boys in the rough and tumble world of Belfast, Northern Ireland, during a summer of change and promise. Casey Riordan is on the cusp on manhood, and is learning just how high the price of that transition can be. Tagging along on this adventure is his brother, Pat, who is both shadow and conscience to Casey. Their father, Brian, is simply trying to keep his sons safe—a tall order in the gritty streets of this particular city.
Bare Knuckle spans the events of one summer, giving a glimpse into the lives of the Riordans—the boys as they embark on the path to the men they are destined to be, and their father as he guides them along the way. The road is not smooth and contains hard lessons, both those of betrayal and treachery, all stemming from the events of one warm July night, when the match of hatred is set to the fuel of violence. After that night, life as they know it spirals out of control for the Riordans, until one man is forced to rejoin a world he thought he’d left behind forever, to ensure the safety of those he loves.
So begins this prequel to the Exit Unicorns series, as we join the Riordan boys in the rough and tumble world of Belfast, Northern Ireland, during a summer of change and promise. Casey Riordan is on the cusp on manhood, and is learning just how high the price of that transition can be. Tagging along on this adventure is his brother, Pat, who is both shadow and conscience to Casey. Their father, Brian, is simply trying to keep his sons safe—a tall order in the gritty streets of this particular city.
Bare Knuckle spans the events of one summer, giving a glimpse into the lives of the Riordans—the boys as they embark on the path to the men they are destined to be, and their father as he guides them along the way. The road is not smooth and contains hard lessons, both those of betrayal and treachery, all stemming from the events of one warm July night, when the match of hatred is set to the fuel of violence. After that night, life as they know it spirals out of control for the Riordans, until one man is forced to rejoin a world he thought he’d left behind forever, to ensure the safety of those he loves.
- GenresIreland
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
32 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 3, 2019
This book is amazing. Bare Knuckle is so incredibly immersive, especially with the excellent audiobook narration. I never expected to enjoy a book focused on an Irish teen boy getting sucked into an illegal bare knuckle fighting ring, but this is now one of my favorite books. I haven’t read Exit Unicorns (of which Bare Knuckle is a prequel) and the rest of the series but I’m going to start them today!
Special thanks to audiobook boom and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Special thanks to audiobook boom and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2018
Once again Cindy Brandner has come through with a wonderful story. This is a prequel to the Exit Unicorns series and provides information that fills out the story line. The author has become one of my favorites and I eagerly await each book. Without giving spoilers, it explains why Brian Riordan resumes the life he had given up for his children. This was something that had always puzzled me, but now it makes perfect sense and puts his character into sync with my idea of him.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, but without having read at least the first book in the series "Exit Unicorns" it might not have the same impact. READ ALL THE BOOKS AND GET HOOKED LIKE ME!
I highly recommend this book to anyone, but without having read at least the first book in the series "Exit Unicorns" it might not have the same impact. READ ALL THE BOOKS AND GET HOOKED LIKE ME!
May 19, 2018
Another beautifully written story giving some background to the characters who are so admirable from Cindy Brandner's Exit Unicorns series. The story is engrossing and enlightening and the characters written with wonderful depth and soul, far surpassing stereotype, although as Irish as can be. There is a lyrical feeling to the descriptions of the settings, and a wealth of information due to exemplary background research in all of this series. In Bare Knuckles, the personalities really shine. It is hard not to feel for the Father and his growing sons in a transformative stage of adolescence.
September 24, 2018
Although fighting is not a subject I would typically choose to read about it is a necessary element to the Irish struggle and to the nature of the people. This prequel to the original three books delves into the earlier lives of the Riordan family providing insight into these complex and much beloved characters. As with all of Cindy Brandner's books, I was left wanting more.
October 14, 2019
Great story of a father who is raising two sons alone in Ireland during difficult times. It’s a coming of age story for the eldest son Casey, who’s one of the main characters in the Exit Unicorn Series.
I’ve read this book several times already, but the narrator Gary Furlong, breaths life into the characters making them that much more real. This is one of those books that you definitely want to listen to in order to get the full effect with the Irish lilt making the story come alive!
I’ve read this book several times already, but the narrator Gary Furlong, breaths life into the characters making them that much more real. This is one of those books that you definitely want to listen to in order to get the full effect with the Irish lilt making the story come alive!
May 4, 2018
Excellent
This book answered a lot of questions in my mind. Not really a short story, more a novella as a lot happens. It is good, honest look into young Casey and Pat when their da was still alive. We all know what happens but this explains the why of it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cindy's way with words is even more prevalent here, the book is almost poetic.
This book answered a lot of questions in my mind. Not really a short story, more a novella as a lot happens. It is good, honest look into young Casey and Pat when their da was still alive. We all know what happens but this explains the why of it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cindy's way with words is even more prevalent here, the book is almost poetic.
May 3, 2018
Cindy’s books are so good and this short story fits in so well as a more in-depth look into some of the characters in her books. Its a quick read and sucks you in right away with drama and action. It makes you want to know what is going to happen next.
May 6, 2018
Wish it was longer
Cindy does a great job of dropping you right into the story without you feeling lost. I love her articulation and the picture that develops in my minds eye with it, just wish it wasn't so short.
Cindy does a great job of dropping you right into the story without you feeling lost. I love her articulation and the picture that develops in my minds eye with it, just wish it wasn't so short.
May 7, 2018
More beautiful prose
Cindy Brandner is a true story teller, one who has the ability to create characters and paint word pictures that stay with you. I am eagerly awaiting her next book.
Cindy Brandner is a true story teller, one who has the ability to create characters and paint word pictures that stay with you. I am eagerly awaiting her next book.
February 9, 2019
Love this series ❤️
Bradner has a delightful way with words, can't wait for more from her and these characters. Highly recommend for anyone, although probably should read at least the first Exit Unicorns for background.
Bradner has a delightful way with words, can't wait for more from her and these characters. Highly recommend for anyone, although probably should read at least the first Exit Unicorns for background.
May 6, 2018
Short, but worth reading every word!
I love Cindy Brandner’s Exit Unicorn series, so any “extras” I can get are welcome! This book is short, sweet, and worth reading!
I love Cindy Brandner’s Exit Unicorn series, so any “extras” I can get are welcome! This book is short, sweet, and worth reading!
May 7, 2018
Outstanding
This is a work of Art. The sentences are very poetic. The characters are so well developed, that you would think that they would walk right off the page.
This is a work of Art. The sentences are very poetic. The characters are so well developed, that you would think that they would walk right off the page.
May 29, 2018
Short but a great read.
Cindy is a great story teller. Her characters become so very real and you can't help but to get caught up in their lives.
Cindy is a great story teller. Her characters become so very real and you can't help but to get caught up in their lives.
June 22, 2018
I loved it! I loved getting to know Brian Riordan better. I want more. =)
July 9, 2018
Love it!
I am a fan of all Cindy’s books. She has an amazing attention to detail that makes you feel like you are in Ireland in the time period.
I am a fan of all Cindy’s books. She has an amazing attention to detail that makes you feel like you are in Ireland in the time period.
January 24, 2019
Another fine book!
I loved having a bit more to read about these wonderful characters after finishing all 4 books. This one was grand as well!
I loved having a bit more to read about these wonderful characters after finishing all 4 books. This one was grand as well!
December 27, 2019
Didn't actually finish it. Bored
May 20, 2018
AMAZING!!
So beautifully written, her writing is so wonderful I feel as if I'm there myself experiencing it. There ppl. are not just characters in a book,they feel like family I NEVER want to go away. I must get 'Spindrift' next and then wait anxiously for the next book.
So beautifully written, her writing is so wonderful I feel as if I'm there myself experiencing it. There ppl. are not just characters in a book,they feel like family I NEVER want to go away. I must get 'Spindrift' next and then wait anxiously for the next book.
January 13, 2021
Bare Knuckle by Cindy Brandner is a prequel novella to the Exit Unicorn Series. It is only available in digital and audio format because of its size. It is a wonderful peek into the lives of the Riordan men one fateful summer long before Exit Unicorns and the events that shape their future. It is such a beautiful story!! I absolutely loved it!! As always Gary Furlong does a fantastic job bringing these amazing men to life!
The Riordan men will forever have my heart!
The Riordan men will forever have my heart!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews