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Eirlandia #2
In the Land of the Everliving
In the Land of the Everliving is the second title in the lush, new Celtic fantasy series from Stephen R. Lawhead, the critically acclaimed author of the Pendragon Cycle
Conor and his sword companions must leave the safety of the faéry kingdom for the barbarian Scálda threaten to overrun Eirlandia.
As he fights for his people’s survival, Conor discovers that several of the clan leaders have betrayed their nation by aiding the Scálda. The corruption is such that Conor and his men choose to become outcasts, clan-less and open to attack by friend and foe alike.
They form their own warband...and the beginning of a legend as Conor unites the common people of Eirlandia to drive the poison from their land.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2019
92 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Stephen R. Lawhead
102 books2,743 followersStephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 12, 2019
In the Land of the Everliving, the second book in the Eirlandia series, is a classic Lawhead tale, and one that definitely does not leave the reader wanting. There are so many fantastic and well-drawn characters in this series, and I'm so glad I had the chance to read the second book. I really enjoyed the journey of the characters and their fortitude. This wasn't a brash story where everyone is doing insanely courageous things, but the characters go through an evolution of growth and realization. Very pleased! I was also impressed with some turns of phrases--and the camaraderie of the characters was perfect! this story is also a nice break from the very dark, violent books that have flooded the speculative market of late.
July 4, 2019
I've been a fan of Stephen Lawhead's for around 20 years, always appreciating his skillful and rich blend of historical fiction, fantasy and sci-fi (sometimes all of those elements in one book).
This story, "In the Land of the Everliving," is the sequel to "In the Region of the Summer Stars" in the Eirlandia series, his first pre-Christian era epic.
It's set in Late Bronze Age Ireland, around 1000 B.C.
According to a review by the author's son, Ross Lawhead, also a novelist, the work is inspired by the Lebor Gabála Érenn, a collection of poems and prose narratives that purports to be a history of the island from creation to the Middle Ages but is really more of a mythic chronicling of gods and the people groups who believed in them. The Lebor Gabála is filled with tales of magic, fáeries and curses, and those elements weave themselves into Lawhead's tale.
The book features the adventures and trials of Conor mac Ardan, an outcast from his tribe since the meddlings of a druid in the previous book, and his two loyal friends and swordbrothers, Fergal and Donal, as they seek help from tribes across the land in driving the barbarian Scálda invaders out of Eirlandia and freeing the fáery peoples.
Conor, though not a perfect hero, is driven by an unshakeable moral code of honor and duty — the same code that has kept him from his lady love, Aoife, back home in Dunaird, while he is in exile.
Some of the book's most exciting parts put Conor's leadership abilities and battle acumen on full display, with his friends in essential advisory, plotting and warrior roles alongside him.
If you love a good adventure and high fantasy novel, this will be a page-turner for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S. This is one of the first books I can recall reading that has absolutely no mention of written language. That's because writing didn't come to Ireland for another 250-500 years. (!!)
This story, "In the Land of the Everliving," is the sequel to "In the Region of the Summer Stars" in the Eirlandia series, his first pre-Christian era epic.
It's set in Late Bronze Age Ireland, around 1000 B.C.
According to a review by the author's son, Ross Lawhead, also a novelist, the work is inspired by the Lebor Gabála Érenn, a collection of poems and prose narratives that purports to be a history of the island from creation to the Middle Ages but is really more of a mythic chronicling of gods and the people groups who believed in them. The Lebor Gabála is filled with tales of magic, fáeries and curses, and those elements weave themselves into Lawhead's tale.
The book features the adventures and trials of Conor mac Ardan, an outcast from his tribe since the meddlings of a druid in the previous book, and his two loyal friends and swordbrothers, Fergal and Donal, as they seek help from tribes across the land in driving the barbarian Scálda invaders out of Eirlandia and freeing the fáery peoples.
Conor, though not a perfect hero, is driven by an unshakeable moral code of honor and duty — the same code that has kept him from his lady love, Aoife, back home in Dunaird, while he is in exile.
Some of the book's most exciting parts put Conor's leadership abilities and battle acumen on full display, with his friends in essential advisory, plotting and warrior roles alongside him.
If you love a good adventure and high fantasy novel, this will be a page-turner for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S. This is one of the first books I can recall reading that has absolutely no mention of written language. That's because writing didn't come to Ireland for another 250-500 years. (!!)
April 6, 2019
Further adventures of Conor Mac Ardan and his friends who have followed him into exile. They leave the faery who have healed their wounds and seek shelter with the Brigantes, where they remain until a shrewd displaced king and his people arrive. This king insinuates himself into the good graces of the queen and becomes her battle chief, so Conor and his friends move on. Little by little, men join them either from the Brigantes or other tribes. Soon Conor has a warband of many men. There is a daring rescue of the faery king, Gwydion, and a climactic battle on Tara Hill against the Scálda [Vikings?] in the midst of a horrendous thunder-and-lightning storm, but they realize the fight is not over until the Scálda are driven completely from Eirlandia.
A fast-paced, satisfying read, well-written, in the Guy Gavriel Kay style of fantasy. Soaked in Celtic lore and culture.
Highly recommended.
A fast-paced, satisfying read, well-written, in the Guy Gavriel Kay style of fantasy. Soaked in Celtic lore and culture.
Highly recommended.
March 22, 2023
Stephen Lawhead's moving description of Tír na nÓg in this books makes it worth reading numerous times.
July 23, 2020
Have I mentioned that I love Stephen Lawhead's writing before? There's a few authors that I literally read everything they write and he is one of them. He's unique among these favorites, as he is the one I've been following the longest. I read his first books in the late 1980's and I still remember waiting anxiously for The Paradise War to be released and purchasing the hardback the day it came out. I was swept away and have read every book since.
This series brings back what I loved in his early books - the historical period, the druids, the fae, the names. His research has always been impeccable and the story perfect.
All of that to say, if you haven't read him before please do and this is a great series to start your adventure with! If you have read him before you will love this series. It is fantastic!
This series brings back what I loved in his early books - the historical period, the druids, the fae, the names. His research has always been impeccable and the story perfect.
All of that to say, if you haven't read him before please do and this is a great series to start your adventure with! If you have read him before you will love this series. It is fantastic!
April 17, 2019
I generally take a long time to read books because I'm a slow reader. I generally enjoy taking my time to savor a good story, especially stories with lush settings. But I couldn't help it with this book. I flew through it, tossing aside the savoring bit in an uncharacteristic manner. So much about this series echoes my all-time favorite Lawhead series, The Song of Albion. Lawhead is a master of books centering on Celtic mythology, and this series is definitely an example of why. And for other readers out there, is it just me, or do Donal and Fergus remind you of Merry & Pippin from Lord of the Rings? Those two crack me up.
Fabulous setting, rich details, enjoyable characters, and a story you'll want to keep reading.
Fabulous setting, rich details, enjoyable characters, and a story you'll want to keep reading.
March 2, 2019
A thrilling continuation of Conor in Eirlandia. True to Lawhead fashion, an epic saga continues as Conor seeks justice for his people and his nation. I appreciated all the creative references to the first book woven throughout, as it has been awhile since I read it and forgot some of the details. The Scalda have tainted more than Conor and his outcasts first realized and they proudly stand up for what is right. They are joined along the way by others who are willing to give up all to stand with them. The battle continues and swept me up from page one until the very end. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next one already.
October 6, 2020
Not going to lie - this is the most disappointing book I’ve read in 2020. Lawhead has written some of my all time favorite books, and book 1 in the Eirlandia series was full of the stuff I love about his books. It had so much plot, so much movement, some unpredictable turns, and those gut-punching moments where all hope is lost.
Sadly - book 2 has none of those things. Flat characters, little plot (particularly the first two thirds of the book), predictability and no sense of loss or urgency. It’s not the worst Lawhead has written, but it feels very “paint-by-numbers” Lawhead that it’s certainly soured me on the series.
Sadly - book 2 has none of those things. Flat characters, little plot (particularly the first two thirds of the book), predictability and no sense of loss or urgency. It’s not the worst Lawhead has written, but it feels very “paint-by-numbers” Lawhead that it’s certainly soured me on the series.
November 1, 2019
As all of Lawhead’s books do “The Land of the Living” keeps you on the edge of your seat. Using primitive modern day elements (iron) against old school weaponry and than throwing a bit of magic in makes for an interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
Always good, I love Lawhead! Though this second title in the trilogy did leave me a bit uninvested for a while as the story seemed to dip — but it recovered strongly and launched me well into the next book to read the conclusion. Stick with it… it’s worth it.
September 24, 2023
Just put 5 more of his books on hold at the library. This feels like *just* enough for the next week or two. 😆
August 26, 2022
(Note: This is a review for the second and third Eirlandia novels.)
This series set in ancient Ireland has been a massive homecoming for me, and when I say these books mean a lot to me, that’s quite an understatement. Mr. Lawhead’s writing, characters, and world together form a magnificent tale across three novels, and I wanted to LIVE in these books. After reading each one, and ever since, they echo in my mind—“We’re your home,” they say. Each of these wondrous Celtic fantasy books has made it onto my top-favorite-books-of-the-year lists for the last few years. I simply adore Conor mac Ardan’s adventures in this green and magical land my heart aches for.
The setting of Eirlandia made me feel SO AT HOME. I want to live there. The green hills, the raths, the noble characters… The Irish language, the names, the words… The writing sings across the page and drew me fully into this land of wonders and that indescribable feeling of being home at last. *hugs it*
And then the people who inhabit Eirlandia and nearby shores! I love their hospitality and how there are good-hearted people—a breath of fresh air in fiction these days. (And the comeuppance of certain devious characters… OH YES.) The De Danann—just loved them. I loved the bards and druids and wise councilors. So much. I loved the faery people and their mysterious feel—perfectly Fae and Elven (in a Tolkien way) and Welsh and I loved how they feel a perfect part of the land.
I adore Conor mac Ardan and his friends so much! I also love how noble and heroic they are, despite their struggles and the war they find themselves entangled in. Conor is a hero I’d follow to the end and I love how much he’s grown from the first book, all the way to…well, no spoilers. ;) But he’s magnificent! Also, the dialogue and the HUMOR of the banter between certain characters—it makes me so happy! It’s dry and Irish humor and I’m HERE for it. *grin* I have to mention Fergal, Donal, and Aoife specifically, because they’re all fabulous.
This is mostly a general review of the last two books as a whole, but I have a couple of specific things to mention for each of them.
BOOK 2: IN THE LAND OF THE EVERLIVING. I loved seeing more of the faery people! They were fabulous. I already touched on that, but had to mention it again. The other most favorite thing in book two…has to be the lightning scene. OH MY WORD. It was the most epic thing. :D *beaming* I won’t say more because spoilers, but I just had to comment on it because it was absolutely awesome.
BOOK 3: IN THE KINGDOM OF ALL TOMORROWS. Firstly, there are a couple of ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT legal proceedings which . . . sounds boring . . . but Y’ALL. It was so good! So, so good. Especially the second one which absolutely made my day. *grinning so hard* The other thing that especially stood out to me about book three was the ending. The epilogue, the final chapter before that, and the last couple of paragraphs of the chapter before that…they were incredible, and gave me feels (in the case of the final chapter, which I don’t want to say much about for fear of spoilers but it was a timely chapter for me when I read it), and there’s so much intriguing about especially the epilogue that I probably need to re-read to unpack properly, but...anyway, I loved all of it so much. I’m not saying all readers will feel the same way I did, but those last few chapters meant a lot to me. I absolutely adored them.
Overall, these books meant so much to me, and the writing, Irishness, epicness, and characters all combined to absolutely steal my heart and make me feel completely at home. I felt seen. It’s a very “me” series. I connected with it so hard. I will love it forever! I, for one, found it to be incredibly enjoyable and meaningful all at once.
I 100% recommend this series! It’s just really good! Go read it! (I also highly recommend the audiobooks.)
This series set in ancient Ireland has been a massive homecoming for me, and when I say these books mean a lot to me, that’s quite an understatement. Mr. Lawhead’s writing, characters, and world together form a magnificent tale across three novels, and I wanted to LIVE in these books. After reading each one, and ever since, they echo in my mind—“We’re your home,” they say. Each of these wondrous Celtic fantasy books has made it onto my top-favorite-books-of-the-year lists for the last few years. I simply adore Conor mac Ardan’s adventures in this green and magical land my heart aches for.
The setting of Eirlandia made me feel SO AT HOME. I want to live there. The green hills, the raths, the noble characters… The Irish language, the names, the words… The writing sings across the page and drew me fully into this land of wonders and that indescribable feeling of being home at last. *hugs it*
And then the people who inhabit Eirlandia and nearby shores! I love their hospitality and how there are good-hearted people—a breath of fresh air in fiction these days. (And the comeuppance of certain devious characters… OH YES.) The De Danann—just loved them. I loved the bards and druids and wise councilors. So much. I loved the faery people and their mysterious feel—perfectly Fae and Elven (in a Tolkien way) and Welsh and I loved how they feel a perfect part of the land.
I adore Conor mac Ardan and his friends so much! I also love how noble and heroic they are, despite their struggles and the war they find themselves entangled in. Conor is a hero I’d follow to the end and I love how much he’s grown from the first book, all the way to…well, no spoilers. ;) But he’s magnificent! Also, the dialogue and the HUMOR of the banter between certain characters—it makes me so happy! It’s dry and Irish humor and I’m HERE for it. *grin* I have to mention Fergal, Donal, and Aoife specifically, because they’re all fabulous.
This is mostly a general review of the last two books as a whole, but I have a couple of specific things to mention for each of them.
BOOK 2: IN THE LAND OF THE EVERLIVING. I loved seeing more of the faery people! They were fabulous. I already touched on that, but had to mention it again. The other most favorite thing in book two…has to be the lightning scene. OH MY WORD. It was the most epic thing. :D *beaming* I won’t say more because spoilers, but I just had to comment on it because it was absolutely awesome.
BOOK 3: IN THE KINGDOM OF ALL TOMORROWS. Firstly, there are a couple of ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT legal proceedings which . . . sounds boring . . . but Y’ALL. It was so good! So, so good. Especially the second one which absolutely made my day. *grinning so hard* The other thing that especially stood out to me about book three was the ending. The epilogue, the final chapter before that, and the last couple of paragraphs of the chapter before that…they were incredible, and gave me feels (in the case of the final chapter, which I don’t want to say much about for fear of spoilers but it was a timely chapter for me when I read it), and there’s so much intriguing about especially the epilogue that I probably need to re-read to unpack properly, but...anyway, I loved all of it so much. I’m not saying all readers will feel the same way I did, but those last few chapters meant a lot to me. I absolutely adored them.
Overall, these books meant so much to me, and the writing, Irishness, epicness, and characters all combined to absolutely steal my heart and make me feel completely at home. I felt seen. It’s a very “me” series. I connected with it so hard. I will love it forever! I, for one, found it to be incredibly enjoyable and meaningful all at once.
I 100% recommend this series! It’s just really good! Go read it! (I also highly recommend the audiobooks.)
November 22, 2020
Loved this second book in the series about Conor Mac Ardan’s struggle to return home and be forgiven for being a supposed traitor. He and his two friends from childhood are leaving the Isle of the Faeries to return home to try to free Eirlandia from the invading Scalda. Along the way, the faerie king decides to go help in Eirlandia’s fight because the Scalda have been taking faeries to find their true magic. Connor and his small and newly formed warband rescue the faerie king from Scalda captivity. But the king dies after the daring rescue and the faerie return to their homeland refusing to aid in the fight to free Eirlandia from the Scalda invasion. Young men from all tribes hear of Connor’s daring fight for the country’s freedom and decide to join his warband. A major battle ensues at the meeting of kings at Tara, the long-ago place of the High King of Eirlandia. Connor leads the warbands with a miraculous ending to the battle. He returns home to find his father, King Ardan, dead from the battle and his vengeful, jealous brother as the new king. Connor takes his love, Aoife, with him to build a new High Kingdom at Tara. More battles and family battles will certainly abound in the third and final book in the series In the Kingdom of All Tomorrows.
March 4, 2023
I wanted to like this story when I picked it up off the shelf. It held so much promise - ancient Irish tribes in battle and a mix of fantasy - but the product failed to live up to the promise of the first chapter.
I had two big gripes. First, I realized I'd reached the quarter-way mark and, apart from three outcast warriors recovering in the land of the faery from injuries previously inflicted and returning home to be denied admittance, absolutely nothing of interest was happening. We had endless pages, whole chapters, of scenery and feasts and traveling, but no noticeable conflict to ruffle the waves. Even the confontation at the gates of their home fizzled out and felt contrived. I reached the point where I had no motivation to read on.
The second gripe was with all those descriptive scenes. I got the impression the author was far more in love with his worldbuilding than with actual storytelling. That need not be a problem as long as the worldbuilding is inventive enough to hold my interest, but this felt like the author picked world elements from drop-down lists of pre-stocked phrases. It felt like a D&D world populated by rolls of the dice. Pages of description, and the author added nothing new or fresh to the fantasy genre.
I had two big gripes. First, I realized I'd reached the quarter-way mark and, apart from three outcast warriors recovering in the land of the faery from injuries previously inflicted and returning home to be denied admittance, absolutely nothing of interest was happening. We had endless pages, whole chapters, of scenery and feasts and traveling, but no noticeable conflict to ruffle the waves. Even the confontation at the gates of their home fizzled out and felt contrived. I reached the point where I had no motivation to read on.
The second gripe was with all those descriptive scenes. I got the impression the author was far more in love with his worldbuilding than with actual storytelling. That need not be a problem as long as the worldbuilding is inventive enough to hold my interest, but this felt like the author picked world elements from drop-down lists of pre-stocked phrases. It felt like a D&D world populated by rolls of the dice. Pages of description, and the author added nothing new or fresh to the fantasy genre.
December 25, 2019
Very Engaging
This novel has two nations warring...one with high standards and morals and the other with animal instincts and actions who are trying to overrun and wipe them out. Add in a handsome warrior who rescues fairie people while instilling loyalty and devotion in the men who join him by his selfless actions, then add a love interest who can’t seem to physically be near him long enough to actually marry him and you have a very engaging story. I love the Celtic feeling of the language and place names used as well as customs and Dark Ages way of life for a time period. I was never bored or disgusted or disappointed in this story. Can’t wait for the third installment. A plus for this book is that if you never read the third book, it will be OK as this story can stand on its own and does not leave you hanging...just wishing for more.
This novel has two nations warring...one with high standards and morals and the other with animal instincts and actions who are trying to overrun and wipe them out. Add in a handsome warrior who rescues fairie people while instilling loyalty and devotion in the men who join him by his selfless actions, then add a love interest who can’t seem to physically be near him long enough to actually marry him and you have a very engaging story. I love the Celtic feeling of the language and place names used as well as customs and Dark Ages way of life for a time period. I was never bored or disgusted or disappointed in this story. Can’t wait for the third installment. A plus for this book is that if you never read the third book, it will be OK as this story can stand on its own and does not leave you hanging...just wishing for more.
December 4, 2022
This book is all over the place with regards to the plot - which has a lot of holes in it. I’m still not sure how or why the elf - er faery princess was captured by the Scalda in book one or how Donol all of sudden winds up with this weird gift of “sight” in this book to name a few - which has been frustrating. I mean who are the Scalda even? At the end of book two I still don’t know.
But what has kept me going in this series and what is going to bring me back for book 3 are the extremely likable characters and their interactions with each other. The honorable Conor and his crew are what makes this story with reading. They are well written and to that I say bravo! The world in which this story takes place is quite intriguing as well. There is a ton of potential for future stories here - but first let’s see what happens in book three!
But what has kept me going in this series and what is going to bring me back for book 3 are the extremely likable characters and their interactions with each other. The honorable Conor and his crew are what makes this story with reading. They are well written and to that I say bravo! The world in which this story takes place is quite intriguing as well. There is a ton of potential for future stories here - but first let’s see what happens in book three!
November 29, 2025
This book continues the adventures of Conor in Eirlandia. Conor and his friends are in the faery land recovering but they know they must return home to save their people from the Scalda. Most of the book is Conor trying to find his place it the world, sometimes being rejected but just as often not.
I didn't like the book as much as the first one. I was just expecting more. Not much really happens.
The land of the faery is described but not really experienced. The characters are very sketched. They are mysterious but not in a good way.
Conor returns to the land of the Scalda supposedly to raid and kill their leader but they find an empty town and they learn what they already knew. The main purpose of this book seems to be how Conor gets more men to follow him. I would have preferred to learn more about the faery and more about why the Scalda want this war.
I didn't like the book as much as the first one. I was just expecting more. Not much really happens.
The land of the faery is described but not really experienced. The characters are very sketched. They are mysterious but not in a good way.
Conor returns to the land of the Scalda supposedly to raid and kill their leader but they find an empty town and they learn what they already knew. The main purpose of this book seems to be how Conor gets more men to follow him. I would have preferred to learn more about the faery and more about why the Scalda want this war.
July 20, 2019
When I read the first book of this series I had a hard time connecting with the main characters. The writing is amazing and the story was interesting and so I only gave book 1 4 stars, but now that I have finished book 2 the characters won me over. I don't know if it was just the journey they went on, but it felt like it took me a while to connect with them, but once I did I joined forces with them and was along for the whole journey.
This is an amazing continuation to a really good set up. I love Lawhead's attention to detail and storytelling, the world comes alive around you as you read.
5 Stars
This is an amazing continuation to a really good set up. I love Lawhead's attention to detail and storytelling, the world comes alive around you as you read.
5 Stars
November 30, 2019
Book 2, leaves nothing to be desired
Great book, well written and researched to reflect a time long past. As with all S. Lawhead’s books, and I have read every one, I could hardly put it down. Connor becomes the leader he was born to be, facing danger head on. Rejected by his brother, the queen who made him war leader and the farie people who he again saved he is undeterred in his quest to save his people and land. His powerful presence attracts a war host to be reckoned with and sets him on course toward saving Eirlandia, and now not alone but with his betrothed, and his two faithful friends.
Great book, well written and researched to reflect a time long past. As with all S. Lawhead’s books, and I have read every one, I could hardly put it down. Connor becomes the leader he was born to be, facing danger head on. Rejected by his brother, the queen who made him war leader and the farie people who he again saved he is undeterred in his quest to save his people and land. His powerful presence attracts a war host to be reckoned with and sets him on course toward saving Eirlandia, and now not alone but with his betrothed, and his two faithful friends.
January 4, 2020
For the 2nd book in the series, there was a lot of set up in the first 2/3rds of this book. It was still very enjoyable because it moved quickly and there was just the right amount of foreshadowing. I was eager for what was coming, but at the same time it wasn't predictable.
Some dialog got a little repetitive, but for the most part it was solid, quick, and not wasted.
The few battle scenes were done really well. Those were probably my favorite parts of the book. In classic fantasy fiction style, Conor's progression toward the fulfillment of his life's mission is slow, and filled with setbacks. The pacing is perfect.
Some dialog got a little repetitive, but for the most part it was solid, quick, and not wasted.
The few battle scenes were done really well. Those were probably my favorite parts of the book. In classic fantasy fiction style, Conor's progression toward the fulfillment of his life's mission is slow, and filled with setbacks. The pacing is perfect.
January 24, 2020
It had been quite a while since reading the first book, so it took me a while to remember what had happened before, what some of the things mentioned in this book referred to, but after a few chapters I stopped feeling like I had jumped into the middle of a story and really got into this one. I was concerned that it would be, as many middle books in a series are, just a bridge between one book and another, and to some extent that is true, but it is a good story in its own right, with an eventful buildup to the climax. Not that you can't see it coming, to some extent, but it's no less enjoyable, because Lawhead is a good storyteller.
December 3, 2020
Audiobook 3 1/2 stars
This feels like a nice 2 book series that’s being stretched out to 3. The story isn’t bad, but it does have a lot of things happening that doesn’t advance the story. Lawhead did this with his Bright Empires series, stretching 3 books into 5, in my opinion anyway. I like Conor and the relationships he has with his 2 friends Fergal & Donal. Their banter feels like conversations that friends would have and it’s a good trio. The “romance” part of this, as of now, feels boring but now that maybe that picks up in the next book. As far as the audiobook, the guy who narrates it has a slight accent that’s hard to understand at first but I got used to it quickly. Hopefully Mr. Lawhead saves most of the good stuff for his last entry into this series. Here’s hoping.
This feels like a nice 2 book series that’s being stretched out to 3. The story isn’t bad, but it does have a lot of things happening that doesn’t advance the story. Lawhead did this with his Bright Empires series, stretching 3 books into 5, in my opinion anyway. I like Conor and the relationships he has with his 2 friends Fergal & Donal. Their banter feels like conversations that friends would have and it’s a good trio. The “romance” part of this, as of now, feels boring but now that maybe that picks up in the next book. As far as the audiobook, the guy who narrates it has a slight accent that’s hard to understand at first but I got used to it quickly. Hopefully Mr. Lawhead saves most of the good stuff for his last entry into this series. Here’s hoping.
August 14, 2021
I highly enjoyed listening to In the Region of the Summer Stars, first book in the Eirlandia series. So much so that I immediately began the next book in the trilogy, this one. I have several books in my Audible library and I tend to not read the same author or books in a series back to back but I definitely made an exception here. I needed to know what was going to happen to Conor and everyone else.
There's life, epic journeys, betrayal, brotherhood, battles, becoming more, showing of true colors.
I finished this one and started the third book, In the Kingdom of All Tomorrows.
I can definitely recommend this book, trilogy and author.
There's life, epic journeys, betrayal, brotherhood, battles, becoming more, showing of true colors.
I finished this one and started the third book, In the Kingdom of All Tomorrows.
I can definitely recommend this book, trilogy and author.
December 30, 2019
As a Lawhead fan, this was a little disappointing after the Hood trilogy. Maybe it’s because I came into the series in the middle, not realizing I was picking up book two. But honestly, based on Lawhead’s other books, I expect better female characters who do more than get into trouble and provide a list of heroics for the males in the story to accomplish, (even if it is realistic given the time period/setting). Hoping to go back and catch book one and then progress through the rest of the series to give it a chance to live up to the author’s other works.
May 19, 2020
I hadn't read the first in this series, so perhaps that affected my opinion of this book. Or perhaps I just had higher expectations of Lawhead, as his Pendragon Cycle and his Bright Empire series are among my favorites. This was a pleasant fantasy set in a mythical world based on Ireland. It has all of the elements you'd expect: fairies, romance, battles and brotherhood. And maybe that's my problem: there was nothing particularly surprising. Lawhead does write well, and it was an enjoyable read - just not his best.
July 14, 2020
Another very entertaining epistle by Lawhead. In this Conor regains his health in the land of the Fae, but vows to return to fight the Scalda, who are ravaging the land and turning leader against leader.
In order to survive, Conor and his friends create their own war band, and travel wherever there's need. Many others begin to join them, and Conor becomes a well-recognised leader.
There is a page-turning quality to Lawhead's writing. It's tempered and direct, but totally engrossing. Wonderful stuff :)
In order to survive, Conor and his friends create their own war band, and travel wherever there's need. Many others begin to join them, and Conor becomes a well-recognised leader.
There is a page-turning quality to Lawhead's writing. It's tempered and direct, but totally engrossing. Wonderful stuff :)
May 10, 2019
The second book in the Eirlandia series. It's the story of Conar mac Ardan, returning home to continue the fight against the invaders known as the Scalda. The characters were strong, there was plenty of action and conflict. I would have liked a little more reference to what happened in Book 1, but very good otherwise. I also liked that it drew upon the Celtic traditions, giving us a little something different than other fantasies. It's definitely worth a look.
June 21, 2019
Continuing the Amazing Tale!!!
Its been a year waiting for this sequel... but SO worth the wait. I could hardly wait to continue the adventure...and WHAT an adventure! I love this series... the heroes, the action, the mystique, the lore. Lawhead continues his great storytelling. The only downside... I must wait ANOTHER year for the sequel. Ach! Pray tell the sequel will be out sooner, brother!
Its been a year waiting for this sequel... but SO worth the wait. I could hardly wait to continue the adventure...and WHAT an adventure! I love this series... the heroes, the action, the mystique, the lore. Lawhead continues his great storytelling. The only downside... I must wait ANOTHER year for the sequel. Ach! Pray tell the sequel will be out sooner, brother!
February 23, 2020
I am such a huge fan of Stephen Lawhead -- and the current Eirlandia series is classic Lawhead. Legend and lore, epic Celtic landscapes, battles, love, intrigue, magic. It's all here.
This is a classic second book in a trilogy. It doesn't start anything. It's doesn't really finish anything -- but it's still a well-told story that sets up the next book very well. I will say this is a satisfying read.
This is a classic second book in a trilogy. It doesn't start anything. It's doesn't really finish anything -- but it's still a well-told story that sets up the next book very well. I will say this is a satisfying read.
August 9, 2020
This is the 2nd Eirlandia book of 3. I found the pacing a little slow at times and the stroy itself isn't anything necessarily new. I did find the characters interesting enough to keep reading. I think it would be neat if Mr. Lawhead would include endnotes to give some background to the story or provide some notes for the actual historical portions. That way a reader could read some of what inspired him to write this story.
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