What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Rose
It started by stealth. At first, no one could see what was happening. By the time the alarm was raised it was too late. Ireland had been seized: a financial assault consolidated by a military one.
But as the island is overrun, it’s soon clear that the invaders did not anticipate the fierce resolve of of their Celtic opponents. Nor the determination of the country’s powerful allies to throw out the occupiers.
While a strengthening Irish resistance mounts a fierce guerilla campaign to take their country back, the British bring to bear the full might of the Army, Royal Navy and RAF to liberate their friend and neighbour across the Irish Channel.
Dark Rose takes a bold premise and weaves it into a breathtaking, action-packed military thriller.
If you like Tom Clancy, Frederick Forsyth, Andy McNab, Chris Ryan, Larry Bond, Dale Brown or Damien Lewis then you’ll love Mike Lunnon-Wood.
Perfect for fans of Red Storm Rising, Sniper One or Bravo Two Zero or movies like Red Dawn, Dunkirk or The Siege of Jadotville.
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
356 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 10, 2019
I have read a great number of military thrillers over the years, but I can honestly say that this was the best by far, that I have ever read. It was a book I didn't want to put down, but also didn't want to end as it was so good. Set in Ireland (Eire) in 1995, the plot is very well crafted and concerns the takeover of the country by stealth, by a foreign power. I won't spoil the plot by going into detail, but will say that it concerns not only how the Irish people and military respond to the crisis which unfolds, but also the countries friendly to the Republic. There are very few books these day that I will ever read again, but this is definitely one of those. Sadly, the author is no longer with us and so there will be no more thrillers like 'Dark Rose', but I will certainly be looking at his other books.
February 15, 2019
Dreadful
Ridiculous idea cliche upon cliche, no characters, and a plot that hardly exists. The ad says for fans of Tom Clancy, maybe if those fans have a reading age of a seven year old.
Ridiculous idea cliche upon cliche, no characters, and a plot that hardly exists. The ad says for fans of Tom Clancy, maybe if those fans have a reading age of a seven year old.
April 22, 2022
Previous to this book, I had listened to Lunnon-Wood's Blue Congo and Long Reach. These were superb in every way. Some of my fav military thriller books actually. So my expectations were high for Dark Rose. Regretfully, this novel wasn't as strong as his others.
First the positive elements. LW's understanding of how the modern British military functions is second to none. I read somewhere that he wasn't in the military. It's hard to believe. He runs through the ins and outs of how a major military action is planned like he did this for a living. And to be clear - it's not dry. The conversations have interesting characters, and quick dialogue and always advance the story. You feel like you're in the room as these people talk about a new piece of critical intelligence or where to position a naval fleet.
Another positive. The man can weave together multiple storylines as well as anyone I've read (very Tom Clancy or James Rosone). There is no main character, but twenty of them and over the course of the book, LW carefully (mostly) brings these folks together toward a satisfying if predictable ending. There is one character in the first half of the story who gets a fair bit of page time, but in the second half, he's rarely mentioned. He was interesting, so his absence was noticeable. Finally, there are many action scenes in the second half of the book - infantry, navy and air force. All are thrilling and well done. Action scenes are another colossal strength of the author. The second half of the book really moves along as a result.
Now for the less positive. Plot spoiler follows. The premise. Ugh! Of the many things I liked about the two aforementioned books, they had plots and premises that were entirely believable. Like in the next 2-5 years they could totally happen. But not with Dark Rose. The book blurb only gave the vaguest indications of the plot. Had I of know, I might have went for another of the author's stories. When I did start listening and it became clear who the baddies were, I was just like... “nope”. This could never happen. I mean, big points for imagination, but this took away from the story. So what is the plot that I was so unimpressed with? Elements of the PLO and Libya invade Ireland. Now mind you, this book was written back in the early 90's but even then the idea that these two countries could somehow invade Ireland... We'll it was just too much. The very idea that the UK, much less the US, would allow either of these countries to invade Ireland and that these same countries wouldn't immediately trounce the invaders torpedoed this story from the moment I realized what was going on.
And if my concern about the central plot was enough to knock me on my keister, the idea that the people of Ireland would willingly accept the reinstitution of an Irish monarch knocked me flat out. I think this plot device was weaved into the story to build up the readers' emotional connection with the story. It should be remembered that Princess Diana was alive a well when this story was penned. In fact, there is mention of her in the book! And indeed, to some degree this story was an emotional draw but in the end, it again pushed the limits of believability and added another 90 minutes or so to an already long book. Perhaps part of my concern about this thread was that I had just listened to Leon Uris' Irish epic Trinity. On reading how the British treated the Irish, I can't see how the Republic of Ireland would ever accept something so British as a queen.
This was an ambitious book with an ambitious story and it was a good listen/story, but if you've not read Lunnon-Woods other novels, I would point you to them before Dark Rose. As mentioned above, these other works are fantastic. I give Congo Blue and Long Reach my highest recommendations.
First the positive elements. LW's understanding of how the modern British military functions is second to none. I read somewhere that he wasn't in the military. It's hard to believe. He runs through the ins and outs of how a major military action is planned like he did this for a living. And to be clear - it's not dry. The conversations have interesting characters, and quick dialogue and always advance the story. You feel like you're in the room as these people talk about a new piece of critical intelligence or where to position a naval fleet.
Another positive. The man can weave together multiple storylines as well as anyone I've read (very Tom Clancy or James Rosone). There is no main character, but twenty of them and over the course of the book, LW carefully (mostly) brings these folks together toward a satisfying if predictable ending. There is one character in the first half of the story who gets a fair bit of page time, but in the second half, he's rarely mentioned. He was interesting, so his absence was noticeable. Finally, there are many action scenes in the second half of the book - infantry, navy and air force. All are thrilling and well done. Action scenes are another colossal strength of the author. The second half of the book really moves along as a result.
Now for the less positive. Plot spoiler follows. The premise. Ugh! Of the many things I liked about the two aforementioned books, they had plots and premises that were entirely believable. Like in the next 2-5 years they could totally happen. But not with Dark Rose. The book blurb only gave the vaguest indications of the plot. Had I of know, I might have went for another of the author's stories. When I did start listening and it became clear who the baddies were, I was just like... “nope”. This could never happen. I mean, big points for imagination, but this took away from the story. So what is the plot that I was so unimpressed with? Elements of the PLO and Libya invade Ireland. Now mind you, this book was written back in the early 90's but even then the idea that these two countries could somehow invade Ireland... We'll it was just too much. The very idea that the UK, much less the US, would allow either of these countries to invade Ireland and that these same countries wouldn't immediately trounce the invaders torpedoed this story from the moment I realized what was going on.
And if my concern about the central plot was enough to knock me on my keister, the idea that the people of Ireland would willingly accept the reinstitution of an Irish monarch knocked me flat out. I think this plot device was weaved into the story to build up the readers' emotional connection with the story. It should be remembered that Princess Diana was alive a well when this story was penned. In fact, there is mention of her in the book! And indeed, to some degree this story was an emotional draw but in the end, it again pushed the limits of believability and added another 90 minutes or so to an already long book. Perhaps part of my concern about this thread was that I had just listened to Leon Uris' Irish epic Trinity. On reading how the British treated the Irish, I can't see how the Republic of Ireland would ever accept something so British as a queen.
This was an ambitious book with an ambitious story and it was a good listen/story, but if you've not read Lunnon-Woods other novels, I would point you to them before Dark Rose. As mentioned above, these other works are fantastic. I give Congo Blue and Long Reach my highest recommendations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2020
Best read in years
A truly epic story. This needs to be a TV series for sure. Come on Netflix, come to the party. I enjoyed this epic story immensely. I listened avidly & felt completely submersed in this truly amazing tale. Superbly written. Fabulous and rich in detail. I felt I was part of the story & could see and feel the landscape. I felt I knew the characters personally. Just BRILLIANT!!
A truly epic story. This needs to be a TV series for sure. Come on Netflix, come to the party. I enjoyed this epic story immensely. I listened avidly & felt completely submersed in this truly amazing tale. Superbly written. Fabulous and rich in detail. I felt I was part of the story & could see and feel the landscape. I felt I knew the characters personally. Just BRILLIANT!!
January 13, 2019
Breathtaking fast paced book with a wealth of research. The tale is fascinating, it could happen as more and more national property ,companies etc are bought up by foreign investors without any apparent control until heaven forbid they own the country,very well researched militarily as well as Irish mythology.
One to reccomend.Ihave just started another by the same author
One to reccomend.Ihave just started another by the same author
November 4, 2020
Dark Rose
I was disappointed after reading two of his other books to read such rubbish. Poor Irish fairy tail. Thank you.
I was disappointed after reading two of his other books to read such rubbish. Poor Irish fairy tail. Thank you.
June 7, 2021
Another of Mike Lunnon-Wood’s excellent books discovered very late. We are taken back to the early 90’s, and an invasion by another name – in this case with money. An initially unknown group have found a way to embed themselves deep into the state with potentially disastrous results for Ireland. A few snippets of information gradually start to leak, but is it too late to make a different? With the help of a contrived coalition to provide the pretence of legitimacy (to the outside world, and those wishing to support the invaders), the British Army, RAF and Navy offer as much support as they can to help their neighbours in this technothriller.
As is always to case with Mr. L-W, this is a well-researched, thoughtful, and intriguing story. We are introduced to our initial cohort of characters, and the crisis gradually festers from a benign takeover to overt hostility. Mr. L-W tries to take a balanced view – although there are clearly good and bad sides, he mostly avoids slipping into clichéd, cartoonish evil depictions, and even those on the right side of the story are allowed to do the wrong thing. He clearly did a fair amount of research, and it shows with the depth of detail in the historical backstory. The story moves along, perhaps a little less quickly than it could, but I got through this reasonably quickly and really enjoyed it.
As is always to case with Mr. L-W, this is a well-researched, thoughtful, and intriguing story. We are introduced to our initial cohort of characters, and the crisis gradually festers from a benign takeover to overt hostility. Mr. L-W tries to take a balanced view – although there are clearly good and bad sides, he mostly avoids slipping into clichéd, cartoonish evil depictions, and even those on the right side of the story are allowed to do the wrong thing. He clearly did a fair amount of research, and it shows with the depth of detail in the historical backstory. The story moves along, perhaps a little less quickly than it could, but I got through this reasonably quickly and really enjoyed it.
July 28, 2019
I served in the Royal Navy from the mid-'80s until 99 and so it was refreshing to be back in the comfort zone of familiar technology and surroundings.
I suspect when this was first written the storyline would have seemed highly implausible at best but against the backdrop of today's news and our divided societies then I don't think you need to make a massive jump of belief to see how it just might or could happen in the future.
Enjoyed the book, read cover to cover in 8-days. Well written, precise and keeping things moving at pace.
Recommended to any fans of this sort of military genre or for those who just like something that will take them on an interesting journey with not too much thinking required, relax, breath and go with it. Had never come across the author before and in the process of looking for other titles he has written then I find he was sadly lost to a brief battle with cancer. BZ and RIP.
I suspect when this was first written the storyline would have seemed highly implausible at best but against the backdrop of today's news and our divided societies then I don't think you need to make a massive jump of belief to see how it just might or could happen in the future.
Enjoyed the book, read cover to cover in 8-days. Well written, precise and keeping things moving at pace.
Recommended to any fans of this sort of military genre or for those who just like something that will take them on an interesting journey with not too much thinking required, relax, breath and go with it. Had never come across the author before and in the process of looking for other titles he has written then I find he was sadly lost to a brief battle with cancer. BZ and RIP.
April 11, 2020
I do like to immerse myself in a novel as opposed to my history books, Christian books as it allows me to escape into another world of people’s events etc. I am glad I chose this book as it is a novel that has a world crisis ongoing from an invasion of Ireland by Libyans and Palestinian military groups. Just now our world is going through a real crisis with this ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus......and having read this book of the invasion and subsequent problems it makes me realise that any world crisis is very possible.
The characters in the book are very real and I could relate to the military and special forces officers and how they operated in such times. The book is full of action and military conflict and moves at a fast pace.
Overall.....the novel was certainly a good escape for me and I would recommend this book.
The characters in the book are very real and I could relate to the military and special forces officers and how they operated in such times. The book is full of action and military conflict and moves at a fast pace.
Overall.....the novel was certainly a good escape for me and I would recommend this book.
December 20, 2025
Ugh. I tried. I really liked “a place to die”. This book had a great premise, and obviously the author can write, so I blame this on the editor. Didn’t he edit anything? At all? 47 pages into the book (at 472 total) and more than 50 characters were introduced. And it didn’t stop there. The next part, almost exactly half of the book was gathering the resistance. The unbelievable part was how fast government actually acted. This book could have used better organization as well. You know, those subheadings that i am so sick of in books, where the story flips back & forth? Now i see the sense of those. I cheated and looked at a bunch of reviews. Apparently the ending is pointless. So i gave up at 50%. Maybe i will start at his latest books and work backwards.
November 9, 2023
One of the most unique thriller novels that I have read, Dark Rose tells the story of a fictional invasion of Ireland and the Irish resistance to it. Whatever its flaws, I found Dark Rose to be an incredibly fun novel to read and a powerful one at that. The idea of the British and the Irish working together is a breath of fresh air and made for some good battle scenes.
The only criticism I have of the book is that there were too many characters which made the whole story very difficult to keep track off. Other than that, I would happily recommend this book to other readers.
The only criticism I have of the book is that there were too many characters which made the whole story very difficult to keep track off. Other than that, I would happily recommend this book to other readers.
November 3, 2019
A novel that could be a history book, an invasion of Ireland by the Palestinians in an effort to reclaim their homeland by blackmail. This is a good that goes into great deal with a number of subplots that in themselves could be a novel. At times it is hard to slog through because of all of the military jargon, but fans of military suspense novels would probably enjoy that detail. The characters are rich and deep and the descriptions vivid. It is well worth reading.
June 3, 2020
A great story, well researched and well written - as a fellow writer I was both amazed and enjoyed Mikes ability to have all the balls in the air at one time in relation to the various military activities happening simultaneously. Although a take over of a country is somewhat incomprehensible - one only has to to take note of China's present day activities in relation to Hong Kong, Taiwan, the smaller and independent Pacific Islands and Australia - it is already happening.
October 7, 2018
Brilliant as ever was
MLW at his best -what a sad loss to the world was his passing. I admit I am torn between preferring Dark Rose over Long Reach but Dark Rose with memories of home edges to the fore for a brilliant novel that is difficult to put down once you start. As with his other novels I shall probably read it again at least twice.
MLW at his best -what a sad loss to the world was his passing. I admit I am torn between preferring Dark Rose over Long Reach but Dark Rose with memories of home edges to the fore for a brilliant novel that is difficult to put down once you start. As with his other novels I shall probably read it again at least twice.
February 13, 2019
Absolutely brilliant
An absolutely brilliant military what if. I completely disagree with the Clancy comparison, but I can see that it would appeal to the same audience. Would have benefited from a map or two. Absolutely gets the sharp end, oh for the lost capabilities that our emasculated forced now have to do without
An absolutely brilliant military what if. I completely disagree with the Clancy comparison, but I can see that it would appeal to the same audience. Would have benefited from a map or two. Absolutely gets the sharp end, oh for the lost capabilities that our emasculated forced now have to do without
May 11, 2020
Excellent! Really enjoyed this well written book Especially liked the history lesson on the development of the Celtic culture. It always wonderful to read a great story that holds your attention all the way to the end and also is a joy to read. I am currently reading another book by this author and once again I am memorized by the amazing story. Read this and follow up by reading "Let Not The Deep". You will be very glad you did!
January 13, 2019
Fantastic read.
It was a real pleasure to read this book, fantastic,battle descriptions. I had a couple of late nights reading, just could not put it down. If you buy just one book buy this one you will not be disappointed.
It was a real pleasure to read this book, fantastic,battle descriptions. I had a couple of late nights reading, just could not put it down. If you buy just one book buy this one you will not be disappointed.
July 29, 2019
Great Read
What a fabulous book. Great plot, good characters and lots of action sequences well written. Certainly tugs at the Celtic heartstrings. What’s even better is that for a kindle read it is quite long, that is an advantage.
What a fabulous book. Great plot, good characters and lots of action sequences well written. Certainly tugs at the Celtic heartstrings. What’s even better is that for a kindle read it is quite long, that is an advantage.
September 13, 2019
Rally around the flag
Got there eventually trying to remember the key players was sometimes difficult but definitely should be read hence only 4 stars. Just proves people can work together in time of need.
Got there eventually trying to remember the key players was sometimes difficult but definitely should be read hence only 4 stars. Just proves people can work together in time of need.
October 14, 2019
Great Story!
Was hesitant at first to pick this book up. Glad I did. What a great storyline, great characters and just an all round quality peace of work.
I am a fan of Clancy, Thor, Flynn, Greaney, etc. and I enjoyed every minute of this read.
Well done.
Was hesitant at first to pick this book up. Glad I did. What a great storyline, great characters and just an all round quality peace of work.
I am a fan of Clancy, Thor, Flynn, Greaney, etc. and I enjoyed every minute of this read.
Well done.
January 27, 2020
Action all the way through
This is the second time I have read this book and enjoyed it even more than the first time, I found it quite believable with terminology that was very accurate.
A really exciting book
This is the second time I have read this book and enjoyed it even more than the first time, I found it quite believable with terminology that was very accurate.
A really exciting book
November 24, 2021
Lots of depth
Characters and we opens alike are brought to life with a depth of detail. Reads like a modern military game of thrones in this respect. The premise is very interesting and new to me
Characters and we opens alike are brought to life with a depth of detail. Reads like a modern military game of thrones in this respect. The premise is very interesting and new to me
December 18, 2021
What a waste of time
What a terrible load of reading. Wasted 3 days attempting to get this novel going. Millions of characters, no stories link up. 20 chapters on a completely different story only to never tie up into the actual story line.
Don’t bother.
What a terrible load of reading. Wasted 3 days attempting to get this novel going. Millions of characters, no stories link up. 20 chapters on a completely different story only to never tie up into the actual story line.
Don’t bother.
July 11, 2023
Much better than I expected. MLW was South African, so I didn't expect too much when I saw the book reviews.
1994, when the book was written, was a tough year for Eire.
My advice, ignore the naysayers, probably Libyan, and check out this galloping tale.
1994, when the book was written, was a tough year for Eire.
My advice, ignore the naysayers, probably Libyan, and check out this galloping tale.
July 14, 2024
Excellent! thrilling! Enticing
Great war thriller.
Worth the time spent.
Brilliant narrative, exciting And so very actual, incredibly accurate locación And description, great time
Great war thriller.
Worth the time spent.
Brilliant narrative, exciting And so very actual, incredibly accurate locación And description, great time
October 15, 2018
Excellent read.
A book that can hold its head up the the greats of the techno / military thriller. Not at book you will want to put down in a hurry.
A book that can hold its head up the the greats of the techno / military thriller. Not at book you will want to put down in a hurry.
November 4, 2018
Fantastic Read
Love the detail, the pace and the knowledge. Sorry to hear that the author has passed away. I have now read all his books and feel sad that there will be no more
Love the detail, the pace and the knowledge. Sorry to hear that the author has passed away. I have now read all his books and feel sad that there will be no more
February 4, 2019
Fantastic Read
A well written exciting book full of action a wonderful good over evil story. I couldn’t put it down and finished in one sitting. Brilliant read highly recommended.
A well written exciting book full of action a wonderful good over evil story. I couldn’t put it down and finished in one sitting. Brilliant read highly recommended.
February 5, 2019
Awesome read
Very enjoyable read couldn't put it down great character s .I want more like this
Pretty please I loved it
Very enjoyable read couldn't put it down great character s .I want more like this
Pretty please I loved it
February 14, 2019
Good read.
A good action adventure fa st pace a little dated as far as modern warfare is concerned (written in 1998) ie harrier jet fighter now obsolete, but I enjoyed the story.
A good action adventure fa st pace a little dated as far as modern warfare is concerned (written in 1998) ie harrier jet fighter now obsolete, but I enjoyed the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews