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Gates of Eden: The Druid Legacy #0
Rise of the Morrigan: The Queen of Samhuinn
Not even the god who made her could tame her.
When the Dagda took three girls and combined them into a single goddess--that he might have for himself a divine wife--he thought she'd be an obedient sub-deity and an extension of his rule. But the Morrigan is subservient to no man, no matter how powerful a god he fashions himself to be.
If she is to rule, however, she must do more than defy the god who made her.
She must win the heart of a mortal...
Cú Chulainn didn’t want to be a warrior.
He dreamed of becoming a bard, a poet...
But when he discovers he has the ríastrad, that he transforms into a werewolf when enraged, he finds he has little choice but to serve the whims of his king and defend Ulster.
But can the beast be controlled?
A faerie touched his heart… it calmed his rage… and he longs for her still…
But there’s another who pursues him, who hopes to win his heart… a goddess…
Will the Morrigan win the heart of her beloved? Will Cú Chulainn find peace, or will he be destined to a life of battle?
Rise of the Morrigan is a stand-alone epic in fantasy mythology. It is also a prequel to Theolphilus Monroe's Gates of Eden world. Readers of Monroe's Voodoo Legacy, Druid Legacy, or other modern Arthurian fantasies will be captivated by this epic fantasy adventure romance: Rise of the Morrigan: The Queen of Samhuinn.
When the Dagda took three girls and combined them into a single goddess--that he might have for himself a divine wife--he thought she'd be an obedient sub-deity and an extension of his rule. But the Morrigan is subservient to no man, no matter how powerful a god he fashions himself to be.
If she is to rule, however, she must do more than defy the god who made her.
She must win the heart of a mortal...
Cú Chulainn didn’t want to be a warrior.
He dreamed of becoming a bard, a poet...
But when he discovers he has the ríastrad, that he transforms into a werewolf when enraged, he finds he has little choice but to serve the whims of his king and defend Ulster.
But can the beast be controlled?
A faerie touched his heart… it calmed his rage… and he longs for her still…
But there’s another who pursues him, who hopes to win his heart… a goddess…
Will the Morrigan win the heart of her beloved? Will Cú Chulainn find peace, or will he be destined to a life of battle?
Rise of the Morrigan is a stand-alone epic in fantasy mythology. It is also a prequel to Theolphilus Monroe's Gates of Eden world. Readers of Monroe's Voodoo Legacy, Druid Legacy, or other modern Arthurian fantasies will be captivated by this epic fantasy adventure romance: Rise of the Morrigan: The Queen of Samhuinn.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2020
34 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Theophilus Monroe
157 books292 followersTheophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 23, 2021
2.5 Stars
This read like a dark fairytale, and it captivated me
Truthfully, I don't have many thoughts on this one because it's kind of a forgettable story. I didn't realize that this was a prequel/ origin story before going into this, so that could've been why I didn't connect with this novel.
Nonetheless, I adored the writing style and it's a rather interesting storyline. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied but that's what the other books are for :)
This read like a dark fairytale, and it captivated me
Truthfully, I don't have many thoughts on this one because it's kind of a forgettable story. I didn't realize that this was a prequel/ origin story before going into this, so that could've been why I didn't connect with this novel.
Nonetheless, I adored the writing style and it's a rather interesting storyline. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied but that's what the other books are for :)
May 20, 2021
This was my first novel written by Theophilus Monroe. While I adore Celtic mythology and Arthurian tales, this one felt lacking something. Maybe just because I haven’t read the series that this is supposed to be the prequel for. It is portrayed as a standalone and that’s how it was pitched to me, but I feel like I’m missing some aspects of the characters. This is likely because I haven’t read any other books in this series.
Rise of the Morrigan combines fundamental tropes of Irish mythology to spin a brand-new tale that has both epic tale and modern myth. The novel includes strong and well-planned characters, and a captivating plot with twists and turns.
Betrayed by their father, triplet sisters are given to a Dagda in order for their father can achieve the vengeance that fills him. Dagda needs a wife, but no one brought to him has been suitable, including the girls’ mother. Dagda decides the sisters combined into one being will be his wife as all the sisters have attributes of his desire. Thus, The Morrigan is created. With a strong mind of all three sisters, the Morrigan does not give into to Dagda’s wishes for a wife. Instead, the Morrigan makes a bargain with him and sets out to fulfill her side of the deal.
A young man, Cú Chulainn, destined to be a warrior and hero. He loathes his role and killing and wishes to spend his life as a bard. He would that there be no war yet lands up at the mercy of a ruthless king. Through it all, Cú Chulainn and the Morrigan struggle with the inner turmoil of what is right from wrong and try to align this with who they ultimately are.
With Irish mythology in general; Dagda, Morrigan and Cú Chulainn in particular, this a story that aims high, and while not as great as a standalone, it will provide a great base for the Gates of Eden series. Another series to add to my never-ending TBR pile!
ARC Provided by Reedsy Discovery and Theophilus Monroe
Rise of the Morrigan combines fundamental tropes of Irish mythology to spin a brand-new tale that has both epic tale and modern myth. The novel includes strong and well-planned characters, and a captivating plot with twists and turns.
Betrayed by their father, triplet sisters are given to a Dagda in order for their father can achieve the vengeance that fills him. Dagda needs a wife, but no one brought to him has been suitable, including the girls’ mother. Dagda decides the sisters combined into one being will be his wife as all the sisters have attributes of his desire. Thus, The Morrigan is created. With a strong mind of all three sisters, the Morrigan does not give into to Dagda’s wishes for a wife. Instead, the Morrigan makes a bargain with him and sets out to fulfill her side of the deal.
A young man, Cú Chulainn, destined to be a warrior and hero. He loathes his role and killing and wishes to spend his life as a bard. He would that there be no war yet lands up at the mercy of a ruthless king. Through it all, Cú Chulainn and the Morrigan struggle with the inner turmoil of what is right from wrong and try to align this with who they ultimately are.
With Irish mythology in general; Dagda, Morrigan and Cú Chulainn in particular, this a story that aims high, and while not as great as a standalone, it will provide a great base for the Gates of Eden series. Another series to add to my never-ending TBR pile!
ARC Provided by Reedsy Discovery and Theophilus Monroe
September 16, 2024
From the 1st sentence to the very last, I was captivated and I found it hard to put down! I was propelled into a wonderful tale of betrayal, love and sacrifice. This book is an absolute must read! Betrayed by a cruel and emotionless father, who only has vengeance on his mind, 3 sisters are given to a god so that he might be granted his wish. The God is in need of a wife but no one has come close to being suitable. The God decides the sisters combined into a single entity would satisfy his desire and sets about doing just that! The Morrigan is born but with a strong will of her own, she does not succumb to the god's whims. She makes a pact with him and sets out as the Phantom Queen, goddess of death and war. A young man, destined to be a warrior and champion captures her heart. He loathes his role and killing but fate keeps propelling him to defend and destroy. He would that there be no war nor killing yet lands up at the mercy of a ruthless king, who revels in wanting dominance. The Morrigan's choices and manipulations don't have the outcome she desires and it all back fires. Through it all, the reluctant hero and the Morrigan struggle with the inner turmoil of what is right from wrong and try to align this with who they ultimately are. This story affords the reader insight and clarity for Theo's other series, namely Gates of Eden and ties it all together. It's a well written tale with a twist, truly worth reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2021
This book starts with a young hunter, only just going through puberty, out hunting down a wild boar for his village, when he gets pulled in by a water creature, which triggers an unknown power within him. It seems he has a riastrad within him, which is triggered when he is in danger or in a fight. The riastrad shifts him into a werewolf, something not seen for decades, and all previous ones have gone on to be lauded warriors. But the young hunter, Setanta, took no pleasure in hunting and killing of his prey, and wanted nothing more than to become a bard of Ulster. Three sisters, Macha, Anand and Babd, are another main part of the story. Their mother has gone missing, but their father Fionn won’t tell them what has happened to her. Next he arranges for them to be taken by a druid and taken to see the Dagda, whom their father has made another deal with for more power. The Dagda has said he will give their father what he wants, but he wants his daughters, he thought just one, but it turns out he wants all three of them as his wife. He combines all three of them into a goddess called the Morrigan, but they are not happy to be his wife.
Setanta loves the Fae woman he saw, called Fand, who came to him as he was consumed by the riastrad, and her people have always come to those like him, to help them master the riastrad. He is taken by her and kisses her, but she is already bethrothed to Manannan mac Lir, the King of the Sea Fae. No matter what connection she feels towards him, she cannot be with him, but he holds his love for her in his heart for the rest of his life. He undergoes bard training with an older bard called Iolo, but is soon called into his warrior role by the king of Ulster. A new life as a hero warrior, but all he still wants is to be a bard. He is then named Cu Chulainn and it is foretold when he refuses the Morrigan, that he will die as a warrior, when he is undergoing many individual challenges. The Morrigan wants him for themselves, as they need more than a normal single man as a lover or husband, and the Dagda will allow them out of their father’s agreement, if they can find a mortal man to fall in love them! Only problem is he has already fallen for a fae and now wants another woman, Emer, the daughter of the man who trains him as Ulster’s champion. But her father Forgall, refuses to agree to give his daughter to him, as he will no doubt be killed off, acting as the champion, leaving his daughter alone afterwards. There has never been an old warrior with the riastrad, they have all died young.
He has to go and train with a Scots warrior, to better learn the skills of a warrior in all aspects and ends up paired with another riastrad called Rife. He soon gets together with her in their intense times of training and fighting, leaving Rife pregnant, but Cu wanting to still take the hand of Emer! This leaves a very annoyed riastrad warrior, left to raise their child alone. The Morrigan still wants Cu and tries to interfere with his love life, to get him to ignore the two women he already wanted in his life, but lots of things backfire, the more she tries. The druid who helped the Dadga, Fear Doidrich, has fae magic and wants the Morrigan for himself, to sidetrack the agreement between the Morrigan and the Dadga. She has no wish to be with Doidrich, but he keeps interfering with her actions to get Cu to herself. She is now immortal and was granted the lands of the dead to rule, to help them pass on to their new life after death. She is the goddess of death and war. So Cu is well suited to be by her side. Just the small problem of his upcoming nuptials with Emer.
This is a complex storyline, with multiple characters and love connections. Some are going to be torn apart by the will of the Morrigan’s wishes for themselves and their love life, ignoring what mere mortals might want for themselves. A war is coming and attempts to erase the memory of one he loved may have a limited use, but marriage still cannot be stopped when the druid pokes his own nose into matters. The Morrigan wants to win the heart of the one mortal she loves, but Cu is now mixed up in a battle of champions, due to the senile and power hungry antics of the King of Ulster. This is a standalone story, but has a lot of complexity, which many may find quite difficult to follow, especially if they know nothing of some of the other stories by this author. I found it hard to get through, as the storyline jumps from the end of the storyline, to the beginning and brings in each of the different main characters and complex scenarios, all the way through. At the end it quickly brings the Morrigan through from this time of war and battle, right to almost the modern day, where the other story of the Morrigan comes into one of the other books. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Setanta loves the Fae woman he saw, called Fand, who came to him as he was consumed by the riastrad, and her people have always come to those like him, to help them master the riastrad. He is taken by her and kisses her, but she is already bethrothed to Manannan mac Lir, the King of the Sea Fae. No matter what connection she feels towards him, she cannot be with him, but he holds his love for her in his heart for the rest of his life. He undergoes bard training with an older bard called Iolo, but is soon called into his warrior role by the king of Ulster. A new life as a hero warrior, but all he still wants is to be a bard. He is then named Cu Chulainn and it is foretold when he refuses the Morrigan, that he will die as a warrior, when he is undergoing many individual challenges. The Morrigan wants him for themselves, as they need more than a normal single man as a lover or husband, and the Dagda will allow them out of their father’s agreement, if they can find a mortal man to fall in love them! Only problem is he has already fallen for a fae and now wants another woman, Emer, the daughter of the man who trains him as Ulster’s champion. But her father Forgall, refuses to agree to give his daughter to him, as he will no doubt be killed off, acting as the champion, leaving his daughter alone afterwards. There has never been an old warrior with the riastrad, they have all died young.
He has to go and train with a Scots warrior, to better learn the skills of a warrior in all aspects and ends up paired with another riastrad called Rife. He soon gets together with her in their intense times of training and fighting, leaving Rife pregnant, but Cu wanting to still take the hand of Emer! This leaves a very annoyed riastrad warrior, left to raise their child alone. The Morrigan still wants Cu and tries to interfere with his love life, to get him to ignore the two women he already wanted in his life, but lots of things backfire, the more she tries. The druid who helped the Dadga, Fear Doidrich, has fae magic and wants the Morrigan for himself, to sidetrack the agreement between the Morrigan and the Dadga. She has no wish to be with Doidrich, but he keeps interfering with her actions to get Cu to herself. She is now immortal and was granted the lands of the dead to rule, to help them pass on to their new life after death. She is the goddess of death and war. So Cu is well suited to be by her side. Just the small problem of his upcoming nuptials with Emer.
This is a complex storyline, with multiple characters and love connections. Some are going to be torn apart by the will of the Morrigan’s wishes for themselves and their love life, ignoring what mere mortals might want for themselves. A war is coming and attempts to erase the memory of one he loved may have a limited use, but marriage still cannot be stopped when the druid pokes his own nose into matters. The Morrigan wants to win the heart of the one mortal she loves, but Cu is now mixed up in a battle of champions, due to the senile and power hungry antics of the King of Ulster. This is a standalone story, but has a lot of complexity, which many may find quite difficult to follow, especially if they know nothing of some of the other stories by this author. I found it hard to get through, as the storyline jumps from the end of the storyline, to the beginning and brings in each of the different main characters and complex scenarios, all the way through. At the end it quickly brings the Morrigan through from this time of war and battle, right to almost the modern day, where the other story of the Morrigan comes into one of the other books. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 21, 2020
Theophilus Monroe’s “Rise of the Morrigan. Queen on Samhuinn” is an epic fantasy story, a stand alone that also acts as a prequel to all his series located into his own original “Gates of Eden” verse, which loosely borrows Arthurian tropes and transfer them organically into a modern urban fantasy that spans centuries, crossing realms and blurs the boundaries between reality and legend and transforms them into a veritable smørrebrød of action, unexpected twists, wonderful characters and mind-blowing descriptions, garnished with a good dose of magic some sprinkles of mythical lore and some paranormal romance on the side, and served with very well-crafted, with an accurate world building, interesting characters, captivating writing style and carefully editing.
“Rise of the Morrigan” combines fundamental tropes of Irish mythology to spin a brand-new tale that incorporates both epic tale and modern myth into a captivating story that entices the reader from start to finish, with credible full-fleshed characters, a riveting plot, mesmerizing twists and well-written, carefully constructed narrative, and perfect delivery.
Irish mythology in general; Dagda, Morrigan and Cú Chulainn in particular, this a story that aims high, and could have easily miss the target, but due to Monroe’s genius does not. Cú Chulainn (who – for full disclosure – happens to be one of my heroes) transforms into a werewolf, and I’m not in the slightest mad. Monroe has an uncanny gift to transform mythical sources into vibrant, modern and yet timeless fantasy. This book couldn’t be better, even if I’m still getting over ‘werewolf’ Cú Chulainn 😉
“Rise of the Morrigan” combines fundamental tropes of Irish mythology to spin a brand-new tale that incorporates both epic tale and modern myth into a captivating story that entices the reader from start to finish, with credible full-fleshed characters, a riveting plot, mesmerizing twists and well-written, carefully constructed narrative, and perfect delivery.
Irish mythology in general; Dagda, Morrigan and Cú Chulainn in particular, this a story that aims high, and could have easily miss the target, but due to Monroe’s genius does not. Cú Chulainn (who – for full disclosure – happens to be one of my heroes) transforms into a werewolf, and I’m not in the slightest mad. Monroe has an uncanny gift to transform mythical sources into vibrant, modern and yet timeless fantasy. This book couldn’t be better, even if I’m still getting over ‘werewolf’ Cú Chulainn 😉
January 7, 2021
I don't read much fantasy anymore, but really enjoyed this new book from Theophilus Monroe, telling the back story of the phantom queen, The Morrigan. She appears in another series of his, and this was a great insight to how the Morrigan became who she was.
I have to say I'm not sure I particularly liked the Morrigan - she was beautiful, powerful, yet incredibly manipulative and jealous. She wanted one particular man to love her and would do anything in her power to get him even if it meant destroying his love and life as he knew it. And in the end, she never really got what she wanted, not the way she wanted anyway, so all her manipulations were for naught! But boy did she learn some lessons in love and in life along the way!
Setanta or Cu Chulainn, was an interesting character. He was another character who wanted what he couldn't really have and was expected to be someone else, someone who he wasn't particularly fond of either. He often did things he thought he SHOULD do rather than the things he really WANTED to do, so as not to let others down. His ending was heart wrenching when he realised who had appeared to him.
The descriptions and interactions between the characters were great though and I loved how it all blended together. I find this author is able to weave a tale that draws you in and makes want more constantly!
If you enjoy fantasy books and ones about the gods and goddesses of old along with strong, feisty characters, then this book is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to say I'm not sure I particularly liked the Morrigan - she was beautiful, powerful, yet incredibly manipulative and jealous. She wanted one particular man to love her and would do anything in her power to get him even if it meant destroying his love and life as he knew it. And in the end, she never really got what she wanted, not the way she wanted anyway, so all her manipulations were for naught! But boy did she learn some lessons in love and in life along the way!
Setanta or Cu Chulainn, was an interesting character. He was another character who wanted what he couldn't really have and was expected to be someone else, someone who he wasn't particularly fond of either. He often did things he thought he SHOULD do rather than the things he really WANTED to do, so as not to let others down. His ending was heart wrenching when he realised who had appeared to him.
The descriptions and interactions between the characters were great though and I loved how it all blended together. I find this author is able to weave a tale that draws you in and makes want more constantly!
If you enjoy fantasy books and ones about the gods and goddesses of old along with strong, feisty characters, then this book is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2024
Cu Chulainn never wanted to be a warrior but a bard, however when the riastrad was upon him and he turned into a wolf there was no other warrior able to defeat him, so the King wanted to make use of him and promised he would be turned into a hero. Meantime a man who had three daughters traded these with the Dagda for a wish in order to gain power to wreak vengeance on a druid. The Dagda known also as the good god took the three daughters and moulded them into a divine goddess who he thought would be his submissive wife, however he had created the phantom queen also known as the Morrigan and she who ruled over Samhuinn was submissive to no one. The Dagda granted her one chance to be free of him if only she would get a man to love her without coercion, and she set her eyes on Cu Chulainn, but even though she went through a lot of shenanigans to gain his love, he the wolf warrior, was not to be tamed. I loved this story as it showed that even the strongest, be these gods or humans succumbed to love and would do anything to gain the love of those they had set their hearts on winning. The goddess of war and death is an amazing character, powerful and ruthless, but in this book she also shows her soft side, the one in love. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read further stories about the Morrigan.
May 21, 2022
\Rise of the Morrigan is a stand-alone epic in fantasy mythology. It is also a prequel to Theolphilus Monroe's Gates of Eden world. Readers of Monroe's Voodoo Legacy, Druid Legacy, or other modern Arthurian fantasies will be captivated by this epic fantasy adventure romance: Rise of the Morrigan: The Queen of Samhuinn. Now all that said, I must tell you that Theophilus Monroe is one of my favorite authors. The way Monroe writes is captivating from the beginning and you just want to keep reading and reading and not stop. It is both descriptive and has great world building (important for a fantasy) but also is interesting and has both mystery/suspense throughout. You are never bored. You can tell there's more to the story than we know. I was disappointed when it was over. I wanted more!! But the ending is amazing as is the rest of the book and totally throws you for a twist.
February 6, 2021
Well... I kept putting this down and not being very motivated to start reading again. From about the middle there were a lot of editing errors. For example, using a word that sounds like the word that would have worked was a common error. This was distracting, to be sure.
I also found this to read like a old quite dark, fairly tale and that didn’t suit my tastes. The story wasn’t bad, but it dragged and then the epilogue tidied up the moral of the story. Again, that isn’t to my taste in story telling, though some reader may appreciate or even enjoy the way this book was written. I won’t be reading any more of this series.
I also found this to read like a old quite dark, fairly tale and that didn’t suit my tastes. The story wasn’t bad, but it dragged and then the epilogue tidied up the moral of the story. Again, that isn’t to my taste in story telling, though some reader may appreciate or even enjoy the way this book was written. I won’t be reading any more of this series.
June 21, 2022
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is a good story in understanding how The Morrigan came to be. I read this before reading The Gates of Eden series, which if you read those books it says to read The Morrigan after. I had no issues reading this first. In fact I found it enlightening to be able to connect the two timelines. This is a good story but I don’t believe this story is for kids/youth. While it doesn’t go into great detail about the promiscuity that takes place it does talk about passions and adult matters. Other than this issue I recommend reading this along with The Gates of Eden and the The Wyrmrider Series.
This is a good story in understanding how The Morrigan came to be. I read this before reading The Gates of Eden series, which if you read those books it says to read The Morrigan after. I had no issues reading this first. In fact I found it enlightening to be able to connect the two timelines. This is a good story but I don’t believe this story is for kids/youth. While it doesn’t go into great detail about the promiscuity that takes place it does talk about passions and adult matters. Other than this issue I recommend reading this along with The Gates of Eden and the The Wyrmrider Series.
December 28, 2020
I really enjoyed getting the back story of the Morrigan. Having read two previous series of Mr. Monroe's that featured her, it's nice to finally see how she was formed and what motivates her decisions. It's expertly written and immediately draws you in. It fits well with the other series. I love how the series are all interconnected. Mr. Monroe is fast becoming a favorite of mine just because of the level of intrigue that he instills in each character he writes. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.
March 31, 2021
I highly recommend you grab one if you want to expand your thinking about various religious theologies. This book has it all. This book is an incredibly insightful narrative based on what the legend of the Morrigan tells us. This book is an absolute must read! I have really enjoyed reading Theophilus Monroe's stories. Every one has been exciting, twist and turns, love and hate, pain and sorrow. The Morrigan is no exception. I hope there will be more of Morrigan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 29, 2022
I enjoyed this story about the rise of the queen of Samhuinn. After having listened to the boxset of "Gates Of Eden: The Druid Legacy Boxed Set" in which the Morrigan took a pivotal role, I really appreciated the more in-depth study of her life that was provided in this story. The more I learned about her motivations the more I came to appreciate her intricacy as a character. The story moved along well with plenty of action. William Turbett's narration was awesome and added to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
July 8, 2024
Here we have another author that took and changed historical elements and mythological stories and warped them into and configuration of whatever this is supposed to be I realize its fiction but you don't even try and explain the errors or changes that have been made to entire cultural references. It feels like the author is trying to rip apart an entire people at their core belief system. With that being said I did not like this book at all I found it downright depressing and honestly at times disrespectful.
January 5, 2021
Very Emotional
This book has it all. In exploring the story of the Morrigan, we feel all types of emotions. But, we feel pity above else. Pity for a poor creature who never got to realize her purpose. A creature composed of three sisters with different personalities and talents. They were transformed by a selfish god. This is an extremely soul stirring story of love/hate, war/peace and vengance/forgiveness. Fall headlong into this saga.
This book has it all. In exploring the story of the Morrigan, we feel all types of emotions. But, we feel pity above else. Pity for a poor creature who never got to realize her purpose. A creature composed of three sisters with different personalities and talents. They were transformed by a selfish god. This is an extremely soul stirring story of love/hate, war/peace and vengance/forgiveness. Fall headlong into this saga.
January 6, 2021
I haven't read any of the other Morrigan related books, but this one can stand alone. Most of the book was enjoyable, reading about gods and goddess of old with a new twist. It would have gotten a higher rating if not for the humans have ruined the world fable input. I read to relax and escape, not for reminders of the status the world is in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2021
I liked this story. It grabbed my attention and had me reading to the end just to see how it would all play out. The characters were interesting and had me rooting for them. The twists and turns and story were captivating and fun. What starts out from 2 selfish people turning 3 girls into 1 creating an interesting person and set of circumstances that were fun to read. A fun take on the Morrigan myth.
January 9, 2021
Who would have thought there would ever be a Goddess in thirds! How weird is that? This is a fantastical journey through the whims of the new Goddess, the Morrigan. There is plenty of action, some stupidity, and a modicum of love on the parts of the characters. The story includes Fae and warlocks to liven things up a bit. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2021
I really enjoy reading Theophilus Monroe's stories. They are always well written with great characters and story world. This one doesn't disappoint! The Rise of the Morrigan acts as a prequel to many of his other novels in which she appears. It is interesting to read her backstory and it closely follows the Goddess' mythology. I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2021
I am a big fan of this author and the mythology of how the Morigan became who and what she is in this book was very interesting. It really brings you to consider what we might be willing to do for love. And how that can be so deeply personal.
This book is book is very well written and I look forward to starting the next book!
I highly recommend you try it. I received this book from Booksprout for an honest review.
This book is book is very well written and I look forward to starting the next book!
I highly recommend you try it. I received this book from Booksprout for an honest review.
January 31, 2021
When the Dagda took three girls and combined them into a single goddess--that he might have for
himself a divine wife--he thought she'd be an obedient sub-deity and an extension of his rule.
That was not going to happen.
This book is about Betrayal ,Love life and more.
Told so well you feel a part of it and it becomes very believable.
Many twist and turns so it is hard to put down as you want to know what will happen next.
A really good book ,highly recommend.
himself a divine wife--he thought she'd be an obedient sub-deity and an extension of his rule.
That was not going to happen.
This book is about Betrayal ,Love life and more.
Told so well you feel a part of it and it becomes very believable.
Many twist and turns so it is hard to put down as you want to know what will happen next.
A really good book ,highly recommend.
September 6, 2021
I read this as the bonus book in the Gates of Eden box set and wasn’t expecting it, due to it being bonus material! It follows the Morrigans creation story and background. I didn’t like it as much as the other books although it is still well written, it jumps around quite a lot between the different characters and it doesn’t all make sense until near the end when you see how everything fits together. It’s a good read still and informative as a prequel best read after the first 3 books
May 25, 2022
Rise of the Morrigan: The Queen of Samhuinn: An Epic in Fantasy Mythology , my twenty-fourth read from author Theophilus Monroe. Well written & enjoyable read, although very different than any of his word I've read before. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. William Turbett's narration added somewhat to the enjoyment of the book. I look forward to my next read from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 23, 2024
This story is a prequel story to the Gates of Eden series. It is an awesome story of a fierce goddess. The Morrigan begins life as 3 sisters who ultimately become one goddess. While many might do anything for the person that made them a goddess, the Morrigan does not just bow down that person, even with him being a god. This is the story of her journey to find happiness for herself and the things she learns along the way. I will definitely continue reading the other books by this author.
December 22, 2020
This is a very good story, I’d never even thought about the Morrigan’s history before now. Starts a bit slow, but that’s probably me coming of the vampire stories. But it certainly gets very intriguing and engrossing later on. I wonder how this story is going to develop over the upcoming books. Highly recommended.
January 8, 2021
This book has it all from gods to mortals, to twists and turns. Morrigan is one of my favorite to read about so i was excited for this story and thoroughly enjoyed it. The dynamic between Dagda, , Morrigan, and Cú Chulainn definitely added an interesting dynamic to the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2021
This is an emotional book as they struggle with war & peace, loving & hating and then forgiveness & revenge. You feel sorry for a creature created (3 sisters) by a selfish god. And then you ride the emotional state with Cú and how he struggles with who he is n what he wants to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 21, 2021
Clever and very interesting book based on old Celtic gods and legends. I don't know a lot about Cu Chulainn or the Morrigan, but this made them come to life. Kind of made me believe maybe they did once exist. I loved how she was created, how Cu Chulainn received his name, how he met Scathach. I look forward to seeing if the Morrigan ever finds the love she desires so much.
September 22, 2021
As a folklore enthusiast, I chose to read this book even though it mainly reimagined the Ulster cycle. Parts of the book were entertaining, while others were more a report of what was happening (especially the end suffered of “telling” instead of “showing”).
Not bad, but not particularly memorable.
Not bad, but not particularly memorable.
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