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Ailigh Wars Saga #1
Stone Heart
IRELAND. WHERE LEGENDS ARE BORN.
For two boys in ancient Ireland, their lives are about to change forever.
Following the raiding skirmishes of an invading nation, Ireland forms its first ever standing army. Made up of the boys of its uniting tribes, they train not just to fight, but to win.
Young Áed finds himself far from his family, training and working in a hillfort that overlooks the North. With his best friend, Rónán, they grow and learn together:
What it means to fight, and what it means to love.
But as they grow into the legends they are duty-bound to become, not even the druids will have the power to stop the course of destiny.
A Celtic novel of war, love and survival in a time of Ireland's fiercest warriors.
For two boys in ancient Ireland, their lives are about to change forever.
Following the raiding skirmishes of an invading nation, Ireland forms its first ever standing army. Made up of the boys of its uniting tribes, they train not just to fight, but to win.
Young Áed finds himself far from his family, training and working in a hillfort that overlooks the North. With his best friend, Rónán, they grow and learn together:
What it means to fight, and what it means to love.
But as they grow into the legends they are duty-bound to become, not even the druids will have the power to stop the course of destiny.
A Celtic novel of war, love and survival in a time of Ireland's fiercest warriors.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
358 pages, ebook
First published July 16, 2018
12 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Merrigan
6 books12 followersPeter J Merrigan was born in Northern Ireland and became interested in writing from an early age. He was first published at the age of 17.
He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Writing at university in London. He has worked in advertising and marketing for almost 20 years and now freelances as a copy writer.
Peter returned to Ireland in 2016 where he now lives with his partner.
His latest novel, STONE FORGED, is his second venture into historical fiction, following on from STONE HEART, set in ancient Ireland in a time of Celtic warriors.
He is now working on the AILIGH WARS SAGA.
He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Writing at university in London. He has worked in advertising and marketing for almost 20 years and now freelances as a copy writer.
Peter returned to Ireland in 2016 where he now lives with his partner.
His latest novel, STONE FORGED, is his second venture into historical fiction, following on from STONE HEART, set in ancient Ireland in a time of Celtic warriors.
He is now working on the AILIGH WARS SAGA.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 31, 2018
I've read Peter J Merrigan's crime fiction and enjoyed them all, but historical fiction is a new genre for me. Any concerns I had were quickly swept away. From the rich, atmospheric setting to the brutal, epic battles to the touching romance, Stone Heart is Merrigan's most confident writing yet. The characters are well-drawn and the horrors of war are on full display (some scenes left me wincing). By the end of the story I was left wanting more - which can only be a good sign. Whether or not you're a fan of historical fiction there's lots to enjoy here, and I'm looking forward to what comes next.
November 14, 2018
This tale of ancient war deserves to be told alongside the Celtic myths. It's at once adventurous and heartwarming. Real heroes are within this story's pages.
August 6, 2022
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Stone Heart
Subtitle: An Epic Tale of Love and War in Celtic Ireland (The Ailigh Wars Saga Book 1)
Author: Peter J Merrigan
Genre: Fiction, Saga, Historical fiction
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
War is never far away in Celtic Ireland. Soon after his father returns from the war, Áed is called to train to become a soldier while his sister starts training as a Druid. Can he and his friend survive and can they keep the enemy away from their lands?
What I liked about the book:
The book is action-packed and full of suspense, love and heartbreak.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I would like what will happen next.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a saga full of suspense.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like historical fiction and Irish sagas, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
"THRILLING, MOVING, AND AN UTTERLY UNEXPECTED ENDING. PURE ENJOYMENT." - International Review of Books
"ENTHRALLING. IF YOU ENJOY SHOWS LIKE VIKINGS, YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE STONE HEART." - Readers' Favorite
Ireland, 279 BC. A nation at war.
For two boys, it will be grueling. For Ireland . . . it will be bloody.
When the first raiding skirmishes of a foreign army are crushed and Ireland mourns her dead, one king knows their newfound peace is destined to fail. As Overking of Ailigh, Keeper of the North, he calls for the boys of his Celtic tribes to train as formidable warriors under his command.
For Áed, it begins as a fantastical quest. For Rónán, it helps him escape a cruel chieftain. Together, they must train and grow in strength and might. And when the invading army returns, a nation goes to war, united under one banner.
Meanwhile, Áed's sister begins her training as a druid, learning the spiritual ways of the earth. And when the goddess Cáer speaks to her in her dreams, she knows that Ireland's future hangs in the balance.
With Áed skilled in close combat, and Rónán blessed with an archer's eye, they fight side by side, champions of the Celts. But death is close. And the tides of war are forever in flux.
The Irish Celts know one thing: if the warmongering foreigners aren't defeated, not even the druids can change the course of destiny.
STONE FORGED (Book 2) and STONE SOUL (Book 3) are out now!
About the Author:
Peter J Merrigan was born in Northern Ireland and became interested in writing from an early age. He was first published at the age of 17.
He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Writing at university in London. He has worked in advertising and marketing for almost 20 years and now freelances as a copy writer.
Peter returned to Ireland in 2016 where he now lives with his partner.
His latest novel, STONE FORGED, is his second venture into historical fiction, following on from STONE HEART, set in ancient Ireland in a time of Celtic warriors.
He is now working on the AILIGH WARS SAGA.
Basic Details:
Book Title: Stone Heart
Subtitle: An Epic Tale of Love and War in Celtic Ireland (The Ailigh Wars Saga Book 1)
Author: Peter J Merrigan
Genre: Fiction, Saga, Historical fiction
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
War is never far away in Celtic Ireland. Soon after his father returns from the war, Áed is called to train to become a soldier while his sister starts training as a Druid. Can he and his friend survive and can they keep the enemy away from their lands?
What I liked about the book:
The book is action-packed and full of suspense, love and heartbreak.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I would like what will happen next.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a saga full of suspense.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like historical fiction and Irish sagas, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
"THRILLING, MOVING, AND AN UTTERLY UNEXPECTED ENDING. PURE ENJOYMENT." - International Review of Books
"ENTHRALLING. IF YOU ENJOY SHOWS LIKE VIKINGS, YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE STONE HEART." - Readers' Favorite
Ireland, 279 BC. A nation at war.
For two boys, it will be grueling. For Ireland . . . it will be bloody.
When the first raiding skirmishes of a foreign army are crushed and Ireland mourns her dead, one king knows their newfound peace is destined to fail. As Overking of Ailigh, Keeper of the North, he calls for the boys of his Celtic tribes to train as formidable warriors under his command.
For Áed, it begins as a fantastical quest. For Rónán, it helps him escape a cruel chieftain. Together, they must train and grow in strength and might. And when the invading army returns, a nation goes to war, united under one banner.
Meanwhile, Áed's sister begins her training as a druid, learning the spiritual ways of the earth. And when the goddess Cáer speaks to her in her dreams, she knows that Ireland's future hangs in the balance.
With Áed skilled in close combat, and Rónán blessed with an archer's eye, they fight side by side, champions of the Celts. But death is close. And the tides of war are forever in flux.
The Irish Celts know one thing: if the warmongering foreigners aren't defeated, not even the druids can change the course of destiny.
STONE FORGED (Book 2) and STONE SOUL (Book 3) are out now!
About the Author:
Peter J Merrigan was born in Northern Ireland and became interested in writing from an early age. He was first published at the age of 17.
He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Writing at university in London. He has worked in advertising and marketing for almost 20 years and now freelances as a copy writer.
Peter returned to Ireland in 2016 where he now lives with his partner.
His latest novel, STONE FORGED, is his second venture into historical fiction, following on from STONE HEART, set in ancient Ireland in a time of Celtic warriors.
He is now working on the AILIGH WARS SAGA.
July 19, 2020
Although historical fictions have never given me any pleasure before, I feel myself greedily devouring Peter’s every word. The scenes are beautifully detailed allowing my dreams to evolve them and continue the story well into the night. The characters are well formed and make the reader feel their turmoil. Uniquely we follow Aed, Bec, and (my personal favorite) Granne through the throngs of war proving blades ARE better than man 😉.
Be warned! This book causes an intense, emotional rollercoaster. It made me laugh, scream, and cry throughout. But well worth it my friends.
Now I eagerly turn the pages of Peter’s next book in this series; Stone Forged.
Be warned! This book causes an intense, emotional rollercoaster. It made me laugh, scream, and cry throughout. But well worth it my friends.
Now I eagerly turn the pages of Peter’s next book in this series; Stone Forged.
September 5, 2020
Loved this book. If I had to describe this novel in one word it would be intelligent. Set in Celtic Ireland in the Iron Age, the language is rich and expressive and Merrigan takes you into his world until you feel you belong there.
You are drawn into a time where everything is governed by the gods. The story takes you through the training of the young warriors and druids. With ongoing conflict over land, and with the people’s lives steeped in superstitious beliefs, we come to care that the outcome falls well with our tribes.
Merrigan’s characterisation and generous description is second to none. If you only read one series this year, it should be this one.
You are drawn into a time where everything is governed by the gods. The story takes you through the training of the young warriors and druids. With ongoing conflict over land, and with the people’s lives steeped in superstitious beliefs, we come to care that the outcome falls well with our tribes.
Merrigan’s characterisation and generous description is second to none. If you only read one series this year, it should be this one.
October 14, 2020
Savage times and brutal battles in a gritty ancient Celtic history setting where boys become men in battle, men are warriors and legends are made. So well researched and authentic you are transported back to that era with sword and shield in hands to fight alongside Aed and Ronan.
As you come to know the characters (love, hate, love to hate) and accompany Aed and Ronan on their journey to become warriors, Merrigan makes you laugh, cheer and hate him with a mix of uplifting, brutal and jaw dropping scenes. The sword is mighty in battle but Merrigan's pen is mightier on the page.
.
As you come to know the characters (love, hate, love to hate) and accompany Aed and Ronan on their journey to become warriors, Merrigan makes you laugh, cheer and hate him with a mix of uplifting, brutal and jaw dropping scenes. The sword is mighty in battle but Merrigan's pen is mightier on the page.
.
Read
November 15, 2020Hello just a brief word to say thank you. I have just finished the stone heart and enjoyed it immensely.
This story of three young sibling's brutal yet touching passage into adult hood through war and peace was worth the read, but I had to stop often to remind myself just how young they were. Would I recommend this book,I would give it 10/10, so yes i would highly recommend it and I hope to read the second one soon.
This story of three young sibling's brutal yet touching passage into adult hood through war and peace was worth the read, but I had to stop often to remind myself just how young they were. Would I recommend this book,I would give it 10/10, so yes i would highly recommend it and I hope to read the second one soon.
November 11, 2020
I loved the blend of historical fiction and fantasy in this well-written book. As a fellow celt, there are parts of the book that tug at my heartstrings and I was drawn into the lives of the utterly believable characters. From the brutality of war to the tender love scenes, this book was fabulous.
November 27, 2020
Totally engrossing.
Being a Wexford girl, I live for anything Ireland related. This did not disappoint. A great tale with well thought out characters that intertwine wonderfully. Historical fiction filled with epic battles, romance that was so easy to read.
Great read!!
K K Weakley
Being a Wexford girl, I live for anything Ireland related. This did not disappoint. A great tale with well thought out characters that intertwine wonderfully. Historical fiction filled with epic battles, romance that was so easy to read.
Great read!!
K K Weakley
November 6, 2020
I liked the story up until it starts getting into sex, which I don't care for. There were a lot of interesting characters, and it was interesting getting to know some of them and what happened to them and their families.
December 27, 2020
In an epic adventure, Aed is sent to learn the skills for war. He is separated from his sisters & mother but finds comfort in his friend Ronan. Things heat up on the battlefield, and he finds those he loves intertwined in the madness.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews